Madam Pelman sighed. Turning over her shoulder, she eyed a maid dangerously. “Another set of tea, my dear.” The maid nodded and swiftly went about her duty. Turning back to the girl, she continued, “You must take a breath; stop rushing your answers.”
Ravina looked at the madam with hope. “So that means you agree!?”
“Not necessarily.”
“But—” A hand stopped Ravina’s words.
“The orphanages are nothing but money drains. They produce little results and cost more than they are worth, even if they do.” When Ravina made to speak, the madam raised her hand again. “That being said, as the daughter of the count, you may spend money however you wish. That is what you need to remember.” She tossed a hand over the papers. “This is nice, lovely even—had you been someone else, I would have hired you for your skill. You’ve done great research, and I have no doubt you can get the approval you need. However, you need to understand something.”
Silence held in the air as Ravina waited for her to speak, yet the woman only blinked a few times, shaking her head before she moved to stand, struggling to do so but with enough dignified air to let those around her allow her the honor of not intervening. “Now, go out and enjoy the day. You’ve sat inside long enough.”
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“Ah, but what about—” Ravina started to hate Madam Pelman’s left hand on a more personal level. It was effective when it came to stopping the young girl from speaking, but it was starting to get annoying.
“You’ve done your work. All you need now is to send it through Mathus and get it approved.”
“So you think it would work?”
“I think it will—” A grunt of labored pain pulled from the madam’s lips as she lowered herself into the office chair. Once seated, she looked around with annoyance, coughing a bit before continuing. “I think it will come down to a simple question.”
Ravina waited with bated breath. “And?”
“Go!” Madam Pelman waved her away, bringing a hand to her temple. “Outside, enjoy the day.”
It was clear that the good Madam would not reveal the question. Clearly this was something the girl was ment to find all on her own. Frustrated, Ravina gathered the papers and offered both thanks and goodbye as she left the office. She had gotten what she wanted; Madam Pelman reviewed her work. Approved it, even, in her own way.
Madam Pelman watched her leave the office, passing by the eye of a confused maid who pushed a cart inside. “Here you go, my lady.” The maid poured a single cup for her, but the good Madam eyed her.
“I already have tea,” she insisted, picking up the empty cup beside her. She frowned, looking at the empty cup.
“My lady?” The maid's concerned words rang annoyingly in her ear.
“No, I guess I was completely engrossed in the conversation I hadn't noticed. Thank you, you’ve done well” she huffed, putting the teacup down and sliding it to the maid. Again, the madam rubbed her temple with a hand. Normally, she would never allow herself to show weakness, yet right now, the throbbing in her head was rather painful.