Chapter Text
The first time journalist Alice DeRoss had interviewed the Pliniuses, she had barely had any chance to talk to Melly Plinius. Joshua Plinius had talked throughout most of the interview, even for questions directed at Melly. Alice had been polite enough to not say anything about it. She couldn't quite tell whether or not Mrs. Plinius minded it. Her face had been covered by a gauze hat, making it impossible to discern any expression she might have made with respect to her husband's behaviour.
Now she was given a second chance to interview Melly Plinius. Just Melly Plinius, given her husband had died in an unfortunate accident a few months ago.
The news outlet Alice worked for had hoped that their star journalist would fix up some mind-blowing story about how Melly might have been somehow involved in the incident of her husband’s death. Alice, on her part, didn't believe the baseless rumors floating around painting Mrs. Plinius in a negative light. It was hard enough being a woman in a field dominated by men, even more unfair so that people would rather talk about the reason one would cover their face rather than her contributions to the world of Science.
As a woman herself, Alice could sympathize with Melly on a great level. And that is the reason she had accepted to do this interview. Simply because she wanted to portray Mrs. Plinius in a positive light. The higher ups at her office wouldn't be happy. But they wouldn't fire her. They couldn't afford to. She was one of their best employees.
Alice stepped into the Plinius estate and was led by a maid into the sitting room where Mrs. Plinius was already waiting, her face covered by a white gauze hat as usual. She wore simple clothing. A dark green overcoat with brown trousers. One wouldn't recognise her as the owner of such a large estate if they happened to run into her outside.
Mrs. Plinius dismissed the maid and greeted Alice, “Miss DeRoss.”
Alice nodded in greeting, “Mrs. Plinius. I appreciate you agreeing to this interview. My condolences about your husband.”
Melly Plinius pursed her lips, “Risk is inevitable in both research and life. It is all in the past now.”
Alice was surprised by Melly's indifference as she spoke the words, but didn't let it show on her face. It wasn't her business.
Alice took a seat right opposite Melly. The entomologist exuded an aura of confidence and readiness. She was obviously on guard. Alice couldn't blame her. With how much the world outside had been talking about the Pliniuses, anyone would be bound to raise their wariness.
Alice tried to lighten the mood with a smile and a simple question, “How has your research been going, Mrs. Plinius?”
“Well enough. I will soon be publishing a paper on it.”
“Ah, well, would you like to share about the topic of your upcoming research paper?” Alice had already taken out her notepad and pen, ready to jot down whatever she deemed necessary.
Mrs. Plinius simply watched Alice for a moment or two before opening her mouth and continuing, “The research objective was to observe the behaviour of different species of insects when put together in a common environment.”
Alice watched the entomologist expectantly. Mrs. Plinius had likely not expected this. She was sure Alice was only making small talk by enquiring about her research…waiting to spring the actual questions about her private life. But so far, Alice hadn’t shown any indication that she was here to pry into Melly’s secrets. As so many before her had tried, leading to Melly refusing interviews altogether. This one had been a very rare, unavoidable exception.
Mrs. Plinius cleared her throat and continued, “Different species of insects have different biological habits, and insects that otherwise don't interfere with each other can become competitive due to limited resources. The purpose of this experiment was to observe the potential outcomes when different species of insects were placed in the same vessel.” She paused, wondering if the information was all a little too much for the journalist. But to her surprise, the journalist was listening very intently, even going as far as to take down notes every now and then.
Melly was surprised but went on, “The experiment subjects involved phasmids, click beetles and moths, all species that live in conditions far varied with each other. This experiment was a reference with regard to another one, involving praying mantises. It has been observed that the neural structure of the insect world is counterintuitive, especially for praying mantises, where the nerves in their lower body are in charge of breathing, sensation, and movement, while the brain in their head doesn't have such complex functions.”
“Fascinating!” The reporter exclaimed, her eyes bright with wonder, “So what were the results of the experiment?”
For the first time in ages, the entomologist actually found herself eager to speak more to someone about her topic of interest. Pleased with Miss DeRoss’ interest, she went on in a friendlier tone than before, “It cannot be possible for distinct species to adapt to each other in such a short time. As expected, many ended up succumbing to the change in environment, while others were eliminated for nutrition, some were killed due to merely being perceived as a threat. We can very well conclude that in treacherous conditions, the insects are bound to kill and feed on each other.”
Alice nodded along, “This is a very interesting topic of research, Mrs. Plinius. Thank you for sharing with me a glimpse of your upcoming work.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Miss DeRoss.” The entomologist said with a smile, “Would you like a cup of tea?” She pointed to the trolley the maid had just rolled in and was placing on the table.
“I would be very grateful, Mrs. Plinius.”
