#ccsemberclub

William flips the book over for the synopsis Callidora summarized, looking for that name....

A love triangle! The Vicard of Ratchford betrothed to an American Heiress, the brooding artist Hunter, Earl of Buchanon, the troubled and tumultuous Isaac... how could our heroine choose?

Sarah herself an orphan and poetess, being raised by two "bachelor uncles"

"It's really good, mind you, rather mild in parts..."

William closes his eyes, focusing on these fictional relationships and social connections, adding in the niggling hint of familiarity.....

He looks again at the artwork. "Earl deBuchanan. Earl De Buch." he says it with a hard "K" sound. "Zarah....."

CC blinks "Wait, you don't think???"

"Two bachelor uncles??" he lifts a brow "But....A love -triangle-??"

A love rectangle is less poetic!

(Love pentagon?)

"Oh dear... mmm this does seem familar. Firnost... has it really been over 5 years?"

((Sorry, that should read as though the bachelor uncles and the triangle are two separate relationships.))

A fond smile to her. "A lifetime, and not enough. Never enough."

He looks back at the book. "The artwork is... it seems a signature. The Author's name, Talia Amur.... any bells?"

"No, just that I enjoy her work"

"There are other works?"

"Oh yes. Two books out I know of, a third supposed to be on the way.."

"Let's take a look....."

They hunt...

(and if Catnik wishes to show the works in detail 😉 Feel free)

Against all odds, Amur seems to be popular. It's historical romance, for sure - purple prose, melodramatic plot, but... William is good at knowing people, and could well recognize her "voice."

"That little minx....."

"Again, it sounds like you're saying..."

"I am." he says. "I'm almost certain of it."

"Oh dear me, Kitten..." A chuckle throaty and full "Okay this, this makes my day. I have a paper back copy, but we're buying this. Maybe we'll ask her to autograph it"

"Let's get the series." he suggests.

And they do , CC humming happily at the notion

A chuckle when she does, and happily pays.

And they walk out with those and other books

"Where to next, Dearest? Are you peckish?"

"Little bit, now that you mention it. I suppose that's a good sign isn't it?" Hopeful "They say if you lose your appetite you should worry more"

"It is absolutely a good sign, yes. And you have been -very- good about what you eat and minding a healthy diet." he praises.

"Thank god I live with a master chef who can make anything taste good"

"Flatterer." with a smile "Where would you like to eat?"

"Flattery, but not false," She says "How about something French? "

"Le Fou Frog has served well in the past."

"Why not?" She nods arm in arm with him "Le Fou Frog it is."

And he escorts her to the car, and then dinner.

CC worries she might need to dress up fancier before they go \

"You will significantly upgrade the tone of the bistro with your simple presence." William assures her.

"I suppose"

"I promise." and indeed, this IS Kansas City; even a French bistro is somewhat casual. And, they are known faces in the hospitality industry here. They get a good table and excellent service. It helps that Mr. Stodgepole is known as a heavy tipper.

The server in question seems to remember Mister Stodgepole AND his heavy tips. She almost shoves any rival away from the table, "Sir, good to see you again"

"Thank you so much, Melinda. You remember Ms. Carollos?"

"Do I ever, loved your Christmas show, Ms Carollos. I wish I could sing Santa Baby like you do"

"oh someone is getting a nice tip," CC chuckles "Thank you, Melinda. How's the Magret De Canard À L'Orange? today?"

"Oh, it's excellent. I know I work here, but I can honestly say our chef's duck is among the best in the city"

"Wonderful. Will you ask the chef to make that dish the centerpiece of the evening? For my part, Dearest...." he adds to her "I'd like to give the chef license for the rest?"

"I approve, let's have an adventure" CC winks