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+------ Thread: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James (/showthread.php?tid=566)
Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - James Laurence - 10-13-2025
Wednesday, December 15, 1920
The Burke Home in Mayfair
7:45 PM
The Burke Home in Mayfair
7:45 PM
The townhome was lovely. Elegantly decorated with more than a touch of a sophistication, Roger's wife had truly outdone herself and leaned heavily into the London trends of the season.
Amelia was beside herself, cooing and complimenting nearly everything her green eyes fell on. James adored her. Sweet as honey and not an elitist bone in her body, bless her. She was always so impressed with what others in their circles accumulated and procured, despite having grown up in them. In many ways, she still carried that girlish excitement about her, and while endearing, she could come off immature at times.
He was grateful his father had arranged him to such an agreeable young woman. Pretty as a picture, never fussed, never questioned, always supportive.
When the women had tucked themselves into a corner to discuss whatever gossip they had to share, James and Roger had retired to the man's office on the opposite side of the home. "Dinner was lovely. You outdid yourselves," James said, settling himself into an oversized chair the wine from dinner making easy relaxation of his muscles. He grinned slightly, motioning to the hallway behind him, "Amelia's easily impressed and a bit silly. She's still quite young. I hope you don't take her compliments lightly. She's genuine."
His wife hadn't wanted to leave their infant with Edith for the evening; she was still nursing and rarely found herself separated from their baby. But duty came first, before all else, and he was amused how quickly she'd gone from pouting about the whole thing to practically squealing with delight over the Burkes.
"How soon will you collect Ruth and head back home?" James asked lightly, preferring to jump right into talks after all the niceties and politeness of dinner. "Did you have a chance to look over the highlights I had my elf bring you?"
It wasn't often James shared information on his business dealings, but this was an exceptional case, and if it helped move things along and get everything settled for his nephew, then he was glad to make it.
RE: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - Roger Burke - 10-13-2025
His wife was far too besotted with the British.
Francine had been adamant that he not leave her behind. Despite his every insistence that it was only a short trip to conduct business and to collect the child, his wife had packed her things and awaited him by the fireplace when he had set to head out. Roger, exasperated and in no mood to argue when the last several weeks had been filled with silent, tear-filled arguments, let her be. The woman deserved a win, and he felt he deserved some peace.
He'd been grateful that James had brought his own wife on such short notice, more grateful than he would admit, or the man would ever understand.
As it turned out, the woman had hit it off swimmingly with James's wife, taking Amelia about the townhouse and out into the back garden. For a woman who seldom visited herself, Francine had turned herself into one hell of a host. She'd spent the evening preening at each of Amelia's compliments, soaking in the words of the duchess, and no doubt storing each of them for the next time her lady friends were by the estate.
The women fed off each other, each seemingly enchanted by the other. When it came time for them to talk business, Roger hadn't needed to prompt his wife to make herself scarce. They'd disappeared seconds after the plates had from the dining table.
"Dinner was lovely. You outdid yourselves."
"You're too kind, as is your lovely wife. Francine already adores her." Her compliments, at least. He knew he wouldn't receive the full report until he was ready for bed and decidedly uninterested in the regurgitation of everything she'd spent the evening ingesting. But no, Roger didn't spend his evening worrying over Amelia's disposition. Had he found the woman patronising in any manner, it would have cost him very little to point it out.
Though, given his situation, he supposed it would still cost him something.
Roger sank into the seat behind the large mahogany desk he'd spent many nights at, poring over documents. "I did have a look at them, yes. Your elf had been prompt with the delivery. We can discuss the matter further now that we're both here." He reached into the top drawer, pulling out a box of Lords of England cigars. Taking one, he levitated the box over for James to help himself should he want to. "As for Ruth, she and her adopted mother will be returning with us to New York at the end of the week. I could've done without the extra encumberment," he confided, taking a deep drag of Cuban luxury. They were not friends, but by the end of the night, they would be far more tangled than Roger could've imagined when he'd first made the trip over to see his daughter. Surely, it allowed for some authenticity. "But it can't be helped. The woman acts as if I could kidnap my own daughter."
