Top of the bill

[Valentina Audley]

Too easily distracted of late? Yes that seems likely indeed. Dear me, what busy little bees the neonates are to be sure. Clearly Something Has To Be Done about them. Question is... What?

Valentina shakes her head in sympathy, apparently saddened by the news. "It is a terrible thing to say my lady, but the youth of this city are not what they once were." She sighs softly. "If only you could have seen us before the fires! But I fear that present events have caused the social structure to loosen slightly and the neonates, rather than rejoice in their good fortune are... Taking liberties."

She looks up from the sketch at Erika. "Mr Williamson did attempt to sneak in here and spy upon me the other day you know. The matter has been dealt with and an appropriate apology made, but for him even to have made the attempt! Dreadful is it not?" She looks melancholy for a moment and frowns at her sketch.

"However, should you be able to identify your troublemaker, I am given cause to believe the Master Harpy takes a dim view of such antics. "

She hesitates, then continues "only, unless the theatre is your registered haven he takes an equally dim view of people claiming breach of domain." She shivers lightly. "I do not know who claimed such about my situation, save that it was not I, but I should rather not have the Master Harpy wroth with me for not making the situation entirely clear."

[Erika Leroux]

"Mr Williamson? That is shocking indeed." Erika sounds suitably appalled. "I am glad it has been dealt with swiftly and in an appropriate manner. As for my own intruder, I know perfectly well who the troublemaker is. He has already managed to make quite a vulgar name for himself. Despite his learning, he is not as clever as he thinks he is. I have already informed Miss Delaney of the matter, for it was she who offered us space at the theatre, and I felt it right that she should know that he entered without invitation."

Erika shrugs then. "Truth be told, it was more his arrogant attitude that riled me. Telling me how I should behave, almost threatening me. However, the Master Harpy is aware of the situation, and I have safe refuge elsewhere should I so require it. It is more Miss Daye's wilfulness recently that concerns me. I do hope she's not transforming into one of the more troublesome neonates."

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina finishes the sketch.

"I advised her to listen to her elders and spend her time appeasing them so that they might help her advance. She seemed to welcome this advice and left with a renewed urgency to find you. I am so very sorry to hear about your intruder though. I should never have told her to look for you, had I been aware you were dealing with such difficulties."

She pauses thoughtfully. "Please pardon the impertinence of this suggestion my lady, but have you told Miss Daye why you are forced away from her? It seems to me that it may do much to guide her from her current, perhaps unsuitable, acquaintances?" Valentina doesn't bother to point out Christine's tender heart is likely to be wrung by tales of her lover threatening her maestra and cutting her off from her. Erika would understand.

To soften the cheek of unsolicited advice she holds out the new sketch. It is an elegant evening gown. In a rich heavy fabric, the skirt has been trimmed to perfection, heavily at the bottom but tapering off as you go up the skirt, ending at just above the waist. This is because a lace mantilla hangs down over the gown at this point. Whilst they are not usually worn as a veil this seems to have been pinned that way by a flower holding it in place. It's clear that the mantilla could be unpinned should the wearer desire and a little sketch to the side shows off the unpinned view of the bodice which comes up to a very modest neckline becomingly finished with a ruffle of lace.

[Erika Leroux]

Erika spends awhile gazing at the sketch in admiration. While suitably understated, it still holds an element of drama, and is reminiscent of her time spent on stage. She nods her approval.

"No pardon is needed, Miss Audley - I find it refreshing to be able to talk of such matters with another who understands. As for discussing the issue with Miss Daye herself? I have tried. She can be...difficult, particularly when she desires her own way. She has a habit of seeing a situation just so, and will not deviate from it unless she decides that the flavour of the day thinks otherwise. I, unfortunately, am not the flavour of the day right now because I do not trust or respect the one who appears to admire her."

Erika laughs softly then. "She is still so young and rash, and does not understand that a certain restraint should be shown. A reputation is a delicate and fragile thing, and cannot easily be mended, if at all, once broken. Caution and discretion are watchwords for us ladies still, even when emotions run strong, after all this time, I believe?"

