Victorian Times RP [The RP Begins -- Applications Open] FREEFORM

[funheart00]

Victorian Times...

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u294/funheart00/VicTimes.jpg

The date is 30th November 1840. Winter is fast closing in on the large city of London, and everyone is going about his or her business as usual to the outside eye. Yet those on the inside of the city walls know much more. Life here is changing.

Introduction

The Victorian Era was a time of wide extremes, elegant city streets, gracious living and in contrast grinding poverty.

It was also a great time for exploration and invention many of which have had a profound effect on our world today.

During The Victorian Era with their engineering skills and pioneering spirit the Victorians opened up many wild frontier towns across the world. and along with their flare and ingenuity they also brought with them their values and elegance.


Background Information

Queen Victoria had the longest reign in British history, from 1837 until 1901, and the cultural, political, economic, industrial and scientific changes that occurred during her reign were remarkable. When Victoria ascended to the throne, Britain was primarily agrarian and rural (though it was even then the most industrialised country in the world); upon her death, the country was highly industrialised and connected by an expansive railway network. The first decades of Victoria's reign witnessed a series of epidemics (typhus and cholera, most notably), crop failures and economic collapses. There were riots over enfranchisement and the repeal of the Corn Laws, which had been established to protect British agriculture during the Napoleonic Wars in the early part of the 19th century.


The Roleplay

This roleplay will be largely based on everyday life for those living in the Victorian Period.

It will be mainly freeform, with some noteable events thrown into the action to make it seem more realistic, and easier to follow.

Each day will be spilt into three parts; Morning, Afternoon, and a short night. Morning and afternoon will last four real-life days and night will last three, as I don’t expect a lot to be happening at this time. These times will be posted by myself, and so remember to make sure your posts reflect the time of day.


Victorian Etiquette - The Basic Rules of Etiquette

· Learn to govern yourself and to be gentle and patient.
· Never speak or act in anger.
· Remember that, valuable as is the gift of speech, silence is often more valuable.
· Learn to speak in a gentle tone of voice.
· Learn to say kind and pleasant things when opportunity offers.
· Do not neglect little things if they can affect the comfort of others.
· Learn to deny yourself and prefer others.
· Beware of meddlers and talebearers.


The Classes

Upper Class: - The highest class of people in the victorian times. “The old hereditary aristocracy, reinforced by the new wealthy class who owed their success to commerce, industry, and the professions, evolved into an "upper class" (its consciousness formed in large part by the Public Schools and Universities) which maintained control over the political system, depriving not only the working classes but the middle classes of a voice in the political process”

Middle Class: - As the name tells us, those in Middle Class, were a new class of people, not quite upper class, but much above working class. “The increasingly powerful (and class conscious) middle classes, undertook organized agitation to remedy this situation of the Upper Class being all powerful: the passage of the Reform Act of 1832 and the abolition of the Corn Laws in 1846 were intimations of the extent to which they would ultimately be successful”

Working Class: - The lowest class of people in Victorian times, and probably the best populated. They had no power what so ever and had little income, most being farmers and other low-skilled jobs. “The working classes, remained shut out from the political process, and became increasingly hostile not only to the aristocracy but to the middle classes as well. As the Industrial Revolution progressed there was further social division. Capitalists, for example, employed industrial workers who were one component of the working class.


Useful Links

Wikipeadia – The Victorian Era ((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_era))

Wikipeadia - Women’s Role in Victorian England ((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_the_Victorian_Era))

Victorian Etiquette – the Victorians prided themselves on the way that they carried themselves. Read through this to get a good idea ;) ((http://www.logicmgmt.com/1876/etiquette/etiquette.htm))

All-About-Style: Victorian ((http://www.all-about-style.com/victorian.html))

Fluid's Fantastic Victorian Money ((http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1087831&postcount=195))

((If you find any really useful sites, please let me know the url so I can add them to this list.))


Applications

You may enter either a male or female character, which can be Teen – Elder, with the youngest age to be accepted being 14. They can be of any class, so that is the upper class, middle class and working class. I will limit the amount of characters per class to six, to prevent a large amount in one, and none in the others. There can be two characters per person, but please enter them in different classes, but be aware these go on a first-come first-serve basis, and no reservations can be made. Also, females in anything above working class were not expected to hold a job, and those in working class would most probably be a maid for a richer family.


Name:
Age:
Class:
Occupation: (If applicable)
Bio:
Picture:


((If there is anything I really haven’t made clear, don’t hesitate to shout at me, as this is my first time hosting an RP, and I want it to be a success :)))


The Characters

Please try to post at least once per real-life week if possible, and if you will be away for an extended period of time, let me know :) Those who have been inactive for over a fortnight will be removed from the RP.


Upper Class

1. Ian Venn (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1075058&postcount=3) (Fayreview)
2. Eugenie Alexandria Albany (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1075065&postcount=5) (slytherin-girl)
3. Julia Axe (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1075221&postcount=19) (Anne)
4. James Emry ((will add link later x.x))
5.
6.