When the maid had finally left, Melly spoke again, “Do have a taste of the honey, Miss DeRoss. It had been personally cultivated by me on this estate.”
“Oh!” Alice was very impressed. She immediately reached out to pour a spoon in her cup. Melly watched her curiously as the journalist took a sip and nodded in delight, “Very fresh and authentic. You must be very skilled in apiculture, Mrs. Plinius.”
Melly did not reply. Alice looked up at her, worried she may have said something to offend the other woman, “Pardon? Did I say something wrong?”
Melly shook her head, “You are a strange woman, Miss DeRoss. I don’t mean that derogatorily,” She clarified on seeing the shocked look on the blonde-haired woman’s face.
The entomologist leaned back, studying Alice intensely, “There were many reporters who had come here before you. They hadn’t even feigned politeness, delving into personal questions right away. I suppose you can understand why I had refused so many interviews in the past few months. None of them care about my research. They only want to uncover something about me. Find something which will make them go, ‘Aha this is it. This will prove the woman to be a deceiving witch who killed her husband’. Yes, I am aware of how the world outside is perceiving me as of now. I do not care much for it. Incidents like this are always entertainment for the bored folks out there. Soon it will die down and be another baseless discussion swept under the rug.”
Alice’s face fell, “I am so sorry, Mrs. Plinius.”
“Why are you sorry? Unless, this has all been a facade and you too had been after the same story all this while?” Melly asked as she raised her own teacup to her mouth.
Alice was quick to defend herself, “Not at all. I promise you, I came here purely because I wanted to know more and write about your research. As for the rumours outside,” Alice’s face twisted into unhappiness, “The world is very cruel to women. I think it is unfair that you have so many contributions to entomology under your name but all that is ever discussed is irrelevant matters about your life.”
Melly took a deep breath and, to Alice’s surprise, she smiled, “Indeed. You are a smart woman, Miss DeRoss. If possible, I wouldn’t refuse another opportunity to have tea with you, as friends rather than interviewer and interviewee.”
Alice’s face warmed on hearing that. She was very flattered by Mrs. Plinius’ offer, “O-of course!” She stuttered, a little too happily, “It would be an honour, Mrs. Plinius!”
“You can call me Melly.” The entomologist smiled again and unable to help herself, Alice smiled too, “Then please, call me Alice.”
*****
As Alice had expected, her article on Melly’s upcoming research wasn’t well received at her workplace. She had still been allowed to publish it, only because she pushed for it, mentioning how impactful such an article talking about the behaviour of insects could be in the column reserved for all topics Science.
Her boss still hadn’t been pleased and as far as Alice knew, she would be continued to be scolded and possibly shunned at the workplace if she didn’t pull out her trump card,
“I have an interview scheduled with the novelist Orpheus this upcoming Thursday.” She had said.
“The world-renowned thriller novelist?” The old man had seemed a little too skeptical that Alice would have managed to bag an interview with such an important person.
“Yes. And he has also promised to share information on his upcoming work.” She might be pushing it a little bit, but who cared about details.
As expected, her employer’s mood had switched instantly. He was now all smiles and encouragement as he spoke to Alice, “I knew we could rely on you, Alice. You always manage to pull through with something impactful in the end! Well then, we will be counting on you to pen out an attention-catching article with your upcoming interview with the novelist.”
Alice nodded along, promising to do her best.
When she had reached home that day, she happened to ring up the said novelist to inform him of their upcoming interview, the first he had heard of it.
On the other end, Orpheus sounded distressed , “Alice, I haven’t even started working on the first draft-”
“Oh but that means you have a plot and a plan yes-”
“Yes but-”
“Please, Orphy?” She pleaded, using the childhood nickname she knew her brother was weak to.
Orpheus sighed, “I-I suppose it was about time for me to start writing down something.”
“Thank you!” Alice had said gratefully, “I knew I could count on you.” As she always had, since they were kids who had just lost their parents.
“Yes yes I am aware. How did your interview with Mrs. Plinius go?”
“Oh,” Alice wondered about the right words to use, “It was very eventful,” She remarked, “I think we are friends now.”
There were several moments of silence on the other end, “Melly Plinius? The introverted entomologist who barely talks to people?”
“Yes, although I don’t quite like the way you speak of her.” She said in a chiding tone.
“My apologies……but I do believe you should be a little wary of her.”
“You don't happen to believe those baseless rumours about her, do you?” Alice really would be sad if Orpheus said he did.
“No, I don't of course. I believe in doing my own digging and,” he paused, as if unsure whether to continue or not.
“And?” Alice prompted.
Orpheus sighed, “Forget it. Just be careful. I trust you will look after yourself.”
“Of course,” Alice reassured him, “Don't worry.”
*****