Re: The Secretary/The Crowned
The thought of the Taj Mahal stopped her breath with delight for a moment. To be loved, and to love, so greatly that a masterpiece came of it! Mary was hardly a great romantic; she couldn't afford such a luxury. But she understood what he meant. "I've felt such a thing as you mention in the great cathedrals of Europe," she told Mr Marlborough agreeably. "So many people, the great and the small, have come to them; they have seen so many notable occasions. There's a power, almost, in the very stones."
Once Mr Marlborough had kindly helped Mary settle into her seat--she didn't need any help, really, but he was a gentleman--she watched him take his own seat. Her ticket was for the first class car, but mostly so she could accompany Mrs Bagby, who moved in the right circles to require a first-class passage. Alone, Mary might not have been so comfortable here, but with Mr Marlborough there was a safety, at least of the social sort.
One of the staff appeared to take their request; Mary asked for something small and the suggestion of cheese and charcuterie was made. This was more than sufficient for Mary's needs and desire. Mary did not say that she thought they might have to watch the night out, so a light refreshment seemed best. And though Mr Marlborough might generously cover her expense, Mary was prepared to handle finances for herself.
(Mary had initially thought to ask for water, but she waited to see what Mr Marlborough meant to do, meaning to follow his example if he asked for wine. A bit of fortification to steady the nerves was not out of the question. But Mr Marlborough might be of stern enough stuff to wish to go without.)