Liadan was always finding ways to fill her spare time. She was doing her very best to conduct as little business as possible- and had even begun interviewing individuals to take over the running of her estate and farm now that she was married and it was no longer proper for her to do so. Liadan had not realized how much of her time was spent going over books, inspecting the land, and dealing with customers until she decided that she didn't want to do it anymore. Of course she still did to an extent- she would be bored otherwise- and she was clueless as to how she would ever fill in her time once the business was no longer under her direct supervision... At any rate, Liadan had found that entertaining in her new home was a good way to fill in the once preoccupied hours.

Primrose Woolkfolk was a family friend. Although she was  a few years older than Liadan, she remembered being around her at societal gatherings and seeing her around Hogwarts until the older girl graduated. Once Liadan had graduated herself, and had begun to surround herself with friends of proper breeding and background, ladies who conducted themselves as ladies, Primrose had become a fixture in her social circle. Oh, Liadan was not as close with her as she had been with Lotte or Melanthe- or even, more recently, Dolly St. James- but they had always got on well and Liadan had always liked and respected her. (Even if the girl had somehow managed to find herself in Gryffindor of all places.)

With it being Primrose's birthday, Liadan had decided to invite her over for lunch at Kerry Cove. She had yet shown off her new home to her friend, and Liadan did love giving a tour of the home and thought perhaps they might even be able to go out on the water.

Liadan had already put their dog outside- the oversized great dane had seemed a great idea at the time, the perfect Christmas gift for Oscar, but now it was bigger than she and every bit as unruly as the beasts on her farm. Walt was a wonderful animal companion, that was certain, but she had no desire to wrestle the beast at the moment.

She dressed carefully. Modest, tasteful, and appropriate for a day spent indoors rather than out on the town. Liadan's manner of dress, as always, outdated. She preferred the Victorian style that marked a pureblood for what they were. High collars, long sleeves, skirts to her ankles- those were her preference. Oh, she recognized at times a more updated design was necessary- but not in the privacy of her own home.

When Primrose arrived, Liadan answered the door herself, waving the house elves away. She liked to greet her own guests, especially upon their first visit to her home. "Primrose, darling!" she crowed, giving the woman a hug. "It is so lovely to see you! I am very glad you were able to accept my invitation to lunch. I very much wanted to see you for your birthday." Liadan had a gift for her, it was decoratively wrapped, but she intended to give it to her after lunch.

"The house elves have prepared such a lovely meal. But I would love to give you a little tour of my new home before we sit down. There is much yet to do, but Oscar has welcomed my feminine touches to his previous little bachelor pad. Men really have no clue how to decorate. Nothing ever quite matches and they never have full sets of anything."

Truth be told, Primrose didn’t put much stock in her own birthday.  She usually forgot about it until her mother came in with some bauble or another – or her father brought home another prize mare for his daughter (she much preferred this type of present – though shiny things were lovely too).  So, when she’d received an invitation from Liadan for Saturday, there was no reason not to accept. 

They’d been in school together, grown up in pureblood families – which made them at least familiar with each other.  Primrose was slightly older, but they’d always associated, despite great differences.  It had been some time since she’d seen her and her mother encouraged her to socialize.  It wasn’t that she was the type of woman to encourage her daughter to throw herself at people or neglect what she loved – quite the contrary, she’d always preached that her daughter should do whatever it was she wanted to do and leave everyone in the dust it she had to – but since she wasn’t busy and was going to spend the entire day with the horses if she had her choice, her mother had lovingly accepted the invitation for her. 

So, Primrose was on her way after a short period of ‘dress up.’  While Prim was conservative for a number of reasons, she wasn’t quite sure it was the same as her cousin’s.  She’d never really latched on to the idea of rigidity and demureness (if that much had ever been obvious), but because of her attack, she tried not to showcase much of anything.  On her way out, her mother shouted after her to have fun and the horses would be waiting when she returned, to which Prim just shook her head.  Ridiculous.

She apparated quickly to Kerry Cove, Liadan’s new residence and was greeted at the door by Lia herself (she hadn’t anticipated that, truth be told).  And was a little taken aback by the hug – Primrose was not the type for hugs, but she accepted.  “It’s a pleasure,” she smiled and waited for Liadan to invite her in. 

