2352/(Bat) Family Matters

(Bat) Family Matters
Date of Scene:	05 July 2020
Location:	Grand Hall - Wayne Manor
Synopsis:	Alfred Pennyworth informs Bruce Wayne of the arrival of his granddaughter, Julia Pennyworth. Arrangements are made for her to stay at Wayne Manor.
Cast of Characters:	Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth

---

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Afternoon in Wayne Manor may often as well be "Morning" given the very odd hours kept by its' primary resident, one Bruce Wayne. So it is not at all odd at this hour for Bruce to be enjoying his breakfast after his "morning" workout and shower. Today, miracle of miracles, he actually seems to be taking the time to eat the Bleu Cheese Quiche with whole grain crust that Alfred has prepared for him, though in his typical fashion, he cannot help but multitask, scrolling through today's news on the tablet propped on a stand before him. An empty cup of what was Irish Breakfast tea accompanies the dish, which is rapidly disappearing, albeit in the rushed yet somehow refined manner that Bruce normally eats when he's dining alone.

The morning room is actually out of direct sunlight at this hour, but it's a fine, clear day outside, giving it a cheery light that serves as a bit of contrast to dark hues and shadows often found throughout the Manor. It may have plenty of modern renovation, but it still very much "feels" like the historic house that it is, at least in many of its' spaces.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
In private, the two men don't stand on ceremony where all the strictures of the butler/employer relationship are concerned, so Alfred himself is not far away, enjoying a roast beef sandwich of his own. Still, without being asked, he wordlessly stands and refills Bruce's cup from an heirloom teapot. Once he returns to his seat, however, he pauses before resuming his meal, and instead breaks the silence by quietly clearing his throat.

"Sir, if I may," he ventures, "there is a personal matter that I would like to discuss with you, if you'll indulge me." This is, needless to say, an unusual request. While he awaits Bruce's reply, Alfred takes a sip of his own tea, which he has been savoring for longer than Bruce took with his entire meal.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce murmurs something that seems a mild effort at thanks for the refill, still intently scrolling through articles of the various local newspapers. When Alfred speaks, though, he looks up from said tablet almost with a start, a flicker of surprise flitting across normally-stony features. It is indeed rare for Alfred to ask anything of Bruce for himself, or even to discuss much in the way of personal matters.

But that doesn't mean Bruce is reticent when asked. He's always just assumed it was a matter of professionalism for Alfred to endeavor to never be a burden on his employer. In any case, he shuts off the Tablet's screen with the touch of a button, and turns his full attention towards his faithful aide-de-camp, confidant, and surrogate father-figure. For many that focused, searching gaze can be unnerving, but not likely the fellow seated across from him, and it isn't the intention to unsettle in any case.

"Of course, Alfred, what is it?"

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
Alfred takes a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking, then replies, "Well, sir, an unexpected family matter has come up." He is quick to clarify, "Not this family; I refer to my family in the U.K." He pauses once more, looking so imperceptibly annoyed with himself for this imprecise statement that anyone but Bruce would miss it. Rather than correct himself, he simply soldiers on: "My granddaughter, Julia, has arrived in Gotham, where she intends to live for the foreseeable future. I met her at the airport and we had lunch together."

This is the first Bruce is hearing of the outing, which Alfred is quick to acknowledge. "I beg your pardon, sir, for not being more forthcoming about the matter. I wasn't certain of the circumstances, or how long she would be staying, and I thought not to trouble you with it unless it became necessary."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"Your granddaughter?" As tight-lipped as Alfred often is where his personal affairs are concerned, Bruce was aware Alfred had at least one child, and a grandchild stands to reason given his age. "No apologies are necessary, Alfred. Is she in any kind of trouble? Or just reaching out for the familial tie?" Bruce only considers a half-moment before he adds, "She can stay here if you would prefer and are reasonably assured she won't be a problem." He's not sure how well Alfred knows her, but Alfred is as keen a judge of character as Bruce, possibly even more so.

"Whether just a temporary measure until she's more firmly established here, or something longer-term. I'm sure I can warn the others to be...suitably cautious." Another pause, before he adds, "And it's no imposition. If she's your family, she's as good as my family, and it would give you better opportunity to spend time with her /and/ likely be more safe than living in a hotel in the city."

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"I am grateful, sir. I have put her up in a hotel for the time being, until we can find her a suitable home in the city, but I'm sure a stay here would agree with her," Alfred answers. Truth be told, he had no doubt that Bruce would be understanding about the situation, but there is still something nagging at him. He continues, "I doubt she would be any kind of problem -- she seems most considerate and polite -- but to be quite candid, I cannot say for certain that she isn't in some kind of trouble."

The butler frowns, looking into the middle distance. "I might be jumping at shadows, sir, but I believe that there is something she has not shared with me. She had quite a promising military career, and has abruptly given it up to pursue photojournalism in a city she has never visited before. I cannot help but wonder at the cause, but she gently deflected any questions on the matter and I did not wish to pry."

He takes a quick breath, then refocuses on Bruce and finishes, "I would, at the very least, like her to meet the family. I have already invited her to the event at the distillery tomorrow, and if she will be staying in the manor, I'm sure I will have a chance to introduce the two of you."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce continues to listen intently, watching Alfred's body language and subtle motions and expressions as he speaks, more out of habit than any desire for intense scrutiny. "Military, you say? Hm. Well, if she /is/ in trouble, maybe we'll find a way to help her out of it." Bruce takes a sip from his newly-refreshed cup of tea and adds, "I'd suggest the guest wing for now, should keep her generally clear of the more sensitive areas. I'll give the others the heads-up on her presence." He smiles a bit, "Looking forward to meeting her." And that said, he cants his head, just a bit curiously, "Anything else?"

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"Yes, I daresay that a stint in the armed forces has become a bit of a Pennyworth family tradition," Alfred confirms. The corner of his mouth quirks as he continues, "I am pleased to see that you have rediscovered your appetite, but otherwise no, sir, that is all I wished to discuss." He settles back, seeming as blissfully unruffled as ever by the piercing attention that alone is enough to make lesser men cower. From what Bruce can pick up, his butler seems to feel better for having shared the details of the situation, and considers the matter settled until any new information comes out regarding his granddaughter's situation.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"All right. Then back to business, I suppose." Bruce takes another sip before continuing on, "The Batmobile picked up a bit of a vibration last night, felt like it was originating somewhere on the passenger side rear...."