Middle Class

1. Amelia Rosefield
2. Elaine Kaysen (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1079401&postcount=44) (On Hiatus)
3. Amanda Wright (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1079738&postcount=46) (innocenteyes)
4. Benjamin Penrose (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1090733&postcount=209) (Atropa)((On Hiatus))
5. Millie (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1091069&postcount=211)
6.

Working Class

1. Katriona Locke (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1075055&postcount=2) (funheart00)
2. Alyssa Cotton (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1075096&postcount=9) (GeeWayrocks)
3. Thomas Blackfoot (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1075275&postcount=24) (FurryPanda)
4. Hannah Miller (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1075333&postcount=25) (Bexstar)
5. Gretchen Richter (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1098109&postcount=284)
6.

Event's

o. New Year's Eve = Party (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1102605&postcount=377)

[funheart00]

Name: Katriona Locke
Age: 16
Class: Working Class
Occupation: A low-end housemaid for a Middle Class family.
Bio: Born to a poor peasant and his wife, Katriona grew up with the smallest of things being handed to her, and with four brothers and only one other sister, she was the middle child, and often overlooked. She learnt quickly to become very skilled with a needle and thread. Her mother always wanted more for her large family, and soon shipped Katriona away from their small rural village to the City to have a chance at a better life. Although missing her family dearly, espesially her younger sister, Katriona has been working in the current household for just over a year, and, although she is poor, she is not so hungry and has a giving master. Now, Katriona works to keep herself fed and well and one day would like to re-visit her family.
Picture:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u294/funheart00/Katriona-head.jpg

[Fayreview]

Name: Ian Venn
Age: 28
Class: Upper-Class
Occupation: Assistant Poor Law Comissioner
Bio: A political world surrounds this bachelor, he is young for his profession but when your parents are well connected and you have a good mind anything can happen. An upstanding man with good morals... well atleast most of the time...
Ian is unusual for a man in his job he believes workhouses can only go to damage the paupers and lower classes inevitably turning the world upside down. He fails to see how the poor are poor out of choice, no one wants that for their family. He would try to lead a revolution but truely those who would have to pay for the repartions would shun him as would the influential comissioners, and then he could help no one...
Ian is however fine with making waves by declaring himself free of the church, times haev begun to change people.... but is Ian changing too fast?
Picture: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/Bluethunderumbles/pride-and-prejudice-9.jpg

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Nope, the picture doesn't have to be sim :) And, thanks for entering - adding you to the first post now...))

[Slytherin-Girl]

Name: Eugenie Alexandria Albany

Age: 18

Class:Upper Class

Occupation: (If applicable) None

Bio: Eugenie is the middle child of her family, and only girl. She has 4 older brothers (Albert, Brandon, Charles,and Daniel) and 4 younger ones(Fredrick, George, Harold, and Isaac). Her father if a Lord and member of the nobility and their family can trace their ancestry back farther than most people care to count.

With her four older brother married, her parents have set their sights on finding her a husband. She recently had her "coming out" and was presented to Queen Victoria. Eugenie is a very caring person, and unfailingly polite in any situation. She is often found in the nursery with her younger brothers.

Picture (http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/images/Annie%20Gambart%203.jpg)

[msp_teen]

Name:
Giselle Lather

Age:
21

Class:
Middle Class

Occupation:
Teacher

Bio:
Well, my name is Giselle, and I am a hardworking girl. I have no kids, I am not married, and that is quite odd for someone my age, usually a person is having babies at the age of 16 or 15, but me I am looking for the right person to be with, not just any ol sir or duke, even though that wouldn't be bad, but I need someone that can make me happy and take care of me!!!

Picture:
http://i3.tinypic.com/73kv0bl.jpg

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Great entries everyone. :) All added to the First Post.
Just one thing msp_teen: I don't want to ruin your fun, but I think it would be unlikely that a middle class woman would hold a job, let alone one of a seamstress. If you do want her to have a job, it would most probably be that of a teacher, or nothing. You can always have her as an exeption, but its just something that stood out.))

[Laughy]

Name:Julia Crosby
Age:21
Class:Middle Class
Occupation:School Teacher
Bio:Julia was born to a family of 6,she had 3 brothers and 1 sister.Following a great epidemic of a very fatal disease,she lost all of her family except for her youngest sister.Devastated as she was about this,she knew she had to provide for her sister,so she got a job.She is currently waiting for mister right,but she isn't in much rush because her salary from tutoring the children of richer families is holding her and her sister for the time being.
Pic: Here (http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1787/catherinetrapaudrq7.jpg) Here

[GeeWayrocks]

Name: Catrina Clarke
Age: 28
Class: Upper Class
Occupation: None
Bio: Born to an extremely wealthy family, Catrina looks down on those who are not in her class. She had no brothers or sisters and was spoiled as a child. She is married to a wealthy man and is currently seven motnhs pregnant with her third child. Her first children, Thomas and Alice, are eight and five.
Picture: http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x101/GeeWayrocks/snapshot_f45dafd8_f45dc0ee.jpg

Name: Alyssa Cotton
Age: 15
Class: Lower Class
Occupation: Maid to the Clarkes.
Bio: Alyssa's mother died in childbirth and her father couldn't afford to keep her, so she was sent to an orphanage, where she struck up a friendship with a girl called Felicity. Both girls were taken to work with the Clarkes at ten, and have remained friends
Picture: http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x101/GeeWayrocks/snapshot_f45dafd8_d45dc283.jpg

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Great entries you two :D Thanks for entering, just a quick note to all of those who are thinking of entering two characters. Please make sure you make clear to other roleplayers who you are RPing. For example, just using a quick sub-title etc.
pinkgirl4real: The Great Plague of London was in 1665. This RP is set in 1840 so unfortunately it'd be a little difficult for her to have a sister who died in that time, I think. Applications added to first post :)))

[Fluid_SC]

Name: Dr. Gideon Coyle, D.Phil., FRCS Ed.