And as if she would be able to do anything about it.
"The children first," he said, plumes of thick smoke curling around each word. "Then onto the matter of our shared ventures." Roger lowered the cigar, easing back into his chair.
"It seems a shame to give ourselves the added work when they're already as fond of each other as they are."
RE: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - James Laurence - 10-14-2025
Everyone adored Amelia. There wasn't a soul she came in contact with that didn't immediately fall for her charm and bubbly disposition. He nodded, appreciating the cigar offered, rolling it between his fingers as he mused on the sincerity of women in high society. Amelia always was; she didn't have a disingenuous bone in her body, but James knew well how other women operated.
Still, it mattered not to him if Mrs. Burke was truly enchanted by Amelia or her status. Either way, they were getting along well, and it was all he could ask for. The women being friendly, or even better, friends would only serve to move this little arrangement forward swifter.
"I did have a look at them, yes. Your elf had been prompt with the delivery. We can discuss the matter further now that we're both here. As for Ruth, she and her adopted mother will be returning with us to New York at the end of the week. I could've done without the extra encumberment. But it can't be helped. The woman acts as if I could kidnap my own daughter."
James smirked in amusement, bringing the cigar to his lips and lighting it with the end of his wand. "My sister knows her. I haven't had the pleasure," he said, referring to Ruth's adoptive mother. Julia had worked with her previously as colleagues at Hogwarts, and obviously they had kept in touch, considering Ruth had been allowed to visit over the summer. Julia seemed to like her, finding her fascinating and better-educated than most she had worked with.
There was no need to offer those sentiments of course. It was plain that Roger wasn't thrilled with the idea of Ruth's mother tagging along, but until everything was settled, perhaps there wasn't much he could do about it. "I'm sure you'll all have a lovely Christmas."
There was no need for more small talk. Roger was ready to get to the meat and potatoes.
"The children first. Then onto the matter of our shared ventures."
James felt the corner of his eyebrow perk upwards, but he remained silent, exhaling the sweet and spicy smoke through his nostrils. Shared ventures only came if there was an arrangement. James saw no point in working together if a set contract wasn't in place. If Roger had decided that Ruth's future was better spent with another family, then there was nothing holding the two men together if one of them decided to back out on a business deal.
With children arranged and married, they both had a vested interest in making sure every move they made together was a successful one.
"It seems a shame to give ourselves the added work when they're already as fond of each other as they are."
And there it was. Easy as the casual proposition he had made. The man loved when a plan came together.
"Quite right." He was glad Roger saw the same benefits he did. There would be no awkward introduction between the betrothed. No hysterics from the young bride that often accompanied these sorts of things. No brooding from the boy or protests against the inevitable. An arrangement, easily facilitated, and when the time came a drama-free wedding with all the pomp required of their status. It would even be a joyful occasion, where so many of these felt somber. How lucky for all involved.
"I think you'll find my nephew is quite taken with her. There'll be no problem getting him onboard as long as they can maintain their admiration." Even if there was, the boy would quickly learn that the family always got its way. "We'll announce it then at a garden party this summer. Have Benji formally ask her for her hand. They can be married once he finishes university." He took a long deep breath, feeling his shoulders relax.
"A dowry won't be necessary. They're rather archaic in this day and age, but we'll need an exchange of sorts. An oath, on both our parts to ensure it's seen through." His eyes became slightly harder as he studied the man, unsure if Roger was as...familiar with certain practices as his family was. The Laurences lived and breathed magic and it wasn't beyond any of them to utilize whatever tools necessary to ensure they came out on top.
RE: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - Roger Burke - 10-15-2025
"My sister knows her. I haven't had the pleasure."
