Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa)

Subject: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Fri Aug 18, 2017 1:36 pm

Arriving home to the Palace of Versailles was a welcome break for Louis. Though he was thrown straight back in to the throng of work, gearing up for his succession over his father, the familiarity of his hope did wonders in helping him relax.

The tour of France had been busy, pulling Vanessa and him from one public appearance to another since the middle of the summer. They'd had their own time to relax, and enjoy the newly married rituals of the normal citizens of the world, but it was not enough time to relax. Especially when a number of reporters would simply not allow them any privacy if they tried to do anything.

Still, they'd won the hearts of the masses in a manner their parents couldn't, making them a solid foundation for the new Clement era. The papers had taken to calling them the heart of France after the wedding. Many girls had insisted they wanted a wedding dress like Vanessa's, to find a man who could love like Louis. They had been made god's in the eyes of the people, and it was exactly how Louis wanted things.

Being home meant Vanessa had her usual meetings with influential women of their various social circles, something Louis took an interest in. Women's chatter to many might have been seen as trivial, without substance and to be ignored. But Louis knew better. The Clement household had not been made great by the men alone. They'd conversed over many topics in the late evening that Vanessa had found out during the day, picking apart the hidden meaning and devising plans in which they could (subtly) use the information to their advantage.

In return, Louis explained everything he had been discussing during the day to Vanessa so that neither one of them was at a disadvantage of information. This had been the failing of his father, the incapability to include his wife had led to the weakened state of the Clement house. Vanessa therefore knew the inner workings of the house, even if it was frowned upon for a woman to be included in business and politics, Louis would never exclude her.

And, as sometimes happened, discussing the days problems brought forth additional ideas, solutions, or clarifications of points Louis hadn't quite grasped.

It was, as always, their strength together that pushed their legacy.

Another day rolled in to being, the finances of the house being discussed, the trend for the last six months showing an increase in both wealth and power. The happiness of the country was increased tenfold, and the Clement name was untouched by ill reputable stories.

Louis' current assignment was the Christmas period. Events to be finalised, guests to be arranged. The right ideas being put forward to key players in the events. Planning was important, because, over the holidays the announcement of his succession would be made widely known. The official announcement, rather than the unofficial mentions in meetings.

The responsibility was looming, but Louis was holding his own.

Leaning over the paper before him, Louis continued writing up a draft for the speech he would deliver after his father's. Denoting his acceptance, his ideas going forward, and his joy to be working with those gathered. Politics and business were a messy affair, so he would have to get this right.

Pausing, Louis looker up from the paper and out the window of the study to the Dehlientelle, a small smile touching his lips for a moment. A soft settling of snow encased the grounds, illuminating it in an other worldly glow. His office over looked the maze for his own personal comfort, for when he needed grounding, or just when he wanted to briefly forget his responsibilities.

So that no matter where Vanessa might be, a part of her, of them, was close by.

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~ Lord Clement ~ Profile ~ 55 ~

Thank you to the amazing Ruby for the signatures! <3

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:28 pm

Forgoing a traditional honeymoon away from responsibilities, Louis and Vanessa Clement had chosen to throw themselves into their work from day one. After all, the Clement House had not been built in a day nor by one generation. They were now the keepers of hundreds of years of work and any shortcomings on their part would now be the shortcomings of the House, something neither of the two would ever allow. Arguably, the couple had their work cut out for them due to the lax way in which Aunt Lynnette and Uncle Thomas had maintained the House’s image. While the previous Lord and Lady Clement had done nothing so much as to hurt the House beyond producing an unfit heir and then standing behind his claim, they had also not done anything to alleviate the House’s status, choosing simply to ride the wave of good publicity and love from the era of Lord Loras and Lady Lissette. But the people’s love needed invigorating from time to time, and that was what Louis and Vanessa had been busy doing in the months following the wedding.

Everywhere they went, it seemed a crowd followed them, taking pictures, asking for autographs, simply recording their journey, their stay and their every movement. Over her first two months on the tour, Vanessa had waved thousands and thousands of times, leading her arms to ache late at night when she finally allowed herself the feeling of pain and exhaustion accumulated throughout the days and weeks. As necessary as keeping up public appearances was, it took a toll on her body, leaving her often too exhausted to even walk to bed. It was on these nights that she closed her eyes and thanked all the Gods she could think of for Louis who, far from holding erh weakness against her, was with erh every step of the way.