Age: 64

Class: Upper class

Occupation: surgeon, forensic pathologist, private physician

Bio: Dr. Coyle, scion of a Scottish noble house with a deep and distinguished pedigree, was a surgeon and lecturer at the University of Edinburgh before moving to London. His stated reasons for moving, to take up a position as surgeon and consulting pathologist which had been a standing invitation from his colleagues at London University, mask a more sinister necessity. One of the good Doctor's private hobbies is murder, and after having indulged his second career as a serial killer for several decades, he's decided that a change of scenery would not only be refreshing intellectually and philosophically, but a local Edinburgh inspector with abnormally sharp faculties has been asking too many questions.

Picture:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc257/astuo/ianrichardson01.jpg

Dr. Coyle's calling card:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc257/astuo/coylecallingcard03a.jpg

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Well, I'm scared of your character Fluid, but thanks for entering. First post updated :)))

[msp_teen]

((ooc: ok funheart I get what you mean, I am going to change her to a teacher))

[Shenanigans_SC]

funheart - Question for you. I understand the theme of this rp is Victoria era (that's what makes it fun) but I was wondering if we could go just a tad bit fictional?
I ask because I was thinking of making a scientist (this era was full of technological advances) but he'd be on the verge of loosing his mind. So he'd be like a mad-scientist. Is that too far away from reality for the RP?

[funheart00]

Shenanigans: Urm. I don't see a major problem in it ;) It was slap bang in the middle of the industrial revolution... well near enough the middle, and there *would* be scientists.. I think. Anyway, as long as you play him close enough to what would've been going on at the time (for example; they probably wouldn't have huge labs with massive computers :P) I think its fine :) We already have a murderer anyway *lol*

On that note, to everyone else, you can go a little fictional, as I realise that it is fairly difficult to stay completely true to form, but as long as anything you do doesn't seem like its more modern (ie after 1920's or so...) then try not to use it, as this *is* meant to be set earlier than that... :)

Oh, and thank you so much to everyone who has entered, and is thinking of entering... I thought this would flop completely so its great, and makes me very happy .. hehe

[Laughy]

((Funheart:thanks,i'll change it to something else..))

[Shenanigans_SC]

Thanks funheart! From what I could find, the Tesla coil was late 1800s... so I think I'll be okay. :) I wasn't sure to make him middle or upper class, let me know if you think it should change.

Name: Victor Stanbury
Age: 35
Class: Upper
Occupation: Scientist
Bio: Victor Stanbury was the first child born to a middle class couple. When he was five his mother died while giving birth to his sister. His father was so utterly devastated by the loss of his wife that he neglected his own two children. Victor’s little sister died to disease before reaching the age of two, leaving Victor to grow up alone. He soon turned to his school books and began to fantasize about what could be.
When he was of proper age, he went off to Cambridge University. He soared past his peers, and dropped out of the University by his junior year, giving the reasons of being bored.
Victor spends most of his time holed up in his laboratory that’s filled with species of every sort, mutant creatures, and chemicals galore. His newest obsession is that of electricity. While the world around him focuses on the power of steam, he is in a race with his rival Nikola Tesla to harness the power of electricity.
Although Victor is happiest when alone, he does seek out any elder that is not so “by the book” to have intellectual conversations, and he does at times find himself in need of some subjects, err… helpers, and is willing to pay for their services.
Picture: http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/Mila_Muromachi/SIMS2/Victor/VictorStanbury.jpg

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Fantastic application Shenanigans! And, I personally think he's suited to being un the Upper Class, but you can always change him over at a later date ;) .. I am actually getting quite scared of all these people who are scary.. *lol* First post updated

EDIT: Wonderful Application Anne. All Upper Class spots have now been filled, but will re-open if someone drops out, or is removed from the RP. :D))

[Anne_SC]

Name:
Julia Axe

Age:
26

Class:
Upper Class

Occupation:
\

Bio:
As a daughter of two rich parents, Julia Axe was never really a hard working person. She had learned her manners and is taught to behave well. After her both parents died in a fire she was given a beautiful home which she now still lives in, acompanied by a maid. She had fallen in love several times, but never really gave into it, afraid to stop behaving like she should. As she changed in the last couple of years, she is seeking for love desperately, hanging on the edge of her good-mannered life and a free life with no restrictions.

