Mrs. Katherine Saunders and clan visit The Silver Thimble

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina pats the sofa beside her invitingly. That Katherine is flustered has not escaped her and though she takes care to hide it well it amuses her.

"Well darling, black and purple will take great strides towards individuality. As for the gowns themselves... I suggest a fine purple linen for a day dress, trimmed with black velvet and perhaps a little jet beading." As she talks the pencil comes alive in her hand, flying across the page beginning to give life to the vision Valentina describes. Her face softens then comes alive with a kind of joy, the happiness of an artist beginning the artistic process.

"Jackets are being worn long this season but you've got such a neat trim little figure darling that for you I really don't advise it. The jacket hems of three years ago are much more flattering for you. Oh! Whilst I think about it, I believe we have a hat and gloves that would work well with this design. Remind me later and I'll have Anna find them." The last bit was added almost absentmindedly as she turns her attention seemingly back to the page.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine carefully sits down next to Miss Audley, feeling self concious. She listens intently to Valentina and watches as she draws on the page of her sketch book.

"This all seems wonderful and exciting. Please do have the hat and gloves added to my order, if you feel that they will work."

[Christine Daye]

Christine has been staring into space absent-mindedly, humming contentedly and quietly to herself. But at Valentina's description of the design she looks over at the sketch and claps her hands softly in delight.

"Oh! That is so beautiful! It is perfect for you, Mrs Saunders!"

[CFlaubert]

Constance waits until Valentina has finished with Katherine. She appears not to be in a hurry to have this discussion.

Once they are finished...

"Miss Audley, I am unaccustomed to being fitted for items of clothing. Particularly ones as fine as these. Perhaps if we could speak privately, I could fill you in on the details of my requirements??"

Once they are alone

"I must admit to being utterly out of my depth in all regards to do with clothing. It is true that I am seeking clothing which is more fashionable, but I fear they are not...in truth...for a scientific experiment."

"I have a requirement to change my look for the purposes of attracting a specific individual. I would appreciate your advice in what might be an effective methodology for such an undertaking. Further, I understand it is possible to acquire undergarments which can have quite the effect on gentlemen? (she is flustered realising what she has implied)... rather a single gentleman obviously! If so, I would appreciate any help you can give me in selecting and acquiring such things, and of course your discretion on the matter."

a long pause follows, she clears her throat

"It's possible I may also require....(she glances away, wincing)...instruction in their use?"

[Samuel Taylor]

Taylor inclines his head to Christine, Valentina and Katherine. He takes several steps across the room after Swainswick and out of the parlour.

[Valentina Audley]

Promising Katherine to sketch an evening gown for her in a moment and leaving her to discuss gloves and hats with Christine, Valentina allows Constance to draw her aside.

Upon hearing Constance's appeal Valentina gives her a slow and conspiratorial grin. She felt she could relax a little around Constance, after all, the woman was a long term friend of Reggie's and that presumably meant she was no stranger to the knowledge that seduction didn't have to be used for the sole purpose of winning a husband. Or to stick to just the one partner for that matter...

She folds her arms and smiles openly at the other woman, radiating worldly amusement. "Well darling, I find it pays to tailor your garment to your intended suitor. If you feel you could tell me who it is I would likely be able to suggest more specific garments. I promise to be discreet! However, in general terms, do you wish to appear sweet and lovable or desperately alluring? I promise you they're more similar than you might think and so it's important to know what we're aiming for."

She gives a little laugh. "If it is Mr Verity whose suit you wish, I beg that you will let the poor man be for a few more weeks, or he'll stand no chance of winning the favour. He's having a hard enough time as it is poor lamb." She speaks fondly though with amusement. Valentina was fairly sure it wasn't Reggie, mostly because she suspected Constance knew as well as she did that winning Reggie's interest didn't require a whole new wardrobe.

She gives a little start, as though she'd suddenly thought of something. "Tell me darling, did you manage to speak with the Prince about your discovery? I'd guess not given what happened, but I know how important it was to you..." She trails off, enquiringly.

[CFlaubert]

Constance glances to the side after hearing Valentina's question.

"No, it was never addressed. Of course I was hardly in a position to press the matter given the events of last Elysium. However, it does irk one, that one works tirelessly with one's colleague for the protection of the Camarilla and apparently, according to Mr Sisyphus anyway, there is to be a larger plan, and it is as yet unknown whether Prince Malota will elect to make use of it"

she pauses

"Still, its efficacy is not in doubt. It will be a substantial weapon in the coming war. (she whispers) if Prince Malota elects not to use it, I'm minded to see about offering it to those in Bristol or Oxford. For the right price of course, we must band together, as one to defeat this threat".

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina likewise lowers her voice to the merest whisper. "Darling, how terribly thrilling! But, I fear curiosity compels me to ask... What is it exactly? I am afraid I don't have the faintest idea."

She thinks for a moment. No, now is not the time to mention Dyonisia. See if Constance will give her even the vaguest idea of what the weapon is and then once she's in Bristol she can talk it over with her mentor.

[CFlaubert]

"I fear that It is not something I can describe in detail here. The science of how it works must be kept under wraps of course. However, I will say, that it can be used in a number of ways, but I primarily designed it, to stop the Sabbat being able to create shock troops. It will cause them to fall into a long torpor, should they feed on mortals affected by it. However, this presuppose a delivery method which respects the First Tradition. If one were not concerned with such things, it could be used in more direct application.....in theory. Of course I wouldn't support such an act. Without the First Tradition, we are little more than animals".

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina waves a hand dismissively in response to the first part of the statement. "I would never ask for your secrets of science darling, well not without offering proper recompense anyway. And I agree the Traditions are sacrosanct." She looks worried that any might not think such a thing.


"But I wonder... Even if her Highness does take you up on your weapon, would you consider offering it to Bristol and Oxford as well?" She keeps her tone light and curious, typical Toreador nosiness albeit through a whisper. No need for Constance to think too much of her interest at the moment, in case she'd missed her mark and Dyo wasn't interested. That said, this is the question she needs an answer to.