Gilded lilies

[Erika Leroux]

Erika smiles at Tatiana conspiratorially, and a little breathlessly. She's had a great deal of fun showing her the sights but this particular trip combines both business and pleasure. For a Nosferatu, Erika exhibits unusually sybaritic tastes. "And here we are at last. As promised, The Silver Thimble. I've called ahead, so Miss Audley is expecting us." She reaches for the bell.

[Valentina Audley]

Inside, the shop is unusually quiet. Valentina in a seeming fit of generosity has given the staff the night off. Of course, this helps her both maintain the fiction of a generous employer and give her complete privacy for what the night may yet bring....

Whilst she waits for her guests to arrive she's in the shops main room idly perusing the order book. Tonight she's wearing a pale blue taffeta gown, cut on the line between daring and scandalously low and her hair is in it's usual knot of curls. There's an air of pleasant anticipation about her and she notes with pleasure that the order book is in good shape. Now if only the bell would ring...

[Tatiana Ivanov]

Tatiana smiles back at Erika and unlinks her arm from hers to pat her hair down in the reflection on the pretty shop window, it would be impolite to go calling on a new acquaintance looking less than smartly arranged.

[Erika Leroux]

Erika rings the bell, noting for the first time the tone of it. She smiles, an appreciative smile. It has a delicate sound compared to some, loud enough to command attention. Yet not too loud that it grates. She then follows Tatiana's lead, glancing at her own reflection, before deeming it worthy.

"I cannot begin to imagine how exquisite the combination of your work with that of Miss Audley. I am looking forward to the meeting of such geniuses in their fields."

She doesn't smile at that. Instead she looks deadly serious.

[Valentina Audley]

As the bell's tinkle fades away Valentina is already hurrying to the door, opening it with a smile that only widens as she recognises the ladies before her.

"Darlings! How wonderful to see you! Won't you come in?" She steps back to allow them entrance, her keen eye taking in all their finery with approval.

"Please, head on through to the sitting room," she says, before adding with a wicked smile "unless anything in the shop catches your eye of course."

Pleasure is pleasure, but business is good too.

[Tatiana Ivanov]

Tatiana hangs back a little giving herself a few extra moments to take in all the dimensions of the shop, its neatness is pleasing and the decor tasteful.

In the back of her mind, she begins to arrange a few pieces that may be suitable for Erika's implied meeting of minds.

Maybe she should ask Valentina to look over a few of her outfits to makes sure they aren't too continental for English society, it wouldn't do to look dull.

Her current outfit will certainly be acceptable, from the pleats to the bustle it is of the latest style fresh from the fashion plates. The colours were reminiscent of a tempestuous sea, her jewels a mix of pearls, sapphires, diamonds and gold.

[Valentina Audley]

As Tatiana hangs back, Valentina ushers Erika into the sitting room, taking advantage of the other Toreador's browsing to steal a kiss from her lover as soon as they are out of sight of the doorway, though she leaves the door open for Tatiana's appearance. Knowing that Tatiana will be able to hear everything said despite being in the other room she takes a very brief moment to compose herself before speaking in the most ordinary voice she can muster.

"How have you been these past few nights darling? It was so lovely to see you at Antigone's party!" Her eyes sparkle with a touch of mischief as she talks but her tone is politely conversational.

[Erika Leroux]

Erika's eyes sparkle at the welcome, responding in kind, adding a gentle caress of Valentina's hand before she assumes a serious face.
"All the better for this visit. It's always a pleasure to be received here. Plus I am preparing myself for political intrigue once again so I must make the most of pleasurable business. I believe you met our latest arrival Tatiana? I was compelled to bring her here. I suspect that you would be able to collaborate beautifully."

[Tatiana Ivanov]

Tatiana paused to stroke an appreciative thumb across a particularly fine cotton lawn, allowing Erika time for her Princely duties. It wouldn't do to monopolise the Prince's time for the whole night, the vast majority was enough.

With the Greetings now over, Tatiana wafted to the door of the sitting room.

"Valentina, how pleasing to see you this Evening!" she exclaimed, hands held out the clasp Valentina's and draw her in to kiss her on both cheeks.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina has been to Paris and she knows that foreigners have strange customs so she pushes her beast down and swallows her discomfort as she allows Tatiana to kiss her cheeks returning the greeting seemingly naturally, though her aura briefly flickers with unease and as soon as it's over she steps back a little, to regain some space. After all, illicit kisses with one's lover are one thing, kisses instead of a firm handshake of greeting or even a polite curtsey... Kindred and shameless lover to many she may be, but Valentina is still, if nothing else, a firm believer in English Manners.

"Miss Ivanov, how delightful to see you as well" Valentina smiles cheerfully as she talks. "How goes your search for a shop of your own?"

As she talks she's noting the others finery in detail and comparing it to her own. Her dress naturally compares favourably, her usual red velvet choker and small pearl earrings seem less charming now that Tatiana is here with her fabulous taste in sparklies, but a master crafter would look better in their own art wouldn't they? Perhaps next time she should swap the choker for one of the many necklaces Dyo's given her though. A little more sparkle clearly couldn't hurt.

Turning slightly she smiles at Erika as well, not wanting her to feel left out. "And what political intrigues are you preparing for darling? Anhything you can share with us?" Her tone is warm and inviting of confidences, with the mischeivous twinkle still present in her eyes.