45: Rudy is no John

[Ebiris]

[14:09] <@Ebiris> After various detours and other distractions, the Irregulars meet up again to make a second try at visiting their employer who they really haven't seen much of, lately. It's under a faint drizzle that everyone arrives at stately Vanderboren Manor, being let in by a young man dressed in servant's livery. He initially seems unsure what to do with everyone, muttering about it not being expected, but luckily the familiar sight of Kora comes by to provide introductions to the new help before bustling him off on some other errand. "Don't mind Bertram, he's just learning the ropes," the kindly old dwarven woman smiles while showing everyone into the sitting room. "The Lady is entertaining another guest at the moment, but she should be free shortly. Do you want any drinks or refreshments in the meantime?"
[14:10] <@Henrietta> "If at all possible," Henrietta requests, taking off her hat.
[14:10] <@Lucie> "Wine," Lucie requests.
[14:11] <@Rudy> "Nothing for me, thanks- I dined ahead," replies Rudy, with an easy grin. The young man allows himself a seat on one of Lavinia's luxurious couches, not quite sprawling out. Myra is nowhere to be seen.
[14:13] <@Glenn> "Something to drink would be nice," Glenn requests as well.
[14:13] <@Ebiris> In short order everyone has a steaming cup of tea or coffee... or wine in Lucie's case, although Kora looks somewhat perturbed to be serving such so early in the day, along with a tray of crumbly moist cakes to enjoy, having some time in the well appointed sitting room. On the whole the mansion looks rather better than it did on the first day the group met Lavinia, more paintings and ornaments around, and what look to be knew lantern fittings, just a few of them burning to counter the overcast gloom outside.
[14:14] * @Lucie makes note of this faux pas: people outside of Shadowshore don't drink in the morning.
[14:15] <@Henrietta> Tea for her, this time around. Henrietta drinks from it unhurriedly, enjoying her cake and quite content to wait for Lady Vanderboren to make herself available for them.
[14:16] <@Rudy> "It really has been too long, hasn't it?" remarks Rudy, glancing absently about the room. "It's been hard to remember lately that, technically speaking, I have a job."
[14:18] <@Henrietta> "This is the meaning of being on retainer, though," Henrietta muses, wiping at her lips with a handy handkerchief. "Being available for any odd job as well as seeking out opportunities to aid our lady independantly."
[14:19] <@Lucie> "Having no set schedule's fine by me," Lucie says, admitting, "and actually, that's the only kind of work I've known."
[14:20] <@Ebiris> It's not terribly long, another twenty minutes before a short red-haired girl in a maid's uniform who is barely any taller than Kora yet too thin to be a dwarf steps in and announces, "The Lady Vanderboren!" in a somewhat high-pitched tone before said aristocratic brunette breezes into the room, her ruffled plum-coloured skirts trailing on the ground.
[14:20] <@Ebiris> "Thank you, Greta, that was lovely," Lavinia murmurs, her new maid flushing with pride and retreating back out of the door as the young Baroness comes over to take a free seat facing the others, smoothing out her opulent dress as she does so. "So nice to see you all again. It almost feels like I've been allowing your talents to go to waste ever since..." her smile slips momentarily but she recovers quickly, "Well, it was a terribly involved first job I gave you, wasn't it?"
[14:21] <@Rudy> "And it is behind us all now, m'lady," replies Rudy, bowing lightly.
[14:21] * @Henrietta finds herself wondering if she is letting Trucy's talents go to waste or otherwise keeping her bored, and resolves to find some exciting work for her as she stands up and offers Lavinia a bow of her own.
[14:23] <@Lucie> Is bowing the thing they do now? It's been a while since they were here, Lucie's forgotten if that's the standard protocol. "When the jobs are dangerous, it's good to have some time between them," Lucie says.
[14:24] <@Ebiris> Giving Rudy and Henrietta an approving nod at their politeness, she turns to Lucie, "Indeed, and it is my hope not to give you too many dangerous jobs, Lucie, even if you are so talented. So, to what do I owe the pleasure of today's visit?"
[14:26] <@Henrietta> "It concerns an opportunity to benefit your standing and raise your fortunes, My Lady, if such directness could be excused," Henrietta responds, "as well as help a good deal of people at the same time. Would you mind listening to the proposal?"
