Mrs. Katherine Saunders and clan visit The Silver Thimble

[CFlaubert]

(whispered) "Our purpose in developing this was to keep the Camarilla safe. I'd consider offering it to anyone in need if my requirements were met."

She continues to whisper, but her voice is more stilted now, certainly more mournful

"Besides...I've seen too many good men die on the battlefield not to want to stop war in it's tracks. It's legacies are devastating. More good men sent to die at the hands of fiends? Not if I can help it."

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine sits on the sofa looking at the design Valentina had sketched for her. She likes it very much but her mind is elsewhere. What can she remember about her journey to Bath? A fleeting image of being held by Jackdaw whilst on horseback appears in her mind. Was there a boat involved? Not that she had any memory of. The harder she tries to remember the more it appears to slip away from her. Instead other more painful images come to surface, a stone room, screaming and him. She manages to snap herself back to present with a start.

"What are Miss Audley and Dr Flaubert speaking for so long about?" She says absentmindedly, to no one in particular.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina nods in agreement. "Stopping the war would be a wondrous thing indeed." She fervently agrees.

"However, I do seem to have dragged you off topic for which I do apologise darling. You were going to tell me more of your beau, so that we might properly plan your outfit to suit." She smiles sweetly at Constance. Perhaps getting off topic would muddle Constance enough to say more than she'd intended.

[Christine Daye]

Christine looks over at Katherine, her quiet humming stopping at the other Kindred's words.

"Oh! Oh, I suspect that getting the details of what design Miss Flaubert would like might be proving a bit of a challenge... But I am sure Miss Audley is up to the task!"

She comes over to look again at the sketch.

"That is so very pretty... but you simply must have more than one gown. Have you any thoughts on what others you might like? You must have an evening gown at the very least! Otherwise, how can you go out dancing?"

[Mrs K. Saunders]

"Sorry? Oh yes, I will definitely need more than one dress."

She motioned for Christine to sit down next to her on the sofa.

Quietly she says, "Christine, did you see me arrive at the House? How was I? Jackdaw hasn't said much about it."

[Christine Daye]

Christine bites her lip, looking worried, as she smooths her skirts after sitting on the sofa. Her voice is low.

"I am sorry... but no... I did not see you arrive at the House. Please, do not fret yourself though! This trip is to enjoy yourself, to buy pretty things... to recover yourself after your ordeal..."

She takes Katherine's hand in hers, squeezing gently for comfort.

"Sometimes not remembering is a blessing..."

[CFlaubert]

"I'm afraid I couldn't possibly say any more about where my interests lie Miss Audley. I fear it would be too indiscrete. A man of intelligence shall we say and leave it at that? I'm sure a lack of information about him won't impact your ability to provide the outstanding service your establishment is known for."

"On that note, perhaps we should return to Ms Daye and Mrs Saunders, I believe Mrs Saunders had a series of requests for you?"

(whispered) "I believe we should speak again at some point Miss Audley, I somehow feel we have more to discuss than can be held in these walls".

[Valentina Audley]

"Perhaps we could arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient place?" This is also whispered with a smile. Then she turns and leads the way back to Christine and Katherine saying over her shoulder as she does so -

"Intelligence you say? I feel this is a commission best given some though so if you will allow me I shall put it to one side for now and perhaps send you some designs in a day or two?"

She resists the urge to add 'and discuss payment for instruction in their use' deciding to spare Constance more embarrassment. It doesn't do to embarrass ones allies in public. Instead she smiles cheerfully to Katherine and Christine.

"How are you getting on darlings?"

[Jacob Swainswick]

Whilst the womenfolk were about the serious business of women's talk, Swainswick and Doctor Taylor swiftly trod the path of valour's better half and repaired to the workshop, near the back of the establishment: there to conduct their own, equally serious business.

"If I could take your jacket, Doctor, I'll note your measurements," Swainswick announced, producing a yard-and-a-half of tape measure from his own waistcoat pocket, which he let fall to unroll.

"Just look across the room, Sir; stand naturally," he instructed. The scene was, perhaps, an unusual one, presenting a reversal of roles to the good Doctor; for once, the bedside manner was displayed by Swainswick, his casual instructions and quick, efficient movements bespeaking a long habit of taking charge in such situations. In but a few moments Doctor Taylor found himself reduced to a few carefully-written numbers pencilled in Swainswick's note-book.

"Let us talk first of designs, Sir. Are you looking for something formal? Many designs are tending towards a more casual look, which may appear strange at first, but are quite à la mode. Let me show you."

The tailor opened a journal to reveal colour illustrations of young men, intimated by a few bold strokes of a pen in a style quite influenced by the current Parisian trend towards the sketched etude; after inviting the Doctor to examine these, he fetched several of the display garments for that worthy's further perusal.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

"Ah Miss Audley, I am very enamoured of the design and would love you to make the dress for me. Could I trouble you for one more? one specifically for dancing for example. I will also need some undergarments too if possible."

She can't quite bring herself to look Valentina in the eye, she fears that she may give something away if she does.

She looks a little shy suddenly and says "I believe that you sell garments that are more.... erm... enticing that the normal cotton. Is that correct? I apologise if I am wrong in this matter, I do not wish to cause offence to you or your establishment."