#anywhere

"Rather a gift of the universe, isn't he?"

"I suppose so" He looks up the hill "Well, not hard to find where Maquis Boniface lives" A nod to the villa /manor on the hill

"Oh, quite. A bit ostentatious, this Fiona."

Earl has to agree, "I like old archecture but this is... ah, trying too hard?"

Shrug. "Sidhe."

Indeed, it looks like a building took damage in World War 2, and then, rather ahn restore, some folks tried to build it up!

and then over did it in the last decade

Zara looks - servants, groundskeepers, thanes?

A boggan, of course. Tending grounds, the fellow doesn't seem to notice them

'Seem' being the key.

Zara takes Earl's arm, as grand a lady as one could wish, to approach the front entry.

they go to the door, and no sooner do they approach when the boggan comes up "Begging your pardon, miss, sir, but The Marquis Boniface d'Colline isn't expecting company"

"No, he is not - but, truthfully, I would request it if it please. We are travellers."

"Moment please," the boggan says, his own french more rustic, "Sorry to keep you on the door but the usaul doorman is with his wife, they're having their second child"

"Mazel tov!"

"Yes, Congratulations" Earl joins in

"To him I mean"

The boggan smiles ,and seems to drop his guard entirely "Thank you. He's a good man. I'll pass it on. Second please.. may I ask what this is about?"

"I am a librarian - a friend of Sir Bachdion. I heard the Marquis' library was a wonder. If I am in Paris, how could I not wish to see a wonder?"

"Oh it IS rather grand," The boggan says "I am Jaques Jean, a moemnt please" He moves on in with haste

Earl looks at her "So far, honesty seeems to be working. Who knew?"

A shrug, hands upturned in a gesture which echoes that sentiment.

The boggan returns. "his lordship will meet you in the parlor, if you will follow me?"

"Thank you, Mssr. Jaques."

The parlor in question turns out to be rather Versailes in style, ala old French kings, rather than gilded, it has Silver inlays, thick red cushions and upholestry

Zara makes all appropriate murmurs of appreciation.

"It's very in keeping with the feel of the manor" earl says tactfully. His own tastes run far more gothic

"Yes well, ah, " The boggan bows as footsteps approach

Zara raises her dainty chin, proud and elegant.

A riveting figure of a sidhe enters but aren't they all? His garment akin to a baroque style today

"Forgive me, I was not expecting guests," The Marquis says "I am the Marquis Boniface d'Colline. I understand one has introduced herself as a friend of Sir Bachdion?"

Zara places a hand over her chest and bows slightly over it. "Aye. A fellow bibliophile. You may call me Lenore."

"Sir Clembro Wheatborne" earl snaps his heels smartly and bows

"Delighted, I fear Sir Bachdion did not talk of either of you that I recall, but I would not be rude to servants of Baroness Coradel Truthbranch"

A soft chuff. "Lenore Wheatborne." A small smile.

"Well, if I know Sir Bachdion, he likely had poetry and history and philosophy on his tongue..."

"That he did, a most respected tutor, why had he been born a sidhe he'd have advanced so much further I am sure of it, but not everyone is of the peerage and they fine fellows, but you have me at such a disadvantage, Madame Wheatborne and Sir. My staff is extra limited today. My maid is having her second child, and my Doorman , her husband, naturally begged leave to be with her. How could I, a Lion of generous nature, deny? Tea may be a bit and I fear I am not prepared to enter tain without a long wait for the troubadour to ccome here. This is a small hold I fear"

"A small hold, but one of a grand library. In truth, is that not the most important thing?"

"Ah you see to my heart too quickly. You saw you are Baroness Coradel's librarian? How lovely, a veritable life guard in the great swelling sea that is literature. Please, if you do not feel it a rush? Accompany me to my library and I shall show you both? "

"That would be both an honor and a delight, Marquis."

Earl looks surprised to gain access so quickly, but inclines his head "Merci beacoup, Marquis"

And with a swirl of his coat, the Marquis turns to guide them to his library. He talks a bit of other rooms as they go by, mentioning the touches he had made

Zara is keen-eyed... memorizing the route, noting doors, windows, exits, hiding spots...

The path to the library does seem meant to disorient a bit, but she has mastered mazes in the Dreaming and seen gets the clues she might need to come out again.

(But perception plus Kenning too please)

There are eyes here, in the wood work of the walls! Like chimerical cameras. She knows now where they are

Clever. But yes, good to know.

And then the library!

They swing the double doors and find a flickering weak baleffire on a sconce, and a rather nice library, bigger than hers but not by much. Surely though this is not it?