Ida shuddered at the idea of an arranged match, for her part. While her mother had also easily melded into the role of home matriarch, for better or worse, Ida took after her father's shrewd and pioneering mentality. She wasn't sure her father appreciated that quality in her. It seemed likelier he'd seek her a match domineering enough to quash that streak.

Though Natsuko smiled and laughed in an enchanting lilt, Ida finished her cup of tea with a knowing look. Nothing about their burden as women came easy. As women, they'd likely never be the strongest ones in the room, or even the loudest.

They simply had to be the smartest.

"You have no idea how thankful I am that you've joined me today, Miss Mountbatton," Ida smiled, nodding her head courteously. "I very much look forward to our next tea time - and to our strategizing!" 

---