Roger scoffed, the gesture punctuated by a mild roll of his eyes. Pleasure. Billie Dragomir was another woman who did not know her place. The headaches showed no sign of an end. More and more, the man found himself needing to interact with people he otherwise would never cross paths with or be in need of their services. Laurence wasn't among them. If nothing else, this was a fortuitous outcome of an otherwise unfavourable situation. Ruth's adopted mother, the hired help he'd needed to find her--the girl herself--they all made him anxious to have it all over with. Roger longed to return to his routine life, where business took precedence and few thought it necessary to challenge his decisions.
"I'm not concerned about my plans for the holiday, only the interruptions in their execution. I suppose, though, that there are ways around that." And they were already being set in motion. In a world where money talked, Roger was prepared to have an adequate 'emergency' crop up that would require Dragomir's attention long enough to get matters settled.
"I hope you'll have a better time. Have you spoken to Benji yet about what we've discussed?"
He hadn't yet had a chance to interrogate his daughter and doubted her honesty even when he did. On the other hand, the girl seemed to lack the necessary guile to lie. Ruth was so busy trying to be vulgar at every turn that she might well tell him the sordid things she'd been up to. It was more a matter of how much he was willing to listen to.
Speaking of the boy...
"Quite right."
They remained in agreement then. In truth, Roger hadn't needed much time to think the other man's proposal through. This winter would be the dry run for how well Ruth fit into his circles and for him to gauge the sort of offers he might be able to secure, but as his grandfather had always said, a bird in the hand was worth two in the bush. It was never good to be too eager in business, but the American knew a losing hand when he saw one. No doubt, Ruth could land him some lucrative deals. That wasn't necessarily in question. Above everything else, she was a pretty girl who would soon have his name behind her and enough connections to make many overlook the illegitimacy of her birth.
It remained a gamble. All it took was the wrong person looking too deeply, and the scandal would bury whatever deal he managed to strike. Better the man who knew exactly what she was and was still willing to strike a deal. It removed at least a few...complications.
"I think you'll find my nephew is quite taken with her. There'll be no problem getting him onboard as long as they can maintain their admiration."
"Oh, I have no doubt of that." He'd been in Hogsmeade, he'd seen the way they interacted. His daughter's words still caused his ears to ring from the impropriety they carried. James's had been no better. In their last exchange, subtle as the man had tried to be, it was clear that the children were more tangled than they had any business being. "Maintaining their affections would be ideal, but a luxury all the same." Were such marriages forged on the whims of those involved, dynasties would all have crumbled centuries ago.
Roger took another drag of his cigar, listening to the proposed timeline of events. Neither man had explicitly given their answer, but an understanding had already settled between them. This was a done deal without either having to concede anything. "An agreeable timeline," Roger agreed. "We intend to return in the summer to collect Ruth again." Until they worked out her education, there was no need to disrupt the one she currently had. At the same time, she would require some degree of in-home training. Having her continue the way she was was simply out of the question. "I'll ensure she's there and at her very best. Francine and the children will enjoy the trip." He tapped the butt of the cigar gently against the ashtray, removing the inch or so of ashen buildup. "How long do we intend to keep this to ourselves?"
There were many talks he would need to have with Ruth. He needed only to know if this was one of them.
"A dowry won't be necessary. They're rather archaic in this day and age, but we'll need an exchange of sorts. An oath, on both our parts to ensure it's seen through."
Smoke plumes tumbled from his nostrils. "I couldn't agree more." It wasn't that he didn't trust the Laurences, but rather, he'd seen their nephew in all his wildness. They seemed the sort to indulge whims and encourage passions if his behaviour was any indication of things. Should the boy decide that his passions were taking him in another direction, Roger preferred the assurance that things wouldn't be so simple. It would be a shame for such a union to fall apart on something as frivolous as 'feelings'.
"I have an idea, but what would you suggest?"
RE: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - James Laurence - 10-16-2025
"I spoke to him over the weekend." Benji had come home with Julia so the family could discuss Christmas plans and events before all the children returned from school. It would be a busy two weeks of various Christmas parties they'd all attend, a Ministry holiday ball, the Christmas Eve walkabout and then all the several family activities they always did. There would hardly be downtime the entire break, and he needed all of the younger members well-aware of the schedule.
