#anywhere

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"Hold thee still" Vashti wonders if she needs to star POKING Earl with a needle to get him to heed "Or I shall pop thy and let my parmour inflae you with helium"

"Sorry, it's just, the suit has to be perfect. I've only seen half of what Zara is doing for.. ah.. Valentines" A swallow from him "And it's ah, intimidating to think what the rest is like. It's amazingly elaborate and fantastical the half I have seen. I have to a least get a great suit or she'll murder me"

"Oh, tish tosh" Vashti says 'Adorable as a pupae wriggling you are to think such things. And thou art so cute in thy cluessness"

"I know I know,seh wouldn't REALLY murder me" He says and holds still as she checks the waist band

"Oh, that.. mmm" She shrugs elegantly "I was speaking of how adorable i was that you think you've seen as much as a HALF of what she has in wait. Precious. Positively precious"

A purple blush, nervousness.

"I ah.. well, you know, she has to have her secrets" He says and believes it "She's as happy as a kid at yule with an extra present to have her secrets. So.. I guess there will be surprises"

"mmm mmm hum hum..." Vashti nods and works, but her humming agreement is done to the tune of here comes the bride

A nervous swallow from Earl "Ah. "

"Yes?" She asks

"I just .. I'm a bit nervous. I want this SO much I'm terrified something will go wrong" He catches himself. He's got to be careful not to say WHAT he wants too loudly. Even if Vasthi knows already, one can never be sure if a boggan is listening at a door

"You mean shall Shalimar presentt himself in an ugly poofy dress insisting he's with the Scwhartz party?"

"Ah.. no I.." Earl started to laugh then blanches "He wouldn't do that would he?"

"Nah. He knows if he tries I'll perfume him" She says "It is natural to get cold feet, natural, Sir Earl"

"This is what I want, but what if I become a jerk? What if I take her for granted? My.. my mom and dad.. I mean...the man I thought was my ... he barely NOTICED my mom, took her for granted"

Vashti looks sympathetic "Ah yes, how we are doomed to become our fathers. Why, I grow Paler by the second, and thy lady..."

He scowls "Paler is no more Zara's father than... " then a glare "You're provoking me. Besides, it's not the same. I am talking about upbringing, influence. I don't buy that 'in the blood' crap and you know it. "

A soft laugh

Then Vashti finishes her laugh, "I was upbrung, sirrah, but.. thy point while not too sharp is felt. Earl, this binding does not replace what you have, itt accents, it strengthens. Think of it as better thread for already wonderful material. Be brave, bold Leander, and treat her as you have always treated her I most likely won't slay thee and leave they body for the roaches"

"Most likely" He says

And he relaxes. She's right. he can't imagine loving Zara ANY less. Every day I learn another reason to love her more. and a smile slips despite the death threat.

(End Scene)