After a month, the letters from home started becoming less subtle, inquiring of any fortunate news along the road and regrettably, Vanessa was forced to reply that things were going wonderfully, nothing special to report. Even as she continued to smile to the masses day after day, the clicks and flashes of Muggle and Wizard cameras (which were now hard to tell apart as it seemed plenty of wizards had taken up those small squared called “digital cameras”) crowding her vision. the witch knew there was one component of her duty as the future Lady Clement she was just not carrying out as the days went by.

The in house Maester had given her enough concoctions to ensure a quick pregnancy, concoctions she was taking daily and in appropriate amounts. The lack of a quickening was also not from lack of trying. Both Louis and Vanessa were especially aware of their duties but the fact that he had stood up to Grandmere and stated that he would entrust his lineage to her, that made the feeling even worse. With every month that passed, Vanessa Clement could feel herself letting down the man she loved.

It started as a distraction, trying to figure out who among the crowds were Muggle and who were not. France had always been more accepting of oddities than other parts of the world due to how deeply magic was ingrained in its history. The outlook of the Muggles was also trained carefully by paying attention in Muggle schools and institutes of learning. The clergy spoke in favor of equality between all man and women created alike and despite the statute of secrecy established so long ago that had forced wizards into hiding all across Europe, it seemed most Muggles didn’t much care, preferring to voice opinions over much more trivial matters as economics, politics, housing, gender differences and education. If a Muggle girl with bright rainbow cultured hair dressed as a mime rididng a unicycle was deemed appropriate, a wizard child blowing bubbles from a wooden stick did not stand out.

In fact, in the vast sea of people that followed them wherever they went, it was near impossible to tell who was who. Magic, Muggle, upper or lower class, male or female, every face blended into the next, every shout coming from a thousand lips, every wave another expression of love, good cheer and best wishes, making Vanessa see France as she never had before. This was how the very first Lady Lissette must have seen her France, united under one banner. The thought made her forget her own inadequacies for a time as she gazed out at the crowd so willing to stand for hours and wait for her and Louis to pass by. Apparently they used the phones and radios to keep track of the couple’s schedule, something Vanessa herself would look into later to see how it worked as accurately as it did.

The couple returned to Versaille for a brief reprieve in October, staying only for a few weeks in which Vanessa had to keep more appointments with those that warranted a personal visit for a congratulations. The Charlot Family, the Holmes Family, the Capulet’s Estate, The Royce House, everywhere she was welcomed with the courtesy and appreciation afforded to a new bride of the Clements and everywhere the young woman did her best to pick up nuggets of information that would be useful in the long run. Lady Brookshire spoke of the importance of lineage, Lady Holmes of strengthening the family from within, Countess Capulet bemoaned the Muggles overtaking their superiors and how it was now a disease, three magical families had birthed squibs, the epidemic spreading in the Countess’s eyes. Of all the appointing Vanessa kept, Vanessa took back what she could, relating the information to Louis who listened as if she was speaking of matters not unheard of in the board of directors meetings.

When the couple made plans to leave again near November, Grandmere hopefully asked if Vanessa would need to stay back and rest, only for the brunette to lower her gaze in shame and report that no, she was quite well enough to accompany her Lord Husband. Grandmere had remained unimpressed, Aunt Lynnette had remained uninterested.

This time, the tour was shorter and Vanessa knew what to expect. She was also armed with pain reievers and salves from when her body would ache from the day’s activities. The tour gave her more to think as the beginnings of an idea slowly unfurled inside the witch, an idea that certainly merited a little more looking into. The couple was expected back home in December, keeping up with the tradition of a Clement Christmas hosted at the palace by the Lord and Lady Clement. This would be Uncle Thomas and Aunt Lynnette’s last Christmas as the reigning Heads of the Palace and the incoming Lord and Lady had to be present. As a result, Louis and Vanessa arrived a week early, rosy cheeked and sparkling eyed, ready to settle back into their home and the grand suites that would now be theirs. Upon her arrival, Grandmere was once again by their side, asking if Vanessa was well enough to help with the preparations for the grand Christmas dinner, to which the new bride had once again replied that yes, she was. This time however, there was no note of shame in her voice. A child may not have taken form inside her yet but her idea was now growing.

