Wizarding France, Around 10am; Residence of the d''Aubignes

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The coach might have been shirked for dinner the previous evening; however, with miles of travel on the plans for today, it was somewhat necessary. And a pureblood lady like Miss O Morain would have likely been horrified by his car, much to his disappointment; he'd been rather enjoying speeding around with Johann in the passenger seat.

However, dinner with the young lady had been entirely pleasant and amusing, and as such Vedir was looking forward to this excursion - and not just because the pretense of the other passenger promised some interesting personality clashes.

"Really, Johann, you shouldn't let your relative's comments bother you," he told his younger servant, amusement coloring his tone. He'd spent a very entertaining  evening in the presense of Johann's cousins, flirting with the tittering ladies and laughing as the boy's family seemed to assume they had a different relationship than simply being friends. How right they were! But they had no reason to know that, yet, and neither did Johann. But teasing the young man all week was really making this vacation worth it.

He'd insisted the younger man dress well for this occasion, much like he himself; his attire was his usual fashionable suit.

Sitting in the carriage across from Johann, Vedir looked out the window. The coach wasn't flying today; rather, it had been hitched to a team of actual draft horses. The interior had its windows open, letting in the sunlight and the scenery.

"The d'Aubignes will like you, I'm sure," he told Johann as the house approached. "Lovely young ladies; afraid I didn't see them at their best last night. You will have to be careful around Miss O Morain, however; she is quite the conservative lady, though a sharp one as well."

Wednesday evening had been a nervous moment for Johann. He'd been to see his family on the Tuesday, calling round at the Duerr household in their farmhouse which was a mile or so from the next house, nestled in a valley of rolling hills, walls a foot thick of stone. It belonged to his uncle, Martijn, his mother's older brother, and his wife Margo. Together they'd had five children, Alix, responsible, 29, working for the French wizarding bank, Noelie, 24, mischief and beauty, brewing potions for apothecaries and wizard shops around France, Sandrine and Yanis, the twins, 22, who both worked for the French Ministry and finally Sylvie, 16, who was still at Beauxbatons, and by her age difference, notably a happy mistake.

Apart from Sylvie none of the other Duerr children lived with their parents, so the house felt empty. On Wednesday night however, it had felt like it had been magically enlarged again, as all five children arrived, and Florine, Johann's other aunt, and her husband, Thomas Bayard, had brought their two daughters, Ondine, 19, and Perle, 15 to join the gathering. He'd half expected to see his parents turn up, but they were away working still in northern Europe.

Vedir had arrived to dinner with a household of eleven, plus Johann, making thirteen, which Ondine, a seer embarking on her career professionally, had been nervous about. Noelie and Sandrine had spent the previous few hours winding Johann up about the way he spoke of Vedir, convinced they were a couple. Johann, hadn't denied it wholeheartedly, given the trip over. Noelie had made up for things in advance by restocking him with sleeping potion meant for the hospital. Her discretion appreciated by Johann.

The family had liked Vedir very much, which Johann had been glad of, but by the end of the evening - despite Prideaux's flirting with Noelie and Sandrine (while older brother Alix and twin brother Yanis stared at him in mild alarm, and younger sister Sylvie agape at her sisters' reaction with blushes and eye lash fluttering) - even Martijn had asked Johann since if Vedir was more than Johann's employer.

Despite knowing about the extended family's bet on his own romantic preference, Johann had wondered about how other people saw them, and began to wonder if he was missing something right under his nose.

Sat opposite Vedir in the carriage, Johann felt particularly smart. Not that didn't usually dress well with shirts, but more today than ever. Possibly because Vedir had a minor hand in things, and Johann had found himself blushing at any compliment. He hadn't even blushed the other evening when Sylvie, a little under the weather on Wednesday, had tucked herself up against him on the sofa in the Duerr living and nodded off under his arm until he'd seen Vedir looking his way. The small part of him that was struggling to come to light had told him he'd very much like to do the same to Vedir, which had to be down to the wine they were drinking, rather than the sixteen year old under his arm or the fact his employer was making eye contact.