Picture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/Thesimsfreaky/Elvira1.jpg

[Connectzeedots_SC]

((aaaah, anne I was gonna do a girl who wants to get out of her stuffy upper class lifeeee =/ ))

[Anne_SC]

((Awww, sorry :( :blink: ))

[funheart00]

Kimberly: You can always have a high-end Middle Class family, or have her married to an Upper Class man... :| Amazingly, if you read up, the Middle Classes in the Victorian Era were the ones who were the most obsessed by class, the upper classes being those who were simply wealthy and knew it, so it could be quite easy for her to have that personality as both her parents would be likely to be worried about how they present themselves... Ahhh! etc, etc...

[Anne_SC]

((I updated my profile with a pic))

[FurryPanda]

(Can they be extreme lower class, like unemployed pickpocket type? I'm going to assume they can, but I'll change him if its a problem.)

Name: Thomas Blackfoot
Age: 14
Class: Working Class
Occupation: Pickpocket, bootblack, etc.
Bio: Thomas was the sixth son of his poor father, so he left the farm when he was eight to come to London. There he was rapidly drawn into a street gang where he learned all his skills as a petty thief. He had to leave there because he wouldn't consent to rob lower middle class women, and has been making his way on his own since then. Thomas has decided however, that if he can find gainful employment, he will do so beofre the constabulry gets sick of one particular street urchin.

Picture: Coming soon

[RainbowCyberGoth]

Name: Hannah Miller
Age: 19
Class: Working Class
Occupation: Nurse
Bio: Hannah lived in Richmond with her little sister and father at their middle class farm until one day her father died of an illness. The two girls lived with their teacher until she discovered that they had living relatives, their uncle and aunt. They were sent to live with her abusive uncle and timid aunt; well under the poverty line in Fulham. Alice, Hannah's little sister, upset their uncle, and to prevent Alice from being killed, Hannah drove a hammer into his back. They ran away and lived on the streets, trying to find their way back to Richmond, but instead went the wrong way up the river, all the way to Rotherhithe, East London. They were discovered by kind lady, Maudie, who took them in to her washhouse, which was also the home to a few other orphans, all of them pick-pockets. Hannah did not adjust well to this new Cockney life and refused to steal, instead, she would work. Herself, a young man named Jack, and her sister all went out one night, but Alice went missing. It was discovered a few months later that she had been caught stealing a purse and instead of the people pressing charges, they adopted her. Hannah had been working at a factory at the time, but got a job at the local hospital because she could read and write.
Picture
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/97/poorqy1.jpg

[Connectzeedots_SC]

FurryPanda, how about I make a girl around Thomas' age and they can be like buddies despite the class difference?

[FurryPanda]

((Connectzeedots, that sounds really cool, I think that'd be awesome. Can't wait to see her.))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Great applications everyone :) First post updated

EDIT: Guys, can we try and keep the OT to a minimum. This discussion could go on via PM, just to keep the thread fairly clean ;)))

[Connectzeedots_SC]

FurryPanda, is yours a sim?

[FurryPanda]

((Yeah, I'll be going in game later today to get his picture, teenaged, dark hair, stolen clothes.))

[GeeWayrocks]

>>>>Clicky!!<<<< (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=1075096&postcount=9)

I just love Alyssa! She's my favourite sim since Jacoby Davis!

[Connectzeedots_SC]

=] cool.

Now to find a name...

[Anne_SC]

When will the rping begin? :)

[funheart00]

The applications will be open for a week :) And as I only posted this yesterday the RP *should* begin on the 7th ... or if no-one posts anymore apps it may start sooner, but use the 7th as a guide :)

[Anne_SC]

Ok :) Good to know. I can't wait. ^__^

[Haylifer]

Boo hoo :cry: If I hadn't had exams next month, I'd have totally joined this... Damn college! Damn socialness!

*sigh*

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Sorry Hay :( I kinda stole your idea for it too ;) ... It'd have been nice to have you.))

[Shenanigans_SC]

Boo hoo :cry: If I hadn't had exams next month, I'd have totally joined this... Damn college! Damn socialness!
*sigh*
Well... it's going to be freeform. Maybe the good Doctor will kill someone off... er... I mean, maybe there will be an opening available for you when you're done with exams. :)

*edit*
lol GeeWay... that's okay, The doctor won't kill any character that's unwilling. And he wouldn't do it on purpose... accident maybe via experimentation.

[GeeWayrocks]

^ lol! Just not my characters!.... Ok, maybe Catrina, I have an idea for her character and she's a snobby bitch, :P

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: By the way, if any of the upper class gentlemen feel like calling on Miss Eugenie they can go right on ahead :P I'm sure she'd be delighted to have the company:P

[RainbowCyberGoth]

When will the RP start?

[funheart00]

The applications will be open for a week :) And as I only posted this yesterday the RP *should* begin on the 7th ... or if no-one posts anymore apps it may start sooner, but use the 7th as a guide :)

Read. :D
Probably Friday.

[FurryPanda]

Excellent, this looks like alot of fun, can't wait for it to start. See yall Friday.

