Veronica 'Still a Virgin' Avery (ladylessons) wrote in blurred_lines, @ 2009-01-22 17:53:00 |
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Entry tags: | ! [1980-01] january, atticus avery, veronica avery (née parkinson) |
Who: Atticus Avery and Veronica Parkinson
Where: The Avery Home
When: Thursday, January 22nd. Evening, after dinner
What: Atticus sends Aquila away to fetch Astra and Marius so that he might have time to speak with Veronica alone.
Status/Rating: G, completed log.
Veronica tried to appear perfectly calm. She had not been expecting Aquila to be sent away. Dinner had gone perfectly fine, but now that she sat in the sitting room with Atticus Avery, she couldn't help but feel tendrils of nervousness creeping up her spine and flitting through her fingers. Aquila had looked surprised when his father sent him away, which made Veronica even more nervous. If Aquila hadn't known this was going to happen... She could think of several options for what was about to occur. Perhaps Atticus was going to tell her that she could not be with Aquila. Or perhaps she had done something wrong. Or perhaps he was going to quiz her. She knew that she wasn't the smartest woman alive, and Veronica had never been one to show off her intelligence anyway. She desperately hopped that she had done nothing wrong, and that she would do nothing to displease the man that she hoped would one day be her father-in-law. "It was very kind of you to invite me to dine with the two of you tonight," Veronica said, aiming to look as serene as she possibly could. Had Atticus realised just how much consternation he was causing the young woman in asking to speak with her alone, he might have felt some sense of remorse, or at least been inclined to assuage her fears. While other fathers (although usually just with daughters, at least in his experience) seemed to find some joy in tormenting whoever was courting their child, Atticus had never really understood those games. Then again, his daughter had married Marius Lestrange, not some barbaric ill-bred oaf. Regardless, his intention truly was simply to speak with Miss Parkinson out of a general interest to better know the woman his son was courting. Unfortunately there was very little about his personality and demeanour that came across as reassuring. Even on the rare occasions that he tried, it just ended up being more awkward than comforting and so he generally found it easier, for both himself and the people around him, to stick to serious. Most everyone got used to it eventually. "I am pleased you were able to join us for dinner," he replied, giving a slight nod of his head. And he was quite sincere in his sentiment. From what he had seen of Miss Parkinson so far, he could not think of a reason she was not suited to marry Aquila. "Would you care for a drink?" he offered. "I believe I have a bottle of sherry tucked into one of the cupboards around here. Or wine, if you prefer. I presume scotch is not to your liking." "And my mother wishes that both you and Aquila might be able to come and visit us on Sunday evening at the estate," Veronica said. Her mother would never forgive her if she did not extend the invitation. While her own parents had known Aquila's in society, Mrs. Parkinson was anxious to speak to Atticus herself, and did not let Veronica forget that. Veronica did not, in fact, enjoy scotch. "Wine would be very nice," she said, folding her hands carefully in her lap, her back perfectly straight. Veronica never allowed herself many spirits, as she could be overcome by them quite easily. She resolved to be very careful and mind-some of the rate that she sipped from the glass even before Atticus gave it to her. She must not allow anything to push aside the careful composure Georgia Parkinson had spent years molding over Veronica's more exuberant nature. "I hope that your return to England has been completely agreeable," she said. "The changes that have been put into action are already rather tremendous. The future has never felt so bright or cheerful, in my opinion." Her voice was soft and demure, but the edges of her mouth slipped into a wide smile. "But of course, I would be quite glad to join your family for dinner," Atticus replied, giving a slight nod of approval in Veronica's direction as he went to retrieve a bottle of wine from the sideboard. He could certainly imagine just what Georgia Parkinson would wish to discuss - undoubtedly she would want to know just why his son had not yet offered a proposal. Which was understandable. At this point, Atticus was beginning to wonder the same thing himself. Was there, perhaps, something amiss with Veronica Parkinson? Issues of mental instability? No, more likely it was simply Aquila dragging his feet, but you never could tell. He filled two glasses and passed one to Veronica before settling into the chair opposite hers. "I could not imagine better circumstances under which to make my return. It is quite refreshing to see all of our efforts come to fruition after so many years. Of course, there is still much work to be done, as there