Mrs. Katherine Saunders and clan visit The Silver Thimble

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina arches an eyebrow in surprise.

"I had always understood the main function of a blindfold was to stop the wearer seeing through it. Therefore I shouldn't think I have anything in stock, but I suspect we could make such a thing, though why you'd want it is beyond me." The tone in which this is delivered is mildly reproving.

She turns slightly to smile at Christine. "I too am looking forward to visiting Bristol. It will be lovely to see my lady again. As for dresses I can think of no reason not to wear your new ones. Bristol is a court that appreciates finery, even more since my lady has claimed praxis I don't doubt."

She turns, smilingly to Katherine then looks back to Chrstine. "Darling you've not introduced your new friend to me yet. Won't you do so now? I'm simply longing to make her acquaintance."

[Christine Daye]

Christine gasps in horror, her gloved hand going to her mouth in shock.

"Oh! Oh, I am so sorry Miss Audley! How ill-mannered of me! Please, may I introduce Mrs Katherine Saunders, a cousin of mine. Mrs Saunders, may I introduce Miss Valentina Audley, seamstress and designer extraordinaire, and a truly gifted artiste!"

She pauses, looking around the room, her senses sharpening, ensuring that there are none to overhear who should not overhear (namely Miss Wilkins) what she says next. Still, she pitches her voice low, quiet.

"And, to have it done properly, in the ways of Society... Ancilla Audley, please may I introduce Neonate Saunders of Clan Malkavian. Neonate Saunders, Ancilla Audley, of Clan Toreador."

Introductions done, she whispers very faintly to herself:

"Oh, I do hope I've done that right..."

[Samuel Taylor]

Following Swainswick and the ladies through to the parlour, Taylor gives a bow to Valentina.

"My Lady. I hope this night find you well."

He briefly turns to Swainswick and nods

"Indeed Mr Swainswick, assuming it would not distract Ms Daye and Ms Saunders too much from their own discussions. Quite, delivery to the normal address. Thank you Mr Swainswick."

Taylor's eyes go back to Christine, another smile on his face at the enthusiasm she is showing.

[CFlaubert]

Constance coughs in response to Valentina's comments.

"It's for research purposes Ms Audley. I am investigating the effect that the deprivation of senses has on the mind. I want to compare results with a standard blindfold and one where the subject is able to see, but the other party imagines they can't. The mind is a wondrous thing, and one can't be too careful when dealing with it. All avenues should be covered if one is to obtain legitimate results". The explanation is hurried, overlong and slightly flustered.

She wanders away from the main desk to look around the shop further, looking slightly awkward and out of place.

After a brief time pretending to browse, she returns to Valentina.

She takes a breath and begins "Miss Audley, I fear I am out of my depth amongst such finery, even in earlier times. I am ill equipped to know what I should be wearing, what is fashionable, and for all of those things, I shall have to cede absolutely to your advice and knowledge. I am aware, that others at court dress.... differently than I.... perhaps this is something I could fix?"

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine curtsies, "Miss Audley it wonderful to meet you at last, what a fine shop you have here. Miss Daye has told me so much about your stunning work and I am so pleased that she has brought me here."

Looks quickly towards Constance, "Dear Dr I am sure that Miss Audley will be able to accommodate you and show you how to affect your own fashionable satorial style. I am happy to purchase such a... unusual ... scarf for you as a present, if it is possible and what you truly require."

Turning back to Miss Audley, apologetically she says, "I am afraid I must trouble you for a number of items, as I unfortunately had to leave all my belongings behind and I am left quite bereft of any suitable clothing. I throw myself on your mercy as to what you are able to provide. As you can see this boring black outfit I am currently wearing is most inelegant."

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina smiles reassuringly at Christine. "Around here we tend to say Miss So and So, Rank of Clan Such and Such, but I do not think anyone would be offended by your way." Her tone is gentle and her look kindly.

She smiles politely and bobs a curtsey in response to Dr Taylor. "Good evening Dr Taylor. I am well and I hope you are likewise. I'm sure Mr Swainswick is eager to be of assistance and if you will permit it I will leave you in his capable hands for the time being."

To Constance's hurried response she gives an understanding smile. "Ah, for your science! Well I'm sure we can make something to your liking in the name of Progress. As for the matter of your gown..." She pauses thoughtfully for a moment. "I feel I should point out that being fashionable and looking your best are not necessarily the same thing. It is perfectly possibly to be elegant and stylish and yet not at the height of fashion. My own court dress is in fact years out of date, but it was made to flatter and becomes me so well that people remember the dress and not the fact that I have resisted the bustle. We could certainly do a consultation for a new gown, but I would counsel you to turn your attention to tailoring that flatters and a design you personally find pleasing. Those things will stand you in far better stead than all the fashion in the world."

Finally she turns to Katherine and returns her curtsey. "I understand it is hard to pack when you flee a dangerous area. Still, I trust your boat journey was not too arduous?" She smiles sympathetically.

"I am sure we can at least make a start on replenishing your wardrobe. Along with Miss Flaubert perhaps a consultation for a new gown or two? And you are more than welcome to browse the accessories we currently have in stock."

[Jacob Swainswick]

Swainswick was quick to pick up on the hint.

"Of course, Miss Audley. Doctor Taylor, if you'd come with me, we'll have a look at those designs and I'll take some measurements. We can perhaps confer with the ladies upon a choice of fabric in a short while." That last comment was half a question, directed at Miss Audley.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine looks a little shaken and looks to Constance and Christine for reassurance,
"I... er... don't have much memory of my journey to Bath I'm afraid Miss Audley, but thank you for enquirying."

She takes a deep breath, if only remembered response from when she was mortal, and forcibly brightens,
"A couple of dresses would be most helpful. Something with black and purple would be delightful if possible? I hope that I am not being too much of an imposition on you, I know that someone as talented as yourself must be very busy. I can pay extra it will help you to produce the gowns sooner?"

She frowns and wonders if she may have spoken out of turn regarding the extra payment, she was not used to dealing with merchants directly.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina's smile was perhaps, momentarily, a fraction smug. It never hurt to let people know you knew more about them then they might think. She must remember to thank Dyonisia properly for the gossip.

"My dear Mrs Saunders, it is kind of you to offer however, I cannot in good conscience accept such an offer when my plans are so fixed. I am shortly off to Bristol to attend upon My Lady there and I would not like to inconvenience her when the arrangements are all settled. Plus I'm sure you'd not like me to disappoint dear Miss Daye who is to accompany me. However once that is finished I should have a little time before the next Elysium. As long as you are not after items that are beyond exceptional, even for one of my skills then I should be able to manage a gown or two."

Valentina's tone is once again slightly reproving. How tiresome neonates could be, clinging as they did to their old social strata and failing to acknowledge the correct kindred ways. Catching Jacob's glance she nods and then moves to the sofa, sitting down and picking up a sketch book from a nearby coffee table. She opens it to a fresh page and looks inquiringly up at Katherine and Constance.

"Well now darlings, who wants to go first?" It's said with a reassuring smile.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

"Well, Miss Audley, as I have said I would love the gowns to be in black and purple. The latest fashions that you of course believe will suit me. I would like to stand out if possible, have something different? ... Erm .. I of course realise that all of your creations are special and unique."

She still appears to be a little flustered, noticing Valentina's earlier satisfied grin did not help to calm her.