Chapter 6: False expectations

Once the office was clean enough to work in, I settle into my desk and start setting it up. Deven was still hanging around, organizing books. "Hay Primm?" I look up at him from the desk. He seems to be deep in though. "Yes? What is it?" "I'm sorry you can't inherit the title..." What is he talking about? "I never wanted the title." "You don't? Why not? You've always been smarter than me... I bet you would be a better fit than me." I didn't know he was so down on himself. He always acted so confident. "Do you not want the title?" His face twists a bit between confusion and concentration. "Um... I don't realy know... I mean, it's not like I have a choice so I never thought about it." Well, that sounds familiar... "Why don't you think on it for a bit. I know you feel like it's something you have to do but your opinion should be taken into account." I think back on my conversation with Vincent. He also said that he didn't have a choice. "I am a woman... A woman is expected to get married, have children and take care of matters of the house... I chose not do do what is expected of me. I know it's going to be hard but I made my CHOICE and I've going to stand by it."

Deven didn't say anything after that. He stayed in the office, organizing books in silence. He looked over at me from time to time as I worked but didn't speak the whole time... A few hours later, Layla came back. I didn't have a chance to inform her about the office since I only just found out about it so it took her a while to find me. Once she did, she came in with a smile. "My lady, I'm back with the supplies! Congratulations on the office! This is so nice..." She looked over at the book shelf and noticed Deven. "Oh! My Lord! I didn't see you there!" Deven smiled and walked over to the desk. "Hay Layla." He waved to Layla then turned to me. "I'm gunna get going sis. I'll see you later." I smile up at him from behind a stack of papers. "Ok, thank yoy for helping me with the office! I really appreciate it!" He nodds and goes to turn around, then pauses. "Hay... What if I don't want it?" Hus question had me confused for a moment until I realized what he was talking about. He must be talking about the title... "If you don't want it then you need to tell father. I'm sure he would have questions but I don't think he would force you to do something you genuinely don't want to do... But before that, you should think about what you DO want to do." He seemed to be deep in thought again. "Right, okay. Thanks Primm. I'll think it over and get back to you." "Yeah! come by any time!"

In my past life, it had never occurred to me that Deven may not want to inherit the Barron's title. I had the same mindset as everyone else. I thought that was just the way things were. I see things differently now but that doesn't change the world around me... If I want people to see me differently, I'll have to make that happen on my own... And Deven.... If he doesn't want to be Barron, then what DOES he want to do? Why did I never ask him?

I informed Layla that I would need to go to the business district first thing the next morning then got back to work. I will need as much information as possible to get this started... I need to find a warehouse with windows that the Seamstresses can work in. I will need to have an office there as well. I will need a production manager and if I want to find good Seamstresses at a lower cost, I'll have to visit the slums. Most nobles would never think to look there but I know I'll find good workers there... When you don't have money for new cloths or shoes, you become very good at mending the cloths you DO have. Combining old cloths together to make a new garment is also common place in the slums. Layla brought breakfast and lunch to me in the office and I received a couple letters already!

While two of the letters were business related, the other one was from Vincent... I was hoping my change in personality and actions would change the course of things as well but I guess I was being too optimistic. At least it's not a letter full of subtle flirtation and poetry... This is a simple correspondence, letting me know that he will be coming to visit in his father's stead, the day after tomorrow. It seems that the Count still wants us to get married so he is putting his son in charge in order for us to grow closer... He's an investor so it's out of the question to refuse outright. Most investors have a proxy so this isn't unusual... Uhg... Well, he's not a jerk yet so I guess I can deal with it... until he goes through his personality flip.

I finish up for the day and start heading downstairs after being yelled at again by Layla. I sware, she acts more like a mom or an older sister but we're the same age! I get down to the dining hall and see father and Deven there waiting for me... To my surprise, even mother is there! She is normally quite busy during the social season. I smile and walk over to my seat and plop down in the chair with a sigh. "Oh, come on! It's your first day! You can't be tired already, ya wimp!" I sharpen my eyes at Deven which just makes him grin, then father speaks up. "That's enough Deven, Give your sister a brake. This is her first major project." A smirk creeps up on my face at the word 'first'. Yes, this is just the first of many to come! My mother clears her throat and looks up at me. "Now, I understand your drive and desire to do a good job but you mustn't forget to tend to your health. You cannot simply sit behind that desk all hours of the day and night like your father." Father chokes, in the middle of taking a sip of water. "That's hardly fair, dear! You know I have a lot on my plate!" Mother smiles and shifts her eyes away. "My statement stands..." I probably shouldn't be laughing at this but it's so funny! I missed my family so much!

During our meal, we all talked about random things. My hair came up again but in a positive way. Mother said it was starting to grow on her. Father just agreed with Mother as he normally does and Deven told them he was right all allong, it looked cool. I wonder why my family never came to visit me after my marriage to Victor... I guess I'll never know...

After the meal, mother gave me a hug and told me not to over work myself like my father does and father told me that, while my health is important, it's also important not to slack off. I'm pretty sure those comments had nothing to do with me... Mother and father walked out together and I started heading out to my room. "Wait, Primm!" I turn back around, hearing Deven call for me. "Hu? What's up Deven?" He jogged up to me and started walking with me back to my room. "I was thinking about what you asked me earlier..." Ah, about what he really wanted to do with his life. That's a big question to answer... "I have always liked to draw and paint... And it's the only thing I've ever considered myself good at... I was wondering if I could bring one of my paintings by your office tomorrow... Ya know, to get your opinion?" Painting? Really? I have never seen him pick up a pencil for anything but homework! "Sure! I didn't even know you could draw, let alone paint!" He smiled and kicked his feet shyly. "Well... its not something the head of the house would be expected to do so..." I hate these stupid expectations! "Well I think it's great that you have something that you love to do! I would love to see one of your paintings! Hay, maybe you could paint something for me to hang in my office!" His face flushed and he looked immediately uncomfortable. "I um... I don't know about all that but uh.. I'll bring one by tomorrow to show you." I smile and tell him I can't wait to see it as we approach the door to my room. My brother bids me goodnight with a big smile and hops off to his room. There are so many unexpected things that I never knew about before... I wonder how much more I'll discover this time around...