The Evening After the Night Before

[Valentina Audley]

The pencil flies across the page as Valentina frowns lightly down at the sketch.

"Depends darling. Are you just after a nice new frock or do you have it in mind to be more than that as it were? A minor boon covers the new frock but, if you wish it to have, ah, extras, shall we say? Then the price goes up."

She glances up briefly. "I think you could go for a lilac if you wanted to, you have the hair for it. I have a few in stock right now. When I'm finished sketching I'll have Anna lay out the sample books. That said and Elder Jackdaw's preference not withstanding, have you ever considered burgundy? I think you would look well in it."

She looks down at the sketch then up at Katherine again, consideringly. Her hands moves again and she adds a few touches to the skirt before stopping and turning the book round so that Katherine can see.

The sketch shows an elegantly bustled skirt, it's straight front softened with ruffles. The bodice atop the skirt is low, but still modest and the sleeves have delicate black lace cuffs.

"There. What say you for this idea?"

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine takes the sketchbook from Miss Audley and studies the sketch well.

"I think the shape is just perfect. I wonder though if some brocade could be incorporated? I do not know but I would love to see the choice of fabrics you have available. Regarding burgundy as a suitable colour, I agree that it would be good for me. But I like do to do whatever I can to please my husband, as he is ever so kind and loving to me. In the scheme of things it is not the biggest sacrifice I could make."

She beams.

"Yes, Miss Audley you have outdone yourself, it will be a wonderful
dress for my first ball."

She offers the notebook back to her.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina wonders idly how much of a blood bond Jackdaw has on his childe. She takes care not to let her thoughts show on her face though, instead smiling politely at Katherine.

"Your first ball darling? Or your first as Kindred?" She enquires mildly as she takes the book and stands. Crossing the floor in a few quick strides she hands the book out to Anna. "Miss Wilkins, I require the purple and burgundy samples in fine fabrics to suit this gown."

There's a murmured "Yes Miss Audley" from beyond the door and the sounds of footsteps followed by cupboards being opened.

Valentina turns to Katherine. "Won't you join me in the shop proper? We can view the samples in there, the lighting is a little better I always feel."

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine rises from her seat, smoothing down her skirts.

"Of course lead the way Miss Audley, I would be most interested in studying your choice of fabrics."

She looks a little uncomfortable.

"I am ashamed to say that this will be my first ball as kine or kindred. My father and Sire have been rather protective in the past. I am afraid that at the time I was born, girls of my class were not allowed many social engagements until they were nearly eighteen. Circumstances had it that I left before that age."

She looks a little dazed for a moment.

"Anyway you don't need my life history," she says smiling brightly.

[Valentina Audley]

And they say rich girls have more fun. Valentina thinks back on her own girlhood. She'd enjoyed it and then she'd been ghouled and well, she'd enjoyed that even more. Despite Andrew's grumbles that she spent too much time hiding in corners and attached to the walls.

She leads the way into the main shop where Miss Wilkins has laid out a variety of fabrics attached to neat cards. They vary in colour from a delicate lilac to an inky purple alongside a selection of deep wine reds and they are silks, taffetas, velvets, brocades and a selection of delicate lace.

The shop girl bobs a curtsey and slips out of the room, leaving them in peace to peruse the display. Valentina selects a wine red taffeta, a purple and black brocade and a couple of lace trims in black.

"I think any of these would look well on you, but of course the final decision is yours." She holds her handful out to Katherine with a smile.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

"So many beautiful shades, your range is excellent."

Katherine considers them all closely, taking in the weight and feel as well as the colour.

She also takes the opportunity to use the slight break in conversation to examine how things have gone so far. Valentina seems to have forgiven and forgotten a little too easily. She will have to be careful going forward but hopefully their relationship had mended enough that the ball in Bristol will not be the social disaster she thought it might. It does not do well to be sworn enemies of the very close friend of the Prince of any City.

"After some thought I see as usual your choices are the correct ones. The black and purple brocade with black lace trim will do very well. Thank you Miss Audley."

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina for her part is wondering whether Katherine's contrition is merely down to dress, if someone higher up in Clan Malkavian has taken her in hand or whether something else entirely has happened. What she's mostly wondering though, is how far Katherine's new found manners and docility can be pushed. Therefore a test seems to be in order.

"Very well then darling. I think this can be managed in time." She turns to start tidying the other samples away.

"Did you enjoy the party last night?" The question is asked as one making polite conversational small talk as Valentina continues to put the samples to rights, apparently intent on her work.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Ah, here it comes thinks Katherine. She knew that she would not be able to leave without some kind of reference to the debauched horror that Lord Valmont refers to as a party. She steels herself and answers as politely and sweetly as she can possibly muster.

"I thought that Lord's Valmont's work and his galleries decor were exquisite. I fear that some of the guests were not as respectful of his hospitality as perhaps they should have been. Regarding my own enjoyment I fear I was there on business rather than pleasure. I had no opportunity to mingle or socialise. I had to ensure that the Southampton Envoy, Caru, was suitably looked after. Then I had to return home to look some matters relating to the clan. Did you have a pleasurable evening?"

She smiles expectantly, waiting for the next onslaught.

[Valentina Audley]

"Lord Valmont? Goodness me, I must have missed his ennoblement!" Valentina puts the last of the samples away and looks over at Katherine. "I believe someone must have misled you darling, Valmont is not a lord, anymore that Reggie is."

Good grief, how did she get sired and say so straight laced and snobbish? Valentina wonders anew at the level of bond Jackdaw has for her.

"As for the party, why yes, I had a lovely time darling. It's always nice to relax and mingle after the business of Elysium and I had such a nice talk with the Master Harpy and Lady Leverson, all about gowns and fans."

Valentina smiles cheerfully at Katherine. "I'm sure others would not find it so, but I am fascinated by any talk of clothing. A weakness perhaps, but not one I am ashamed of."

[Mrs K. Saunders]

"If only I had had the time, I too would happily spend an evening discussing such things. A wife has a duty to her husband, and that often takes priority over some of the simpler pleasures in life." She sighs.

How she loved to play the poor little Katherine constrained and dominated by her harsh cruel husband and Sire. If only people truly knew what it really like.

"Have you never been tempted to marry Miss Audley?"