An Evening In

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina winces at Grace as she retakes her own seat, deciding if informality was the order of the night she could be daring and tuck her legs up on the chair as well.

She picks up the embroidery again. "Dear me how dreadful!" She replies sympathetically.

Turning to Aldrich she explains "I was just enquiring after Neonate Marchaux." He's not daft and had probably guessed, but it would be rude not to include him.

"How are you this night?" She asks him gently.

[Manacledairman]

[Valentina Audley]

"It does seems to have been unusually social of late doesn't it?" She agrees, snipping off one thread and swiftly starting another. "I shall have lots to talk over with My Lady when I return home."

She glances at him, from under lowered lashes, taking in his outfit. "What did you wish to discuss about your outfit?" Her interest has definitely been perked by that little statement.

[Manacledairman]

[Lady Grace]

Grace smiles to Aldrich,

"That is a awful lot if black for social occasions Elder but then black is never out if fashion.
However considering the nature of the next Court, some colour would suit you Elder. I can thoroughly recommend Miss Audley's wisdom on this,"

[Valentina Audley]

"Ancilla Granville is entirely correct in that black is never out of fashion." She smiles to Grace.

"The smallest drop of colour you could add would be a jewelled tiepin Elder. Perhaps fashioned with a ruby or emerald? The effect would be subtle, but very elegant." She nods in satifaction.

"Alternatively, for a smidge more colour you could look at a new tie? I'd recommend a dark jewel colour again, red or green or perhaps purple?" She's slightly hesitant about purple because, whilst it would suit him, she also knows how certain Methusulah feel about others wearing purple...

At this point there is a brief knock and a young man appears. He's quite handsome, with dark hair and bright blue eyes. He's also carrying a tea tray, which he sets down on a low table near the trio. It has a steaming teapot and three delicate bone china cups on it, but also, a bottle and three wine glasses.

After putting the tray down he bows deferentially low to Aldrich then only slightly lower to Grace, gratified awe written all over his features.

"Apologies for the interuption Miss Audley, but when Miss Wilkins informed me you had guests, I thought perhaps you would prefer I bring in the tea." His eyes flick to the bottle as he continues blandly "the, ah, vintage, is on the side of the bottle."

And with that, he bows again and slips out of the room, leaving Valentina smiling and shaking her head at his departure.

"That boy! He's going to have trouble sleeping for weeks now that he's been in the same room as an Architect," she smiles indulgently.

"Isn't he an enthusiastic dear?"

[Manacledairman]

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina picks the bottle up and looks enquiringly in Grace's direction.

"I have ties, but alas not tie pins. For those you would need to call upon Ancilla Tatiana Ivanov. Her work is exquisite!"

She grins.

"Ties however, I can do. " Raising her voice slightly she calls out sweetly. "Mr Swainswick, could you please bring us a selection of ties? THe second box down on the right in the cupboard should do nicely thank you."

There's the sound of someone jumping and a muffled call of "of course!" Followed by the sounds of footsteps moving rapidly away.

She shakes her head, amused.

[Lady Grace]

Grace smiles and nods a yes to Valentina to pour.
Not wishing to interupt the flow of conversation.

Grace makes a effort to find some acceptable, polite and entertaining words rather than actually discuss the various things on her mind.

She smiles at the enthusiasm and the bow she recieves.
How perfectly lovely. That focussed the mind.

"What do you both think about the announcement regarding the planned events of the coming Court in Reading. Ancient magical artefacts. I don't know if it's dangerous or foolish to participate but it's certainly romantic,"

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina pours two glasses and hands one to Grace before sipping the other.

"There seems to be something, about that time of year, that brings out the most foolish romantic notions in Kindred." She smiles.

"There have been some very interesting get togethers in previous years. I..." She hesitates, then decides to state her plan anyway. Hopefully they won't pity her, she couldn't bear that. "I will of course not be taking part as My Lady won't be there and she prefers I don't dabble in such things." She smiles lightly, her aura tightly pulled in.