A Simple Social Call

[Viktor]

Sometime between the hours of four and five in the evening the bell on the shop door rings abruptly as a well wrapped up figure bustles their way into the shop. They turn and close the door firmly behind them to keep both the biting winter’s cold and the dark of the early evening out before taking a moment to ensure that they are not going to traipse loose snow or anything else through the shop. As they move through the short hallway they take off the leather gloves on their hands, followed by the bowler hat and place the gloves inside it before loosening the scarf hiding most of their face and unbutton the front of the dark woollen coat to reveal the smart day wear beneath it.

The face behind the scarf is a cheerful looking gentleman with cheeks rosy from the cold despite the protection and a quick hand is run over his hair and then moustache to flatten any errant hairs before stepping into the shop proper. A quick scan of the room with bright eyes and a warm, friendly smile is given to whoever is there to greet him.

[Jacob Swainswick]

The room's pleasantly warm, a bright refuge from the winter night outside. Ranks of shallow, polished wooden drawers line two of the walls, a couple pulled half-open to display various accessories to suit the well-to-do flâneur. Samples of the latest fabrics are pinned to a pair of dress-making dummies in the far corners, artfully arranged to suggest the cut of a waistcoat or bodice.

Two figures are engaged in a quiet discussion over some fabric folded upon the counter-top: a tall, dark-haired young man of elegant proportion, and a shorter young woman, attired in a sober but nonetheless well-tailored dress of a shop-girl, her hair cut to bangs, done up in that carefully casual style so beloved of fashionable young women in these modern days. They look up as one to greet the newcomer.

"Good evening, Sir," Swainswick (for it is he) nods a bow, "welcome to the Silver Thimble. Anna, the gentleman's coat."

The girl moves to retrieve hat and coat, bobbing a curtsey as she does, the look on Swainswick's face approving as he notes the cut of the fellow's suit.

"Jacob Swainswick, at your service. How may we help you this evening?"

[Viktor]

"Good evening sir." he replies with a slight nod as he moves further into the room. He gives Anna a look that is grateful but is also quite obviously a polite refusal. "Thank you Miss, I do not wish to appear rude but that will not be necessary as I do not envisage staying long."

He turns his attention back to Swainswick.

"I would be grateful Mr. Swainswick if you would inform the Mistress of this establishment that Mister Williamson's Senior would like a small amount of her eve, should she be available, to discuss a minor matter of pertaining to unwelcome guests."

[Jacob Swainswick]

"Ah, of course, Sir. If you'll give me one moment, I'll determine whether Miss Audley is within. May I take a name, or should the title suffice?"

Whether it suffices or no, Swainswick departs with a "Very good, sir," through the rear door that leads deeper into the shop, closing it behind him.

"If there's anything that catches your interest in the interim, sir, I'd be glad to help." Miss Wilkins smiles courteously, then returns to busying herself with whatever-it-was at the counter: solicitous, but neither hovering nor seeming intrusive.


Swainswick, meanwhile, continues with the necessary mechanics of the relay that comprises Victorian manners.

"Miss Audley," he pauses just inside the workroom door, waiting for her to tack her work before continuing. "There's a gentleman here who asks for a little of your time. He describes himself as Mr. Williamson's Senior and wishes to discuss a minor matter of pertaining to unwelcome guests. I've not seen him before: five feet and ten in his shoes, dark hair, pomaded, and moustache, his dress bespoke; I don't recognise the tailor but whoever it is has a good eye to flatter a figure. Are you in to visitors?"

[Viktor]

"Thank you Mr. Swainswick, title should suffice." he replies before his current host disappears. He gives Anna a slight nod and a smile at her offer before spending his time waiting perusing the items that are on display.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina's eyes widen and she drops the needle.

"Mr Williamson's Senior?!" She stares at Jacob, blinking rapidly.

Viktor? Here?! Oh gracious. Valentina is no stranger to her revered elders occasionally gracing the Thimble with their presence, but it's not happened since Dyonisia left and none other than Dyo since, well... Since Andrew had still been here. Although... Was it really Viktor? She didn't put it past George to be pulling another foolish move. Mind you, the only way to find out is to, well, find out. She fishes a parcel out of the desk drawer and leaves it on top of her desk.

"Very well darling. I shall be in in just a moment. Please find something for you and Anna to do in here." She pauses for a moment before continuing so softly he can barely here her. "If you suspect even for a moment that there is some kind of trouble take Mr Dawson's parcel and go. With all haste mark you."

She shoos him out and standing takes a moment to smooth down her hair and take of her apron. The neat dove grey linen gown underneath wasn't entirely suitable for entertaining a caller, however it was eminently suitable for a lady seamstress working late. It would do. One last check in the mirror and with a carefully brisk pace she heads out into the shop.

[Jacob Swainswick]

Swainswick returns promptly, with a thin smile of acknowledgement, all business.

"Miss Audley is here, sir, and will be with you in but a moment. Anna, could you come through into the workshop? I've some stock-taking that I want finished before we close up tonight."

He re-opens the door for his assistant, and stands in attendance until Miss Audley herself enters the room.

With a final "good evening, sir," he pulls the door closed behind his retreating form and leaves the two alone in the shop.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina waits until Jacob has shepherded Anna out then curtseys politely to her visitor.

"Good evening Sir." She is watching him carefully as she speaks and moves.

[Viktor]

“Good evening Mr. Swainswick.” The gentleman replies and gives Swainswick a grateful nod and smile as he and Anna make their exit before turning his attention to Valentina. The warm, casual, friendly demeanour and tone of her guest lasts until the door is firmly shut and it visibly and audibly shifts to one that is serious and calm. The figures posture hunches a little as he gives her a slight nod and holds her gaze with an unblinking one of his own. The pitch and tone of his words are at a level that is conversational but unlikely to carry audibly through the door. The observant will likley also note that the figure stops breathing unless requiring air in their lungs to speak.

“Good eve Miss Audley. Forgive my intrusion this night but time and other matters did not allow for us to speak when last Society did gather. I have spoken to both Mr. Black and Mr. Williamson upon the matter of their recent calling upon you here at this” There is a slow, vague wave of a hand about the room “establishment and do wish to hear your own words upon it should you be willing to speak them.”

[Valentina Audley]

Either George has upped his acting by a country mile or it really is Viktor. One of the many advantages of not having a pulse is not being able to go any noticeably paler.

"You are most welcome Elder" She begins in a similarly soft tone, then stops for a moment, clearly considering her words with care.

"Do you seek a general account of the events that evening and thereafter or have you specific questions you wish answered? I would be glad to answer in either case."