[ElektraNatchios33]

Name: Elaine Kaysen

Age: 19

Class: Middle

Occupation: Librarian

Bio:

Elaine's grandparents were loyalists during the Revolution. Although they lived in the colonies for awhile, barely able to survive, the couple moved back to London where they had their first child, Betsy. She grew up, got married, and had a daughter (Kathryn). Betsy, her husband, and 3 year old Elaine lived a very poor life. Both her parents work long hours. Her father died of cholera when she was 10. Her mother took her to a church. She told her that God will always be there for you and to come here every Sunday morning. Her mother then left her, and she never knew where she went.

Elaine was found and adopted by a wonderful family who owned a library and bookstore along the docks. Her adopted family loves her and cares for her unlike her original mother and father.

Picture: (yes yes, it's the wrong era but you wouldn't really know it would you??)

Elaine's Photo (http://www.modyourpanties.com/images/071205223658-Elizabeth_surprised.jpg)

[funheart00]

((Thanks for entering ElekraNatchios33 :D Added to the first post :D))

[innoscenteyes]

ok I have been battleing with myself since this first started wether to join or not. I am finally throwing in the towel and joining :) I just couldnt keep myself from joining anymore. lol.

name: Amanda Wright
age: 25
occupation: Baker(does breads and other goodies)
class: Middle
Bio: Amanda inherited the bakers shop from her father. She mother has moved in with her after her father died from a heart attack. She has no brothers or sisters. She is a friendly and kind person. Very proper but not prudish.

picture:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc169/playslackert/amanda.jpg

[Anne_SC]

Yay! Today is the day we're going to begin! :D

[Fayreview]

OOOH! I forgot about that... but now I'm uber excited... and im sure thats not just the fact i ate £4 worth of jelly tots

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Oi! You beat me to it, I wanted to surprise everyone *sulks*))

7th December 1840

The date is now the 7th of December 1840. The City of London is alive with movement, housemaids going about their business collecting and returning things from Market. Young girls from the Upper Classes sit at home, a piano lesson or a portrait being taken.

Yet one thing is on everyone’s minds. Winter is upon the beautiful city, and now it is not just wealth to worry of but survival also.

It is 6:10am on the 7th December and the city of London is slowly waking from its deep slumber.

-------------------------------------------

Your first RP post should include your character waking, and preparing to do whatever they will be doing during the day, be that simply going out walking, or going to the market for their family.

Try to stay in character as much as possible, and keeping as much to the time-period as possible. For example, girls wouldn’t be being educated, and boys under middle class wouldn’t be in school. Try to read up if possible, just so everyone in the Role-play is able to connect.

Applications will stay open though throught the RP, unless all spots are filled. So, here we go...


It is now Morning in London

[Anne_SC]

((Sorry :( ))

Julia woke up as a few rays of sunline shined in her eyes. She sat up in her large bed and yawned, looking around in her beautifull yellowish-coloured room. Her maid was off to the market, so she was alone now. Slowly she got out of her bed and stretched out.
She took off her long sleeping gown and walked over to the table where her newly-made gown lay. She smiled and put it on, alone. She wasn't really able to do it alone, but she figured it out and soon she was wearing it.
As she walked down the curved stairs, her maid came home, smiling as she showed the large basket with several kinds of food and other things in it.
"Good day Miss Axe." was what she said, as she bowed a little. Julia nodded and the maid walked straight to the kitchen. Julia walked after her to see what she had gottedn of the market. As the maide took out all the food and the other stuff, Julia walked closer to the table, inspecting it. Fruits, vegetables and fish, bread and meat.
"Oh hello" was what the maid said as Julia inspected the food. "What are you going to do today?"
Julia sighed, what was she going to do? She had no idea.

[Fayreview]

((Woot best birthday present i coulda got the roleplay opened!... sadly my birthday is tomorrow... but still!))

Ian settled himself down at the table of his parents house, his twin sisters engagement party had been the day before and his mother had insisted Juliet had made up a guest room for him.

Ian began to think again of marriage, how late in life his sister had waited to marry and how his mother kept mentioning 'nice young women' from favourable backgrounds. Sadly he had little time, he had to leave soon if he planned on getting across to Somerset house, to start work on time - which for Ian was earlier than everyone else - he tipped his hat to Juliet on the way out of the building and asked her to relay his gratitude to his parents. With that he set off across London to another day in the life of a mildly influential man.

[GeeWayrocks]

Catrina woke slowly, hearing her husband snoring. He was obviously still asleep, so she left him alone in their bed. She checked on her children, both were sound asleep. She smiled. She loved her children dearly, and was worried about the health of her unborn one. She had been having some difficulites, and had an appointment with a doctor later that day. Slowly, she made her way to the drawing room of her large manor, and began to write.

-----------------------------------

Alyssa had been woken at the crack of dawn by Felicity. They had cleaned up the house a little, before making their way to the market. Alyssa had lost Felicity, and was looking for her, when she tripped over her dress, and bumped into someone.

((Anyone can be the someone she bumped into))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Anne, I was only joking ... I'm glad your all excited :)))

Katriona woke early to make it in time to the market, rushing out of the door, and closing the door silently behind her in fear of waking her masters. She was late rising this morning, even though she had been roused earlier than most. Thankfully, the masters hadn't been woken yet, although they should have been.