He'd taken some time to pull Benji aside and talk to him. The boy had been...surprisingly agreeable. It was amazing what simple things could pull a boy onto the straight and narrow path; without physical punishment. "He won't be a problem for you anymore. He understands what's at stake now." As they all did. Whether Benji and Ruth would end up arranged or not had no bearing on the obstacles both families were facing and how they needed to carefully maneuver them.
A rogue heir with no sense of propriety and a 'what-doesn't-kill-me' attitude was a death sentence.
"Maintaining their affections would be ideal, but a luxury all the same."
James couldn't agree more. Regardless if Benji continued to be as enamored with the Burke girl as he currently was, he would do as the family instructed. He was already beginning to understand that the Laurences didn't act for self. They acted as one, solid unit. Moving together, acting together, speaking together. Everything done was for the greater unit, and never for the individual. There were some exceptions that had been made recently, mostly for Julia, and everyone could see how that had turned out.
It wasn't a mistake James was willing to make again. Not for Rosalie. Not for Benji. Not for his own daughter. It was in Benji's best interest to keep in the girl's good graces, but still distant enough so as not to cause a scandal or worse. It was a delicate dance the boy, like all the rest of them had, would have to learn on his own.
"We intend to return in the summer to collect Ruth again. I'll ensure she's there and at her very best. Francine and the children will enjoy the trip. How long do we intend to keep this to ourselves?"
"I'll defer to you on that, being the bride's father," he said amicably, as it should be. The bride's family always had consideration for these sorts of things. "I'll inform Benji when he returns for Easter break, but he'll keep it to himself until you're ready for Ruth to know." He would need time to prepare the boy, get him used to the idea. He'd need to take him to design a ring for her to have it ready in time for summer. Things that likely would be daunting for a fifteen year old boy, but he'd be fine with time.
It seemed they were on the same page, overall which only made all of this that much easier. James hated long drawn-out negotiations that served no one but the hesitating party. The fact that Roger was as ready to get this situated as he was bode well for them both, and he could only look forward to the business ventures that would arise with such a likeminded partner.
"I have an idea, but what would you suggest?"
"Blood," James said with a slight shrug of his shoulder as he took another long drag off the cigar. Most wealthy pureblood families were familiar with it. There weren't many that hadn't dabbled in blood magic at some point, thought some were more turned off to the idea than others.
"You're familiar with certain rituals, yes?"
RE: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - Roger Burke - 10-17-2025
"I spoke to him over the weekend."
"I'll consider the matter handled then." As before, Roger saw no use in belabouring the point. Sooner or later, they would have to begin operating in good faith with each other now that the silent agreement had passed between them, and should they secure the union, the matter of the girl's innocence wouldn't be nearly so much of a stumbling block--not when the boy had been the one to tarnish her to begin with and not when they were soon to be betrothed despite the fact.
There was only the matter of her public image left, and that he would not see fall away because the boy considered her a honey pot he could keep dipping into.
It wouldn't do well for either of them to step into circles where the boy would have a girl at his side that people silently snickered at and mocked him for. Respect was currency in their circle, and once lost, it was a difficult thing to regain.
Some day, Benji would understand; they both would.
"I'll defer to you on that, being the bride's father. I'll inform Benji when he returns for Easter break, but he'll keep it to himself until you're ready for Ruth to know."
"Let him sit with it until we return for her in the summer. It will give the boy the time to brace himself for what must be done without my daughter in his ear." With everything else he would have to take care of before then, Roger was also uninterested in having to wrangle Ruth, who hadn't yet learned her place. He didn't need her acting out before the event and causing him further work. The term 'ignorance was bliss' would have to become her bread and butter. "And you're sure he'll keep it to himself?" If they were as...close as James had alluded to, all it would take was the wrong sort of touch to have the boy singing like a canary. "Boys haven't been known to be particularly firm against certain wiles."
