Private Message to Barty and Tosha

[alt_narcissa]

Tosha, it's so kind of you to host brunch for everyone, particularly given that this morning's audience was so ... unnerving for many.

I'm only writing to say that - we may be late. Or

we may not be able to join you at all. I'm not sure yet.

I think you'd both already gone right away, so that you'd be able to greet your guests. At least, the throne room was nearly empty and I don't recall seeing either of you still among the court. So you wouldn't have seen: Just as we were leaving, Our Lord - called Lucius back to speak with Him. My hand was on his arm and I could feel him tense. He hid it well but his lip - chin - his pulse started racing and his face drained its colour. It - I - It was most concerning.

and now

There wasn't time to discuss anything, of course. But he sent me out with his eyes. It was as if he were telling me to escape leave if Our Lord would allow it. So I did. At least to the antechamber.

I can hear

You'll make our excuses if we haven't arrived within the next half-hour? It all depends on my husband's wishes, of course. Once his audience is over. He may decide that not appearing would be less wise than appearing whatever the circumstance.

Toshenka, there's nothing I ought to know, is there?

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

And, yes. You may trust the message screeners. Lucius ensured their cooperative lack of curiosity with respect to certain of us.

How is he really?

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, he said something about that but wasn't certain our people were still in charge of the department.

He's fine.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Yes. Had hoped to speak with L about a permanent solution for the Communications Department. Need to move on that if we're to prevail.

For the time being, however, the staffing remains as it's been. Were able to cover the loss of L's clerk from that rota. It's temporary, of course. Aurors and Auror staff are not communications hacks.

When you say he's fine, is he in a state to discuss business?

[alt_narcissa]

I'll reassure him.

He would say yes; but whether he is or not I am not prepared to allow him visitors - or his journal - until he's had at least a few more hours' rest.