Katriona sighed slightly as she began the short walk to the market. She had so much to do, and had promised herself some lesuire time today, even if it would be just for an hour, but the dream was unlikely to be fufilled today.

Snapping out of her daydreams, Katriona watched where she was going as she reached the center of the market, sidestepping, and pausing frequently as many came and went, moving closer to and away from stalls.

Finally coming away from a slightly packed fruit stall, Katriona slipped quickly away from the market, thankfully spotting an empty bench in the only small park for quite a distance. She slipped onto it, placing her basket of groceries by her side, and allowing her eyes to skip over the faces passing her.

((Approachable ;)))

[Fluid_SC]

The apartment which Dr. Gideon Coyle took upon relocating to London was at number 17 Greene Street, in the Westminster district of London, not far from Regent's Park. His apartment occupied both floors of the building; the downstairs consisted principally of a parlor for greeting guests, and a two-room suite which made for a most suitable consulting room. A well-appointed library and study comprised most of the upstairs, along with two bedrooms, one of which the Doctor found most suitable for his "workroom," and had refitted as such. A second, private entrance and stairs up to the bedrooms was an added bonus.

His first chore of the morning would be to stop at the employment office. Although the apartment came with a maidservant--one of his landlady's staff--he found her absent-minded and quite unable to handle the tasks needed to keep a household in order. Dr. Coyle would have to hire a proper housekeeper to maintain the apartment, one he could trust to keep things up to his standards; he would leave the decision to keep the maidservant on or dismiss her up to the housekeeper. He also needed a new secretary. Often the employment office would have a student, teacher or even a former governess with the proper skills for the position, though he would make inquiries at the University as well.

Dr. Coyle's secretary and assistant at Edinburgh was unable to follow him to London. The young man was quite intelligent, an adept amauensis, an exceptional protégé (as well as an enthusiastic lover); however, despite the Doctor's foremost proscription, young Henry indulged his curiosity and broke into Dr. Coyle's private workroom. Upon discovering his mentor's addiction and second career, he suffered what could be diagnosed as a "spasm of morality," and though he found it to be an unfortunate course of action, Dr. Coyle had no choice but to extinguish this new liability.

He allowed himself to revisit the situation while he wrote out the cards for the employment agency which described the qualities requisite for the positions he needed filled--a few moments only. Then, already dressed in his suit, he tugged on his gloves, buttoned his knee-length dark overcoat, sat his top hat upon his head and took his silver-handled walking stick from its perch near the door. He went outside and, waving the stick, hailed a hansom cab, instructing the driver to take him to the employment agency.

[Fayreview]

Alyssa had been woken at the crack of dawn by Felicity. They had cleaned up the house a little, before making their way to the market. Alyssa had lost Felicity, and was looking for her, when she tripped over her dress, and bumped into someone.

Ian was in a complete world of his own when a rather grubby teenage girl managed to trip over herself and come sprawling into him. He helped the girl up and coughed lightly to get her to look up at him.

"Good day madam. are you alright?" Ian looked concernadly down at the girl, the lower classes were after all his business, and this one seemed to be looking for something, or perhaps someone. He could have moved on but either way he was going to be early for work as usual so he may as well check on her, and perhaps help if she had lsot something valuable, she seemed pleasant enough...

[GeeWayrocks]

"Good day madam. are you alright?"

"I'm fine, are you alright, sir? I didn't mean to fall into you like that." Alyssa felt her pale face heat up, she was rather clumsy, and it was amazing her master hadn't kicked her out of the house she worked in.

[Fayreview]

"I'm fine, are you alright, sir? I didn't mean to fall into you like that."

"Oh I'm sure you didn't mean too," Ian offered a friendly smile. "You appear to be a little pre-occupied, have you perhaps lost something. For i would not mind stopping to help you search if you require assistance." The girl had gone bright red, clearly the last thing she had wanted to do was draw attention to herself in this way.

[GeeWayrocks]

"I was trying to find my friend, she ran off a while ago, a girl named Felicity Danning. She's quite tall, with bright red hair, grey eyes and a pale complexion like mine." Alyssa smiled a little at the man, he seemed very friendly.

[Fayreview]

"I was trying to find my friend, she ran off a while ago, a girl named Felicity Danning. She's quite tall, with bright red hair, grey eyes and a pale complexion like mine."

"Oh dear, does she make a habit of doing this, or are you worried about her absense?" Ian tilted his head to one side, London was not a particularly safe City unless you stuck to the main roads, as he did. There were all sorts of petty criminals, not to mention the unsavoury condition of the less well kept streets.

[GeeWayrocks]

"Normally she's quite sensible, but she's been acting strange for the past few days. I'm worried about her, and I usually know her behavious, because we grew up in an orphanage together. Also, would you please tell me your name?"

