It was going well, Maria thought, this little business meeting with Tracey Goyle and Simone Capper. She had made a good choice in bringing these young women into her influence. Even though she liked them both, she had yet to see either at their full potential, and she hoped that this newest implementation of her machinations would give her further insight.

"Are there any personal friends whom you would like to invite, Madame Minister?" Tracey asked, looking up from the parchment in front of her, quill poised to write. She resisted the urge to stretch or move from her seat, her posture confined in the form fitting dress she'd chosen for this meeting.

"No, my dear, at least no one that isn't already in the notes I gave Simone. You were supposed to have received them?" Her voice was mild, but she didn't care for sloppiness.

"I did receive them, Minister. I just wanted to be absolutely sure before I sent out the invitations. You know how the uninvited can try to win their way into events such as these," Tracey replied smoothly. She unfurled another piece of parchment for Simone, and handed it to her.

"These are the final figures, unless something happens, and it always does, for the evening."

Simone took the parchment from Tracey and looked it over. It seemed to be about right, a little more than the last one they threw, but it made sense. This was a new department they were trying to put out there, get recognized. She passed it on to Maria.

"I think this looks fine. Do you notice anything that you want added?"

Maria barely glanced at the figures, knowing her secretary would make the appropriate noises if it was anything but fine.

"I trust your decision on these matters, Simone."

Tracey nodded, relieved that neither woman had flinched at the cost. And it was going to cost.

"Lovely. I am so glad that I could lend my skills for the Census debut. It really is an honor."

Simone smiled at Tracey, "It's an honor to have you, Tracey. And, really. If you hadn't agreed to the task I have no idea where I'd be." She looked at Maria, "Begging a name from Narcissa Malfoy, no doubt. I always seem to have a really good time when she has people over."

Maria nodded. "Mrs. Malfoy has exquisite taste, and keeps excellent company." She made a mental note to track down Narcissa and pay a call. She had seen her at various functions, but all in public, and nothing where any kind of real conversation could take place.

There was a knock at the door, and her Undersecretary popped his head in.

"Madame? I apologize for the interruption, but the French Dunkerque matter has had a few issues that need your immediate attention," he said, quietly. His hand went to the thin silver chain on his wrist, turning it slightly before pulling his shirtsleeves down.

"Indeed," Maria said rising. "I'm afraid I must cut our tea short, ladies. Duty calls." She left with a sharp click of heels on marble floors. "You are a very lucky man, indeed, Mister Miller, that those are a certain kind of ladies. Don't make the mistake again." She said, voice low and cold as she passed him into the hallway.

"Yes, Minister, of course," Tracey said, rising from her seat as Maria rushed past. Her mind caught on the word Dunkerque, and she stored it there to ask about it later, when they were not in the Ministry.

Her eyes were a little wide as she turned to Simone, "I wonder what that was all about?" The cup rattled in her saucer, and Tracey put it down hastily, pressing her hands together to stop the shaking.

You've been doing too much again, pet. Working too hard, not getting enough rest. You must take care of yourself

"Yes, of course. I'll lay down when I get home," she said, softly, not realizing she had answered aloud.

"I'm sorry, Trace? I didn't say anything..." Simone looked from the door where Maria just exited to her friend, confused. "Are you feeling all right?" She reached over and put her hand on Tracey's arm, worried.

Tracey nodded, making herself sit up straighter to hide the slight flinch at Simone's hand making contact with her arm.

"Just a bit tired, with all the planning and unpacking. I'm fine, really, Simone." She didn't sound convincing, even to herself. Her hands had stopped shaking, and Tracey thought she could make it to the Atrium without attracting attention.

"I need to owl a few vendors, and I should let you get back to your work. I'll Floo with updates?" The subject change was abrupt, but it was valid, and she stood as she spoke, gathering the files she had, and a few scraps of parchment.

Simone stood with Tracey, not convinced. "Okay," she said, following Tracey out the door. "But you'll owl me if you need anything?" She hadn't really paid much attention to Tracey in the last few months and she needed to remedy that. What happened to her since they had been close? It was something Tracey didn't feel comfortable sharing with her now, but if they got closer maybe she might.

Tracey patted Simone's hand, which was still on her arm. "Of course, dear. I just need a bit more sleep, and more notice for a party," she said, finally, voice light. "Though, if you have time for a cuppa later this week, not work related?" She needed to go home, to Greg.

"Yes," Simone agreed, still worried. She watched as Tracey smiled slightly and walked out of the room. Simone was determined to figure out what was troubling her friend, but she would just have to wait until Tracey was comfortable with sharing the details. Making a mental note to remember to owl her about tea, she followed Tracey out of the Minister's tea room.

[SUMMARY: Maria meets with Tracey and Simone to finalize some details for the Census kick off.]