The evening had proved to be quite productive and left Silke in good spirits by the time she was astride her mare. Admittedly she had drank more wine than she had eaten, which meant she would have quite the headache tomorrow if she didn't have an after-feast snack, but the business proposition from Count Schaude had bolstered her spirits after the spat with Vildraven. It was a shame neither her father nor her brother had any talent for diplomacy or negotiation. Her father was a brilliant, generous man, who was quite aware that he could be taken advantage of financially by manipulative persons, and so he had become relatively paranoid about engaging in new endeavors. By contrast, her brother was a shrewd man who understood the figures but did not possess the social graces to navigate more beneficial agreements. If it appeared too good to be true he dismissed it, and if if the numbers didn't rise to his high standards he dismissed it, without even attempting to broker a better trade.

Thoughts of precious stones, investments, and laborers were chased out of her mind as Galt cleared his throat, presumably to gain her attention. Silke had been leading the way and politely ignoring the poor horsemanship of her companion. It would have been more shocking if he [i]was[/i] a skilled equestrian given his commoner background. Riding in her gown was a touch awkward, though it was a small price to pay for the freedom she enjoyed when it was her, a steed, and an empty road. She did did a cursory glance of her surroundings to ensure she knew where they were relative to her home.

The noblewoman reigned in her mare to slow its speed to a more comfortable trot when Galt started to speak and abruptly bolted ahead. Her horse seemed to be as confused as she was. They came to a brief stop before catching up to the newly christened count. Silke couldn't help but smile at his struggles. There was something decidedly refreshing about being in the presence of someone who was not a perfect veneer of composure. Much as she adored the courts in her own way, they could be taxing after a while, both emotionally and mentally. Here where the cool breeze stirred leaves in the trees, and where owls could be hooting a short distance away, it was easier to be human.

"I wouldn't be interested in any man who was won over by batting eyelashes and coy games," she said with amusement in her voice. "For your own sake, I do hope you're careful around the ladies. If you do anything more than have a nice conversation, their fathers will either hastily rush you to exchange vows, threaten your life, or both. One of my brothers, Alistair, came very close several times to being forced into a wedding," Silke added with a fond laugh at the memory.

Noticeably she didn't divulge anything regarding her romantic intentions. As much as she tried to be woman who was indifferent and distant to would-be suitors, she had feelings and wants when it came to affection; rather than act on them, however, she kept them suppressed. She noticed handsome men, such as Galt, as it would have been impossible to ignore them. Whenever an eligible bachelor (and some who were not) approached her that suited her ideals, her breath would catch in her throat and she would fight to bury the attraction. It wasn't always successful.

"As you know, titles are passed from father to son or, should he lack a son, to another male relative. To give credit where credit is due, there are many members of the nobility where there is some benefit to this system, or it at least doesn't create a sizeable issue. Heirs are groomed for the role and their peers, as well as the royalty, help hold fellow aristocrats accountable. That being said," she sighed, "there is definite room for improvement. I'm of the opinion that a new face or two could help effectuate certain changes. I also have personal reasons for wishing to forge strong allies where I see potential." Silke cast an appraising look at him, wondering not for the first time if he could be bolstered into a higher station than a count. More importantly, she considered whether he would reward her help and trust in the way she envisioned.

"I am intrigued to know how you find me impressive. Is it because I have the respect of Count Schaude or because of the extraordinary gossip the older duchesses enjoy spreading about me? A few years ago one dowager claimed my knowledge of commerce could only be explained through supernatural possession," she laughed.