[14:27] <@Ebiris> "If I indulged Liamae's tale about meteorites, I'm sure I can do no less for you," Lavinia covers a light chuckle with her hand. "Please, by all means let me hear it."
[14:28] <@Rudy> "It is based on politics more than astrology, I fear," replies Rudy. "How familiar are you with the troubles in Zameina, m'lady?"
[14:29] <@Henrietta> "And what an interesting tale it is," Henrietta briefly carries on, before coughing. "Ah, right. Well, this concerns the purchase of land as well, as it happens, even though the cause is different, as Rudy has stated."
[14:32] <@Ebiris> She tilts her head back slightly while thinking for a moment, "I recall hearing that King Felicitus has both been replaced by a doppelganger, is being magically compelled by his closest advisors who are ophidians in disguise, and has been struck down by a terrible disease that has secret orders of knights scouring the world for a cure." Smiling whimsically and looking over her employees, "Those are the most fantastic rumours, at any rate."
[14:34] <@Henrietta> "The less fanciful word from that country," Henrietta says here, "is that it is on the verge of collapse. The Collective is poised to seize control and, well, it is considered to be the least worst outcome out of several possible. Unless a new one is introduced, that is."
[14:34] <@Lucie> "It's usually the plainer rumors that you want to pay attention to," Lucie agrees.
[14:37] <@Ebiris> "I see," Lavinia clasps her hands on her lap, "I know a bit about the Collective - moreso since they became entwined with my brother's fate. Most consider them nothing more than a high seas nuisance, but if any country is vulnerable to their sedition it would be Zameina."
[14:38] <@Rudy> "Indeed. It has been speculated that they would soon be up in arms against Tanagra, which would no doubt seize an opportunity to occupy land closer to the coast," responds Rudy. "That would surely be worse than the Collective, most likely for all concerned save Tanagra."
[14:40] <@Henrietta> "Outside of the Collective, the collapsing regime and Tanagra," Henrietta continues, "Anowia also holds interest in the land. It would mean trouble to Isernia, unless Isernia itself made a move. If that happened, however, Anowia is set to support Isernia. And as for the people of Zameina, Isernian intervention would really be the best outcome they can hope for."
[14:41] <@Ebiris> "Hmmm..." the young noblewoman makes a thoughtful noise. "Some might say better the devil you know... Tanagra's actions would be more easy to predict than those of revolutionaries." She mulls that over as Henrietta speaks up, drawing a surprised glance. "You appear to know a lot about Anowia's motives."
[14:42] <@Henrietta> "That is the very reason we bring this up to you, Lady Vanderboren," Henrietta responds, inclining her head. "Anowia approached us, unofficially, to express this support for Isernia and yourself, should you wish to make a move."
[14:44] <@Ebiris> "Me?" her eyes widen. "Aside from you four and the Jade Ravens, I don't exactly have much of a standing force. I certainly wouldn't expect you to conquer a nation on my behalf."
[14:44] <@Rudy> "Of course not," replies Rudy. "The plan, such as it is, would be for you to purchase land close to the border, then use the influence you gain to press for an intervention back in court."
[14:46] <@Henrietta> "Perchance, they heard of your ongoing efforts and thought it would be possible to convince you to direct those land purchases to take place near the border with Zameina as well," Henrietta muses. "However, the idea certainly has merit."
[14:46] <@Rudy> He reaches to fiddle with his collar. "I won't lie, m'lady; Anowia's interest has always been self-interest. But I think Witchwillow is on the level, here. They've a lot more to gain from Isernian expansion than Tanagran in the grand scheme of things, and given the Collective's distributed sea power, they'd hardly want that bunch to gain legitimacy in the form of an actual nation under their
[14:46] <@Rudy> sway. They don't want their navy to face that sort of challenge."
[14:50] <@Ebiris> Lavinia purses her lips, seeming to be thinking very quickly for a moment. "I can see some ways I could capitalise on this, I admit. It would take some time... in the end, though, it's a case of spending Isernian lives and coin to advance Anowia's interest. I'm unsure how much gain there would be in conquering a nation of slaves, so I must consider all sides to this."
[14:52] <@Henrietta> "The Collective's ideas are popular in those parts, and if Isernia were to truly free them and restore their pride and dignity as people, that same devotion would turn to its banner," Henrietta voices. "And, naturally, to those who championed it, My Lady."
