A Baron's Words

JP with Redsword and Cindy

The Baron kept Elizabeth, Sung and Tristan waiting for several minutes. During that time, Elizabeth explained to Tristan what was going on.

So, when Tristan was summoned to the Baron's office that meeting only took a few minutes before he was sent off, with one of the assistants, to get set up with what he would need to stay at the headquarters such as housing.

Finally, Flora came in and announced the Baron would see Elizabeth and Sung, now. Elizabeth and Sung were escorted to Greenwood's office.

Greenwood looked at Elizabeth and then at Sung, then back at Elizabeth. "I thought Mr. Sung would be on the tour." Greenwood though addressed Elizabeth as he spoke and not Sung.

Elizabeth took a breath and calmly stated, "My father would never approve of me meeting a man, any man, alone in his office. Mr. Sung accompanies me to all such meetings." That was especially true regarding Greenwood but Elizabeth refrained from saying so.

"Well, then both of you sit down." Greenwood seemed slightly annoyed that he wasn't alone with Elizabeth, possibly more annoyed there was nothing he could do about it.

The Baron's office was large, it had an antique mahogany desk intricately carved with scrollwork. The Baron's lush chair matched the desk perfectly. Two soft seats, in front of the desk facing it. Off to one side was a small bar, also in mahogany. Near the bar was a velvet couch of sorts, deep burgundy with high back. Elizabeth did not want to think of what might occur on that couch, on a regular basis, and it made her even more grateful Sung was with her. She would hate to have to injure the Baron on her second day as team leader.

The walls were painted a soft white color and art work filled the empty spaces. Mostly it was of ships or the ocean. Elizabeth them noticed a display of nautical themed items, a compass, a ships barometer, a ships wheel hung on one of the walls. She had no idea if the items were for show or if Greenwood actually had an interest in such things

Elizabeth took a seat and Greenwood stared at her for several moments before speaking. When he did he sounded none to pleased, "Lady Elizabeth, do you care to tell me what you were thinking sending that Dr. Jackal out into public yesterday?"

Sung sat to Lady Elizabeth's right and took a relaxed posture. He complemented the Baron's office. He was trying to relax any tension that might be present knowing that there would be some no matter what Sung did. He really wanted to tell the Baron he was there for his protection. Sung knew of Lady Elizabeth's capabilities Sung had been training her for years. Sung did not think many knew of her traning or if any training she had been given. being a woman of that time it seemed less likely she would have any formal training at all.

When Greenwood asked the question about Dr. Jackal out into public yesterday Sung smiled. That one might have been a mistake he did not even see. But it was up to Lady Elizabeth to answer He was not there to account just chaperone. Not that Sung would not protect or defend Lady Elizabeth. Sung just thought it was time for Lady Elizabeth to be on her own.

Elizabeth actually didn't hesitate to respond, she had expected the question. "It was a mistake. I sent Miss Lagrave with him. Her reputation is such that I knew she could handle the doctor's other side." She paused. "I have no excuses just to say it is not a mistake I will make again. But if I may add something."

Greenwood thought over her words and responded, "Go on,"

"I have not known the doctor long but it seems as if he has to be provoked in order to turn." Elizabeth explained, "He saved a young woman, and only killed one of the perpetrators after he turned, from what I was told."

"And where did this information come from?" the Baron asked.

"Miss Lagrave." Elizabeth handed Greenwood the report Sasha had written for her. "It is all here in this report."

"I will have one of my assistants make a copy of this. Who was the woman the doctor saved?" Greenwood inquired.

"Miss Lilly Lavigne. Perhaps you know her?" Lilly wasn't Eldren but she was British and wealthy, which was the reason for the question.

"I know her, well more her father. " That response from Greenwood came as no surprise. "Where is she now?"

"Well, it seems as if her father was kidnapped and her long time butler, that was supposed to be her chaperone, was behind it or at least a part of it." Elizabeth explained. "She is currently at my home, under my protection."

Greenwood took a breath, "Did you make her a member of the Order as well?" Clearly a comment on Elizabeth inviting extra people to join her team.

"No. I did make her swear secrecy but explained I couldn't offer her a place on the team." Elizabeth purposely left out the word, yet.

Greenwood turned his attention to Sung, "Mr. Sung, is this true? I mean we cannot have every stray that the team comes across being offered a place on Lady Elizabeth’s team."

Sung was silent for a moment in thought. "My Lord" started Sung thinking of the right words in English Sung had great English skills he spoke with just a little Korean accent. But does now know every word. "What Lady Elizabeth said is right. Miss Lilly Lavigne I know only from some encounters over the years," answered Sung respectfully. Sung did not have to like the man but did have to respect his station or title.

"As for every stray? My Lord, None of the team members are animals to my knowledge." Sung said almost sounding baffled by Greenwood's statement. "Miss Lavigne is under our protection at this time. and not part of the team. Now My Lord we have only added to the team skills that might be needed in missions. Lady Elizabeth is a team leader if she sees a skill she thinks the team needs and the person checks out she might ask them to join. She normally asks me as well to seek counsel on these matters. My Lord can have confidence this is not taken lightly. We both have strict orders from My Lord, Duke Ellington on this." Putting My Lord in his statement to let the Baron know where his loyalty lies.

"I hope My Lord that help's you understand the situation." finished Sung respectfully and with a slight simile. Sung would have to keep his anger in check if he is challenged by Greenwood in this meeting.