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[Valentina Audley]

"How fortunate we are to have been given so much." Valentina pulls a wry face and rolls her eyes.

She hasn't felt like she's been 'given' anything for the longest of times. Oh Andrew... Why did you have to be such a thrice damned fool?! Still, sentiment is not practical and Valentina is always practical (though she takes pains to hide such practicality under a layer of seeming amiable sweetness and correct etiquette).

"Did you have a particular occasion you wished the gowns for Lady Leroux?"

[Erika Leroux]

"Nothing specific as yet. I have held off purchasing anything pretty for myself because there's no point to putting myself in anything that is more than practical. it. However, this city requires a certain amount of elegance, thus sackcloth simply will not do! Besides, I wanted an opportunity to speak with you, and I'm rather glad I have."

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina looks faintly aghast. "Lady Leroux, you must forgive my impertinence in correcting you, but there is always a point to dressing well, regardless of circumstance."

She smiles suddenly. "Though I confess that I am equally glad of this chance to have spoken to you."