"Italian and general philosophy, with a focus on a breadth of knowledge in simple terms I was a veracious reader and had many interests. My education was classically broad in many areas of the great thoughts of human civilization but learning how to learn was the greatest gift my mother gave me. I know for  governess its an odd thing to hold such a degree but you teach a child well through young adulthood they will grow to a strong tree full of the fruits of knowledge, according to my mother. I'm proof of her methods and her charges all are successful in furthering their educations throughout their lives as well.," Cecelia took his arm speaking as they walked.

"Well, I can only think of a single family in Collinsport that would require the services of such a distinguished and highly educated governess," Prof. Willoughy risked a guess. "Or am I mistaken?"

OOC: the coffee shop is just downstairs from the room, right?

occ: Separate thread.

OOC: Should we finish this conversation here, and then move to the other topic, or move right away?

occ: we have to go outside to get there so one more bit of talk, enjoying the evening then post at the coffee shop.

"Well maybe another family hired me, of course, most around here couldn't afford me save one family in addition we have a say in who we attach to and with my mothers and earlier governesses in my family serving the best families, my standards are pretty high. One of the oldest and wealthiest families in America definitely counts.

Its a nice evening, a bit foggy, is that common in this area Professor its a good thing we can see the coffee shop.," Cecelia said as they walked to the outside and towards the shop.

In reply to Cecelia Rryn (msg # 10):

(OOC: No seriously there's a door in the lobby of the inn that leads straight to the coffee shop)

occ: Neither location says that in the description. :P

In reply to Cecelia Rryn (msg # 12):

(OOC: I said it two days ago in the OCC thread.)

occ: Not IN the description of either location where I look for these things. Not in the OC thread which is OCC and I wasn't reading it regularly.

(OCC: things that are OCC, I try to put in the OCC thread, because they are OCC and it is the OCC thread. Now that this little OCC discussion is over, I will continue to do so in future.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:31, Mon 04 Dec 2017.

Harry stalks up to the front desk and rings the bell. "Trudy! Need a room," she bellows. "Ship needs repairs. Be a few days."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:59, Sat 09 Dec 2017.

In reply to Harriet MacLeod (aka 'Harry') (msg # 16):

Trudy the innkeeper winced at the loud noise, and checked Harry in, assigning her room number 7.

-From the diner

---

The Amber haired man followed Harry out and was slightly surprised to catch her still at the counter. He had been sure in her haste, she'd been up towards her room but he'd not look a gifted horse in the face.

The lad slowed his step, stood straight and approached Harry with a warm smile.

"Lady Harry," Bigby lead with still holding his smile, bowing his head slightly.

"If'n I may, you seem knowledgeable of this area and I was curious if I could glean some local lore," Bigby inquired with emerald eyes shining, matching his smile.

Harry slings her duffle and ditty bags over one shoulder and eyes the man in front of her. "Don't know nothing about nobody," she tells him in a hostile tone, "and I sure as hell ain't no lady."

Later she came by to leave a wakeup call for six in the morning, it wasn't a day off she can't sleep in then retire to her room locking the window and closing the curtain, she changing into her sleep gown. Then getting some much needed sleep.

zzzzzzzzzzz ....

In the morning, there's a message from Collinwood, the great house atop Widow's Hill, that says that there'll be a brief delay, and to please have a leisurely breakfast, and that the car will be there soon, and that Mrs. Collins is looking forward to meeting with you.

The funny thing is that the message isn't just for Cecelia-- the innkeeper was told to give the same message to each guest-- not just Cecelia, but also specifically inviting Bigby Macintyre, Harriet 'Harry' MacLeod, and Prof. Everett Willoughby.

To Harry, there was an added message: to come to Collinwood today would involve, specifically, a job offer, and financial renumeration for her time in listening to it, whether Harry takes the job offer or not.

No one minds the suggestion that they can take their time with breakfast, but everyone is surprised at the idea that apparently they are ALL meant to take the car up to Collinwood.

When, after 9:30 am, the car finally arrived-- a very large and roomy Cadillac-- it was driven by a young man who said he was the family chauffeur, one Willie Loomis-- A sort of round-faced fellow with slightly squinty eyes and blond hair, Cecelia noted, so very much not the same person she'd seen in the window the night before.

