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hrjMy two protagonists have met socially in the past, though they never ran in the same circles. But when Antuniet returns to Rotenek and needs to find funding for her alchemical work, the person she goes to is Jeanne, Vicomtesse de Cherdillac. Jeanne has a reputation for bringing together exactly the right people to make things happen -- although usually what happens is a musical soiree, or a boating party on the river, or a ball. And she has a more quietly whispered reputation for...other things.
* * *
(from Chapter 3)
“I would prefer,” Antuniet said carefully, “a patroness rather than a patron.”
Jeanne threw up her hands in a shrug. “Now you're being foolish. It's the men who have the money and it's the men who take little risk to their reputations in associating with a Chazillen…or an alchemist. That's how the world works.”
“I know well how the world works. Should I seek a male patron…” Antuniet’s shrug was more sedate. “I have neither the aptitude nor the inclination to please a man in exchange for his support.” She left the implications hanging between them.
“And yet you come to me, knowing my reputation,” Jeanne said with a smile. “Dare I flatter myself to think you wish to solicit me for a carte blanche? Oh, Toneke, if you could see your face!” She couldn’t tell whether Antuniet was more flustered by the gibe or the nickname. “No, no, sit down. If you're going to come to me for help you must learn to bear with my teasing!”
* * *
(from Chapter 3)
“I would prefer,” Antuniet said carefully, “a patroness rather than a patron.”
Jeanne threw up her hands in a shrug. “Now you're being foolish. It's the men who have the money and it's the men who take little risk to their reputations in associating with a Chazillen…or an alchemist. That's how the world works.”
“I know well how the world works. Should I seek a male patron…” Antuniet’s shrug was more sedate. “I have neither the aptitude nor the inclination to please a man in exchange for his support.” She left the implications hanging between them.
“And yet you come to me, knowing my reputation,” Jeanne said with a smile. “Dare I flatter myself to think you wish to solicit me for a carte blanche? Oh, Toneke, if you could see your face!” She couldn’t tell whether Antuniet was more flustered by the gibe or the nickname. “No, no, sit down. If you're going to come to me for help you must learn to bear with my teasing!”