Of course, she started talking about a meal (that was a welcome idea) and a tour of the house, which Liadan seemed to take great pride in.  Far be it from Primrose to judge Liadan, but she wasn’t sure she’d ever truly be satisfied with that kind of life – decorating her husband’s old bachelor pad… It seemed like not the sort of thing she’d want to do.  But, she supposed there were lifestyles for everyone.  “It sounds like you’ve been keeping busy then,” she appraised with a smile, glancing around.  At least the home was beautiful. 

“Why don’t you give me the tour then?” she added, clapping her hands together, ready to see just what Liadan had been doing with herself since she’d started moving on from the farm. 

"I have been doing my very best to keep busy!" Keeping herself busy kept her out of trouble. Redecorating, entertaining, attending events with Oscar... It all kept her from getting bored enough to delve back into her less-than-legal hobbies... Of course, Liadan missed them. She missed studying voodoo, missed dabbling in the dark arts in her spare time- but it was far too dangerous to pursue those hobbies now that she was married to Oscar. If she were caught is reputation would be ruined. Liadan refused to do that to her husband. She actually loved him- a face which would always surprise her.

Primrose agreed to a tour, and Liadan was giddy with excitement. Kerry Cove had been in Oz's family for a very long time. But after Oscar had taken up residence there, he had put his own touches on the home- nearly erasing his grandmother's vision and voice. Her portrait still hung in the home, though, and was constantly criticizing everyone who visited. She was particularly vocal in her criticism when Liadan had begun to make changes to the home.

Liadan led Primrose through her new home. She took care to avoid Oscar's private quarters- his study and other areas that were for his personal use- but was excited to show her everything else. Each room was exquisitely decorated. It was obvious that she had put a lot of thought- and a lot of money (Oscar's money)- into perfecting the look of each room. She'd had six months to work on it at this point, and she was very nearly finished. She pointed out specific antiques or objects she took special pride in. There were some thing she had bought from the estate- just to give Kerry Cove a touch of home- but most things were new (or at least new to Liadan) and over all she felt she had done an exquisite job of capturing the essence of Victorian pureblood life.

Her tour complete, she led Primrose to a room that had a large bay window overlooking the water. "I thought it would be nice to enjoy lunch with a view. The sun is shining so brightly for once- and it's nice to enjoy the view when it isn't dreary. Besides, the dining room is always so stiff and formal. Not that I have anything against formalities- we both know that they are among my favorite things- but this is a visit of entertainment and enjoyment!"

"Tell me, Primrose, did you enjoy your birthday?" Liadan asked. "I always enjoy having mine. This year, of course, I was a newlywed and otherwise distracted. I feel just terrible I am giving you a belated celebration- but we are both busy witches, are we not? You also must tell me more about what is going on with your legislature. I am trying very hard to learn more about wizarding laws. As the wife of a politician, I find it to be an important skill to possess!"

Primrose had never had an eye for interior design.  She didn't have the time or patience to decide if everything in her home matched. That's what you hired people to do.  It hadn't been long before she decided her bedroom would just be white.  It made things so much more simple.  Here it appeared a great deal of time and energy went into the task.  She supposed it was just transference.  Liadan had once been a prolific business woman.  She needed to occupy herself.

So, Prim listened intently, remarking on good taste and beauty when it seemed appropriate and marveled at the extensiveness.  It really just blew her away to imagine that it could be enjoyable.  Liadan had made so much more sense to her before. It didn't do well to dwell though.  It certainly seemed she came to this willingly and with enthusiasm.  Though, Prim was glad when it was over.  Not that she minded, but she ran out of compliments that she knew sounded correct, and she had made the choice to stop talking if there was a possibility of being wrong (few and far between moments of self-reflective clarity).

She smiled at Lia's assessment of formalities and clasped her hands behind her back as she looked toward the sunny window.  She squinted before adjusting and noticed the water outside.  How charming.  Her eyes drifted back to Lia.  "It was uneventful," she returned her friend's query and shrugged.  "I was in and out of meetings all day, which is how I suppose I might have wanted to spend it otherwise," she laughed lightly - as long as she got her way, anyway.  "But you don't need to worry," she waved her hand at the apology, "except for my parents' gifts, I hardly celebrate." 