[14:52] <@Ebiris> OOC: make a diplo check, Henri?
[14:52] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+15
[14:52] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+15 and gets 28." [1d20=13]
[14:53] <@Lucie> "It isn't about conquering anything, though," Lucie says. "Pick up some land on the border, give anyone there a stake in keeping it instead of just being, you know, unpaid slaves, then you've got someone working the land who'd actually stand up to keep it, and just incidentally be indebted to our side for it."
[14:55] <@Rudy> "If Isernia's borders happen to expand, well, that is a natural result of its good works, no?"
[14:57] <@Ebiris> Lavinia considers the arguments put to her for a long moment before she nods her head slightly. "I will speak to Countess Arabani. I can count on her as an ally and few loathe the Collective as strongly as she. After that, I believe it is time we visited the capital. Before that, though, could you tell me exactly what the Ambassador told you of the situation in Zameina? How long does she think before it boils over?"
[14:59] <@Rudy> "With the next two years," replies Rudy. "I wonder if it might not be sooner..."
[15:00] <@Henrietta> "Or if Tanagra would not make a move of its own sooner to better position itself," Henrietta adds. "It might be possible for us to try and determine what the Collective thinks, at least...." She coughs again. "Unofficially, of course, Lady Vanderboren."
[15:03] <@Ebiris> "I can't take it as ironclad, but it at least allows some luxury of time... I'm glad my parents sent me to study in Thanellar, the friends I made there will help a great deal," she smiles slightly, "If you can discreetly sound out any contacts, thank you Henrietta. I expect we'll be setting off for Thanellar by the end of the week, will that be enough time?"
[15:03] <@Henrietta> "If not for an answer, then, at least, to set it up for later," Henrietta responds.
[15:14] <@Ebiris> Thus the Irregulars bid their employer farewell and depart to find their contact with the Collective. From what Samarintha said, it was a person called Jed Bellow who tends to hang out at Fishlips' Games down in Shadowshore. She never gave directions but Lucie happens to know the place, recessed against the cliffs not far from the district entrance - she can attest that the games there are mostly rigged, and the booze is often accompanied by a dosage of poison if one is not careful. Upon meeting Jed, a phrase of "What happened to Ben Bellow?" will identify one as a 'friend' to the Collective. But on the way the group stops to pick up Trucy, who initially feigns being unable to recognise anyone but quickly and cheerfully joins the party!
[15:15] <@Rudy> "Are we talking, like, lethal poison, here? Does anyone actaully go there to gamble?" Rudy's gaze turns upon Lucie, an enquiring mind that seeks answers!
[15:15] * @Henrietta is just as cheerful at this happy turn of events, and is more than happy to let Lucie pretend to be friends with the Collective!
[15:15] <@Lucie> "Make sure you've got me around before anyone takes a drink," Lucie advises her friends. "I'll pick up on it if there's more in there than you ordered. That way we don't have to find out."
[15:16] * @Henrietta is also quite confident that she won't be any worse off from drinking any poisons but knows better than to bring that up again and be thoroughly mocked.
[15:23] <@Ebiris> The trip into Shadowshore is uneventful, a few mean looks thrown at the group but nothing worse than that. Fishlips' is found along a winding alleyway hugging the cliffs upon which the Arena district rests, a rather dingy looking wooden structure built into the cliffside, a sign of a fishead within which's mouth rests a die and a tankard. The door is shut and the windows either tinted or just so filthy as to not allow sight within, and a half dressed - and rather cold given her goosepimples and the tint of blue under her red lipstick - whore leers at Rudy as the group approaches. "Hey big man, wanna have some fun?"
[15:24] <@Rudy> "Do I look like I could possibly be interested in you?" asks Rudy, without dropping his pleasant tone.
[15:25] * @Henrietta observes Rudy and the whore, having expected something like this to happen.
[15:25] <@Ebiris> "Limpdick!" she drops the 'alluring' facade and makes a lewd gesture as the group passes.
[15:26] <@Henrietta> "You know, this is the first time I saw Rudy not so much as flirt with a woman he came across," Henrietta tells Trucy quietly. "This is so strange for me!"
[15:26] <@Lucie> "Go jump in the harbor, you poxy skag," Lucie barks as she pushes open the door and enters.