Like he was making now…

"I hope they do," Johann echoed, "wouldn't want to get between you." There was an edge to his voice and he dropped his eyes a moment, adding "So conservative you took the carriage and not one of your cars?" Over the past few days Johann had been like a sponge to knowledge of cars from Vedir who adored them. If she was conservative and didn't appreciate Vedir's love of Muggle mastery in metal, then Merlin, they should have come in the car, and she could have seen Vedir for who he was… which of course was Johann's employer who he was enjoying spending increasing amounts of time with.

Nothing else.

Lies.

This was going to be fun; he could tell that already. Vedir smiled cheerfully at Johann, apparently ignoring the young man's tone.

"Ah, she is not the type to appreciate such things, you see. It's best not to advertise one's eccentricities too broadly, in high society; especially if one wishes to be taken seriously," he explained. The coach came to a halt before the door of the mansion and Vedir stood gesturing for Johann to follow him. "You should never be seen as too fond of any one side, Johann; it gives you more flexibility."

They exited the coach, strolling to the door, Vedir adjusting his coat absently as the young lady in question was sent for.

The night before, when Vedir had taken her to dinner, her family had been all a twitter. Her cousins had been crowing at how handsome Vedir Prideaux was, and had forced her into a dress that wasn't really her style. When they discovered that the two of them had another date the following day- to tour vineyards and wineries no less- the flurry of activity in the house had been comical. Liadan had spent all morning being pinched and prodded, stuffed into and pulled out of more dresses than she could have ever imagined.

Eventually she had settled on a pale blue dress of lace that came half way down her calves, paired with a simple diamond necklace and earrings. It had taken a while for her to decide on shoes, but Liadan found a suitable pair of flats. She liked wearing flats on dates or around men that were attractive. It seemed to make them feel like they needed to protect her because she was so small, and often made her seem less intimidating. Lastly Liadan had carefully tight a ribbon in her hair so that it would lay over one shoulder and stay out of her face, and applied very light make up. All in all, she was satisfied with her appearance. Light and airy, and neither too formal or too informal for the activities ahead. Basically- Liadan felt as though she looked pretty. Which was very important.

The house elf came to fetch her from her room after Vedir had arrived, and when she came down the stairs to the entry hallway, she paused- blinking when she saw that Vedir was not alone. In fact, he was with another man. Liadan had assumed that it was going to be just the two of them- a private date, a day together. That was what she had been looking forward to. Liadan was also not sure how to interpret the fact that she was going out with two men. But, it was better he bring a man than bring a woman. Wasn't it?

It took only a moment for Liadan to resume moving, smiling sweetly at both men. She came to a halt in front of them- careful to plant herself mostly in the middle. "Good morning, Mr. Prideaux," she greeted, then waited patiently for him to introduce her to his friend.

Why Vedir couldn't have left Johann out of this little visit, Johann wasn't sure as he obediently stepped out and waited to greet Miss Ó Móráin side by side with Vedir.

Johann could have sworn Ó Móráin thought the same thing as she clapped eyes on Johann stood with his gaze lowered initially, until he heard her approach.

"Johann Storm, Madam." He introduced himself, giving a respectful half bow, because shaking a lady's hand might seem out of place, especially a lady dressed as she was, before such a grand residence. "Good morning to you." He wasn't so sure about introducing himself as Vedir's employee - after all it might look odd for Vedir to bring his employee and Ó Móráin might think he was a servant to order around. On the contrary, only Vedir could do that, and Johann was generally obliging - but only intellectual requests.

"Miss O Morain, good morning," Vedir said cheerfully, gesturing for Johann to introduce himself. When the young man had, he shot him a quick smile; hand Johann attempted to shake her hand, he'd ave stopped him. No use in having the poor boy hexed so soon.

"My assistant," he explained. "If it's not too much trouble, I had hoped to have him join us for some of today's tour. He's a personal project, if you like," he added, smile turning charmingly wry. "His mind could do with some expansion!"

He took her hand, kissing the top of it. "I can, of course, send him away if you would prefer to be alone," he jested, hearing tittering from the top of the stairs. "And I'm afraid you'll have to be inconvenienced by my coach, as my other methods of transport were simply not suitable."

Liadan smiled at Johann. "Good morning Mr. Storm, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." But her attentions were quickly diverted as Vedir kissed her hand and spoke again- explaining away this intruder as his assistant. Personal project? Mind needed expanding? Oh, how generous Vedir must be to take such an interest in his employees! She smiled sweetly whenever she heard the explanation- a genuine smile- and turned to Johann.

