A new take on past events.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine hoped that this visit to The Silver Thimble would be a little better than ones in the past. She was here socially, not to purchase a dress, though a little shopping was also a possibility if the right item sprung out at her. Valentina, if nothing else, had excellent taste and her shop was always filled with the most delightful accessories.

She approached the shop door and confidently pushed it open. She was a new Katherine, no longer the mouse and the likes of Miss Audley were not going to frighten her, besides she was here with an offer that she is sure will be taken well.

[Valentina Audley]

The bell tinkles cheerfully as the door opens. Inside, the shop is quiet, Valentina alone is by the counter, though a low home of voices can be heard from the workroom. Valentina is idly flicking through fashion plates, her sketch book by her side, in which she occasionally draws something that catches her eye.


As the bell rings she looks up. Upon recognising Katherine she smiles and says "Good evening Mrs Jackdaw. I trust the nights are treating you well?" Her face shows a glimmer of curiosity, as, after all, things are not so cordial between them that she imagines Katherine will be paying a purely social call.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

"Good evening Miss Audley. I do hope you are well and your family too?"

She glances around the shop briefly.

"As always this is an Emporium filled with things of beauty. I may take a look around in a moment but I was wondering if it were possible to have a private word in somewhere more comfortable?"

She smiles at Valentina, a smile that looks very much genuine and heart felt.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina quirks an eyebrow, curiosity definitely engaged.

"There's always the parlour darling. Shall we?" She gestures through the open door to the familiar sitting room.

"Of course, if you would rather shop first I believe we have just had a selection of winter furs in. Just the thing to trim capes and bonnets." She smiles happily at her potential customer, imagining Katherine decked out in a fine dark fur. Whatever else she does, Valentina really does enjoy dressing people to look their best.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine looks a little dreamy at the prospect of winter furs. She relents on the purpose of her visit slightly.

"I do love the feel of soft fur against my skin. A fur trimmed cloak would be lovely. Oh please bring some samples through to the parlour. I can look at them whilst we talk?"

[Valentina Audley]

"I'll bring the sample book" Valentina smiles and gesturing Katherine into the parlour, she moves swiftly over to a cupboard extracting a large 'book' before following her client into the other room.

Seeing Katherine seated comfortably she settles herself on a nearby sofa and passes over the book. "All our samples are in here but I think those on the third page would suit you best."

[Mrs K. Saunders]

She takes the book eagerly and flips it straight to the third page. She grins at the choice.

"As ever you know your clients and wares well. Even more than that though you are very good at diplomatically steering a customer to the correct attire for the right occasion. Unfortunately they do not always listen to the good advice do they?"

She sighs and smiles at Valentina.

"I must say thank you to the only person who tried even in the smallest of ways to save my reputation at the ball in Bristol. Truly a burgundy dress would have suited me so much better then."

She pauses. Never thinking she would ever have a reason to say the next phrase.

"Thank you Miss Audley. I will offer you a trivial boon for your attempt."

[Valentina Audley]

"Accepted gratefully darling." Now Valentina really is curious. She gets the feeling she's being buttered up, though she can't think why.

However, nothing is gained by being impetuous, so she relaxes back and smiles at Katherine.

"I think the darker furs would suit your colouring darling and they go well with purple or burgundy." It's clearly polite shop talk, to pass the time until Katherine reveals her real reason for coming to pay a call.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

"Indeed, " She looks at the page again and selects a dark silver fox fur. She passes the book over to Valentina and points it out.

"I think that black would be best though this time? So I can wear it with a burgundy or purple dress. What do you think? I honestly value your opinion. My husband, is of course my Sire and he does not understand the intricacies of etiquette and fashion. I know that I have eye for mortal fashions but he has failed to tell to be able to give the knowledge needed in kindred society. Hence the difficulties in Bristol a few nights ago. "

She pauses, considering how to continue.

"Many people mistake me for being one with my husband. I am my own person, with my own thoughts an feelings. Yes, I wear a colour that he prefers but that is a usually a trifle, not a great burden on me. I need advice on such things. I know you did attempt such a thing on my first visit, but as I mentioned before, I was very rattled by my recent experiences then."

She looks at Valentina expectantly.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina regards the fox fur thoughtfully, taking a moment to marshal her thoughts before speaking.

"It is an excellent colour for you, I should add it to a black velvet bonnet and a black wool and velvet capelet were I choosing your attire." She smiles at Katherine.

"I find darling, that in our society some Elders have, as is right of course, a certain leeway in etiquette that those of us less advanced in age may lack." She begins diplomatically.

She doesn't say what she actually thinks of Jackdaw, because honestly, the man was digging himself plenty of holes without her needing to do anything.

"Purple... Is always a tricky one. Obviously both you and your sire look very well in it and I can quite see why he has a preference to see you so. Of course, amongst the Kine is signifies mourning and amongst certain Kindred it signifies royalty."

She glances down at the furs again briefly.

"Were I you, I should keep the majority of your wardrobe as it is, but, I should also have two or three frocks made up, in perhaps burgundy or black, so that you have an alternative if you are concerned. Neither of those give offence to anyone that I am aware of."