Re: The Secretary/The Crowned
Mary took Mr Marlborough's arm without hesitation or hesitation, though it was not a familiar gesture to her. He might guess that she was more used to the theory of it than she was accustomed to applying it to her person.
"Punting on the river sounds lovely, as does visiting the gardens. I am fascinated by the army and the manner of thinking, the paradigm, if you will, that puts such a quantity of resources into preparation for death. The Chinese necropolis and the Egyptian pyramids both come to mind."
Though Mrs Bagby could not be said to be dead in any meaningful sense, there was something in Mary's service with Mrs Bagby that could be said to resemble that of the figures in the army. They were reflections in a dark glass across time and place.
"Beyond that, I have often thought I should enjoy visiting--if I were permitted, of course--the Forbidden City. I've seen photographs of it, but seeing it in person, with a guide who understood the significance of the art, the decorations, the colors--that would be fascinating. One can never truly know a place like that without living there for years, but to scratch the surface a little at least, with a knowledgeable tutor: that would be worth the time. And priceless, of course. I suppose that you might be lucky enough to have such experiences." Which she clearly did not begrudge or envy so much as hope he might share a few more details.
She let Mr Marlborough lead the way toward the dining car as she chattered on politely.