And after a few very interesting meetings, she was finally ready to share it with Louis. Making her way to his study, the witch passed by windows showing the vast expanse of the Palace gardens. Legend held that the gardens had not originally existed but been planted by the first Lord Thomas Clement to please his Lady Wife, whom he had affectionately referred to as his Fleur de Lis. Parts of the gardens now made up her favorite portion of the grounds, the Dehlientelle.

Knocking softly on the door, Vanessa Clement entered the quiet study, her lips already blossoming into the sot smile that existed whenever her grey eyes found Louis Clement. “May I disturb you for a moment?”

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Come Plot With Me <3

Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Rsz_ve10

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:29 pm

Louis' concentration had been lost on his speech, his eyes instead on the grounds before him. A fond smile touched the Frenchman's lips in a manner that only belonged to a single person in the world. The masses would have seen it, may have even believed it to be theirs for a time, but the truth was, only Vanessa made him as happy as he was that morning.

Even if Grandmere was intent on trying to cause some kind of strife between the newly married couple with her constant questions of whether Vanessa had become with child. Whilst Louis had never heard his Grandmere ask -- the matriarch was much more clever than to ask in front of her grandson -- Vanessa had told him of the times Lissette Clement had asked the question. Louis had always reassured her that they would have a child of their own when the time was right. When the gods saw fit, he would muse as he placed a soft kiss to the edge of her lips.

They're just allowing us the fun of trying, he had teased her once when they were in their private rooms, earning himself a light tap on the chest in Vanessa's attempt to tell him off for such a comment.

But there was never, ever, any doubt in Louis' mind that they would have a child.

Louis was quite aware, though, that his own beliefs were not always backed by the other Clements, save Vanessa, so he did not voice his opinion to anyone else. There would be plenty of time, Louis was sure, for 'I told you so's. For now, Vanessa was completing every other duty that was expected of her, and that was all Louis would ever ask of her.

As the door to his study opened, Louis came back to the here and now, his body knowing without looking that Vanessa had arrived. As her voice filled the room, a smile touched his features as he stood from his chair and turned to her. Whilst he did not have to stand for Vanessa, and never had had to, Louis did. Out of respect for the woman he loved. Moving from behind his desk, Louis moved to Vanessa, taking up her hand before placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. Eyes on hers, his love for the witch was always so vividly clear when he spoke, or looked at the witch.

"You know you never have to ask, ma chérie." Louis replied, motioning for her to come in, and make herself comfortable if she so wished. "I was simply working on my speech, but... I had become distracted." Louis explained, moving back to his chair. His hands worked the papers in to a neat pile, his handwriting clear across the sheets. He would, of course, ask Vanessa to read through it, and edit it with her later, but he wanted a good draft first.

No prompt came from Louis for Vanessa to speak, he knew she would when she was ready to say what she had come here for, so he simply waited, wondering what it might be, even though he would soon find out.

Don't jump to conclusions, he'd been taught very early on, and he would not even begin to assume what Vanessa was bringing to him in that moment.

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~ Lord Clement ~ Profile ~ 55 ~

Thank you to the amazing Ruby for the signatures! <3

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:30 pm

Vanessa entered the study to a sight she doubted she would ever lose appreciation for, Louis waiting for her on the other side, all his current work discarded in favor of his full attention focused on his wife. Perhaps the thought was selfish on her part. Clement business should take precedence over her, but trying to make it so was as impossible as making the sun set in the east. The one weakness that they would always nurse was for each other before the family name; it was something Vanessa had long since come to terms with.

“Vous devez cesser de me faire sentir comme la seule personne au palais, mon amour,” she admonished softly as he rose to kiss her hand. She meant it in jest, they both knew it. In truth she doubted she would ever have enough of that feeling he evoked in her. As he explained what he’d been doing, the witch spared a glance towards the papers, never rude enough to read uninvited, she nonetheless saw that he was making better progress than he gave himself credit for but the pressure was on, it was on both of them no and only their very best would be acceptable.

