Lady Tanya Marisart emerges from the limo at the hotel hosting the Lobbyists Ball, exposing just the right amount of expensively sheathed leg. Her exquisitely tailored Nightshade gown and shawl accentuate her figure as she waits for her escort to join her. She walks up the red carpet as if she owns it, waving to the paparazzi, not flinching from the trid feeds but ignoring all calls to verify the rumors that she has been getting very close to her date of the evening, the handsome George Landon, son of the MP from Brixton. At the door, she waits patiently as her current boy toy presents the engraved invitations and they are passed on to the officials guarding the entrance to the Lobbyists Ball.
She grabs a drink from a passing waiter’s tray and sips at it as she looks around the lavishly decorated room. Seeing George Landon, Senior standing near one of the groups apparently fawning over one of the politicos, she nudges her partner. “Look, George, I see your father. I thought that he was ill and was going to have to miss the ball. And he has your dear step-mum with him. Whatever else you want to say about her, at least she can wear a posh frock well." The pair move among the party attendees with practiced grace and ease, stopping to chat with one person or another. Tanya knows that George is there to be seen, but she is scanning the people, looking for the odd bit of jewelry or protruding wallet that could mean the difference between eating for the next week at Chez Paris or soy burgers at Chez street-side-café. Thinking of food elicits a small noise. Turning to George she says, "Could you be a dear and scare us up some snacks? I am going over to talk with Uncle Gregory. He seems to be trapped by that dreary Lady Golder. She is probably chatting him up about her Pomeranians and I am sure he needs a rescue. I am going to ask him for an introduction to the Transport Minister, so you will probably find me there.”
As George heads off to locate the snack tables, Tanya glides over to her uncle and deftly slips an arm into the crook of his. She waits a bit so as not to be too rude then slips into a space in the flow of the conversation. “Lady Golder! How nice to see you. It has been too long since we have had lunch and we really must do that again sometime. I am fascinated by Pomeranians. For now, though, I have seen some people I would really like to meet and I need Uncle to make the introductions. I hope that you can spare him. Ta.” She takes her uncle by the arm and leads him out of the immediate area of Lady Golder.
Gregory Murdoch pats Tanya on the arm and says, “Thank you, my dear. I think that I might have done something horrid if I had to listen to any more about those bloody dogs of hers. So, what will this rescue cost me?”
Tanya laughs without blushing, “Why, Uncle, you know me so well. I can always use more money. You know how Cousin Jeremy is so stingy with it, and it is mine, after all."
Sir Gregory laughs and gives her rather expensive and expertly tailored frock a mocking glance, "What a shame you are kept on such a tight leash. I will have a word with the Viscount and see about getting you an increase. In the meantime I could perhaps see my way to sparing you some little amount for saving me from a fate worse than death. I will shift something into your account in the morning. Now, are you not escorted for the evening? I had thought you to be accompanied of late by that rather tiresome young man, George something-or-other, isn't it?"
Tanya waives her hand absently. "Oh, yes. George is about somewhere. And you know rather well that his last name is Landon. Just because you think his father is an ass of a MP is no reason to belittle the son. But, sadly, you are all too right about him becoming a bit tiresome. I really cannot fathom why I seem to attract men like George Landon, Junior. His father is so besotted with his new trophy wife and older son that he barely gives a thought, or any real amount of money, to George. The poor man's allowance is less then mine and we both know that borders on being scandalously close to the poverty level. He is nice to look at but leaves something to desire in the brains department and he hasn’t a bean. Poor sod. I sent him after snacks, but knowing him, he has been distracted by a low-cut frock showing a great deal of décolletage. Oh well, it is about time I gave him the boot and looked for something else to play with.”
Sir Gregory pats his niece on the arm and says, “You could let me arrange someone to keep you.”
Tanya's gives a rather pleasant laugh in response. “Not a chance. We tried that once, remember? Your idea of someone to care for me was almost 80. He might not have lasted the honeymoon and his family would have contested him settling any money on me. No, I will struggle through on my own in that department, thank you very much, although I would never say no to some extra credits showing up in my account. But if you won’t open your wallet, maybe you can do a pair of teensy favors for your favorite niece. You remember Carly Bright? The singer? She is trying to get some attention buzzed about for her next show and I was thinking that you could send some of your ace reporters out to interview her and make her look good. She is my best friend in the world and I would so like to see her succeed.”
"Secondly, I was wondering if you could get me introduced to the Transportation Minister over there? She is a prime example of why men should be allowed to by clothes for women. That frock screams money, but it is oh so very wrong on her and that hat would be better saved for the Ascot season. But I am interested in her. I know that you know her from way back so please introduce me.”
The media mogul laughs. "From what I have seen of your friend, she needs precious little extra buzz from me. However, I do like her spirit, if not her music, and will send two of my best to interview her on the morrow. Satisfied? With that he takes Tanya to where the Transportation Minister is standing. She is surrounded by some Renraku strap hangers and a couple of other fawners. The necklace at the woman’s throat has caught Tanya’s eye and she wants to get a closer look. As they walk up to her, she hears someone asking about the vote on the transportation bill. She takes the time while waiting for an introduction to look at the piece of jewelry and nods; this could keep her in necessities for a while if she can get it. She listens politely to the side conversation and starts planning how she can best separate the pricey trinket from its owner.