GARDENS & FIELD

[JANE EYRE]

"If and when the opportunity of re-election arises I certainly plan to pursue it,"

Jane nodded. She still knew little of politics and until she was naturalized, she doubted that she would have any interest in them. She could fake interest in them, but that was about it. They were all so very complicated in her opinion, too complicated for her to grasp really. Once she could, Jane would vote, but not anything else. There wasn't anything else for her to do. Lobbying and protesting wasn't something she had the heart for.

"As for a different option, I have been involved in politics all my life, as have the rest of my family - other options have never really been a matter for consideration."

Jane could relate to that. All she ever had really was teaching, not much else. It wasn't a family business, really, but it was all she had at the time.

"You'll find something," Jane said confidently, nodding her head a little. "Everyone has something that's just for them and I'm sure you'll find it."

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

"You'll find something. Everyone has something that's just for them and I'm sure you'll find it."

Richard nodded and laughed a little at this, not simply at Jane's surprising enthusiasm for his affairs but, inwardly, at her lack of comprehension. That was what he intended, of course, but that made it all the more amusing. What was just for him was power - at least, that is what he had made to be just for him, plotting, planning and murdering his way to the top.

However, the crimes he had committed were not open for discussion or on his list of approvable accomplishments. In truth, outside of his fulfilled plans and schemes in motion, his publicly known accomplishments were few and far between. However some of his talents in the criminal field had worked their way into his public image over the years, as his next statement indicated.

"You know, I do recall there was a time I considered becoming an actor," he said in a reflective tone. "When I was at university. But it would seem rather strange, don't you think, to return to the stage after so long?"

As if he would actually consider the possibility. Acting was as much a part of his life as it had ever been, career-wise and not, and besides, he could not rest until he saw Hector ousted from the seat of power Richard saw as rightfully his.

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

Now free of the confines of the library, Monte Cristo strolled at a leisurely pace into the gardens, with Monica's hand in his. They had had a most interesting conversation before, and the Count had suggested that they go outside, to enjoy the night air. The gardens did turn out to be rather beautiful and the setting ideal.

Monte Cristo was not sure what it was that had led him to suggest the gardens, but it seemed to have been successful. He wanted to learn more about Monica, and the best way to do so often was in more comfortable environments. As they both loved books, the library had served this purpose, but he also took her for a romantic. What better way to lure out one's romantic side than a quiet walk beneath the stars?

There was another benefit to this choice as well, one Monte Cristo had not expected, but welcomed happily. There were two figures already in the garden - none other than his closest friend and the young woman he had begun to view as a sister, both of whom he had been hoping to see at this party. The count could not help smiling as he saw them, and he gave Monica's hand a gentle squeeze to get her attention.

"I hope you don't mind spending a few minutes with those people over there. They're acquaintances of mine who I'd like to say hello to." He gestured toward Richard and Jane, and, if they saw him, gave a small wave as well. Both were welcome to come over and say hello themselves, as Monte Cristo was not far from them at all.

[BEATRICE MONICA HECATE]

She had been fixed on what the walk that she and Monte Cristo had taken. The gardens had been a pleasant choice, the movement of things going at a pace that she felt comfortable. When she saw her current suitor halted, she looked towards the people he had mentioned. A small smile creased her lips as she curled a strand of hair on her finger. These little actions had been happening to her all the walk out of the library and into the hall were she kept simple chatter her forte.

She was never much of a talkative parrot. So now she hoped that she had not committed an error to her person. Her head turning as she had a rosy complexion of pure happiness. “No I do not mind, All friends of yours must be very interesting people to meet so I say I have no problem at all “she said squeezing his hand back. The way his hand felt with her own , seemed almost magical. Like if they were one for the other, or was she dreaming to much. But reality and dreams went both in pairs.

She had always been a dreamer , even when she was a child. She found dreams to be the solid base for new experiences. Plus dreams also showed teachings too, so she was not all wrong to think that life was but a dream and that dreams are also realities. She saw now with a more clear eye that the two friends he mentioned were the former mayor, and someone else that she had no knowledge of but would soon find out who she was.

[RICHARD PLANTAGENET]

It was as Richard awaited a reply that he noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head he was able to make out two figures, hand in hand, moving towards where he and Jane sat. As they drew nearer he was surprised to find he recognized one of them - none other than the Count of Monte Cristo himself.

Ever since the Capulet Ball Richard had been of the impression that the count attended such events as these for similar purposes as himself, networking primarily. But there was something altogether different about Monte Cristo's demeanour with this woman but Richard knew the count well enough (and was respectful enough, villain though he was) to know not to pry.

Richard nodded as the count waved, acknowledgement that he had noticed the gesture. Having done so he turned back to Jane and addressed her with a small smile.

"If you wouldn't mind, Miss Eyre, I wish to speak with this gentleman. I trust you wouldn't mind if I were to introduce you?"

Having said this Richard got to his feet and made the short walk towards the count and his companion, giving a polite nod of his head in greeting.

"A pleasure to see you again, sir," he addressed the count before turning to the woman at his side. "And a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Allow me to introduce Miss Jane Eyre."

Of course, Richard was unaware of Monte Cristo and Jane's relationship or else he would not have been so foolish as to make the introduction he had.

[JANE EYRE]

"If you wouldn't mind, Miss Eyre, I wish to speak with this gentleman. I trust you wouldn't mind if I were to introduce you?"

Jane turned her head about the same time as Mr. Plantagenet to look at whoever was walking towards them. Her face lit up and broke out into a wide smile. She stood up on her toothpick legs, a bit rickety as she steadied herself. Mr. Plantagenet didn't give her a chance to respond so she just followed as quickly as she could. her legs were still full of pins and needles from overuse.

She walked over to the pair, smiling at the woman at Monte Cristo's side then turning to give him a coy, teasing look. "Happy New Year." Jane said with a smile, rising onto her toes to kiss his cheek hello. As she pulled back, hand resting on his arm to steady herself, she gave him a curious look and flicked her eyes to the woman. Jane wanted to know when he had found a lady friend.

"A pleasure to see you again, sir, and a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Allow me to introduce Miss Jane Eyre."

"Monte Cristo and I know each other, Mr. Plantagenet, but thank you." Jane smiled at him and held out her hand to the woman. "I'm Jane Eyre, it's a pleasure to meet you."

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

The evening could not have been more perfect if Monte Cristo had planned it himself. He had met a wonderful woman in Monica, and his two closest friends had been introduced to each other. He wondered how they were getting along; Jane and Richard certainly had two very different personalities.

He smiled when Monica agreed to join the two, as he was quite eager to greet them. He had no intention of leaving her side, though. He had become quite comfortable next to her, her hand in his own. For once, he did not feel self-conscious about being seen walking this way, and in any case, he was among friends, was he not?

Richard and Jane came over to greet them, with Richard giving a nod and Jane giving his cheek a kiss. He smiled and squeezed her shoulder lightly with his free hand. She looked fairly well, as did Richard. That was all one could ask for at times.

Introductions were made, and Monte Cristo gestured to his new acquaintance with a smile. He was unaware of it at the moment, but he did appear a bit more relaxed than usual, even in a party atmosphere such as this one. "Monica, these are my dear friends, Richard and Jane. Richard, Jane, may I present Monica."