Good Character's Sharp Blade
The estate was a busy hive preparing for all sorts of business. From children's leagues using the different fields and courts to businesses utilizing meeting rooms and reception halls. Not a single bit of constructed land was proving to be without use and as a result Primrose was using her enchantment magic to juggle every last aspect she could use it for.
On this day she did not wear the maid uniform she typically wore for her work. Today was a day that required what some might argue as a "more refined" look. So she chose something that would turn heads, grab attention, and hopefully for the ill prepared paint her as simply a "pretty face". She wore a deep red backless sequined dress with a high slit and deep V-neck, butterfly accented lace up stiletto heels, a silver bangle, and a silver necklace. She'd painted her nails in a red to black gradient to match her dress and shoes while applying slightly heavier make up than usual. Her regular cheap purse she'd carry any other day was swapped for a high end business tote. In the mind of the young woman this was her armor for what was to come.
Every meeting she had through the day was met with complete grace, but the one just after sunset was what it was all for. Following her penultimate meeting she descended the stairs from the second floor into the bustling entry hall. Different corporate groups were mingling both with themselves and prospective business collaborators from other groups who had been enjoying their stay at the estate. A group of five men in their late thirties stood apart from the rest.
"Gentlemen." Primrose greeted once she'd made her way to them.
"Ah, Primrose!" Replied the young man who stood at the center of the well dressed group. "I was just talking about you! This is the young woman in question. She works for old Remulus to handle his estate."
While the others eyed her up and down sizing her up for whatever thoughts crossed their minds Primrose simply smiled. These men were the ones she planned to have take her too lightly. His dismissive tone regarding her was dissatisfying, but not worthy of acknowledgement as things currently stood. Given who he was it made sense. The eldest son of a hotel magnate who almost always got what he wanted with a history of discourtesy.
"A pity she has yet to settle down and let someone else handle all of this premium land." He continued with a laugh. All but one of the men with him shared in his amusement. The last seemed uneasy as the remark had drawn unwanted attention.
"You seem a tad peckish sir." Primrose remarked toward the more hesitant one. "If you would like, I could have someone escort you retrieve some food to alleviate you."
"Huh?" It took him a moment to clue in to her intent. "Ah! That'd be great. I haven't had a bite to eat since noon."
"I see. One moment." Primrose replied before flagging down one of the maids. "Cecilia, could you please escort this fine young man to the kitchen? He has not eaten a single thing in several hours."
"My pleasure!" Cecilia answered gleefully before turning to the man in question. "If you'd follow me please."
As Cecilia led him away the young man looked back at Primrose with awkward gratitude. He alone would be spared what came next. Her attention returned to the other four still present.
"Now." She began with a slight edge to her tone that was matched by her gaze. "Attend me."
Those who knew Primrose well enough that were in earshot briefly froze. Their work hastened as they sought to make a quick exit. Prim made her way back toward the stairs, her ear twitched as she registered only a pair of footsteps. She paused and glanced back over her shoulder with a much sharper glare.
"All four of you." Her tone cut the life of all remaining chatter.
The entire group obediently shuffled behind her. Only once they'd all disappeared up to the second floor did the lively conversations resume. Though a few had changed topics given what they'd witnessed. Primrose lead the four of them into a vacant meeting room. When she turned to face them her gaze held burning ire.
"I don't understand why you're so angry 'Rose-"
"Primrose, Ms. Barghest, or Lady Barghest." She corrected sharply. "I am not simply some fragrant flower within a beautiful vase, and I most certainly am not your 'Rose' Maxwell." Prim reprimanded.
"Okay, okay. I understand. My apologies."
Maxwell's reply lacked sincerity, but the other three looked on in shame and embarrassment. They'd only now realized that they kicked a hornet's nest.
"I see sincerity remains unbecoming of you. Tell me, what had you hoped to achieve by belittling a woman for owning land, a business, or wealth? On her own property, before her own guests no less."
"Primrose you are blowing my remarks out of proportion! I meant no offense in what I said!"
"Yet the offense left your mouth without a single thought all the same." She pressed. "I was not the only woman in that room who owns land or runs a business. Your life and your behavior are not as private as you may think, provided you hold the capability. Of which I remain skeptical."
"You forget yourself Ms. Barghest." Maxwell bit back.
"This matter is being handled privately Maxwell Theodore Ruthfort. In a very much public social gathering you chose to thoughtlessly and without mitigation speak in an unrefined manner of women. in this instance it was pointed specifically at me, but you have been caught on record at numerous gatherings speaking of and to women as little more than mere objects. Some of which you've made today toward members of my own staff."
Primrose paused. While she'd not raised her voice once she was aware that her tone was sharper than any blade. The other three seemed to be nothing more than clinging sycophants who were quietly standing there with fearful gazes. They didn't want any part in all of this anymore, that much was clear. Thus she flashed them a warmer smile before taking a softer tone.
"You are permitted to leave if you understand." She urged.
The trio nodded and made haste to vacate the room which only seemed to agitate Maxwell further.
"All you've done is slander me."
"No. Slander requires falsehood." Primrose corrected in a tone bereft of warmth. "I cannot defame the character of a man who lacks any to speak of. Your own lack of decorum is precisely why you are simply the son of a magnate, not his heir."
Maxwell reached his boiling point. His anger propelled him to close the gap between the two and raise his fist to throw a punch her way. As she wasn't one to participate in physical altercations the rabbit ducked the wide swing of the much larger man and put space between them by moving beyond him, out the door, and into the hallway. She reached into her purse for her phone and contacted security. When they arrived they witnessed Maxwell try to take another swing at Primrose. In response they quickly subdued him and escorted him away while one member stayed behind to talk to her.
"Are you doing okay?" He asked.
"None the worse for wear." Primrose answered. "I knew I should have picked something other than stilettos for today. My feet were already sore, but the impromptu workout was not kind to my ankles."
"No need for medical intervention then?"
"I'll be fine, thank you. Have Mr. Ruthford escorted off the grounds please. Then contact his father and and the local police. I intend to handle this through the proper channels."
"Yes ma'am. Anything else?"
"No. Whatever nonsense follows all of this is my responsibility to deal with. Thank you for your hard work."
Once she was alone Primrose let out a sigh, both of relief and exhaustion. She made her way up to her private floor where she chose to cap off the busy and eventful day with a hard earned soak in the tub to relax.