Primrose was the prudish sort. Parties were frivolous and even the most simple of creatures aged. It was not an accomplishment worthy of large to-dos.  "A belated happy a birthday on my part as well then," though she was fairly certain her mother had added her name at the bottom of the owl on the day in question.  Primrose was notorious for forgetting such dates.  "The legislature is... Going," she tried to be diplomatic.

"There a bit of an unanticipated debate going on right now and refusal to see the truth of action needed, we are at a bit of a deadlock."  Primrose neglected to mention her unwavering dedication to her point of view was a large part of this problem.  "I'm sure Oscar would have limited interest in matters of werewolf safe housing though," she dropped just a tiny bit of it out there.  While his wife might have just been learning, Whitman was a smart man - and powerful. An ally never hurt anyone.  "Besides, the larger issue at hand is very hush-hush.  Interdepartmental," meant to be both placating for the time, but intriguing Prim hoped to plant the seed if inquiry from wife to husband.

"Enough about that though, " her smile was muted, "how is the search for a manager of the farm?"

"Hardly celebrate? Come now, Primrose! Birthdays are ever important. I have always enjoyed celebrating my own. Though, I suppose, once I reach a certain age I will be far less inclined to do so. But neither of us have reached that point in our lives, yet. You are still young and still quite striking in appearance- and I am still young and dainty in my own right- a little age won't hurt either of us. A bit of experience always adds a more distinguished, wizened look to a beautiful witch which  have always admired." Liadan had always loved the way her mother looked as she aged- growing older with grace and dignity. She hoped she could do the same.

Liadan clucked her tongue and shook her head at the mention of a refusal to see the truth. She had heard Oscar comment on such things in his own political dealings, and it was never a good thing. "Oh, I don't know Primrose. Oscar is very concerned about the safety of the general public. Keeping werewolves properly registered and maintained is a large part of that. I still remember how terrifying those werewolf attacks were last year- in broad daylight and everything. Dreadful, really, just dreadful."

She settled into a chair at the table and heaved a melodramatic sigh. "I will never understand these bleeding hearts who go on and on about the rights of werewolves and treating them as equals. The unadulterated fact of the matter is quite simple- werewolves are dangerous creatures, and they have no right to go about unregistered and willy-nilly, infecting others with their curse. I am not saying we should cage them up like animals permanently- just during their transformation. The safety of the general public certainly outweighs the safety and supposed rights of such a limited minority." Of course, Liadan was a harsher critic of different than most. It would not bother or offend Liadan to see werewolves slapped with an automatic death sentence. Such opinions were, however, better kept to oneself. Women had no place in politics, after all. Not that she would ever divulge that opinion to Primrose- it would be incredibly rude.

Hush-hush... Interdepartmental. The words did nothing but drown her in curiosity. Larger issue? How enticing it was to ask for more elaboration. Primrose's goal was certainly attained- Liadan made a mental note to badger Oscar about it when he got home. Even if he wasn't aware of what precisely was going on, he could likely find out for her.

"Oh, not very well I am afraid. It is just so very difficult to find someone worthy of relinquishing control to. It is a pity that my brother had to disgrace us the way that he did- this should all have been his responsibility. Had he behaved himself in matter befitting an O'Morain then I would never had to sully my hands with business the way that I have. It's not proper for a lady to be in charge of such a large enterprise, though I did my very best. I have many trusted employees on staff already- but none capable enough of making executive decisions and maintaining the accounting and profit levels to my standards."

"I have found someone to handle the books separately- a very shrewd old wizard who is part goblin. A good friend of my father's once upon a time- trusted with many of my family's endeavors in the past." Endeavors meaning illegal activity. But he had been excellent at it, and Liadan would not trust her money to a stranger. Besides, there were spells and wards and runes to insure that the wizard did his job the right way. Liadan would not be trifled with when it came to her money. "Mr. Balfour Spectre-the head of the beast division- did a routine inspection not too long ago. He sent me a list of suggestions for management, witches and wizards who are capable and trustworthy in his opinion. I am hoping it proves to be useful and aid me in finding the right person for the job." Right man for the job, really. Liadan was acutely aware of how underhanded and conniving women could be. She was one of them, after all.