It wasn't that he distrusted James, but that he'd been given no reason to put his faith in Benji.
"Blood."
The corners of his lips curled like the plumes of smoke that continued to billow out from his cigar. They were ready to talk real business. Roger lowered the cigar to the ashtray, letting it slowly burn itself out naturally while he fixed James with new, sharper eyes.
If nothing else, he could appreciate the man's willingness to get to the real meat of the matter. Bonds forged in blood were not easily broken. Should the duke find himself suddenly of a more fickle mind, wanting to back out, there would be consequences enough to satisfy the American. This wasn't a 'shake on it and trust me', it was a deal with teeth; the sort he enjoyed.
"I'm familiar with several rituals, yes," he confirmed, finding no need to be coy or to dance around the conversation.
"The one I have in mind would require participation on both Ruth and Benji's parts, unless you'd prefer to absolve the boy of any weight in the matter." The lingering implication hung between them.
Should he choose to exclude his nephew, it made for a less secure deal and opened him up to the sort of scrutiny that probed into whether he was still trying to maintain a back exit should the deal no longer suit him.
That wouldn't do at all.
RE: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - James Laurence - 10-17-2025
"And you're sure he'll keep it to himself? Boys haven't been known to be particularly firm against certain wiles."
"He will," James said firmly, knowing that Benji absolutely would keep it to himself. The boy understood now what consequences looked like in the family, and while they were vastly different from what Benji was used to, they were effective. He cared about his nephew, but discipline and obedience was core to the family. He'd have to learn it sooner than later. "He understands now what's at stake if he chooses not to listen."
Not listening however, wouldn't even be an option with the oaths they were considering. There were consequences in making a promise with blood, some worse than others depending on the type of oath they were discussing. James would be satisfied with a simple blood oath; it was easy, only slightly painful and held until the promise was fulfilled.
"The one I have in mind would require participation on both Ruth and Benji's parts, unless you'd prefer to absolve the boy of any weight in the matter."
The man couldn't hide his surprise, even if it was revealed by just the slightest raise of his eyebrows. "An unbreakable vow, then?" The darkest of all oaths, one rarely made and never lightly. James himself had never made such a vow, unwilling to bind his actual life to another. It was the sort of thing that people in their circles shied away from, hesitant by the severity of consequences should they make an errant movement.
James was quiet as he ashed the cigar and rolled it between his thumb and index finger, considering the weight of what he'd be asking Benji to do. Ruth would be the requester, and the boy would make the vow to her. His life force would be hers, essentially, and should he ever break the vow, he would die, instantly. Was it a risk he was willing to take not just with his heir, but his nephew? His sister's son? He pursed his lips for a moment, feeling that anxiety that always turned in his stomach when it required something heavy of his family members.
It was a lot to ask of a fourteen year old boy.
"No. The vow has to be his," James agreed finally. He would have to ensure Julia would never be made to find out. The rage his sister would fly into, the fight that would ensue, was more than he cared to reason with. "You understand what this means though? I'm risking my nephew's life to ensure your daughter's security." It wasn't a small ask, and James could find another marriage that wouldn't require the vow. Still.
Everyone had to make sacrifices.
"He'll make the vow. And in return she'll make it to him immediately after."
Neither of them would be able to back out.
RE: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - Roger Burke - 10-18-2025
"He understands now what's at stake if he chooses not to listen."
Music to his ears. Without knowing the conversation the two shared, there was no real way for Roger to change his opinion of the way they'd allowed the boy to run free, but James's words suggested a shift, and he could certainly be content in that. It wasn't easy, he knew that much. His private investigator had given the impression that the boy's upbringing hadn't been too far off from Ruth's, and the girl was proving difficult to bend.
Not impossible, but certainly enough to cause him grief. If either child were to take up the mantle someday, the changes had to begin now. The way they spoke, the way they reacted to authority, and how they chose to accept orders.
