On the subject of missing items

[Christine Daye]

Christine's voice is hesitant.

"Are...are...you quite well, Miss Audley? Perhaps... I have... intruded too much...on your time?"

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina gives herself a little shake, turning to smile apologetically at Christine. "Forgive me darling, I got lost in my memories for a moment."

The needle resumes it's darting along the cloth.

"Now then, darling, you must forgive my impertinence in asking, but I am desperately curious! How did you and Lady Leroux come to form your current arrangement?" Valentina leans forward a little and gives Christine a bright look full of friendly curiosity.

[Christine Daye]

Christine stills immediately, going as immobile as a statue. A thin thread of melody seeps from behind her closed lips. After a moment, she regains control, attempts to cover her lapse by a flutter of her hand.

"Oh...it is quite a tedious tale..."

Her manner is brittle, but she continues:

"Maestra found me...singing on a street corner in London... She took me under her wing... and so it has been, ever since..."

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina notes the reaction, politely ignores it and gives Christine a polite social smile.

"Oh, how nice darling." It's an inane statement and quite clearly untrue, but this is not the stage of the relationship between them that enables Valentina to pry. Instead she offers a tidbit of her own.

"My lady was kind enough to take me under her wing when my sire was lost to me." Valentina speaks softly but the statement has the ring of truth about it, in it's bleak undertones.

[Christine Daye]

Christine's reply is soft.

"I am sorry for your loss..."

She casts around for a safe topic of conversation.

"If you... will forgive my impertinence... Might I ask how Lord Viktor gained the role of Master Harpy? My...admittedly limited... understanding... is that such things are traditionally... undertaken by... those of your... family...?"

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina smiles blandly. "I understand the decision came about after the primogen council had concerns about my lady. Obviously I do not know the details of their gatherings so my knowledge may be incorrect."

"There are not many of the Rose who have long made their home in Aquae Sulis now." She smiles at Christine, calmly.

"We are in a time of change and I do not think that the dust has settled yet. Still, it has bought glad company to my door this night so perhaps the winds of change do not always blow ill?"

[Christine Daye]

Christine smiles and looks pleased at the implied compliment.

"Thank you, Miss Audley... I am... honoured by your... company."

She pauses for a moment, hums a soft phrase.

"The winds of change do indeed blow hard sometimes. I pray that the undeserving are not blown away... Can I speak freely, Miss Audley?"

Christine casts a quick look at Mr Swainswick.

[Jacob Swainswick]

He's quick to pick up on the hint. "Let me give you a moment, of course. I'll wrap those gloves for you."

[Valentina Audley]

Well now. This could be interesting!

"Of course darling."

She gives Jacob a grateful smile as he leaves the room, then turns her attention to Christine.

[Christine Daye]

"Miss Audley, I assume you know of Rebeka... Miss Corrigan? The Toreador neonate with the white hair, the dancer, childe of Miroslav and ward of Viktor?"

Christine's voice is low, serious.

"I tell you now, that she is a friend of mine, and that I fear as Viktor's ward that she is being cruelly treated. Is there anything, anything at all that you or your Clan can do to help? She is of your blood..."

She falls silent, her gloved fingers interlaced, completely still.