Voyaging Abroad

[Valentina Audley]

The ship sails smoothly through the dark waters as the stars above light the way. The view is one of inky blackness and, at the moment, being entirely ignored by the occupants of the private lounge.

It's a small room, but tastefully decorated, with a couple of armchairs and a sofa situated around a coffee table with cabinets full of books, games and other curiosities lining the walls. Thick curtains have been pulled closed over the portholes and a tray on the table holds a decanter of a red liquid and 4 wine glasses.

Valentina is currently neatly tucked up in one of the armchairs, leafing idly through the latest fashion plate. She's dressed simply for travelling in a teagown of cream embroidered all over with forget-me-knots and her curls are, as usual, escaping from her chignon. Occasionally she glances over to where Reggie is lounging on the sofa and smiles coyly at him if she catches his eyes. She'd usually be curled up next to him, but as she knows very little about the salon's only other visible occupant she's acting the part of a well mannered nice girl for now.

Hamlyn doesn't appear to be in the room, but experience tells Valentina that doesn't mean he's not there. His presence or lack of it, doesn't worry her though, as by now she's used to him. Reggie of course, is also familiar, which just leaves the Earl of Durham. Valentina glances across to him and smiles, her curiosity once again roused by the neat figure she knows very little about.

"Tell me darling, have you been to Paris before?" She asks the question idly, a way to start a conversation and perhaps actually get to know him a little better.

[Bitterglass]

Durham happily helps himself to one of the glasses. He also is dressed for travel; Dark riding boots, brown riding trousers and a good burgundy coat. "Though I have met many a Parisian abroad, I have not met them at home." he says. "As a mortal I would have been... unwelcome in Paris. Mostly due to angering the interests of the powerful that reside their abroad."

Durham shuffles somewhat embarrassed and mutters into his drink "Breaking their sons neck's has a habit of doing that."

He clears his throat and hurries on. "I was mostly abroad in Africa and Hong Kong during my mortal days. Have you seen the either, Ms. Audley?"

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina quirks an eyebrow in surprise to the statement about neck breaking, but for now she allows Durham to change the subject and politely smoothes her expression out again.

In response to his question she smiles at him. "Alas darling, tailor's children do not travel so far. And my Sire preferred to stay closer to England. We visited France and Italy the most."

She turns her attention to Reggie. "What about you darling? Where have you voyaged to?"

[Reginald Verity]

“Erm, sorry well travelled indeed.”

The conversation had interrupted Reggie’s train of thought which had been occupied by memories of a particular juggler that was often seen hustling tourists at the rear of the Sacre-Coeur. He has the most marvellously dexterous and unusually long fingers, highly desirable in his chosen profession, but equally prized for other activities that he had indulged Reggie with from time to time. Yes, Raul was his name...

Composing himself, “Throughout Europe mainly and most extensively. In truth anywhere where wine grows and the vine of dionysus can be truly suckled. France naturally, where the only true wines of merit originate, but also through Germany, Italy, Spain and beyond.”

Of course I recently had the pleasure of visiting Egypt, a truly fascinating country with the most welcoming of locals only too happy to explain their customs to visitors. Whilst enjoyable, the company I travelled with were on the most part somewhat disappointing with some notable Elder exceptions. Both of your delightful company is an extremely welcome tonic.” His gaze fell affectionately on Valentina as he spoke the last words before turning to Durham.

“I’ve never had call to visit deepest Africa though and have heard little of civilisation beyone that of Tangiers perhaps. Without the benefits of wine, how do the natives survive...or even tolerate each other at all?” He added the latter as an afterthought.