[Laughy]

Julia awoke startingly,she had had her usual nightmares about her family,and a huge monstrosity chasing them,beads of sweat on her face,she got up and procceded to her sistter's room.When she got there,she lingered in the doorway looking at her face,her sister,even though she had survived,still had health problem and often had to be in bed,at the tender age of 9,it broke Julia's heart to see her like that.She started as the nurses's voice spoke to her,"Good morning miss Crosby",she said.Julia smiled and returned the gretting making way for her to enter and take care of Emily.They had to have a nurse with them at all times,incase Emily's problems ever acted up suddenly.Remembering that she had things to do,she kissed emily's head and went to get ready.After dressing up,and having breakfast,she headed to the market,and as she passed the streets,she saw a girl bump and fall into a man,seeing him helping her up,she headed to the girl to inquire about her wellbeing.Walking up to her,she asked smiling softly,"Excuse me young girl,but that must have been quite a fall,are you alright?",she asked with genuine concern.

[Fayreview]

"Normally she's quite sensible, but she's been acting strange for the past few days. I'm worried about her, and I usually know her behaviours, because we grew up in an orphanage together. Also, would you please tell me your name?"

"My name? I am Ian Venn, assistant to one of the harbringers of Somerset house." Ian inhaled deeply this frequently put people off him but in the end they always asked what he did anyway. "And do you have an inkling where this friend of yours may have gone Miss....?"

[GeeWayrocks]

"And do you have an inkling where this friend of yours may have gone Miss....?"

"Alyssa. Alyssa Cotton. No, I'm sorry. She rarely runs off, and it's hard to say where she could have gone. She coul have gone back to the manor, or the graveyard where her parents graves are."

Alyssa was interupted by a woman hurrying over to her and Ian.

"Excuse me young girl,but that must have been quite a fall, are you alright?"

"I'm quite fine, madam. Thank you for inquiring about myself." Inside, Alyssa was a panicing. Being around a lot of people scared her, but talking to cerain people really scared her.

[Laughy]

Julia smiled at the young girl,"Thank goodness,but are you sure?",she asked her again hoping that she didn't seem like a meddler or gossip.Then turning to the gentleman beside her,she said,"Oh,i'm terribly sorry,i just interrupted you,sorry for that",she said apologetically.

[Fayreview]

"Not at all my dear woman," he turned. "Well if you are well taken care off Miss Cotton I shall leave you in peace. If she fails to turn up do feel free to contact me at Somerset house, and i shall do anything i can help, indeed if there is anything you may need." Ian tipped his hat to the young lady and her new companion and returned to his trip to Somerset house. And his ponderings on the subject of marriage.

[innoscenteyes]

"Child get up, it morning and chores need to be done."

That was the first thing that woke Amanda from her slumber. Her mother words are like an alarm clock everymorning. A small smile appeared on Amanda lips. She loved her mothers voice. It soothed her as a child and still does as an adult.

"Yes mother." She said in a sweet tone with her eys still closed.
"Thats my baby. Now come on, breakfast is on the table." Then she walked out.

Amanda got out of the bed and dressed. It was warm in her house, but she knew that winter was coming and there would be a chill out side. She put up her hair and wen to the table. Her mother was already there waiting for her. She never ate unless Amanda was seated. So she sat and pick up her spoon and started eating her oatmeal.

After finishing and kissing her mother she grabbed her shaw and headed for the bakery. She was right. There was a chill outside. She quickly walked to the bakery, making sure to greet with a warm smile people she knew along the way.

She opened the bakery and started with her work. As always her apron was around her waist. It wasnt long before the smell of warm fresh bread filled the air.

((alrighty the bakery is open and Amanda is approachable if anyone would like to talk. ))

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: Any chance in the future we'll get a list of some points in the city? Places where we can bump into each other and such?))

“Master…. Master…” Victor slowly opened his eyes at the persistence of his manservant. He had once again fallen asleep in his laboratory. “Master, here is your coffee and the day’s paper.” The servant sat the items down on the table and briskly took his leave. Victor carefully laid his spectacles upon the table that had been his pillow for yet another night. He brought his palms to his eyes attempting to free them from the lingering grasp of sleep. He was beginning to wonder why he even owned a bed, he had been spending more and more nights asleep at this table in his lab.

As he returned his thin wire spectacles to the proper place upon his nose, he reached for the steaming cup of coffee with one hand and unfolded the newspaper with the other.

Mining In Cronwall Reaches All Time High Thanks To Steam

Victor threw the paper down as quickly as he had picked it up. “They call this news?” As he stood quickly his eyes rolled in their sockets at such a thought. Truth was Victor’s patience for the praise of steam was growing very thin. Each and every time he heard the word alone, he took it as a blow upon him and his current obsession. Couldn’t the fools see it? The telegraph was growing quickly in that wild land on the other side of the Pacific. The future lay in electricity. But no, the entire world seemed to caution the masses as to the dangers associated with the wild volts. Victor disagreed. Electricity is power, power that he desired greatly to control.

He picked up the paper in his left hand making his way to the door. Ascending the steps he came to the drab first floor of his small house. The house was indeed rather small for someone of his stature. Only three bedrooms with a modest dining room and foyer for entertaining. The basement proved to be a decent laboratory, as it was out of sight to nosey on lookers. He was well aware of the rumors going about town of him.

As he entered the foyer, he threw the newspaper into the fireplace. He wrapped his grey scarf around his neck, buttoned his overcoat and put his top hat atop his head. He headed down the road, his eyes not leaving the ground before him. He was headed to the bakery to get his days worth of goods. As the December chill nipped at his ears, he reminded himself that he really must find someone to replace Miss Medwin. Her departure had indeed been untimely, and he assuredly didn’t want to do his own errands during the bitter winter cold.

