Lady Samurai

Chapter 10

After their walk Anna said good-bye to Reiko, who returned home. She was undoubtedly bursting with gossip about Gai-Jin and she needed to share it with her friends.

Anna gave orders regarding a bath for her companions and returned to her own room to change into her western clothing. She took off the kimono with a true regret. It was beautiful and made her feel elegant. The touch of expensive silk was a totally new experience, but the cut and the feel of the garment reminded her of the time when she was young and happy.

Once again, she forced her resurfacing memories away. She couldn't afford to feel sentimental. Not now, when so much depended on her, on her confidence and composure. She pulled herself together and shook her head - she had a job to do.

She went into the men's quarters to explain once again the correct procedures they needed to observe during their meeting with Lord Matsuda.

When she walked in, she noticed a disappointment in their expressions.

"Commander Morrison told us about your new incarnation." Mr Johnston smiled. "I admit, I was extremely curious to see that."

"You will satisfy your curiosity tonight." She replied with a grin, despite herself pleased with the impression she had made before. "I will wear my kimono to impress Lord Matsuda with our respect for their customs. But now let us discuss the order of proceedings." Efficiently she explained each step, from their greetings, to thanks, to bearing gifts. "The Japanese custom dictates to hand out presents towards the end rather than at the beginning of the meeting, but in this situation we can bend the rule a little and hand it earlier. I do not expect this meeting to last very long."

"Why?"

"Because Lord Matsuda will not talk to you about anything even remotely touching negotiations. This would be encroaching on somebody's else territory. He will greet you, you will thank him for his hospitality, hand over the gifts and I expect the meeting to be finished."

"So what is the point of it at all?!" Morrison was sulking. He looked bored.

"We want to make a good impression." She persuaded patiently. "His good will might be very useful for us. You are obviously not a diplomat, Sir." She smiled with irony.

"No, I am a soldier!" He grumbled.

She left his outburst without a comment. After a few minutes she continued, like nothing had happened. "I am sure it will be all right. I will try to give you prompts when anything is required of you. All you need to do is just follow my lead. But you must remember one thing: the Japanese appreciate politeness above all. The more you bow and thank, the better an impression you will make."

"How long do you think we will have to wait for the Shōgun's representative?" Mr Johnston just wanted to get it all over with.

"I think they will procrastinate as much as it is politely possible. But hopefully they will arrive within a week. How long the negotiations will last after that, nobody can predict." She shrugged.

Their faces were a bit long.

"Do not worry!" She laughed. "Just try to enjoy yourselves." She got to her feet.

"Where are you going?" Captain Norton asked, expecting her to stay with them until the time of the meeting.

"I need to take a bath and prepare. And I strongly advise the same to you. I have already given the orders. Bathing is a very pleasurable experience." She left.

In the corridor outside her room a serving girl was waiting for her. "My Lady, Hoji-San asks, if it was possible to have a moment of your time." Following the not-so-secret visit from Lord Takeda, her status among the servants had improved visibly.