Sweetheart, you have no idea what you got yourself into.

[maria_stark]

Well now, isn't this just dandy. Here I am, all dressed up and no where to go.

[See that very patient brow crinkling ever so slightly? That's Maria keeping her cool]

With all due respect, I've helped my father run the family business for years before I even met Howard. I am a successful woman and not afraid to let it be known. If you think I'll start kowtowing and playing the shrinking violet now, you have another think coming, sister.

I'm nobody's damsel in distress and I don't need anyone's help. When people are blessed to have the good fortune myself and my family have had, it's us who need to give back. It doesn't work the other way around. People need a standard, they need to see that it doesn't matter how rich you are, how powerful you might be or who has dinner at your table, people are equal and deserving.

So, do us both a favor won't you? Realize that iron in the backbone came from both sides of the family.

Comments

[shockinglyold]

It's damn good to see another woman with balls.

[Jenny is smirking brightly as she lights up a cigarette.]

[maria_stark]

I don't usually stoop the the masculine terms, but it seems appropriate enough.

[Have a smirk, Jenny]

Maria Stark, you wouldn't happen to have another of those would you?
[Indicates the cigarette]

[shockinglyold]

Jenny Sparks. Unfortunately feminine terms never get out of the eighteen hundreds.

[Jenny tapped out a cigarette and offered it to Maria.]

Stark? Any relation to Howard Stark?

[maria_stark]

Really? I think there's a lot to be said for any woman who can spend all day in garters, hose, heels a girdle and still manage to smile. I'd like to see a man try it for even an hour.

Actually..no, I'd rather not actually see it, but the thought is amusing.

[she takes the cigarette and holds it between her lips, deftly lighting it with a match before waving the match out and flicking it away]

Yes, he's my husband.

[shockinglyold]

[Jenny let out a soft snort.]

I'm pretty sure they'd never fantasize about that ever again. Although I know a few hulking blokes I'd love to see like that. Be great blackmail fodder.

[At the explanation of Howard being Maria's husband Jenny's brows raise almost into her hairline.]

Really? You mean a bloke like Howard can really handle a woman like you?

[brams_nightmare]

You are a most... fascinating woman, I must admit.

[maria_stark]

And you are..quite pale, are you entirely well, Mr....?

[brams_nightmare]

Tepes. And it's 'Count.' Yes, I'm fine, thank you.

I see you are a woman of uncommon compassion as well as of strength, ma'am.

[maria_stark]

Count Tepes, quite a title. I'm glad you are well, and I have been fortunate in my life, it's now my station to make sure others do not go unnoticed or attended.

[withnopowers]

[she just...stares at her for a moment, with a soft smile] You tell 'em.

[maria_stark]

Why, thank you dear. Very kind of you to lend support. Do we, or rather will we know each other? I'm afraid I don't recognize you.

[withnopowers]

[Kate shakes her head, the smile fading] No. You just - remind me of someone.

[she offers a hand] I'm Kate. I - I will know your son. [the smile twists into a wry smirk] Sort of.

[maria_stark]

Do I? I hope that's a good thing.
[Have a wide, bright Maria smile Kate, and a firm, warm hand shake]

It's a pleasure to meet you Kate. I hope my son isn't too much of a handful. I've been made aware he is quite a dynamic personality.

[ironplayboy]

So she has just picked you up and you're already threatening her and ordering her around?

Yeah, you're my father's wife alright.

[maria_stark]

Anthony, [Mother is tsking at you and brushing wrinkles out of your shirt] a little respect goes a long way on both sides. As for you, I'm your mother, you should be nice to me.

[ironplayboy]

[Tony just grins] I am being nice. I haven't cursed or anything yet.

[maria_stark]

You'd better not! Cursing isn't becoming on you, nor is the wild hair. Really Anthony, what will I do with you? [Don't let the exasperated tone fool you, those motherly eyes are lookign fondly at him]

[notanambassador]

. . . may I assume that you're the one that finally tamed the infamous tomcat?

[maria_stark]

Tamed? My dear I don't think anyone will ever accuse me of that, reined in a bit perhaps.

I take it you are acquainted with the tom in question?

[notanambassador]

Being able to use reins implies that he's at least tame enough for a bridle.

[Oh the joys of spending time on the fringe where horses are still a method of transport.]

I am, but in a very alternate reality. I'm Inara Serra.

[maria_stark]

If he wanted to marry me he had to be. I never wanted to stifle his creativity, his spontaneity or his genius. Those things are what made me fall in love with him, but Howard should never be left to his own devices, it does him no good.

And I am a very skilled rider.

A pleasure Miss Serra, I'm Maria, Mrs. Stark is Howard's mother, and an old battle axe so no thank you on being called that.

OH you did it

[oneslickedison]

...You know, it's things like this that could give me an inferiority complex.

Oh yes I did

[maria_stark]

You? Suffer the slings and arrowsof outrageous fortune? Howard, I'm shocked.

I've seen the pictures of you in your skulling days, but to actually see you, it's no wonder you had the reputation you did.

Re: Oh yes I did

[oneslickedison]

Quoting Shakespeare at me -- all right, will make me want to kiss you, but it won't take away from the fact that you are mocking the fact that you don't need me.

Which I knew when I married you, but still.

Thank you, sweetheart. I think. [a faint smirk, before his eyes narrowed.] And yet ... you still apparently stepped out on me.

[maria_stark]

As I said to another friend of yours earlier, it takes a certain sort of person to catch your attention for long. As much as you love aesthetics you're an engineer and if the insides don't fascinate you, you'll soon lose interest.

I do need you Howard, not your money, not the big strong protecting man, not someone to hide behind. I need a partner who can keep up with me and challenge me at the same time.

Stepped out on you? Please do enlighten me.