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina smiles wryly. "I have sought to offer her friendship, though I am not a particular favourite of the neonates in general at the moment. So I doubt that I could effectively denounce her admirer either."

She stops as a thought appears to strike her. "My Lady, it occurs to me the first step towards undoing this little problem may be within our grasp and mutually beneficial to us both. I have it mind to visit my dearest Dyonisia in Bristol, probably not until after the next Elysium for commissions are currently taking up much of my time, but I will go. I know that Miss Daye also wanted to make a trip there due to a new operatic production. Would you permit me to take her with me? It would take her briefly away from her admirer, give you time to finish your preparations against further intruders without the distractions Miss Daye might unknowingly bring you and I..." She gives a small self deprecating laugh.

"You shall think me a shallow petty creature but there is a singer in the Bristol Court who hides her barbs in pretty speech and calls me friend but means it not. It would discomfort her greatly were I to produce one of Miss Daye's talent and show her to be, however temporarily, in my care." Her smile invites Erika to share her amusement in her own failings.

"I have always found Dyonisia to be an excellent source of moral guidance. Furthermore, time away from unsuitable neonates in our court may turn her from the perilous path she seems to be currently treading. Indeed were Christine to know that I have applied to you for such a thing and you have approved due to all correct etiquette being deployed she could see for herself how following the correct manners brings you results you desire in."

She watches Erika carefully, hoping her suggestion has not been taken amiss.

[Erika Leroux]

Erika taps her finger against her chin thoughtfully at this offer.

"I am already putting work into openings in Bristol - and I had hoped to secure tickets to the performance of said opera as a treat for Miss Daye and myself. However, as you can imagine, my presence is not always welcome in certain social circles. Thus your suggestion is not without merit, and I am tempted to agree, provided that Miss Daye has not already disgraced herself beyond redemption."

There is a pause.

"I would, naturally, require a fully detailed report of the trip and its outcome." Though not visible, a smile accompanies her words. "It would be remiss of me to ignore such potentially useful information, my line and all others things considered."

[Valentina Audley]

"Naturally as Miss Daye's guardian, you are entitled to one. It would extremely remiss of me not to let you know how she fared in the Bristolian Court. I should hope she will also provide you with such information, but I would willingly fill in all the details she may miss in her excitement and perhaps offer a perspective at least a little familiar with the court there." Valentina smiles sweetly, though there's a conspiritorial gleam to her expression as she replies.

She's no problem with reporting back on Christine, especially if Christine can bring Loretta down a peg or two. Valentina remembers the trips she'd made as a neonate, briefly away from her Andrew, but always looked after and protected. Most likely also reported on because really, who'd let one so new loose on their own? Clever neonates learn to hide their secrets, it's part of growing up. She'd certainly managed. Christine would either learn or... well, she'd deserve what she got, wouldn't she?

[Erika Leroux]

Erika cannot help but smile.

"The more I consider it, the more I like this plan. Besides, if you are shallow for wanting to give this...friend a little discomfort, then I am also, for wishing you success in shaking a rival performer who might, given a chance, outshine our Miss Daye. When managing one of Miss Daye's calibre, I find that there are occasions when...ruthlessness is required."

She glances back at the sketches.

"What colours and textures were you thinking?"

[Valentina Audley]

"For the walking suit I thought a fine wool and for the evening gown, either a taffeta or a velvet. As for colours.."

Valentina studies Erika intently for a moment. "My Lady, I would suggest a deep russet for the walking suit. It would set off your colouring nicely and when seen with Miss Daye you would tone with her gowns but not allow her to upstage you. For the evening gown I would suggest a deep purple actually. The colour choice is unusual but would add to the feeling of drama."

She smiles wryly. "I know that purple can be considered a sign of mourning, but really, who among us does not occasionally feel the need to mourn?"

[Erika Leroux]

"It works with the veil." Erika cannot help smiling. "As for the mourning, indeed. Who amongst us can say that we've not experienced such? Besides, it lends a certain amusement to the outfit, for I do believe that I've finally ceased truly mourning for all that which is no longer in my grasp."

She tilts her head at Miss Audley.

"There is very little we can do to change circumstances. We can only do the best we can with what we have been given."