[15:27] <@Rudy> "Should've brought Myra with me," mutters Rudy, shaking his head.
[15:31] <@Ebiris> "Well c'mon, she's a Shado-" Trucy begins quietly before glancing at Lucie and wincing, "She's ugly is what she is," she hastily amends. Pushing her way inside, Lucie can see the establishment extends far further back than it would look from outside, built into the cliffside in a way that makes Rudy's architectural sensibilities wince. Compared to the cheery blasphemy of the Golden Gremlin's diabolical themed decor, this place is just grimy. A long bar runs along the left wall and tables are dotted around, while further inside it descends to a small gaming hall. At a glance one can notice a figure slumped over a half-drained glass in the corner who doesn't seem to be breathing nevermind moving, while at the bar a tall woman is in the process of slamming a burly man's head down... on something breakable, given the shattering noise coupled with his shrill cry of pain.
[15:33] <@Henrietta> "I suppose that would do it," Henrietta agrees quietly, nodding. "You know, I always thought I wanted to go to a place like this and drink together like true adventurers but, well, now that I am here I am questioning that desire."
[15:34] <@Rudy> "Did we even get a description of this guy?" asks Rudy, sighing. "I know what happens to people who're obviously looking for other people in these joints."
[15:35] <@Lucie> "Even adventurers have sense to say out of places like this unless they got no choice." Lucie looks around. "Not much crowd at this hour. May as well just walk up and ask for him unless someone's got a better idea. Nothing else to go on, right? It's that or sit here for hours listening t for gossip." With a shrug, she approaches the bar, apparently apathetic to the violence being perpetrated
[15:35] <@Lucie> there.
[15:38] <@Ebiris> As a matter of fact, Samarintha was kind enough to mention that Jed is pretty fat, tends to wear a tricorne hat, and has a missing pinky on his left hand. At a quick glance around, someone who might fit that bill is visible at a table over by the stairs, overlooking the gambling area. He's sitting with a rail-thin woman bulky robes that only make her narrow neck and hands look more pronounced. At the bar Lucie is greeted by a burly cyclopean fellow, bald and with a black eyepatch over his right eye. "What'll it be?" he grumbles, voice so low it's almost hard to hear.
[15:39] <@Lucie> Buying a drink is usually a good way to stand out less, so Lucie opts for that before scoping out the apparent Jed. "Something heavy. Don't much care what."
[15:40] <@Henrietta> "That one, perhaps?" Henrietta asks, nudging Rudy slightly and nodding towards the table by the stairs.
[15:40] <@Ebiris> He nods and reaches under the bar to produce a short wooden cup and a stained glass of amber liquid, of which he pours a measure. "Five coppers," he grunts.
[15:40] <@Rudy> Armed with this sudden recall, Rudy nods, and ventures towards the likely suspect with a casual gait. "Are you Jed Bellow?" he asks, glancing briefly at the woman before sizing up the man. "Gotta question for you. What happened to Ben Bellow?"
[15:41] * @Henrietta follows Rudy, of course, keeping an eye on Trucy as she does so.
[15:41] * @Lucie slaps the coins on the table, scans her drink with her magical senses just in case, and ambles over to rejoin the rest of the group.
[15:43] <@Ebiris> He has his hands on the table, allowing Rudy to easily see the missing digit. The woman returns Rudy's look suspiciously, hands disappearing into her robes as the man known as Jed bristles. "He died in a ship fire you insensitive fuck!" Meanwhile Lucie finds her drink is safe... mostly. Maybe don't want to drink too much of this stuff, but one won't kill her. Trucy sticks very close to Henrietta, keeping a hand on the sheathed dagger at her hip and looking warily at any patrons who glance her way.
[15:44] * @Lucie takes a swig. One. For now. She leans her rear on the back of an empty chair and casually scans for anyone taking an undue interest in them or their target.
[15:45] <@Ebiris> OOC: perception, Lucie
[15:45] <@Lucie> roll 1d20+12 is it still my middle name?
[15:45] * +Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+12 is it still my middle name? and gets 23." [1d20=11]
[15:46] <@Rudy> "Fuck, seriously? Lemme buy a round for Ben, then," replies Rudy, shaking his head and signalling the bartender.