"Ah wanna apologize for the delay, to alla you..." he says in his New England accent, "but Miz Collins' granddaughter's run off somewhere, and we've been lookin' for 'er... still ha'n't found 'er yet, but Miz Collins said it was high time Ah come get ya anyways... Ah... Ah hope ya will all come? She's kinda desperate to talk to all four'a ya... t'day, sp'cific'ly..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:00, Fri 15 Dec 2017.

Bigby hadn't expected anything the night before but he had gained some information from the dining couple and a potential contact in Harry.

His attempt to gain information from Harry had failed but he hadn't expected to gain her trust right out the gate afterall Harry seemed more worldly than those he usually approached. Choosing to leave under a good impression, Bigby hadn't pushed too hard instead having apologized for bothering Harry and retired to his chamber.

Shortly after coming down from his room Bigby received his notice. He hadn't advertised his arrival and the fact he had been summoned by name worried the man more because he wasn't native and only knew the Collins as a tourist might.

Bigby ordered breakfast, choosing to pick a lighter plate option. He wanted to not be weighed down incase for some reason he needed an out. He wasn't used to being at a social disadvantage.

After finishing his sparse meal he greeted the driver upon arrival wit a tip of his cap. The kid seemed nervous and in response Bigby flashed a warm, disarming smile.

"Worry not, what kinda gent wouldn't heed a woman in need's hails," Bigby spoke with confidence, perhaps more than he felt. The amber haired man felt a trap was at hand, one he could have earned. The only easing thought was that he wasn't the only one summoned.

" I do have one inquiry, did the Lady perhaps mentioned how we know each other?"Bigby inquired with no expectation for an answer.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Thu 14 Dec 2017.

Loomis gave Bigby a weary look. "Ya wouldn' believe me if ah told ya," he said. Was his accent shifting to Manhattan? Or was it really more of a Southern Gothic thing? It was hard to say. "Uh, honestly, I think she got yer actual names from the innkeeper, if that helps..."

The chauffeur's dodgy attitude wasn't missed, nor was his accent changed. Bigby had been pulled into traps often enough to be atleast moderately cautious but with their numbers he didn't figure that was what this was.

~Well atleast  they know how to pique someone's interest~, thought Bigby as he nodded to the driver as he spoke.

"It's a'right, kid...ye don't needa fret. I won't dig further.", said Bigby with a smirk. The information Bigby wanted he doubt he'd find with their driver anyhow.

Prof. Willoughby spent the early morning hours walking and talking with Ms. Rryn - although it was mostly the young governess who did the talking.

The Professor isn't surprised by the arrival of the car (he was expecting it), but he is certainly surprised by the inclusion of other people apart from him and the governess.

"I'm Professor Willoughby, from Boston," he (always the gentleman) introduces himself to Bigby and Harry. Just in case.

Cecelia told the Professor to call her CiCi all her family and friends did and well saw no reason to not let Everett do so. She talked mostly about her time in Spain and mentioned her time with a wonderful older woman named Maria she was very fond of, a cook in a member of the Spanish royal family, she met strolling in one of the parks near the university. He is getting it was far more than being friends but she doesn't say that they were lovers out loud but the possibility is there. Anyway she had oatmeal, four pieces of toast dark with butter and jelly and a Danish with coffee she enjoyed the meal tipping the waitress fifteen percent.

Then went out to meet the care noting ,"Well you better find the girl, if I'm to watch her I need to meet her, I hope she is okay."

"Girl's a godforsaken Collins," Harry drawls, tucking a greenish pinch of something shredded between cheek and gum. "Anyone think to check the damn graveyard?" She glares lingeringly at Willie Loomis, then spits at his feet. "Pray she left the grounds. Ain't never gonna find her in that house."

Willie shrugs. "So y'all ready to go?"

Harry snorts derisively. "Can walk there faster than you can drive it, Willie Loomis." She spits again, this time nearly hitting the shoe of the prospective governess. "Crooked path adds miles to the trip, but the old straight track runs true."

Upon noticing the others, Bigby inclined his head and tipped his cap and flashed Harry a warm smile. While he frequented parties, this certainly was a colorful group. Bugs affirmed his readiness to travel and looked to the others.

"It may be faster to walk but it's never polite to turn down service!", Bigby spoke as if trying for informative while letting some subtle sarcasm into his voice and besides, Bigby wanted a leisurely way to get a better lay of the land.

"Ladies, First." Bigby stated smiling at the Baroness and Harry but holding his emerald eyes on Harry, taunting.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:04, Mon 18 Dec 2017.