“Would you take over Papa’s solar once the officiating is complete?” she asked softly, taking a seat opposite him, her dark green gown gathered gracefully around her. As she spoke, her eyes turned to the large window and the Dehlientelle beyond. It was no secret why Louis had chosen this particular study for his own, Vanessa’s own private withdrawing room had a stunning view of the maze they had grown up exploring. But soon the couple would be required to move into the suites of the household heads properly. Come next year, there would be no interludes from responsibilities or a reprieve from the image expected of the new Lord and Lady Clement. “Not that Papa uses it much of late; I believe he is truly grateful to be giving it all over to you.”

Aunt Lynnette was putting up a little more resistance than her husband, though not much now that Grandmere had had the final say. Vanessa hadn’t seen the wisdom in calling out her good mother on petty things such as furniture dear to the older witch or a particular family jewel. There would be time for all that later, now the new bride had much more pressing matters to attend to.

“I had tea with Lady Florent yesterday,” the began, her eyes returning to that of her husband, her words careful and her tone always impossibly polite so as not to seem inappropriate in any way. “She appears to have altered her stance on Muggleborns again, ”Vanessa continued, the hint of humor sparkling in her eyes but never quite reaching her lips unless Louis smiled first. Lady Florent had become somewhat of a talking point in private circles over the last decade when her daughter had decided to discard the family’s reputation in favor of marrying a Muggle. In the past ten years, Mademoiselle Florent had gone from despising Muggles to ignoring their existence to sympathizing with their cause to now thinking “they might not be all that awful.” Of course, the steady stream of grandchildren her daughter had been lavishing the Muggle husband with may have had to do with Lady Florent’s constantly involving opinion on her son in law’s kin but Vanessa doubted that was the only reason.

“Her son in law, Monsieur Ramon, has apparently given her a small, hand held radio. She was showing it off like a little girl.” Though her tone betrayed little emotion, Louis would know the air of contempt with which Vanessa spoke of a lady acting as a child. “She insisted I hold it and dial some numbers on it. It was an intriguing device.”

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Come Plot With Me <3

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:30 pm

"Mais vous êtes la seule personne dans le palais qui compte ... pour moi." Louis responded softly, making sure his voice would not carry out of the room. Whilst he could say this to Vanessa, and say it genuinely, if his Grandmere were to hear such things being spoken, she would punish him most severely for uttering the words. It wouldn't make them any less true, of course, but there were some things that Louis shouldn't say.

Admitting that Vanessa was the only person who mattered was one of those things.

Even if it was the truth that had been written in the stars.

The question as to whether he would be moving to the solar that had been associated with the Lord Clement for centuries made Louis consider for a moment. There was only one answer to that, in truth, but the hesitation would be enough of an unspoken answer for Vanessa to pick up on. "When Papa has finished with his official duties, oui." The young man replied, but the unspoken part was clear. Officially, he would use the Lord's office. Business that needed to be conducted would be done in there, for the mere fact the grandeur of the room was vastly intimidating.

Otherwise, he would use this study to do everything necessary. Unless Grandmere was around, then he would do things properly to appease the matriarch of the family. It would leave him with a quieter life, after all, if he simply complied with tradition.

The comment of his father being happy to be handing over the position brought a wry smile to Louis' lips. "Don't let Maman hear you saying such things." Louis admonished softly, though he was sure his Maman had learned her lesson about creating a scene now, and he doubted they would have to experience something like her last outburst again. "But..." Louis looked up fondly to his wife in this moment. "He's handing it over to us." Louis corrected.

Soon, though, Vanessa's reason for the impromptu meeting came to the front -- not that Louis would ever mind the unplanned time together -- Lady Florent. The woman was a thing of amusement to both Louis and Vanessa, and likely many other Pureblood families. The smile had started to bloom on Louis' lips at the mention of the witch before Vanessa had even expressed the change of stance on Muggleborns, but as that information was given a rather larger smile touched Louis' lips.

Fickle. That was a very apt word for Lady Florent, and likely she would be the cause of much amusement throughout many rooms in France, and further afield when this information got out. Poor woman.

However, Louis sobered as Vanessa continued, a light frown touching his features. Having been in the Muggle military he was quite aware of radios, their uses, and of course he'd been told how to use them in the field. From his experience, however, radios didn't have numbers on them which you dialed. They had frequencies, on which you had to move a dial to 'tune' them, or else press a button to get on to the right line of communication.