Liadan glanced at the clock on the wall. "Lunch should be served within the next few minutes. I was astounded at the prowess Oscar's house elves have in the kitchen. Of course my own are very talented chefs as well- but his are certainly superior." Everything about Oscar was superior in Liadan's opinion. He was the epitome of perfection, after all.

 “It’s just another year passed to me,” Primrose shrugged, “but your appreciation for celebration is noted.”  Parties and hubbub just weren’t where Primrose found her footing. She wasn’t particularly socially skilled, always having had too big of a mouth and too fanatic ideas to be actively involved (politely) with people.  Plus, she preferred the company of animals to the company of people when it came down to the choice for a large gathering. 

Wasn’t it a famous turn of phrase: it’s lonely at the top?  If one wanted to make it to the upper echelons of the world, one had to be willing to be alone for most of it.  Had to be willing to offend some, make choices that would certainly hurt some feelings.  Primrose was completely willing to make those choices.  So, if playing to Liadan’s natural curiosity and her willingness to talk – which she seemed to completely out pace her own. 

It was funny, when she was around certain people, it was like her mouth never stopped moving – Alberic Grimm was one such person.  She could be relied upon to carry an entire conversation with him while he only muttered six words.  Liadan was providing most of the conversation in this case, however.  And she was playing right into what Primrose wanted to hear.  Liadan’s politics were not entirely dissimilar from her own, though she ventured to think she had taken much more effort to be aware as it was her job, and not the socialite’s to rally the troops and make change.

It just so happened that Liadan was in line with several people she would love to be in touch with, but lacked the social capital to do so.  “My main goal,” she added, as she took a seat across from Liadan, smoothing the thin fabric of her skirt over her legs, “is to strengthen the power of the ministry during changing time and adding stricter codes for registration and placement during the full moon.”  It was really a simple idea, as far as she was concerned, and wasn’t impeding the rights of anyone, really.  There were already problems with the way things were done.  “Many accidents happen because of faulty holding cages in the general public.  If they were made illegal, we could build more facilities run by the ministry.” 

Seeds of interest could be planted, ideas could weasel their way into a mind, and it didn’t seem a far reach from what Liadan had been saying that she would back up the opinion – not that she gave herself enough credit to do so.  Primrose thought it very strange that she didn’t think she was capable – or had a place in politics.  She’d been quite influential with her creature business, and now she was content to be a housewife.  Primrose’s mind would certainly melt.  But, she seemed happy and she had a very powerful husband.  So, that was good for Primrose. 

“I vaguely remember your brother, did a stint at Hogwarts as professor if I remember correctly, yes?” she asked with only mild curiosity.  She didn’t keep up with the scandals and things that went on – family was for that, and she did know they were not on good terms… but for what, she had no idea.  She raised her eyes at the mention of Spectre.  He was quite progressive, definitely didn’t agree with Primrose on much of anything.  Though he was influential and skilled, they did not see eye to eye.  “It sounds like you’re making promising progress then,” she appraised.  “I know it is not your main focus any longer, but my father is looking for a griffin.  Your advice would be welcome.” 

 That was a much better conversation than lunch, of course – especially about the superiority of house elves.  Mulling her jaw, she nodded.  “I look forward to it then,” she placated, since she didn’t interact with house elves at all or pay them mind, she didn’t have an opinion – or knowledge if they really could be superior to one another.  Weren’t they all almost the same?  Her brows furrowed in thought for a moment before she shook her head and dismissed the thought – unimportant. 

“It appears you’re happy though,” she turend her eyes back toward her with a serene look.  “Do you have any plans going forward – now that you’ve done your due diligence with Kerry Cove, and are in the process of finding management for the farm…?”

