A Diamond Must Shine

[makeminerubies]

It'd been a while since Claudia's last "spa day", or her last participation in what passed for such a thing here in the Deck. Granted, it wasn't up to New York standards, but Claudia couldn't deny it was well worth the effort; she'd taken the entire afternoon off to be pampered with manicure, pedicure, facial, deep tissue massage and heavenly soak in a cleansing tropical bath. All of which had done wonders for her mood.

Which was why, just now, the Nine of Diamonds was rather comfortably ensconced in the library with a few files and her laptop, sipping hot tea and listening to quiet classical music on the stereo, even humming along during certain parts. Her cell phone beeped every so often, but Claudia just ignored the ring; her mother was the absolute last person she wanted to speak with just now.

That would ruin the entire reason for her earlier outing.

Comments

[rarelight]

"More tea, Miss?" Minnie's usually quieter when she appears at people's shoulders - but the last few days have been a hectic mess of her trying to coordinate the influx of people moving into the castle. Giving up on sleep is a thing that butler should be used to, though, so she's pressing on.

[makeminerubies]

"Yes, please."

Claudia placed the half-empty cup back on the tray without looking up. The Diamond butler's quiet step was appreciated; as was her prompt service.

"Thank you, Melinda."

[rarelight]

"Is there anything I can bring you? ... in this area?" Sophie is quite particular about where tea can and cannot go, after all. For good reason, of course.

[makeminerubies]

"No, I'm quite fine, for now." Although if anyone did take issue with her comfortable niche, Claudia had no problem reverting back to the ice-hard bitch from earlier on that morning.

[uncutclarity]

A spa sounds fantastic. With everything going on, though, Avery's pushed salon visits to Approximately Never on her personal calendar, no matter how much Pip disapproves. She could just see the superior look on Säde's face if she took the time. It's just not worth it.

Unfortunately.

She pauses by the table and leans in to whisper. "Claudia," she murmurs. "You know the library staff will kill you for the phone, not whoever's on the other end." Of course, she can guess who that is, but even so.

[makeminerubies]

Claudia smirked lightly. "Well, considering I'm more or less the only one in here at the moment, I think they'll cut me a bit of slack."

That and she also brought a box of Valentine's Day chocolates for them earlier as persuasion to leave her alone; Lady Chareut didn't want anything interrupting her zen this evening.

[uncutclarity]

"There's a team of researchers working on our current situation on the other side of the stacks," Avery pointed out quietly, nodding in that direction. "They've been assigned to work on it until there's a solution. But I suppose it's not a problem until they complain, is it?"

Or until Sophie arrived. Avery doubted she'd be bribed with chocolate. Her assistant definitely would, though.

[makeminerubies]

An eyebrow flicked up. "Oh? Then they're the envy of church mice everywhere, as I've not heard a single peep from anyone in the two hours I've been sitting here."

[uncutclarity]

Well, Avery thought, there's the Better Than You Born Diamond stereotype alive and kicking. "Or perhaps you didn't take any notice of them," she said mildly. Possibly deliberately , considering her attitude tonight.

" I trust I am not required to provide proof of there presence for you to abide by the library rules," she added coolly. "I'm certain you aren't one to think they don't apply merely because you thought you were alone."

[makeminerubies]

"Not at all." Claudia didn't even change expression. She simply rose to her feet, gathered up her papers, closed her laptop and dropped the sinful phone into a pocket.

"If they require such unblemished work space, then far be it from me to mar that tranquility." False smile firmly in place, she inclined her head formally, pushing the chair back beneath the table without even a squeak.

"Good evening, then."

[uncutclarity]

"Much appreciated, Claudia." Avery's smile was just as false, and blindingly bright. "Have a lovely evening."

Hers wouldn't be. But someone had to take meetings with the families of the missing Diamonds , after all.

[onlytolerable]

Sophie hears the electronic BEEP BEEP BEEP the moment she walks through the doors after completing her inter-library loan run. Her gaze flies to Miss Henshaw, who has the grace to look embarrassed and shrugs. Sophie gives her a wry smile and shakes her head. Cornelia will need to stiffen her spine if she's ever going to take over the library when the time comes.

She breezes through the Reading Room doors. People often think because rules are relaxed in that area that none exist at all. They also exhibit a woeful inability to read the posted signs. It doesn't take her long to locate the culprit.

"Hello, Claudia," she greets the other woman with muted voice. "You forgot to put your mobile on vibrate." Honestly. Music, too? "Did you remember your ear buds?"

[makeminerubies]

Claudia finished reading the paper in hand before looking up, to do so with an arched brow at the other Diamond. "Hello, Sophie," she replied coolly. "I didn't bother because I was--until just now, apparently--the only one in here."

She took a sip of cooling tea and continued in the same even tone, "Although I do take note of your profound attention to detail."

[onlytolerable]

Sophie makes a point of reading the posted rules--rules posted on all four walls of the room and (as she well knows) outside the entrance, too. "Strange, I don't see exceptions listed. You must be tired. I suggest a break since your attention to detail appears to be flagging." Profoundly.

She smiles serenely. The noise explains the number of people she'd noted in the atrium when she came in.

[ETA: because I left out a phrase.]

[makeminerubies]

"Suggest away, Sophie," Claudia answered genially. "And in return, I'll offer you one of my own." Her brows snapped down and her expression became very, very cool.

"If someone else has a complaint, bring them to me and between us we will reach agreement. Otherwise," a perfectly manicured fingernail tapped on the table, "kindly take yourself elsewhere and harass some other poor, beknighted individual."

[onlytolerable]

Sophie's expression doesn't change. "No exceptions. I've had this talk with Queen Sade and Queen Rachel, with King Lindsey, with all the Jacks, and I'd have had it with King Silas if he wasn't someone who knows that rules are there for a reason. If you cannot abide by them, then you will leave."

On her own steam or with the help of the guards if she wants to push it.

"I, naturally, would prefer that you enjoy your time here in our library. I know many find its peacefulness a restful work environment."

[the_songbird]

Elani's poked her head into the reading area, looking for Sophie. Normally she'd just ask Miss Henshaw her whereabouts but the other woman seems to have disappeared for the moment. Normally, she wouldn't disturb someone obviously working on something but, well. It was important she share with Sophie what Fin had given to her earlier from his research and the only way to do that was to find her.

So she approaches Claudia, smiles in greeting, "sorry to bother you. Have you seen Sophie around?"

[makeminerubies]

Glancing up, Claudia spied one of the Clubs--ah, yes; their Jack. Elani. She put down the resumè she'd been reading, saying, "Good evening. And no bother."

An eyebrow perking to the question, Claudia glanced over at the desk, giving a wave of fingers in its direction. "She was here a moment ago," being irritating, alas, "but I believe headed towards the desk there. You might ask Miss Henshaw when she returns; she stepped out for a moment."

[the_songbird]

Elani looks in the direction Claudia gestures and frowns slightly. "We were supposed to meet..."

Well, she might've been called away. So she'll just sit down in a nearby chair, intending to wait for the librarian to return. Or Henshaw, whichever.

"Thank you, you don't mind if I wait for her here do you?"

She can manage to do some work, at least, while waiting. Re-reading over Fin's report, at least.