It took him a moment before he realised what Vanessa had actually meant. "You mean a telephone?" Louis asked, not saying it in a manner that would embarrass Vanessa for not knowing that these devices were different. "You press numbers to talk to people? So that you can talk to them in the same moment..." He asked, trying to piece this together. There was no use for a telephone in the Clement household, so they didn't have one in the Palace.

Such technology didn't work with magic around, so far as he was aware.

Louis simply waited, though, for Vanessa to continue on the path she was heading down so that he could make more sense of the information he was being given. After all, Vanessa wouldn't have sought him out in this manner unless it was important.

Mais vous êtes la seule personne dans le palais qui compte ... pour moi. -- But you are the only person in the palace that matters... to me.

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~ Lord Clement ~ Profile ~ 55 ~

Thank you to the amazing Ruby for the signatures! <3

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:31 pm

"Mayhaps," the brunette conceded as his gentle correction. She wasn't completely sure of what this device was called, only that the uses had been interesting enough for her to think twice over.

"Her ladyship insists that it can do a lot more than talk to people. She swears it can talk to multiple people at the same time.. And capture their voice without any magic. She also says it will soon be able to take pictures. Her son in law she claims works at a muggle technology company where they're looking into making these ra - Pardon' - telephones do a lot more." The words were uncertain because Vanessa wasn't used to speaking of things she had little knowledge of and in truth, the witch would not have approached Louis about this at all had the future Lady Clement not felt an urgency in the matter.

"It isn't simply Lady Florent either, when we were on our tour of France, i saw hundreds of people holding these tiny cameras up to take picture and... capture us as if we were alive. Not like a photograph, they could record everything we did exactly. Like a very unskewed memory in a pensive, but clearer and repeatable."

The phenomena had astounded her the first time she had seen it, the idea somehow more captivating than a semi communicable than a wizarding portrait. The moment that had been captured was precise, perfect and not maligned by personal perspective.. The idea of a machine being able to do that and make calls and take pictures and capture voices... it remitted more investigation.

"I've also heard talks...." she began, now on even more uncertain grounds because at least with the telephone, she had a name and list of functions. This particular device, if it even was that, she had only ever heard talks of. Grey eyes cast uncertainty downwards, the witch continued. "About a system of communication that is undefeateable... they call it the web. I haven't seen it but its said to be in the air, like magic. they say it will be available to everyone soon and everyone can use it as they like."

This in itself was worrying enough but the most worrying aspect of this development was how little wizardkind knew about it. Vanessa had obtainment the information she had in careful withdrawing rooms and during Muggle. No everyone was as astute, nor as prepared to meet this new threat.

"If I may be so bold... I would suggest we enact a think tank of muggleborns and squibs working in the Muggle world to gain as much insight as we can. As for as my knowledge goes, we would be the only wizarding entity in the world to do so. At the very least, knowledge of what's coming would prepare us better for the future."

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Come Plot With Me <3

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:31 pm

The air of uncertainty in Vanessa's words put Louis in an uneasy state. They were both very intelligent individuals, highly capable in their own fields of study, with enough understanding of the world and many of its topics to hold strong conversation on it. So, to find a topic that they struggled with -- and struggled openly -- was one that was to be held with caution.

Though, Louis did have to concede that living in the Muggle world for so long had given him something of an understanding of the world. Though, technology he had left alone, not completely understanding it, and not wanting to get involved.

Vanessa's obvious awareness of the technology on the tour had come to a point here, where Louis hadn't given it much thought, Vanessa had obviously been thinking about the devices. For what reason, Louis wasn't certain to begin with, but it fell in to place with what the future Lady Clement had said about Lady Florent's son-in-law. Louis gave a small nod of his head to show he was still listening, but didn't pass a comment as she worked, instead hoping to get a clearer picture where this was going before he interrupted.

It was the topic of 'the web' that made Louis' features dip in to a frown as he looked at Vanessa. Now, now they were certainly in murky waters. A place he did not understand at all. Now, they were in the same boat, and it was obvious that Vanessa was struggling to explain this thing that she didn't really know. "Like magic..." He echoed, trying to understand how Muggles might have managed that. But, then, he had no idea what 'the web' was, so he was trying to compare Magic he knew with something he couldn't even comprehend.

