Stephen
Lady Evangeline Luronsque
Batten Estate

As they finally made it inside, although the inside was considerably warmer, Evangeline still seemed to shake like a leaf. She realized then that it was probably more-so fear of her new home than the weather outside. She looked around, being minorly comforted by the decor of the house being luxurious and hearty. It wasn't nearly as drab as the outside, so she found a little solace in the fact that at least this place wouldn't feel entirely like a prison. And when he spoke of the sun=mmer having harvests and grass beyond Riverbreak, she knew he was trying to skirt the fact that it was probably never going to be a true summer for her again. She did appreciate the effort on his part, though, although it was still all too different to be completely comforted.

She also found honor to see her door to be a tad fancier than the others. Especially as the wife-to-be of the youngest son, she expected just simple quarters, not luxurious. In fact, this seemed a little better than the quarters back in Terresol. That was also because her cousin didn't treat her as a Lady part of the time, so that would also be the reason for the stark contrast and appreciation she felt toward House Batten.

-

It ran a shiver up her spine as he mentioned a marital space, and she looked over to him, standing before the door with him for a moment as he spoke and announced that her betrothed wasn't even here. She took a deep breath, watching him falter. Expedition? Did he travel? She furrowed her brow in worry, hoping he wasn't some horny young lord that took 'expeditions' to the brothel. She recalled the paintings of what could be assumed was the Batten family's portraits, and she wondered if one of the men was Caius. After all, she was sent in blind. Perhaps she could milk Remus for a little information. Maybe knowing a little more could help her calm her nerves for meeting her new husband in the end.


"Ahm... Sir Cavan, do you... Could you... Does... Lord Caius have a portrait I could look at? I'm... I was sent here knowing next to nothing about anything regarding him or House Batten... It's absolutely shameful, I know, but... Could I see what he looks like? Could you tell me how he... How he acts, honestly?"
Mary
General servants and knights of House Batten
Batten Estate 

The question hit him slightly off guard. How he acted? He pressed his hand to his chin and let out a sigh, thinking to himself about the young man. He had never been close with Caius, in fact he had hardly spoken with him at all. He hated to admit it, but he probably knew more about him from the gossip the maids spread then from actual meetings. 

But it was as the question truly registered to him he tried to hold back letting his brow furrow. She didn't know anything about the House? He found it odd that someone clearly close enough to House Batten that they would marry away their daughter didn't pass on any information to the betrothed. He tried not to dwell on it too long, the dealings of another family wasn't his business, and he wasn't about to start questioning someone who had only just arrived as a guest. 

"Lord Caius... Yes, he has a portrait, though I fear it might be a few years outdated. I'm sorry but I was not aware your departure was quite so swift. If you'd like I can arrange to have books sent to you about the House, But besides that, Caius' portrait should be just a few halls down if you'd like a short walk."
Stephen
Lady Evangeline
House Batten

She smiled a little, clasping her hands together as she grew red with embarrassment after he looked over her with confusion. Her cousin had really done it to her, now, hadn't he? He sent her off, *And* Made her look a fool in the process. "My apologies." She said quietly. "Just send the books to my quarters, sir. I think I'd like to lie down for a while, before I do any more walking. My health feels fragile from the sudden changes." She insisted, wanting to be done with it. She shouldn't have asked, or lied, or something, but her honesty has got her to be some sort of ditzy lady from the south. She turned to the door, unlatching it and looking in, not waiting for the man to open it for her as she almost wanted to run away from the entire situation. 

She hardly looked at the interior, instead, she turned around, looking at him. "Uhm, your men can put my things outside the door. I'll bring them in after I rest." She said with a sudden rush. "Thank you, Sir Cavan. I'll commend you to the Batten family for helping me so completely, when I meet them." She insisted, slowly closing the door.

With it shut, she locked it, wiggling the lock a little to test it, knowing full well that Remus was still probably outside the door with mild confusion. She waited a moment, before feeling her face fall even more, and contort as she finally couldn't hold the tears. She was completely alone, here, and even with the niceties, she felt absolutely terrified, like a cornered dog. She took a few steps back from the door. Her eyes blurring as she spun to find all windows and make certain they were latched, and then closed the curtains.

For good measure, she pushed one of the large and comfortable chairs in front of the door.