always is, but I find the tasks we face significantly lighter now." There was a slight smile at the edges of his own lips as well at the thought. Far from anything that might be considered beaming, but how could he not be pleased with their progress? "But tell me more of yourself. What are your plans now that our society is finally being set to right?" He swirled his wine in his glass for a moment and took a sip before giving Veronica a rather obviously expecting look. "Well," Veronica said, considering what exactly to mention. "I have always been happy to be involved in the Society for the Preservation of Wizarding Culture. We have had several projects lately, which I have been involved in as much as I am able. I was very glad to assist in the recent dragonpox vaccination clinics. Oh," she said, pausing for a moment. Her cheeks flushed a bit as she continued. "And a few months ago we discussed the importance of relaying the evils of intermarriage with Muggles to the general public. While some chose to use posters and pamphlets to put the message across, I decided to use narratives." Veronica was a little embarrassed at discussing herself, and the fact that she was pleased with the success that her own method had found made her worried that she was being vain in even mentioning it. "I have published three stories in Witch Weekly. My name is not attached to them, of course, but they have found them tolerable, at the very least, and have asked me for more. And I think that I will. I believe that the majority of young girls who may be in danger of marrying a Muggle find stories to be a more digestible way to understand that they could possibly be in trouble." She took a sip of her wine. Atticus's glance made her slightly more nervous, and she wondered if he wanted to hear that she wanted to get married, run a household, and have children. Such things were certainly on Veronica's mind, and absolutely on her list of things she wanted to do, but she didn't know if one ought to say it so very plainly to the father of he who courted her. If there was one thing she did not want Atticus to think of her, it would be that she was improper. "I am also planning to begin work on establishing book clubs for both women and children," Veronica said. "Bringing our healthy ideals and understanding to the forefront of culture in this way." She was silent for a moment, and took another sip of her wine. "But of course," she said, her voice growing a bit softer. "No matter how much one might do to encourage others to preserve the culture, as we must, in the end it is every woman's greatest joy to preserve culture by being a wife and mother and raising children to understand and continue on in tradition." Atticus listened as Veronica recounted her recent achievements and plans for the future, his face as impassive as ever, betraying no hint of a reaction. But he was largely pleased with the information she offered - she was obviously involved in the cause and had a vested interest in their success. Much more preferable than some who seemed to prefer to reap the benefits of their efforts without offering contributions of their own. And he did appreciate the more subtle manner in which she approached the issue of marriage and children, not only for the display of both propriety and perhaps a bit of cunning as well, but for the fact that no matter how firmly he believed in the importance of carrying on the family lines, he also found that women who did not engage in some diversion beyond the customary task of child-rearing were generally either impossibly dull or easily dissatisfied with their lot in life. Finally his slight smile returned to his lips as he gave her another nod of acknowledgment. "Very good. I would be quite interested in perusing one of these narratives that you have written," he replied. "I am certain it comes as no surprise that I do not make a habit of reading the pages of Witch Weekly so I do hope you will provide me with a copy. Preferably of the articles alone so I do not have to wade through an accounting of the latest winter fashions or other such frippery. It is certainly an intriguing idea, to present the dangers of intermarriage in a format that I expect is much more relatable to a young woman who might otherwise find herself swayed by the... ah, loose morals that pervade certain factions of the wizarding world." Naturally he would reserve full judgment until he had the opportunity to read just what Veronica had written, but his initial assessment of the idea was approaching a determination of ingenious. "I do hope you will see fit to continue such involvement even once you have married and have started a family of your own," he said, approaching the topic of marriage a bit more directly, although his tone remained mild and more like that of a man discussing the weather than the future of his own family. "Mrs Malfoy's group is a great asset to the Dark Lord's cause and it is fortunate to see such support for her efforts among the women of society." He paused for a moment, taking another sip of wine before asking a