The suggestion of a think tank brought Louis to thought, his eyes drifting from Vanessa to his hands on the arms of his chair. Thought was something that Louis didn't hide very well, he'd always been much more impulsive than a thinker, but he would have to learn to think before acting much more now.

A think tank.

Headed by Muggleborns and Squibs.

The idea sounded... very out there.

But, Louis could follow the merit of being the first ones to do such things. He could see the merit in understanding the technology Muggles were bringing to the world. Of course, they could leave them exposed if they were not careful with how they did this... Louis considered for a few moments longer before looking back to Vanessa.

"Do you propose to stop it, or invest in it?" Louis asked of her. There had been industrial revolutions over the years, ones that no Clement had ever stopped because people needed to move forwards. Some of the ghastly machines that moved around today were because of it, cars the biggest example Louis could think of -- what was wrong with a carriage he would never know.

"We could never stop it." Louis continued, though he didn't believe that this was what Vanessa was asking of him. "So, you... wish to branch out in to technology... and..." Louis trailed off, because he couldn't quite see what Vanessa wanted. A business proposition to invest in technology would not be something Louis would place on a woman's word -- even if Vanessa was as well versed as he was in the language. So, there had to be something more.

He just couldn't quite place his finger on it.

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~ Lord Clement ~ Profile ~ 55 ~

Thank you to the amazing Ruby for the signatures! <3

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:32 pm

"To my understanding, yes. Though I believe it started out as electricity." The new bride's features remained smooth, the only sign of her uncertainty in her murky grey gaze. "Though its no longer used to light lamps and make engines start. It's managed to tap into another force I'm not... quite familiar with." Her apology was clear in her tone, she had failed to retrieve as much information as she would have liked and any Clement woman knew that a lack of information was more deadly then poisoned bows and arrows to the heart.

"But I shall continue my search, I might even make a trip to England and have tea with Lady Smallwood after New Years." Just that alone would indicate how apologetic the brunette was for the half formed bits and pieces she had dared approach the future Lord Clement with. Not only was she ashamed but the witch was also annoyed, annoyed that there was something eluding her understanding, and she would sit through a dozen cups or tea in as many withdrawing rooms if it meant she could understand that new and mysterious Muggle technology.

"Do you propose to stop it, or invest in it?"

"Neither yet," Vanessa concluded, raising he eyes to meet Louis' gaze. Where he was implosive and courage, she was shrewd and calculating. tw as what made them the perfect compliment to each other. "I would suggest we understand it first before deciding ho to deal with it. A think tank would not be a terribly risky investment even if it yields negative results. To my knowledge, right now no one in the entire wizarding world has any knowledge on the subject, good or bad. So in establishing this think tank, we would at least be better off no matter what we happen to find."

Worse come to worse, not even a drop from the Clement's sea of gold would be spend on the venture and the possible gains, well, those would be seen to if and when an opportunity presented itself. What Vanessa did know that was that the world was changing, and it had always been in House Clement's interests to change with it. One of the reasons why their family and name survived when so many of their peers lost the battle of time and progress was because the Clements not only embraced change but brought it to the forefront.

And even though she could not explain it, the instinct in her insisted this was an opportunity not to be missed.

"We might want to initiate the venture as soon as possible, before another entity decides to tap into this resource. There are none at this moment but I shall be frequenting dinner parties of all the ladies whose fathers and husbands may be inclined to look into it." A word here and there, especially from the future Lady Clement carried weight in even the most belligerent of withdrawing rooms.

Having suggested her piece, Vanessa lapsed into silence, giving Louis the time he needed to think her suggestion over. No doubt the pros and cons would be running through his mind, but over those she had little control so she simply sat.

And waited.

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Come Plot With Me <3

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:32 pm

Louis' features softened at the apology in Vanessa's tone when she admitted she didn't understand the ins and outs of the Muggle technology. She knew that, with him at least, there was never a need to apologise for not knowing something. That was the joy of life, learning new things, excelling in them, and embracing the things that should be embraced. Neither of them knew, so it didn't make sense for Louis to hold it against her.

