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Post by Sylvia on Mar 16, 2007 12:19:39 GMT -5
*Madame Dahlia’s was a lovely country estate outside of the city limits. It gave the appearance of propriety, a boarding establishment of single women with class and elegance. But if a gentleman calls on it, he is only allowed to meet with ladies in the public meeting room until a young lady gives him her card. Then he may be escorted to see her further in. In higher society it is regarded as an escape from boredom, skilled and educated women providing excellent company. Cards are highly valued and often traded or gambled, although there is no correlation between the card and the acts that might be involved. The card will only get you in to make your proposition and any woman is able to refuse.*
*Sylvia entered the house with a smile as the coachmen brought in her bags and handed them to the servants inside. She greeted Madame Dahlia warmly, kissing her on both cheeks.*
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
*The refined older woman smiled warmly.*
“Oh my sweet, you are always welcome here. Your room has been prepared. Please let me know if you will need anything…special.”
*Sylvia’s eyes softened.*
“Thank you, I will let you know if something comes up.”
*Bowing her head, she turned and followed the darkened hall to her lush private room.*
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Post by The Ghost of Fernand Mondego on Mar 17, 2007 14:54:27 GMT -5
*Fernand was only a little surprised to find Sylvia's card in his trousers. He approached Madam Dahlia's house as collected as he always appears to be. He brings to the door a box, sealed with a ribbon. Inside the box is a small chest sealed with a lock. On top of the box is an envelope with "Sylvia" written on the front. Inside the envelope is a key that does not unlock the chest and another card with Fernand Mondego written on it with his address.*
I hope she enjoys the surprise.
*Fernand is greeted at the door*
"Welcome. Do you have a card?"
*Fernand holds the card out to the woman at the door.*
"I am only here to drop off a gift for Sylvia. I do not wish to disturb her at this time. Tell her that I am expecting her but to arrive at her leisure."
*Fernand then puts the box and card on a table in the waiting area. He glances around the room and then turns to leave without another word.*
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Post by Miss Sinclaire on Mar 17, 2007 15:19:22 GMT -5
*Virginia gathered her courage and stepped through the front door of the house, holding a crucifix in front of her like a shield.* "REPENT LEST YE BE CAST FOREVER INTO THE FIRES OF HELL FOR THE SIN YOU EMBRACE!" *she cried out, still not very loud.*
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Post by Sylvia on Mar 17, 2007 16:51:28 GMT -5
*Sylvia was surprised when a servant mentioned a man had left a gift. Perhaps it was Thatcher with something new and exciting up his sleeve. Or perhaps Mondego, so recently…afflicted with her affections. Either way, it was always pleasant enough to get something for nothing. Covering herself in a proper dressing gown, she went to retrieve it from the main room.*
*She arrived just in time to see a young woman yielding a crucifix burst through the door, shouting loudly. Sylvia raised her brow slightly and approached her gently, her accented words falling soothingly.*
“Mademoiselle, are you all right? Could you please lower your voice, you are making people nervous.”
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Post by Miss Sinclaire on Mar 17, 2007 16:54:29 GMT -5
*Virginia faltered.* "Um...excuse me. I was just trying to...um...save you."
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Post by Sylvia on Mar 17, 2007 17:01:38 GMT -5
*Sylvia looked sympathetic and gestured to a small table by the window. She quietly asked a servant to bring some tea as she made her way over and sat down.*
“Thank you for your noble effort. Might I know the name of the sweet flower that is so desperate to rescue me?”
*She batted her lashes gently.*
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Post by Miss Sinclaire on Mar 17, 2007 17:03:52 GMT -5
"My name is Virginia...Virginia Sinclair." *Virginia sat down, shaking a little as she looked around her in awe.* "I've never been in a..." *she shrugged her shoulders.* "y'know...before. I didn't really think this through."
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Post by Sylvia on Mar 17, 2007 17:10:09 GMT -5
*Sylvia smiled sweetly.*
“Oh, Mademoiselle Sinclair…I think you may be quite surprised by a lot of things here. After all, it’s not a common bawdy house. It is a safe haven for single young ladies. The people here keep us protected from men that would want to hurt us. Certainly you can understand why that is a good thing.”
*She began to pour the tea that was brought.*
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Post by Miss Sinclaire on Mar 17, 2007 17:11:39 GMT -5
"Oh, I certainly can!" *Virginia's eyes widened.* "Why--I didn't even know such places existed as this! I should have come ages ago. You see, for a long time I was hiding from a man who wanted to hurt me."
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Post by Sylvia on Mar 17, 2007 17:13:32 GMT -5
*Sylvia’s brow furrowed slightly and she placed her hand gently on Virginia’s.*
“Do you still need somewhere…to hide? To be safe from this man?”
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Post by Miss Sinclaire on Mar 17, 2007 17:16:27 GMT -5
*Virginia shook her head.* "I don't think so...I mean, he died." *She frowned slightly.* "And then he came back to life...but he hasn't bothered me again, yet, so I'm hopeful. I just got engaged to someone else." *She showed Sylvia the heavy diamond in its intricate setting on her left hand.*
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Post by Sylvia on Mar 17, 2007 17:28:05 GMT -5
*Sylvia sat back, her brow raised as she took in the story and the sight of the ring.*
“At least it appears that you will be well looked after.”
*She smiled slightly.*
“Does your beloved have a name?”
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Post by Miss Sinclaire on Mar 17, 2007 17:29:40 GMT -5
*Virginia smiled crookedly.* "Declan. Declan Owen," *she said softly.* "Though I don't need looking after, I think..." *She shrugged.* "We just want to be together," *she said firmly, as though she believed it.*
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Post by Sylvia on Mar 17, 2007 17:38:19 GMT -5
*Her smile widened.*
“Then you are both very lucky. To find true love is so rare in times like these.”
*Sylvia sipped her tea.*
“Are you excited about your upcoming marriage then? Surely it will be gorgeous.”
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Post by Miss Sinclaire on Mar 17, 2007 17:43:01 GMT -5
"Um...I'm not sure," *said Virginia, sipping nervously at her tea.* "We haven't started planning anything yet, really. Declan wants something lavish, no doubt. But...I don't know. A small, simple ceremony is all I need, really. We've argued about things like that before. It makes it difficult to be certain this is the right thing to do. We're waiting until next spring, at least. I'm hoping maybe he'll be less...I don't know, wealthy, by then. Not--well, um..."
*She bit her lower lip.*
"There's a certain kind of arrogance that comes with wealth. I'm trying to help him rid himself of the selfish side of his nature, but it's not coming as easily as I expected. He keeps trying, I know, to change, but...it's like he only tries when I'm there to frown at him. I don't want to be on his case all the time to change, but it's like he doesn't do anything while I'm not around. I just don't know how to make him want to change. I thought love might be enough, but even now--I'm not sure."
*She gulped the rest of her tea, her breathing rapid and shallow as tears pricked at her eyes.*
"I'm sorry. I was rambling."
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