decidedly pointed (and more than a little improper) question. "And how do you find Aquila?" It was not his intention to make Veronica uncomfortable or put her on the spot, although he was not so unaware as to believe he was not doing precisely that. But he was sincerely interested in her assessment of their courtship and sometimes a desire for forthright answers called for direct questions, the rules of proper behaviour be damned. "Thank you," Veronica said, giving him a slight nod, peering down into her wine glass. She looked up at him, her eyes alert and bright, although her smile betrayed a bit of her discomfort. It was not at the idea of showing Mr. Avery what she had written, but merely the idea that she was under scrutiny. Of course, she thought, he really did have the right to be curious, especially if her mother was right and she and Aquila would likely be married soon. "I would be more than happy to send you a copy," she said. "And I will do so tomorrow morning, and you can rest assured that you will not have to bother yourself with some of the silly things we women acquaint ourselves with. "Oh," Veronica said in response to his hope. "I'm rather certain that I will continue to be involved. I think that it is always important to show children the example that you wish for them to live in. If I were to only sit about at home as my children grew, I don't know that they would take my words to heart regarding the importance of their involvement. My mother was a good example to me, as she was active in society and causes while I was little. I do think that my writing, if I am able to continue to do good with it, is one vehicle that I would most like to continue. But I do enjoy being out and involved with people face to face, and having the opportunity to better their lives. There is so much that needs to be done, it would be selfish of me to seclude myself in my house, even as a married woman." Her cheeks had flushed by the end of her speech, and as Mr. Avery asked her about Aquila, they grew a darker shade of red. "He's wonderful," Veronica said. "I find him agreeable, and very easy to talk to. I have..." her voice grew even softer, and she looked down at her lap. "I have become very fond of him over these last few months. I hope that he would say the same of me." At Veronica's admission of fondness for Aquila, Atticus softened a bit, giving the young woman a genuine smile, his eyes tinged with an uncommon display of sentimentality that only thoughts of his own late wife could bring forward. "I am glad to hear it. Odette - Aquila's mother - and I had an arranged marriage and it was not until I was twenty-five that it was settled upon so I remember all too well just what the familial and societal pressures to marry are like. Which is not to say that I do not have similar expectations of my own son. But I am not so heartless that I do not wish for him to be happy in his marriage. Continuing the pureblood family lines is of the utmost importance, naturally. I do not, however, believe that doing so requires us to treat our children as if they are nothing more than hounds to be bred." Considering his own experiences with his parents, one might expect that Atticus would not be inclined to put any pressure on his own son to marry. But he did wish to see his family name continued through the generations, as any self-respecting pureblood ought. The difference, in his mind at least, was that he was not pressuring Aquila to marry any suitable woman who came along. He simply did not believe that there was any reason to further delay an engagement if the two, as it seemed, were happy with one another. "Odette and I were fortunate in that we did come to care about each other a great deal, regardless of the circumstances of our marriage itself. And I certainly do not mean to imply that I in any way regret my marriage. There has never been another woman that I would even consider. I have simply seen far too many relationships over the years that more closely resemble a war than a battle. It is, I suppose, an occupational hazard. But I would not wish to see such a thing for Aquila." Noticeably absent from Atticus's comments was any mention of love. It was not because he had not- did not love his wife or did not value the emotion that so many seemed to dismiss. But there was only so far that he was willing to go with this forthright discussion of relationships. Veronica listened, eager to know more about Odette. Aquila had spoken very little about her, but Veronica felt that it was important that she know more about her, so that she could know Aquila's own expectations of a wife and mother. She had increased her study in French for this sake, and she thought that that had pleased him. "I could never be happy marrying someone that my parents did not think highly of," Veronica said. She was quiet for a moment, remembering the conversations that her mother had had with her (or, rather, had at her) when she worried that Veronica would never be married. They had considered seeing what was available abroad, but Veronica had protested, not