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Difficult Conversation
Sep. 18th, 2009 09:02 amForced to exchange serious words with Crispin yesterday evening. His performance, as I have mentioned, has been considerably erratic both before and since our return from France. Thus far this month, and this week in particular, we have hardly passed a day without some minor annoyance, ranging from tardiness one day to early and unanticipated departure the next. Just Wednesday morning he was quite unexpectedly not available when I required him to courier an urgent report to the Minister. These failures culminated yesterday when he admitted that he had 'not had time' to review the agenda packet prior to the afternoon's meeting of the Obscurus Board and thus it was not prepared for me to take it along.
Needless to say, this confession coming minutes before I was due at the Board meeting, I had only a moment to express my disappointment. Had this been a more vital document, or he other than exemplary these five years, I should have terminatedhim his employment on the spot - not for this single flaw, certainly, but for the repeating pattern of inattention. Instructed him to stay and review the packet for Magical Commerce on Monday, promising that I should return directly following the Obscurus meeting to discuss his inefficacy in further detail.
The advantage of this timing became clear, of course, in that it allowed me to reproach him with considerably less vigour than I might have done, had I been able to see to it immediately. The interruption of two hours, coupled with the application of focus necessary to withstand the Board meeting, provided a modicum of perspective which I daresay should have remained absent otherwise, for which I am sure we are both grateful.
I flatter myself that I am tolerant of those changes that inevitably occur when a young man finds his responsibilities growing outside of work, and so I began by offering him a chance to tell me whether his recent inadequacies might have any root in his personal affairs. He attempted to deny the fact, but it was clear immediately that such has been the case. Asked him why he had not come to me sooner to communicate his distress - and he stammered that he feared I should be cross were he to impose upon me for personal advice.
Replied that I have been much more cross at the inconsistency and lack of focus his obvious distraction has caused him, and by extension, my own affairs. Reminded him that I have no wish to pry or meddle into his private business, save that negligence affecting his conduct forces me either to amend his dilemma if I may, or discharge him from his obligations to me, if there can be no other alternative. I had been willing to ascribe his deterioration to any number of reasonable excuses, such as the increased pressure prior to our sojourn abroad, but the breaches in fulfillment of his duties have not abated. Indeed, I daresay they have grown more and more noticeable over the weeks since our return! Allowed, at his defence, that after our last discussion about this unacceptable trend, he had improved for a time, but reiterated that the problems have gradually increased again. Inquired whether he wished to dissolve his affiliations to my interests. He insisted that he had no desire to leave, much less to be dismissed, but confessed his shame over allowing his predicament to impinge upon his work to this extent. Suggested he might find his situation less burdensome were he to come out with whatever impediments have been plaguing his peace of mind.
Fearing that his tale might be long in the telling, I ordered up supper that we might occupy a less formal attitude and the meal fortify our discourse. Suspected I knew what the trouble might be. But he assured me without my urging that he had not visited any impropriety on Miss Kirke, though indeed, she has been in no small way the source of his division of heart of late.
Gathered within the first few anecdotes among his awkward litany that the relationship has certainly been heading down a serious road, but sensed his reluctance where the young lady is concerned. Not entirely certain whence it derives, as I have met the witch in question and there can be no objection of which I am aware. Nonetheless, he has clearly been finding it difficult to balance his accustomed workload with the growing pressure Miss Kirke has been, ah, exerting, upon him. Asked him if he has been contemplating matrimony, at which he rather blanched but allowed that he had not ruled out the possibility. He did not seem to think she would refuse, were he to make the offer. (Indeed, it rather sounded as if she planted the idea in the first place.)
There are times when I am glad I am no longer a green youth. On the other hand, it is no great distinction to be called upon as an agony aunt, either!
Did my best to remain sympathetic. Narcissa really is so much better at these matters. I confess I grow impatient too quickly. (Though perhaps it is useful practice for the day Draco shall need paternal advice on the topic.)
Advised him on three points - delicately, of course. First that he should consider whether his affections for the young lady equal her demonstrations of esteem for him. Second that he ought to determine for him-self whether he could satisfy both the demands of establishing a new family and his commitment to the prestigious position he occupies in my household. And third encouraged him to examine closely whether he should be able to support and maintain domestic bliss from a position of, perhaps less prominence, but also less pressure; one that would afford him more luxury to meet a spouse's expectations, as well as his employer's, even if it might come at a cost of income, social standing or other enhancements.
