A Simple Social Call

[Viktor]

“I would hear your account of the evening and thereafter Miss Audley, such will invariably provide answer to some of those that I do have. Any that remain unanswered to my satisfaction shall be asked once you have spoken.”

[Valentina Audley]

"Very well Elder." Valentina thinks for a moment more clearly ordering the events in her mind. She clasps her hands neatly in front of her, the very image of a neat, polite shopkeep.

"It had been raining hard that eve. I was working on my gift for her Highness when the rear entrance to the shop was opened. I had assumed it was the delivery boy, come for work. I'm sure I need not tell you my surprise when Mr Black came upon us, announcing himself and a childe of my clan. I sent my ghoul away, to do the job of the delivery boy." She pauses tilting her head. No need to mention Jacob's real errand that night.

"Mr Black and I spent some short while discussing the matter of the girl. He made it clear that his aim was that she would remain with me. Indeed I was not entirely adverse to this and Mr Black was in the middle of convincing me when I saw Mr Williamson skulking behind Mr Black." Her tone becomes indignant. It's clear the memory still rankles.

"He had hidden himself in my shop! Added and abetted no doubt by Mr Black, with no intention of announcing his presence it was only my powers of observations that alerted me to his presence. Mr Black was supposedly negotiating on his behalf and he had stolen in with no regard to manners or respect!" Valentina stops and takes a moment to compose herself, then continues.

"He then compounds his grievous insult with his sadly usual display of rudeness and poor manners. I was in no mood for negotiations with him after his display and so I told them both to leave. The girl had apparently not been instructed properly and they unaccountably gave her free reign and so she left with them. Mindful of the situation on the streets at the time and of the traditions I did not persue them, but instead I sent word to Milord Frederics to inform him of the situation.

Since that time Mr Black has avoided me completely and Mr Williamson has compounded his crime against me with a letter that purports to be an apology but has no apology whatsoever and blames his appalling behaviour on princely decree and on the girl."

Another pause.

"However, I am assured that Mr Williamson is attempting to cudgel his wits once more and send an apology that contains actual regret within it's words."

She ends the narrative and waits, watching Viktor warily as she has been throughout.

[Viktor]

Viktor doesn’t seem to move as Valentina speaks, simply standing still as he listens. He doesn’t blink nor look away for even the briefest of moments but holds her gaze with own, calm stare. It is quite evident though that he is paying attention to her as much as what she is saying. At the end he simply nods slightly once more, a small move that likely seems huge in comparison to the absolute stillness that came before it. He continues to regard her in silence for a drawn out moment before leaning his head to one side, a soft interlude of his spine popping as it is righted.

“I have but one question and a request Miss Audley

Was this” another slow, vague wave of his empty hand “place registered and accepted as your registered Haven under the reign of Arcadius Augustus, Consul Maximus of Aquae Sulis?

If you would permit it and it is available I would wish to read the letter sent unto you by Mr. Williamson.”

[Valentina Audley]

"The Silver Thimble has never been my registered Haven. It was my beloved sire's and though the building passed to me, I cannot in truth bring myself to stay where we shared such happy memories." She bites the inside of her cheek, reminding herself that of all times this is not the point to grieve for Andrew. Her voice those is soft and for a brief moment sad, despite her best efforts.

"I keep it open so that those who wish to commission me have a suitable place to contact me, though I am unsure what this has to do with Mr Williamson's poor attempt at spying on me?" She sighs. " He had but to walk in and announce himself and I would have heard his words. Still, as for his letter..."

She moves swiftly to the door opens it and calls through "Jacob! My reticule if you please!" Then closes it again, content to wait for Jacob to locate the item in question.

[Viktor]

Viktor doesnt respond, continuing to watch Valentina with the same calm expression and simply stays silent for the time being as he waits for Jacob to appear. The moment the door opens again the warm, friendly smile and demeanour reappear on the gentleman.

[Jacob Swainswick]

"It's here, Miss Audley." After a few seconds, the young man strides into the room, proffering the required article.

As professional as he might be, a glimmer of concern flickers over Jacob's face. Miss Audley had been off-colour since that unusual visit; and he wasn't a stranger to the name of George Williamson. Their gentle visitor this evening, however, seemed the soul of politeness. The tailor returns the latter's smile cheerfully.

[Valentina Audley]

"Thank-you darling." She fishes a small fine cotton pouch out of the bag and hands the reticule back to Jacob.

"That will be all for now." It's a slightly more curt than usual dismissal, but well within the bounds of 'normal' for Valentina.

She waits for Jacob to leave before digging through the pouch and locating the letter in question. She tucks the rest of the papers back inside the pouch before proffering it to Viktor.

[Viktor]

Viktor’s demeanour shifts back to what it was once Swainswick has left and the door is shut again. He reaches out and takes the letter with a small, polite nod of thanks before carefully opening the paper and beginning to read it. He takes his time, not speaking as he does so and it looks like he reads through it twice before carefully folding the letter back up and passing it back to Valentina. His tone and voice are the same once more when he does speak, calm and considerate.

“Whether this establishment has been Haven registered and accepted under the First of the Eight Courtesies of Aquae Sulis is of much import Miss Audley. Such dictates if Mr. Williamson did breach thy recognised Domain or no. I am aware that some during the last Elysium believe this matter to be of such severity but by thine own word and admission, it is not and can not be. I wish to make you aware of this as any who would pursue it as such may find themselves looking a little foolish and likely be looked upon with derision for their lack of knowledge of the Courtesies of this Domain.

From testimonies given I do believe that Mister Black was not aware of Mister Williamson’s entry although did bear some small suspicion of his unwelcome presence. As such I am of the belief that Mister Black bears no wrong doing in the matter of Mister Williiamson’s skulking.

Neither Mister Williamson nor Mr. Black are or were responsible for the instruction of nor safety of the Caitiff Childe that was brought to thy door. Nor were they responsible for her actions nor her departure from this place at that time. They did as you did and acted in a manner to ensure the Tradition of the Masquerade was upheld in regards to the illegal embrace of the girl. I am of the understanding that she was brought here because you and your establishment are the most accessible to Neonates of Clan Nosferatu of the Line of the Rose.

It is a pity that there was no appointed Scourge for them to deliver her to instead of bringing them to your door. Such an incident could have easily been avoided were that been the case. Thankfully Her Grace has seen fit to ensure that such a gap has been filled.”

There is a moment of silence.

“It is, as you have said, a simple matter of some rudeness by Mister Williamson.

What restitution for his impoliteness do you believe suitable?”

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina looks surprised. "I have never claimed the matter to be a breach of domain Elder."

She pauses a moment, still trying to conquer her surprise. "I wish for Mr Williamson to issue me with an apology, wherein he admits to his fault and offers the appropriate amends. I am led to believe he is currently working on such a letter."

[Viktor]

There is a very pointed look.

"I am aware you have not Miss Audley.

I am still await your description of what you believe to be suitable restitution.

Or amends to use thine own parlance."