[Irn0rchid]

"Yes, it was really interesting that we'd meet yesterday then run into each other today. Must be fate!" She goes along with Tanya and heads with the other two into the dining area. Ending up seated between Tanya and Elaine, Rose trots out her prepared story, "Well, my family used to be fairly well off but over the years after the crash our fortunes turned and we weren't far from being homeless ourselves. We were able to reverse things eventually but my dad made me promise to try and help out people that weren't able to when possible. How about yourself?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya laughs softly between bites and shakes her head.  "No, way different.  I was made homeless when my parents died and all the bloody inheritance laws in England gave everything to a long-lost cousin.  My mother's money had been set aside and I did inherit that, but no house came with it.  The money is tied up in a trust fund that the cousin has nominal control of and the allowance he gives me allows me to live quite well.  But I am reminded of the time I did spend homeless while waiting for Cousin Jeremy to get his bloody fragging ass of the pot and open the doors to the money.  It is all a very long story and very much better told when we are all tossed and sitting in a hot tub together somewhere.  Let me know if you are ever interested."

[Irn0rchid]

Rose laughs and looks over at Elaine, "What is it with you and got tubs? Seems I can't avoid them around you." Speaking of hot tubs... <<Robin, how's it going at the house? Any sign of Howard yet? Elaine is introducing me to people here. A Lady Tanya? *image*>> "I'd love to hear the story sometime. It sounds like your low was lower than mine but you've risen much higher?"

[Mercy Merchant]

The response from Robin takes a bit.  >>Hard to answer right now, dear, but I do have a bit information on the systems.  And, yes, Howard came home.  He did not prove difficult to seduce at all.  Talk later.<<

Elaine laughs at the hot tub remark and Tanya gives you a puzzled look then leans over.  "No, the wealth is a ruse.  I just pretend and everyone thinks I have money and gives me stuff.  I get invited to lots of parties where I can eat for free."  The look in her eye leaves you wondering if she is telling the truth or not.

[Irn0rchid]

<<I'm shocked at you. Shocked! Have fun. *grinemoji*>>

"Huh, I must be doing something wrong then. I pretend to have money and that just makes people want *me* to buy things for *them*. What's your secret?"

[Mercy Merchant]

She laughs.  "Simple.  I have a title as a British noblewoman and am the daughter of a viscount, therefore I must have money.  It also helps that I am extremely scandalous.  People invite me over in the hopes I will spill on some of the men and women I am supposed to have slept with.  Some even hope to entice me to their beds.  I never do the first, and maybe do the second.  But I never tell, and that just makes it juicier and so I get invited to even more parties.  See how it goes?  People's imaginations will lead them to all sorts of unfounded conclusions and they all assume that what they hear is true because I do not deny it.  But I do not confirm it, either, and that makes it all the more salacious."

[Irn0rchid]

"Ah, that would explain it then. I'm certainly not the daughter of royalty, British or otherwise, and that's not really something one can remedy after the fact, unfortunately. I could work on the scandalous bit, although I'm not sure that's really up my alley. However, I *have* already spilled on Elaine," she laughs. "How do you get away with never actually revealing anything? I'd think people would wise up to that after awhile? Surely you have to confirm something sometime..." Motioning towards the rest of the room, "Are these people really that oblivious?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya nods and softly says, "Yes, dear, they are that oblivious.  People will normally believe what they want to believe.  So, for example, how much of what I have just told you do you believe?"

[Irn0rchid]

A little annoyed at being called out, Rose turns to Tanya and responds frankly, "I have no idea. Until tonight I had no idea who you were and how much money you do or don't have has no real bearing on my life. I was just going along with the conversation because it was interesting and I'm fairly certain calling someone a liar to their face isn't something one does in polite company. Should it become relevant to me for some reason, I'd have to do my own research and reach my own conclusion. That's why I was a little amazed people would except what you say you're presenting to them without ever being provided with something concrete, and confirmable, to base it on." She shrugs, "If you made me guess, I'd say you're making it up, just because that's the simpler solution."

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya looks closely at you and says, "Very good, Rachel, very good.  You do not seem to be the normal sort of guest here.  So which part is made up, do you think?  Every lie is better and more convincing when combined with a bit of truth.  Where would you start looking to separate the truth from the lies?"  She then waves her hand at the rest of the room.  "And do not judge these people too harshly.  Most of their lives are lies that they convince themselves are real.  To challenge what another person says leaves them open to be exposed as well.  I think it is in their best interests to believe what I say, because it gives their lives some sort of meaning.  Does that make any sense to you?"

[Irn0rchid]

Raising her eyebrow at the praise, "Like I said, at this point I wouldn't. I don't know enough about you to even start. And while that makes sense I'm not sure that means they shouldn't be judged..."

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya gives you an odd look that seems in no way patronizing, but.........................yes, processing.  As if she is trying to place you in her vision of the world and you do not fit into one of the neat holes.  She goes quiet as the main speaker begins talking about the way this charity can help others in need.  The dinner is excellent and the side conversations with Elaine and Tanya are interesting.  Elaine seems to be coming out of some sort of shell in your presence.  At the end of the meal, Tanya walks with both of you to fetch your coats from the check room.  As she is slipping into hers, Tanya looks closely at you and leans in to whisper.  "I do hope to see you again, Rachel.  It has been a real pleasure talking with you.  You are........................different.  Good night, unless you want that hot tub and wine experience?"

[Irn0rchid]

Rose enjoys the meal and conversation, although the food wasn't worth nearly the 500 nuyen that it cost. Walking out with Tanya and Elaine, she is a little surprised by Tanya's whispered offer. "Oh, that wasn't one of the lies?" she grins. "Is Elaine included in that offer?" Quickly, Rose sends off a message to check in with Robin, <<Hey, you've been quiet. Things going well there? Howard still there? This Tanya person seems to be wanting to extend the night but I don't want to abandon you.>>

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya looks over at Elaine, who has stopped still and is looking at both of you with an indefinable expression.  Tanya also looks back to you and nods.  "Certainly the invitation extends to both of you.  And I think I can promise you a view you might not have seen before.  So, what do you say?"

Robin is a tad slow getting back.  >>Yeah, been busy here, lover.  The man is an animal and does not seem to know when to stop.  I think you might enjoy him more than you think you will.  Anyway, no promises yet, but he is hinting at providing something for me if I have sex with him when he comes to stay at the house and I am sure that he would include you as well if you wanted to look into that..  I have not been too idle, though.  I have spent some time downloading some information on Chinese pottery and let him know I was mildly interested.  He has not stopped talking about it since, except for during sex.  Might be some good information coming.  Go ahead and extend the night, if you want.  Oh, oh!  I also did a check on Tanya Marisart.  Lots of stuff in the public domain.  Very rich Brit expat.  Lots of charities.  Lots of scandalous sexual relations with lots of important people.  OK, got to go.  Back later.<<

[Irn0rchid]

"Well, what do you think Elaine? You want to check out the sights or just head home?"

<<Who knew Chinese pottery could be that interesting? No difficulties with you being a strange woman in his house? That's good. I'm pretty sure I don't wan't to deal with an 'animal' though, but as long are you're having fun, then keep at it! I'm not sure how tonight is going to go yet; I'm not sure if Elaine is okay with this or not. I'm leaving it up to her since I don't want to mess up the job, but this Tanya person is interesting, although fairly cagey. I'll let you know how it goes.>>