wanting to have to move away from her family. "Before Aquila approached my father to inquire about courtship, I was open and willing to have an arranged marriage," she said. She did not want to add that she was open to this as long as it was not abroad, thinking that it might make her look childish to be unable to be away from her family. She was somber for a moment. She could not believe that she and Aquila would ever think or speak of each other in any way that would resemble a war. And yet, she doubted that those who had reached that place had expected that they would. "I understand your concerns," she said, looking at Atticus. "And I cannot imagine thinking of, or speaking to Aquila in such a way as that. I find him to be honorable, and kind, and attentive. I believe that I could trust him to be wise and careful, which has helped me to be more fond of him. I do not think I could grow fond of a careless man, or one whom I could not trust." She was afraid of being too candid, but with Atticus's forthrightedness she thought that perhaps she might as well speak what was on her mind. "The time of courtship is so that a woman might learn if she can be led by a man, and if she would be pleased to follow him. In an arranged marriage it is the parents who observe and watch to know if the man is worthy of it. My parents feel as confident in Aquila as I do. Certainly I cannot tell the future, but I do know my own nature, and I believe I have come to know his." Although Atticus had no doubt in his son's ability to present himself properly, it was still pleasing to hear that the Parkinsons thought highly of Aquila. After all, was the son not a reflection of the father? Even if Atticus could claim very little responsibility for actually raising his own children. "I must admit, I find yours to be a surprisingly sensible perspective on the matter of courtship and marriage," Atticus replied thoughtfully. Such pragmatism when it came to these matters was quite refreshing and while there was little of his admittedly still limited interactions with Veronica that gave him the impression that she was a woman prone to undue frivolity, it was good to see a bit of just what lied beyond her more reserved sense of decorum. Not that he had doubted his son's choice for courtship (aside from a few initial questions regarding the matter of Muggles and chickens) but he was beginning to see what it was that attracted him to this young woman. "If you will indulge my occasional penchant for doling out unsolicited advice, I find that too many enter into marriage with unrealistic expectations. That the marriage vows come with some magic that brings nothing but bright and happy days. And then it is at the first sign of discord that the illusion is shattered and the marriage crumbles. Respect is the true foundation of any successful marriage. Respect, trust and care. And certainly to have faith in your husband's ability to lead your family. You are right to value such things in your relationship as they will carry you through even the most tumultuous of days." He paused for a moment to take another sip of his wine. "But I do not wish to impose upon the role of your own parents for sharing marital advice. For what it is worth, I believe Aquila to be quite fond of you as well. Although I would certainly hope that was not still a question in your mind at this point." He was admittedly wary of discussing his son's feelings with Veronica as it was most certainly not his place to do so, but as she had been rather candid with her own feelings, he felt compelled to offer something in return. Although truthfully, if Aquila had not provided her with some indication of his feelings by this point, he was likely to smack his son upside the head with one of his more formidable legal texts. And he really was not a man prone to violence, Death Eater activities aside. "Thank you," said Veronica. "And I quite agree with all that you say, and I would be more than happy to have your advice in the matter of marriages." She knew that many thought her silly, and Atticus's words made her spirits soar. She felt all her anxiety of being alone with Atticus leaving her. Veronica did enjoy romantic novels a great deal, but she preferred the way that Jane Austen ended them -- with the happy couple married, and everyone to determine how well they did in the new stage of life that they had come to. She gave Atticus a shy smile. "Aquila has indicated that he is fond of me too," she said. It was not always in words, but she felt his dedication and care when they spent time together. And of course, he had kissed her cheek on New Year's Eve. Veronica's cheeks were blushing a little again, and she took another sip of her wine, glad that she had not consumed too much too fast. She could hear noise in the entryway, and she turned, seeing a glimpse of Aquila's face. After all of this talk of marriage, of Aquila, and the wine, it was natural for her blush to still grace her cheeks. But she turned towards Mr. Avery, gave him a fond smile, and said, "I am very glad to have spoken with you." |