"Yes indeed, my sister will be in attendance tomorrow," Ben confirmed, relieved the the Marquess had broached the subject first. "She will be delighted to make new acquaintances in London. Sukey does read, you understand, but I feel she could benefit from a greater variety of material than I can persuade her to undertake."

His eyes darted from one man to the other, wondering--lest they press for details--how he might tactfully dodge the phrase, "never formally educated." On one hand, it might be just as well that Sukey had had neither schooling nor a governess, for such things sometimes turned children against learning altogether. She might be more curious on account of having been deprived. However, Ben reflected, that same curiosity, if cultivated, might have made her the most proficient of students. But no--she could never be contented with dry, dusty books. While his eagerness turned inward, to the improvement of his mind through reading and academia, hers turned outward, towards society at large. She might make an excellent philanthropist, given the means.

And with that thought: "Of course, my lord," he agreed with Haworth. "Reason takes multiple forms and can be acquired in a number of ways. I merely wish to see that my sister has the advantage of as many of these ways and forms as possible. That is, all that can be accomplished without exposing her to the harsher realities of experience."

[OOC: Apologies for incorrect form of address earlier. I suppose I should have used "My Lord," rather than "Haworth." I still can't quite figure out whether to say "Haworth" or "Louth" after "Lord."]

"Yes," Clarence said thoughtfully. "Putting her in company with people of intelligence will do a great deal of good. Lady Louth was raised in a household where discussion of politics was not considered out-of-bounds, and as you might imagine, this created in her a lively interest. It seems to me the only way to raise a child." He realized he had gone rather far off course, there. This was a sister being discussed, rather than a child. "As you say, I am sure she will find a worthy companion in Miss Edwards. And perhaps Lady Louth will be able to introduce both of them to people who are worth hearing." He would have to mention it to her. Certainly it would likely do the girls a greater favor to be introduced by her than by Mr. Stapleton, which he suspected was the alternative; Stapleton was popular, undoubtedly, and quick of wit, but was not, he thought, of the improving sort of company both brothers wished for their sisters.

Ben bowed his gratitude. "You are really most kind, my lord." He felt he had regained some stature after his earlier blunders. "I look forward to meeting you both again tomorrow. But I fear," he owned, disconcerted to observe, upon taking out his watch, how much time had passed, "that I must be on my way. Thus, sirs, I bid you good day."

With that, he replaced his hat, tightened his coat around his spare frame, and ventured back out into the rain, contented to feel the weight of a coral necklace in his pocket. He hoped that his superiors at the bank would not question his tardy return, but ascribe it to the rain and to his health.

[OOC: Ben out!]

Archibald bowed and smiled at the young man as he left. Then, remebering that he had yet to make his purchase Archibald walked over to the shopkeeper and inquired after the price of the neckalace and earing set. Archibald was pleased to hear that it was just out of his price range and, by talking down the price for several minutes was able to beat the price to within his price range.


"Well," Archibald began walking back over to Lord Louth and bowing, "I beleive it is time I get home and present my sister with her gift. Good day my lord." With that Archibald secured his clothing and made sure that he was safe against the wind and the rain and stepped out into the street and walked off in the direction of his hosue.

Clarence bowed politely back to the younger men, and prepared himself for the weather once again. Soon enough he would be home. It was remarkable what lengths a man would go to simply to make his wife smile. Such fools women made of men.

He was still smiling, however, when he left the shop.