[15:46] <@Ebiris> Lucie can see that Henrietta is getting the usual amount of male attention, but there's also a group of three plain seeming men at a table against the far wall... they seem unassuming at first, but they've got no eyes for the attractive redhead. Instead their attention is subtly directed at Lucie herself. Their eyes remind her of Mort. Vicious sorts, to be sure.
[15:47] <@Ebiris> "Hah, just messin' with ya, Comrade," Jed laughs and pulls Rudy down into a chair. "Haven't see you around before. Got a name?"
[15:48] <@Henrietta> With such an enthusiatic greeting, Henrietta secures a chair for herself and Trucy to Rudy's side, even if she has to borrow one from a nearby table.
[15:49] * @Lucie wonders who they're working for. Well, that's not the sort of thing they're here to look into and trying to bully it out of them would just provoke a fight. She lingers near the others, making her strength in numbers more apparent as she listens in, keeping her attention half on Jed and half on the others.
[15:49] <@Ebiris> The place isn't too busy, so Henrietta is able to acquire chairs without ruffling any feathers thankfully.
[15:50] <@Henrietta> Quite satisfied as her success, she settles down into a chair of her own and smiles at Jed and his lanky comrade. "Good day," she greets them, as seems right for the time.
[15:51] <@Rudy> Rudy laughs right back! "Just Rudy's fine," he replies, grinning. "Fuck, I thought you were gonna kill me."
[15:54] <@Ebiris> "Nah, that's my lovely companion's job," he laughs, earning a dire frown from the skinny robed woman. "Ya don't have the look of a native about you. Slummin' it down here for some reason in particular?"
[15:57] <@Rudy> "A fellow comrade put us in touch with you," replies Rudy, leaning back more casually now that he doesn't feel in jeaprody. "Pretty low on other contacts in the area, so-" He gestures. "Here we are! You got any news on the western front, lately?"
[15:59] <@Ebiris> "Depends how far West you're talking, here, since we're about as East as we can get without hitting the dragon empire. Care ta narrow it down a bit for me?" Jed replies in a somewhat amused tone.
[15:59] <@Henrietta> "A few hundred miles to the west," Henrietta helpfully supplies.
[16:01] <@Ebiris> "Good, 'cause I know fuck all about elves," Jed snorts. "So unless I miss my guess, yer talkin' about Zameina?"
[16:01] <@Henrietta> "We are."
[16:02] <@Rudy> "That's where it's all happening," responds Rudy, inclining his head.
[16:05] <@Ebiris> "Place is gonna blow up soon enough, can be sure of that, comrades," Jed nods his head, making his double-chin ripple. "Figure it's just gonna turn into another Toghm, have everyone else jump in ta kill it in the cradle," he adds with a morose shrug, "Still, not gonna give those corrupt aristos much of a shelf life. Lotsa people be happy just to see them get it in the neck even if the revolution doesn't last."
[16:06] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+7 k:l
[16:06] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+7 k:l and gets 19." [1d20=12]
[16:07] <@Henrietta> "How soon is soon enough, do you think?" Henrietta asks, wondering how much the estimate differs from Anowia's.
[16:09] <@Ebiris> Tonghm is a nation occupying a large peninsula to the North of Pranneria. It's a colonial power with large holdings in Cimmeria, rivalling Anowia for influence over there, and serves as another check on Tanagra. The Collective as a movement was born there, and it had a revolution almost a century ago which nearly succeeded before the aristocracy prevailed thanks to judicious support from its neighbours who had no interest in letting the doctrine spread.
[16:10] <@Rudy> "It's our first big break in a hundred years," replies Rudy, pounding his knee. "It can't possibly go the same way... we can't allow that, can we?!"
[16:10] <@Ebiris> "Oh, I couldn't tell you, comrade," he looks to Henrietta, chewing his lip. "These things always need the right spark to set 'em off, just a matter of waiting for it ta ignite. You lot thinking of heading over there?"
[16:12] <@Henrietta> "We are considering it. It seems like the thing to do, where we can do the most," Henrietta responds.
[16:14] <@Ebiris> "M'a bit outta touch over there, but I can see about findin' someone you can speak to when you get there who can give you the local skinny. Wanna come back here around morning time two days from now?" Jed offers.
[16:15] * @Henrietta glances at Rudy before nodding at Jed. "It sounds right for me."
