“I doubt it,” Melisande agreed, noting the change in Marlene’s voice, as if the other woman was thinking of Rabastan. “Good luck with Marcus, if you do go after him. I certainly wouldn’t mind if he settled down,” she said. “I’ll even make sure he reads your owl, if you do.”
“Why thank you.” Preening a little under the compliment, Melisande sort of shrugged aside the mention of her daughter. Pansy was easier now that she was older, but it still wasn’t always smooth sailing having a child. “She will, once she understands more. And if she doesn’t, she will.”
“A woman after my own heart,” Melisande said, matching Marlene’s grin. “We really shouldn’t go so long between catching up. You’ll have to come to my home next time, and see Pansy.” She reached for a biscuit. “You would move to Russia, or work as a secretary for him here? Same line of work, or are you thinking of something different?” She leaned back in her chair as she thought. “It’s a pity I don’t need anyone yet.”