The idea that Vanessa would head to see Lady Smallwood on the matter brought a slight rise of his eyebrow. Simply a note of surprise, but no comment. "As you wish." Louis replied, giving the unnecessary consent for his wife to take her leave to England if she so wished.

They had an empire to broaden, after all, even if Louis wanted to, he couldn't keep Vanessa by his side all the time.

Vanessa's continuation that, at the moment, she was not sure in the direction made Louis nod only once. He wasn't sure himself what it was he would expect from the research. Something of value, or nothing at all. Without trying, though, there was no telling what they could find. Vanessa had picked up on the changes of the world, and as all good Clements did, they would seize the opportunity.

"Very well." Louis concluded. "I will draw up the papers, and discuss with Papa. Not that I believe he will oppose us now." He settled, pulling out a piece of parchment to write down everything that had been discussed. The finer details could be settled on later, but he needed a basis to present to the current Lord Clement, even if the approval was only a formality at this stage, rather than a need to be won.

Louis' quill started to move in across the paper, his eyes downcast for a few moments, before he paused and looked up to his wife once more.

"I don't want the technology in the Palace, though, mon chéri." Louis told her softly. It was a request, really, but there would be the underlying edge that the decision had been made already. "Technology is not safe, and this family is too powerful to be brought to it's knees by it. Not even the staff." Louis finalised.

There was not a single doubt in his mind that Vanessa wouldn't understand his reasoning, his eyes turning back to the page before him as his quill moved across the page once more.

"I've arranged for dinner to be served in the Dehlientelle this evening. Just the two of us. Preparations are being made to ensure your comfort, of course." He added, a fond smile on his lips as he spoke. One evening away from his Grandmere's prying eyes, and his Maman's less than favourable looks was something Louis was looking forward to.

An evening simply spent being selfish.

And enjoying the company of his beloved wife.

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~ Lord Clement ~ Profile ~ 55 ~

Thank you to the amazing Ruby for the signatures! <3

Subject: Re: Versailles, December 2001 (Vanessa) Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:32 pm

As Louis agreed to bring the matter forwards to Papa, the brunette understood the risk he was taking. Louis Clement wouldn't make a business proposition to his Lord Father beginning with the words "my wife was at tea." No, he would present this as his own misinformation, taking the blame for the lack of knowledge that solely rested with her. The only thing that would work in their favor would be the lack of knowledge justifying this venture at the very least. A few hundred million Euros spent in exchange for potentially valuable knowledge were no real loss to the family.

And her instinct insisted this was the direction of the world. Lady Lissette the First had seen the France she grew up in change. And though many changed had happened since, a full out revolution had never been one.

Until now.

At Louis' declaration that this technology would never be allowed in the palace, Vanessa merely nodded in agreement. She was not fond of letting into their home something that neither one of them were close to understanding. All of the research would be conducted outside, tested in safe locations and destroyed discretely if needed. Investments were good as long as they were a safe distance away from home where, truth be told, little had changed over the past four hundred years.

A perfectly shaped eyebrow rose politely in inquiry as her husband informed her of the dinner plans, the smile not grazing her lips right away until he was finished speaking but the happiness in her sparkling grey eyes gave her emotions away. It must have taken a lot for him to request a private dinner leading up to the Christmas festivities, Grandmere wouldn't have been too pleased.

And yet he'd done it. "If it pleases your lordship," the witch replied politely enough that he could understand she was teasing. Rising to her feet gracefully, the future lady Clement performed a small, formal curtsy. "I shall see you at dinner then."

Turning away from him, Vanessa took a step towards the door, counting to three in her mind before turning again slowly. "Oh, I almost forgot," she spoke, once again, the picture of politeness as she stepped forward, towards Louis.

Reaching out to brush her lips slightly to his.

And she was out the room, her feet silent and nimble as they moved from the study, her face trying and failing to contain a small smile, one that refused to go away long after she'd left the room.

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Come Plot With Me <3

» The Palace of Versailles, 2001 (Louis)
» Vesailles, December 2003 (Vanessa)
» Versailles Palace - December 2023 (Elenore)
» The Palace of Versailles, 1999 (Vanessa)
» The Palace of Versailles, 2000 (Vanessa)