"Do not worry, Mr. Storm, I have no intentions of asking Mr. Prideaux to send you away. I would hate to deprive anyone the chance of touring France's finest wineries and vineyards." Besides- he was an assistant, so she had no reason to be concerned. And he wasn't handsome at all- not like Vedir, so she knew that Prideaux was not all threatened by him. If Vedir was not threatened by the man's presence, then neither was she.

When he mentioned the coach, the tittering upstairs stopped and she heard feet scurrying toward the windows to have a peek. "Not at all an inconvenience, I assure you. I would much prefer a nice ride to taking the floo or apparating- especially on a day as fine as this one. Though I am quite certain that whatever method of transports would have been quite suitable," Liadan assured Vedir.

"I would invite you in to properly meet the rest of my family, but I am afraid that we would be held up for the rest of the day," she explained to both men in a quiet. "And I would much prefer to spend the day outside of the watchful eyes of my cousins."

"So Kind." Johann echoed as Liadan assured him he would not be sent away. He meant it, a bit, but not wholeheartedly.

At the mention of cousins, Johann's eyes glanced at the the windows of the building for onlookers. Undoubtedly the fact the two men were greeting Liadan had raised some eyebrows. Johann had the distinct impression he was the third party in courting. As long as that was the case and Vedir wasn't attempting to suggest Liadan was a good match for Johann. No, so very unlikely.

Turning, he followed the other two back to the carriage, so they could set off for the day.

"Very well then; shall we be off?" He gestured for the two of them to head to the door, and they headed to the yard, where the coach was parked. Vedir allowed Johann to get in first, and then offered Liadan his hand, aiding her step up into the large and lavish interior.

"I had thought to stop by the Château de Foreaux, first," he explained, taking his seat on the far couch. "Have you ever visited there, Miss O Morain? I have to confess I've never had the chance - never had the time, on my other trips."

The coach rocked gently as the horses started off, picking up speed until they were at full gallop away from the manor, heading off into the countryside.

Liadan allowed Vedir to lead her to the carriage, and she was soon settled in next to Johan with Vedir perched carefully across from them. She was careful to arrange her dress so as to not expose any excess leg, and smiled when he mentioned the Château de Foreaux. "Years ago," she said to Vedir. "I admit that I haven't been to any vineyards the past couple of years I've been visiting in France." Mostly because her aunt had finally quit forcing her to go after one of the men who owned one had found a wife other than Liadan.

"The coach is quite lovely though, Mr. Prideaux," she told him. "Very comfortable and lavish. The horses were magnificent as well. I have always loved riding in a carriage!" Were they alone, Liadan would have confessed it was because it made her feel much like a princess- but with Johann there, it was not the place for such personal confessions.

She found the coach to be quite comfortable, and the view of the countryside flying by was nice. "Is this your first visit to France?" she asked of Johann, unsure of what else to talk about. She did not want to ignore the man- that would be incredibly rude, though she had a feeling were he not here that she would feel much less awkward about the situation.

"...Château de Foreaux...."
"...vineyards..."

Johann listened passively to the conversation, picking up on the possibility of alcohol. He had promised to bring Hannah back some wine, but he had a feeling where they were going enjoyed the dusty bottle type that cost a small fortune to buy. Lia and Vedir both had expensive tastes.

"Is this your first visit to France?"

"Not at all." Johann replied to Liadan's question. "I worked here for some time in Paris, and have family in this region. You have a very comfortable estate I see, yet another in Britain. Farming must be profitable." Johann quipped, smiling sweetly even though the comment was ever so slightly rude. As usual, he was oblivious to the fact it could be taken as such.

"Spent months working for a perfumer. Wish I could tell you the scent you were wearing, Miss Ó Móráin, but it wasn't my nose I was employed for." Johann gave a boyish smile. Juliette could have told them probably, she had an exquisite nose... for a smell... and on her face.

"You said you holiday here regularly?" He asked Lia in return politely, folding his hands into his lap and attempting genuine interest. After all, she wasn't a bad lady, she was one of Vedir's friends. Just because Vedir was making eyes at the woman didn't count... and it wasn't like Johann was being brought along to act as assurance the two of them wouldn't jump each other the minute the coach door closed and they departed from the house.

