To be quite frank, Gerald wasn't sure how he would feel about a wife working. About any woman working. Having not really thought about it. He valued his career. Thought less of his brother for not having one. Would he think more of a woman for having such a thing?

The words she said did not spark any sense of confusion in him. For her to understand his meaning, to compliment him for his work. "Thank you. I don't look for appreciation, but hearing it is most welcome." He responded. It was true, for the most part.

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Magic by Athena

'have you family sir?' she asked as they moved through the last few phases of the dance, 'Are any of your siblings in any other dashing professions?' she gave a broad smile. It was fascinating to hear such things, and Benevolence liked hearing about the families of others, while her own lot was much more solitary the idea of big families, of squabbling siblings and crowded dinner tables appealed to her immensely.

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Lady is a wonder

Oh yes, the topic of family. Not his favorite area to speak of, but at least nothing scandalous thus far. "I have a sister and a brother. Sadly, I must confess that my brother does not have a very productive career." Not to Gerald's standards at least. Quidditch? Not worth it as a solid career. Even for an heir.

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Magic by Athena

'I suppose not all gentleman of breeding can have your work ethic' she flattered with a smile, to be fair to the brother, most men of wealth and station did not actually 'do' their jobs, her father for example was known more for his expertise with flowers than in any sort of active role in dealing with the industry that bore their family name. 'might I know your sister? Is she much in society?'

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Lady is a wonder

In this way, Gerald did judge those that were his social peers. To not contribute to their society. Even managing a large business was better than playing games and hunting all day. It just seemed so pointless. "A fair deal, yes. Mrs. Alice ___*." He did enjoy discussing his adored sister.

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*Alice is not yet played and her married fam is open for whomever plays her

  

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Magic by Athena

'Oh yes' Benevolence noted, 'She's a few years older than me, but we had mutual friends for a time in school' she explained, 'I'm afraid my parents passing has removed me somewhat from the society of those people that I was friendly with at school. I hope she is well' That was true enough, Benevolence had never been the most outgoing and the natural society of those friends she had met in school fell away somewhat when she had forced to enter mourning just after her debut because her father, her only family, had passed. Her attention had turned to managing her parents business until she could get managers in to do the job for her. There were workers who relied on her family for their employment it was her responsibility to make sure their wages continued. By the time she came out of mourning, those sunny and bright debutante friends had moved on with their lives, and while Benevolence should have followed them into the debuntant circle there was no one to make her, so she had had no reason to force herself. Being a quieter sort Bens focus had become her plants.

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Lady is a wonder

Mourning certainly was a tricky thing. It must be difficult for a young woman, and Gerald sympathized. Having lost his own father. "I'm sorry to hear that. I had lost my own father to the laughing plague soon after my sister was married." While his mother was alive and well, she was a widow. He could not imagine how hard that must be. Would Alice have been held back from finding a husband had she been thrown into mourning shortly after coming out? They would never know.

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Magic by Athena

’Oh I’m sorry’ she mused as he noted that he had also lost a parent, her hand squeezed the hand that held her in the dance. It was unintentional, an automatic response to sympathy.

’It is odd that it doesn’t matter at what age you lose a parent’ she stated, her voice low and steady, and low enough that only he would hear her. ’you always feel like an orphan.’ Certainly she had, even though she was a woman, or as near as when her father had died, it had hit her as hard as when her mother passed during her childhood – more so perhaps because she now had no one.

’Is your mother still living?’ she asked, hoping that she wasn’t putting her foot into something, but it would be rude to not ask, given the content of their conversation thus far.

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(OMG THAT AV! XD)

  

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Lady is a wonder

The squeeze from her hand was noticeable, and not in an unpleasant way. It was welcome, and thankfully subtle. She did have a reputation to protect, and he was honor bound to see too it that it was indeed protected.

"My mother is alive and well." It seemed almost rude to admit, though that was not his intent. She had reasonably asked. It would be idiotic to lie about such a thing. But the young woman was right, it really was hard to loose a parent.

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I can't take anything I post of his seriously once I look at the av XD

  

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Magic by Athena

'I'm glad to hear sir' she said, her voice almost a whisper, although her parents had died many years ago, there was still a painful crushing in her chest when she thought of them - in particular her mother. Her father had been a relatively cold and distant man - but then there were few pureblood girls who would claim their fathers had been warm. Hers had wnated to arrange a match for her, he had expected Ben to make a debut and conduct herself a deb, none of which she had particularly wanted, and his death had prevented both, but had he lived she would have abided by her fathers wishes.

The song ended, and feeling a touch emotional she dropped her eyes from his face and gave a curtsey as she took a moment to regain control of herself. She was not prone to fits of uncontrolled emotions and would certainly not be inclined to do it in public. 'Thank you for the dance Mister Abbot, it was a pleasure to meet you.'

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Lady is a wonder

He could see she was upset. While he did wish to comfort her, it would be inappropriate with how little they knew each other. And her final statement seemed to make it clear that she wished to take her leave. "It was nice to meet you, Miss Montague." He said softly.

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wrap?

  

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Magic by Athena