[16:17] <@Rudy> "Not much play in Isernia," agrees Rudy. "We made some good contacts here in the snooty class, though," he adds, tapping his fancy coat. "We'll be letting you know if we see any opportunities."
[16:17] <@Ebiris> "Can't give much more'n a name, but I'll see what I can dig up. You take care of yerselves, comrades," Jed tips his hat to Rudy.
[16:18] <@Rudy> Glorious freedom awaits, as Rudy makes the perfunctionary farewells and all but flees to the relatively safety of Shadowshore's streets!
[16:18] <@Henrietta> Quite happy to see someone use their hat properly, Henrietta follows suit and then heads out after Rudy!
[16:18] <@Ebiris> Back out into the cold and drizzly rain, Rudy thankfully sees no sign of the harlot who accosted him earlier. Although given the sounds from around the corner perhaps she found another mark, anyway.
[16:19] <@Ebiris> "You're not actually going to Zameina, are you?" Trucy asks quietly once everyone is back outside.
[16:19] * @Lucie shoots one glance to that far corner to make sure her "admirers" aren't trailing before exiting the establishment.
[16:20] <@Henrietta> "We are thinking about it," Henrietta responds to her, "though not right this moment. Why?"
[16:20] <@Rudy> "Thinking of it," replies Rudy, with a shrug. "It's where the work is, and the comisserate rewards."
[16:20] <@Ebiris> They're remaining seated at their table as Lucie leaves.
[16:22] <@Ebiris> "You wanna be careful you don't get made a slave if you go over there," Trucy warns. "Place is just creepy from all I hear."
[16:22] <@Henrietta> "Now that you mention it, did you hear about it from anyone first hand?" Henrietta asks curiously. "Or just as stories that, well, trickled down?"
[16:23] <@Lucie> "Don't think we'll be going that far in," Lucie says. "Just trailing the border enough to get a piece of it."
[16:23] <@Rudy> "Like anyone could make slaves of us," adds Rudy, rolling his eyes.
[16:23] <@Ebiris> "Never been, but you talk to sailors around the harbour, y'know?" Trucy shrugs, before turning on Rudy. "You know what a fat Zameinan slavelord would see looking at you, Rudy?" she pauses just a breathless second before concluding, "Two slaves," with a smug nod.
[16:24] <@Henrietta> "How do you get made a slave, anyway, since you mentioned it?" Henrietta wonders, glancing at Rudy.
[16:25] <@Ebiris> OOC: can roll knowledge local for that
[16:25] <@Lucie> "Wrong place at the wrong time, I guess, with somebody seeing an opportunity to make you one and no one around to stop them?" Lucie guesses.
[16:26] <@Rudy> "They probably press-gang you into it. Capture you by force, then put you to work under the lash?" asks Rudy, with a shrug. "But come on, how could they catch us? Even if they somehow got the jump on us, couldn't we just use magic or whatever and break out?"
[16:27] <@Henrietta> "If someone tried to turn me into a slave I might, that is, I believe I will kill them for it," Henrietta states. "So yes, it does sound very improbable that we would remain slaves to some slave lord."
[16:27] <@Ebiris> "What if they've got magic, too?" Trucy demands. "They might even use magic to make you *like* being a slave!"
[16:28] <@Rudy> "Well, then you'd come and save me, right?"
[16:28] <@Henrietta> "Of course I will!"
[16:28] <@Rudy> "See? Nothing to worry about!"
[16:28] <@Ebiris> Trucy remains silent and looks away.
[16:29] <@Henrietta> "I will come save you, too," Henrietta reassures Trucy in case she misunderstood.
[16:29] <@Ebiris> "Thanks..." the girl replies, not sounding wholly convinced.
[16:29] <@Lucie> "Don't need magic to make someone like that. Just takes long enough for them to get used to it." She shrugs. "Or so I'd figure, seen plenty of folks with poverty burned into them so hard they'd never try for anything else."
[16:30] <@Rudy> "Oh, sure. I mean, most people aren't scrappers or sorcerers," notes Rudy, with a shrug. "Your average guy told he'll be killed unless he starts digging? He's gonna dig."
[16:32] <@Henrietta> "It is definitely something... it is, well, it is a worthy cause, to stop that sort of thing," Henrietta declares.