"Oh goodness! Do I ever know that feeling," Liadan said with a gay little laugh. "I've readily decided that I have no desire to grow any older. I know it is so very important for Oscar to have a pretty little wife- I cannot imagine allowing myself to get too old or too haggard." Liadan did not mean to insinuate those things about Primrose- though it likely sounded intentional. "I've decided that twenty-four is a formidable age. Old enough to not be trifled with, young enough to feign innocence whenever it benefits me." Of course, Liadan's size aided with that. Standing short of five feet tall, dressed in her very traditional witch wear, Liadan often appeared more like a porcelain doll or a child playing dress up rather than a fully adult witch.

Primrose settled in across from her, and she listened carefully as she spoke about wanting to add power the ministry- stricter regulations for the full moon. Liadan nodded fervently as Primrose spoke. "Yes, yes," she agreed. "It is a pity how many people have zero realization of the precise danger such creatures impose upon society!" (People could have made the same argument against Liadan when she had been illegally breeding dragons.) "Ministry run facilities seem a much safer alternative. Especially after all that mess with those strange wolves, the ones in the day time- when there wasn't even a full moon out. I remember the terror that spread through our society when that happened."

"I doubt I would have very much clout," Liadan said, "but if there ever was a way that I could aid your cause I would be more than happy to do so. If you need funds or anything of that nature I am certain I would be fully capable of lending to the cause. I may not be the most knowledgeable about politics, but I know enough to be aware that money talks- and often times it talks loudly."

Liadan visibly winced when Primrose mentioned her brother. Her posture stiffened and her lip curled- almost in a snarl. It was merely a flash of emotion- but the flash lasted long enough to be noticed. It look Liadan longer than she would have liked to reign it in. "Did he?" Liadan asked curiously, crossing her ankles under the table. She tilted her head to the side and twisted a bit of blonde hair around her finger. "I haven't any children at Hogwarts, so I do not keep up with their ever-changing staff..." She made a dismissive gesture and smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles of her skirt. "Certainly he did not last long. My brother was never very well known for his ability to commit or succeed. The last that I heard of him-" of him, not from him, "was that he had a small shop in Hogsmeade. He's also raising that bastard child of his," Liadan added conversationally. "He always was a magnet for scandal." Liadan had heard the ripples of society when he had gotten that pureblood woman pregnant- heard them again when he had been refused to be allowed to marry her- and yet again whenever she pawned the boy off on Declan again in order to marry another influential man. Liadan was simply glad Oscar had no such skeletons for her to deal with.

Her agitation diminished as there was a change in conversation. "Griffins! Oh, yes, I would love to help in any way that I can! What specific need does he have for a griffin? Does he race them or ride them- or simply for show? It all makes a difference. Have him send an owl and I will insure that he finds the right sort of creature for his particular need. The breeding changes with each particular purpose. As well as price, of course," Liadan added.

Liadan clapped gaily. "Happy as a lark!" she assured Primrose. "I never could have imagined it, really. Oh- you were raised in the same circles a I was. Mother always taught me marriages were contractual. You married a man of proper breeding to preserve wealth and reputation- she always told me the best I could hope for was mutual respect. I remember once, when I was very young, I asked her if she loved my father. She told me that love had no place in a proper marriage. Oh, how wrong she turned out to be! I am not one to be sentimental- it never was in my nature- but I certainly do love Oscar. It happened so suddenly!" Liadan wanted to tell her the story about how she had returned his cuff link to him a the ministry- the way he strode across the room, full of pride, and kissed her then and there in his office. That was the moment she realized she loved him. But that was a private moment, something too dear to her heart to share with someone she was not as close with as she was to Melly and Lotte.

"Oh, I've plenty of plans," Liadan told her. "I'm sure they seem so trite. The same plans most women of my stature and breeding have. Children, naturally. I have told Oscar I should like to have at least two boys and one girl. An heir, naturally. I would love to groom one of my sons to run my family business. And a daughter for myself- selfish, I am sure, but I would hate to over-mother my sons. That is not a concern with a little girl. Besides, it would be so fun to dress her up the way my mother used to dress me up! I always did love it when she had new dresses made for me." Liadan took for granted that her children would follow in her purist, traditional foot steps. The idea of them stepping out of line had not occurred to her. And if they ever did, she would do as her parents had done- cut them off and oust them. It was the pureblood way, of course.