[hr][hr][center][img]https://s23.postimg.org/h6shths5n/virginia.png[/img]
[img]https://s33.postimg.org/bbhqu462n/funeral.gif[/img][hr][color=9999ff][b]Location[/b][/color]: the Mournweald Estate [/center][hr][hr]	James clapped with excitement. The prospect of being taken away by monsters was thrilling to him. And since his sister had just dismissed Thalcona's aid, that meant that there was a good chance he'd get to meet one of them. He imagined himself riding on the back of one creature or another through the darkness, the cold air cutting against his face as they flew. It sounded like an incredible adventure! 

	[color=9999ff]"Of course, Miss Talink,"[/color] Virginia murmured, her eyes flashing with annoyance deeply. She hadn't anticipated this resistance, but then again, she supposed there was some sense to it. Had Beowulf not been quite so impatient, she might have discovered the message from her father sooner. This would be a slight complication, then - one that ruined her joy at receiving word from her father. She took a few seconds to think through the relevant etiquette for marriages and engagements. One social rule in particular came to mind - engagements had to be approved by the father, if still living. It was custom. [color=9999ff]"I should expect that your brother, Miss Talink, will approach my father in asking for my hand - such is the custom, after all,"[/color] Virginia said pointedly. 

	Her mind continued to think through plans and contingencies for this situation. Engagements, if not rushed, could last for months. It was a pity that Mary had not sent word back to her as well. They had spent hours at the funeral and she was certain that if Mary had received the letter and sent word to the manor, Miss Evers would have directed the letter to the Mournweald Estate. Yet with the guidance to Seek Life Elsewhere, Virginia imagined she and James would perhaps flee England before too much time had elapsed. Alfred would accompany them, of course. He was family. 

	She then turned her head, hearing her name shouted and carrying through the halls. [color=9999ff]"Alfred, James, if you would please join me. Ernest, I must apologize for any sort of scene that was created. Should you need anything, please do not hesitate to call upon us. Mosi was rather dear to me,"[/color] she said. [color=9999ff]"Miss Talink, you may follow at a distance if you so desire. I must warn you - James had a proclivity for setting things aflame."[/color]

	Virginia then made her way to the front of the manor, with Alfred carrying James and following after her. 

	"My lady, I hope you know what you're doing," Alfred said quietly, only to receive a small smile from Virginia. 

	[color=9999ff]"Seek Life Elsewhere, dear Alfred. All will be well,"[/color] she replied. Once reaching the open door, she raised a bit of an eyebrow at the two strangers. They were dressed strangely for London citizens - a fact that she appreciated. However, she did not recognize them. [color=9999ff]"Yes?"[/color]