By this time, it had grown quite late, so I released him with the instruction to contemplate his choices and recommended he consult his own family, particularly his father, on the matter before him. Agreed that he might have the week-end to tender a resignation, if that is his choice, at which time I shall endeavour to assist him in his efforts to seek another situation; or if he chooses to remain, he agrees to make all effort to live up to the high standard which has been his wont for the majority of our association.
Well. Perhaps Ned might like to clerk for a time, if it comes to that. I cannot countenance enduring the services of another substitute like Witter!
Needless to say, this confession coming minutes before I was due at the Board meeting, I had only a moment to express my disappointment. Had this been a more vital document, or he other than exemplary these five years, I should have terminated
The advantage of this timing became clear, of course, in that it allowed me to reproach him with considerably less vigour than I might have done, had I been able to see to it immediately. The interruption of two hours, coupled with the application of focus necessary to withstand the Board meeting, provided a modicum of perspective which I daresay should have remained absent otherwise, for which I am sure we are both grateful.
I flatter myself that I am tolerant of those changes that inevitably occur when a young man finds his responsibilities growing outside of work, and so I began by offering him a chance to tell me whether his recent inadequacies might have any root in his personal affairs. He attempted to deny the fact, but it was clear immediately that such has been the case. Asked him why he had not come to me sooner to communicate his distress - and he stammered that he feared I should be cross were he to impose upon me for personal advice.
Replied that I have been much more cross at the inconsistency and lack of focus his obvious distraction has caused him, and by extension, my own affairs. Reminded him that I have no wish to pry or meddle into his private business, save that negligence affecting his conduct forces me either to amend his dilemma if I may, or discharge him from his obligations to me, if there can be no other alternative. I had been willing to ascribe his deterioration to any number of reasonable excuses, such as the increased pressure prior to our sojourn abroad, but the breaches in fulfillment of his duties have not abated. Indeed, I daresay they have grown more and more noticeable over the weeks since our return! Allowed, at his defence, that after our last discussion about this unacceptable trend, he had improved for a time, but reiterated that the problems have gradually increased again. Inquired whether he wished to dissolve his affiliations to my interests. He insisted that he had no desire to leave, much less to be dismissed, but confessed his shame over allowing his predicament to impinge upon his work to this extent. Suggested he might find his situation less burdensome were he to come out with whatever impediments have been plaguing his peace of mind.
Fearing that his tale might be long in the telling, I ordered up supper that we might occupy a less formal attitude and the meal fortify our discourse. Suspected I knew what the trouble might be. But he assured me without my urging that he had not visited any impropriety on Miss Kirke, though indeed, she has been in no small way the source of his division of heart of late.
Gathered within the first few anecdotes among his awkward litany that the relationship has certainly been heading down a serious road, but sensed his reluctance where the young lady is concerned. Not entirely certain whence it derives, as I have met the witch in question and there can be no objection of which I am aware. Nonetheless, he has clearly been finding it difficult to balance his accustomed workload with the growing pressure Miss Kirke has been, ah, exerting, upon him. Asked him if he has been contemplating matrimony, at which he rather blanched but allowed that he had not ruled out the possibility. He did not seem to think she would refuse, were he to make the offer. (Indeed, it rather sounded as if she planted the idea in the first place.)
There are times when I am glad I am no longer a green youth. On the other hand, it is no great distinction to be called upon as an agony aunt, either!
Did my best to remain sympathetic. Narcissa really is so much better at these matters. I confess I grow impatient too quickly. (Though perhaps it is useful practice for the day Draco shall need paternal advice on the topic.)
Advised him on three points - delicately, of course. First that he should consider whether his affections for the young lady equal her demonstrations of esteem for him. Second that he ought to determine for him-self whether he could satisfy both the demands of establishing a new family and his commitment to the prestigious position he occupies in my household. And third encouraged him to examine closely whether he should be able to support and maintain domestic bliss from a position of, perhaps less prominence, but also less pressure; one that would afford him more luxury to meet a spouse's expectations, as well as his employer's, even if it might come at a cost of income, social standing or other enhancements.
By this time, it had grown quite late, so I released him with the instruction to contemplate his choices and recommended he consult his own family, particularly his father, on the matter before him. Agreed that he might have the week-end to tender a resignation, if that is his choice, at which time I shall endeavour to assist him in his efforts to seek another situation; or if he chooses to remain, he agrees to make all effort to live up to the high standard which has been his wont for the majority of our association.
Well. Perhaps Ned might like to clerk for a time, if it comes to that. I cannot countenance enduring the services of another substitute like Witter!