At least he better not be.

Liadan nodded when he said he had worked in Paris. Liadan was fond of Paris. She loved the fashion and the people and the cuisine. It was a fine city. She was just about to comment on how wonderful it must have been to work in Paris when he made some comment about farming being profitable. She stiffened, and sat up straighter- posture noticeably different as she tilted her head at him. His comments about working for a perfumer were not heard as she struggled to reign in the agitation.

She cast one glance at Vedir, clearly indicating that she was not amused at being insulted by a man she had never met who did not have a reputation which preceded him (at least not a reputation that she was aware of). "I can assure you, Mr. Storm, that my family's profits came from more than just farming. Besides-" she added, "my mother's family has a different source of income than my father's family. The d'Aubigne's do not raise magical creatures. Their estate was procured through other means." Really, how foolish of him!

Then he asked if she holidayed in France regularly. Liadan had no desire to answer. But knew that having a tantrum would make her look bad to Vedir- which she could not allow to happen. "Oh yes, I love to spend holidays with my family here," she said. "Whenever I can tear myself out of the stables, that is," she added bitterly, tucking a bit of hair behind her ear and giving him a wicked smile.

Vedir's smile remained firmly in place as he watched the two talk. They were looking to be every bit as entertaining as he'd hoped.

"Farming," he said simply, "Really, Johann," his tone was teasing, his discipline of the younger man clearly light. "Though frankly, I cannot imagine Miss O Morain in a stable too readily, even for pleasure," he added. "I really must socialize you around ladies more, Johann. You're far too used to men!"

He nodded to Liadan. "I apologize, Miss O Morain. He means you no offense," he said, and reached over, patting Johann on the knee.

To Johann's surprise, their female companion ridiculed his statement about her wealth and holidaying. His face twisted into surprise.

"Farming," Vedir spoke, "Really, Johann, though frankly, I cannot imagine Miss Ó Móráin in a stable too readily, even for pleasure, I really must socialize you around ladies more, Johann. You're far too used to men!"

What?! Johann stared at Vedir despite himself. He was perfectly fine around ladies. He had more female friends than one could shake a stick at, not a wand obviously, that could be classed as cheating, but still. They seemed to reckon he was safe company, he wasn't interested in trying to take them home or flirt with them which could irritate them. Well, not until recently, and he wasn't sure he liked the newly awoken part of him that suggested he say or do things in that way.

"I apologize, Miss Ó Móráin. He means you no offense," Vedir assured Liadan. Johann followed Vedir's gaze and clocked the expression, jumping as Vedir patted him on the knee unexpectedly.

Johann crossed one leg over the other and folded his arms, a little sulkily. He'd been trying to make polite conversation, but clearly everything was against him. He wasn't quite sure still why he'd been brought along, and if things were going to go so well with conversation, he either needed to get drunk, or get the other two drunk, or purposely distance himself all day. All in all, not fantastic prospects.

"Sorry,  Miss Ó Móráin." He uttered and lowered his gaze, arms and legs still crossed defensively. There was a pause and he shot a pointed look at Vedir, to indicate he might want to pick up conversation with his beloved new girlfriend. With any luck they'd arrive soon.

Liadan wondered what kind of man this was if h was not socialized around women at his particular age. It seemed quite uncouth to be so poorly socialized. Really- even her animals likely had better manners. But he was Vedir's manservant- likely a charity case. Perhaps he just had not the same advantages growing up. Then again- as far as Liadan was concerned this Johann was not overly attractive- so perhaps women just hadn't bothered to speak to him of their own volition.

But Vedir was quick to apologize for the man, and his charming smile and jovial spirits helped to alleviate her hurt feelings. She certainly could not be cross with Vedir simply because his friend was so entirely offensive. Especially when Vedir seemed to be in such grand spirits and had already spent the night before wooing her- quite effectively. Liadan was hoping that this was just part of the song and dance of pureblood courting- and not a misplaced affection on his part. Surely Vedir had to know from her reputation that she did not lend her own attentions to men so readily.

"It really is a beautiful day," she commented, peering at the countryside. The best way to handle this situation was to simply change the subject- and not to make anymore snarky comments to the third wheel. "Tell me, Vedir, what else have you planned for such a beautiful day?" she asked, averting her gaze to him and offering a sweet smile.