"An unbreakable vow, then?"
Roger didn't flinch at James's surprise, giving the man a moment to let the idea settle in his mind. It wasn't the sort of proposition that he made lightly, nor was it one he made too often, but some things were worth going the extra mile. This was one of them. He wasn't a fool. Reaching an agreeable deal for his daughter would be an uphill battle, and many things were riding on the success of such a union. To say it would've been unfortunate should Benji decide his heart lay with another or James find a more lucrative business man would've been a gross understatement. Roger didn't want to be burdened by the task of starting over in his search to acquire someone for her.
It would be the case, regardless, should this all fall through, but not without blood to compensate him for the grievance.
"Yes," he agreed with a mild nod. "That won't be a problem, will it?"
"No. The vow has to be his. You understand what this means though? I'm risking my nephew's life to ensure your daughter's security."
Excellent. They remained on the same page. "My dear man, have I ever given you the impression that I'm careless or ignorant of my proposals?" He asked, a glint of something almost feral in his eyes. "No, your willingness to meet me at the table is deeply appreciated, and you'll find my appreciation is never hollow."
"He'll make the vow. And in return she'll make it to him immediately after."
That vague smile returned as he eased back into his chair again. "Your suspicion wounds me, but these are fair terms. Ruth will make the vow after your nephew does, and their fates will be forever entwined." Roger was less enthused about putting the girl on the chopping block when she was already so unruly. After all, until she produced an heir, he was still the one on the hook for the blood debt. But it couldn't be helped in this type of business.
"It will serve them both well to have us explain the minute details of such a vow to avoid...unfortunate outcomes down the road, should either of them think this is all a silly game, they can end the moment their feelings are hurt."
Ruth was impulsive. Benji, perhaps not now but certainly before, was impulsive. It was a recipe for disaster if they didn't know what was at stake.
RE: Mayfair - Game of Thrones | Roger & James - James Laurence - 10-19-2025
"My dear man, have I ever given you the impression that I'm careless or ignorant of my proposals? No, your willingness to meet me at the table is deeply appreciated, and you'll find my appreciation is never hollow."
Hmm. James supposed it didn't matter what impression he had. Certainly he hadn't taken Roger as someone to make decisions lightly; he certainly didn't. Everything James did was calculated, thought out. There were times Arthur and Leo went rogue and decided to make decisions for their families on their own. Sometimes they panned out, sometimes they just caused more problems. But himself? He thought everything through. Weighed all the benefits and consequences. Worked out every possible outcome in his head.
No, he didn't take Roger for an impulsive fool.
There was a smile on Roger's features that James had seen on others before. He often wondered if men even realized they were making it - or if he had made it himself. It was that sort of smile that men wore when they knew they'd won.
"Your suspicion wounds me, but these are fair terms. Ruth will make the vow after your nephew does, and their fates will be forever entwined."
James nodded, finally bringing the cigar back to his lips. It was a deal then. Both men would put their heirs on the line, in the hopes that the threat itself would push both Benji and Ruth into doing the right thing. He understood well that hearts changed and evolved while young, and who they were now would not be the people they'd be in their twenties. It was possible they wouldn't like each other by that time, but liking your spouse wasn't the point in their world.
It was a benefit offered to few.
"It will serve them both well to have us explain the minute details of such a vow to avoid...unfortunate outcomes down the road, should either of them think this is all a silly game, they can end the moment their feelings are hurt."
"Agreed. I'll talk to him about it as summer gets closer. Make sure Benji understands that once the vow is made its irrevocable. Best they don't get the bright idea of offering their hearts up to others, knowing this is waiting for them." He paused a moment, mulling something over in his head. He'd met Ruth. She was a sweet enough girl. But Benji and Julia had both mentioned in passing that she was stubborn and had...quite the temper.
"You're sure your daughter will go along with this?" James grinned slightly, "I hear she's not one easily brought to heel."
A problem it seemed, in more than one family.