[Anne_SC]

(( :o two Julia's? ))

Julia Axe once again nodded at her maid and then decieded to take a walk outside. She took her yellow umberella which matched her yellow dress and left her house.
The sun shone bright and she pulled out her umberella, holding it aboven her head elegantly.
People were walking through the streets, mostly maids.
And then there were the poor ones, working for their lifes. Julia never had to do anything for her money.
She had enheritted everything she had. From her house, to her clothes and ofcourse, the maid and the money.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas had been quite fortunate the previous night, on a back alley someone had been evicted, and he had wasted no time in making the doorway his own. The previous tenant and his creditors had even left behind a ratty pile of cloth, that Thomas was happily using as a blanket.

He had been planning to sleep late, but his pleasant and warm evening had been interrupted at an ungodly hour by a rat the size of his head. He jumped up smartly to let it pass, but he didn't scream, he was used to rats by now. Stiffly he got to his feet, the city was coming to life around his doorway, and he stepped out to join the flow.

The first person he passed was a gangly looking gentleman in a short fur coat,but Thomas kept walking, the fellow might have had nice clothes, but he looked ill. There was a similar sort of person all the way tot he end of the alley, rich types yes, but ones that probably needed thier money. Thomas kept his eyes wide open, one could never tell who would be the perfect rich jerk whose purse he could lighten. As he got further and further into the city he started to despair of finding one in time for breakfast, but finally he found a fat man in sweat stained silks, whom he bumped into. Apologizing profusely he kept walking, and darted into another convenient alley to see what he got.

He gave a small sarcastic smile. Enough for food for the day. He had no major qualms of stealing rich people's money, but to rob a storekeeper would be dishonorable, in his opinion. Not that there was much in being a pickpocket.

With a short sigh, he pocketed the money and went to the bakery. He was never sure if the woman behind the counter entirely welcomed a vagabond like himself, but she was never specifically unkind either.

"Morning miss. Can I have a loaf of bread please?"

((He's talking to Amanda))

[Slytherin-Girl]

The early morning after breakfast found Eugenie sitting at the piano with her hands flying over the keys. The tune of Greensleeves filled the room and she smiled as she only half payed attention to the lilting noise of ballad.

For her mind was really focused on her presentation to the Queen a mere 3 days ago and all that it entailed. She could still vividly remember all the details, the perfect curtsey she had done, the smile of approval from the Queen and the gazes of eyeryone on her as she slowly backed away. She had been thrilled to finally be able to dance with the handsome young gentlemen, knowing full well her future husband was most likely among them.

Eugenie paused for a moment to flip the page of the sheet music and continued playing, thoughts still drifting back to her future.


*****

OOC: Anyone feel like coming for a visit? :P

[innoscenteyes]

It was her favorite thing. The smell of fresh bread. All her life she grew up smelling it. She had fond memorires of being in this same bakery with her father, helping him with the morning bread and her favorite was the cookies and such they made together around the lucheon hour. It beacame to her a relaxing thing. It was like a creation ,her own art work. It pleased her when people came in time after time. It was one of the grestest compliments anyone could give.

She was just laying out a fresh loaf whe she heard the chime of the bell of the on top the door. She glanced up to see who it was. A boy who was quite young. He looked to be in the lower class. But it made no differeance to her. She saw everyone the same. She put a warm welcoming smile on her face.

"Morning miss. Can I have a loaf of bread please?"

"Why of course." Amanda wiped her hands on her apron and went for a fresh steaming loaf. She wrapped it in some paper and layed it on the counter.

Still with a smile on her face, "How are you this morning? It is a bit chilly out this morning. Winter it surely on its way. I hope this bread does its best to warm you up." Then she looked down and started ringing on her register. "Would you like anything else? I have just made some tea."

She looked past him and relized she hadnt set the small tables she had.They werent much. Just about 3 small round tables with 3 chairs each. Sometimes customers decide to sit and have a few cookies and tea. It wasnt often, but she had set them up just in case. It was her fathers idea. And she kept the custom. Except when he died she had changed the the colors. It was more dull when her father was alive, but now she likes to keep cheery and welcoming. Exspecially for the winter.

[FurryPanda]

The woman behind the counter wrapped up a loaf of bread for Thomas and asked about him. Thomas was extremely confused, he was quite obviously a street rat and not even as well groomed as the rodents, considering they had nice fluffy fur and he had who-knows-what.

"Would you like anything else? I have just made some tea." she offered, still smiling, despite his slightly dumbstruck look.

"Oh, if it wouldn't be any trouble miss, thank you. And I'm very good today, the weather's alright for this time of year. Thank you for the bread." Thomas carefully counted the stolen coins out and handed them shyly to the woman. He stood for a breif second, as if expecting change, then retreated to sit very still with his hands folded at one of the tables in the bakery. He tried not to move, he may not have been home on the farm for years, but he still remebered you didn't do anything until there was food.

[innoscenteyes]

"Oh, if it wouldn't be any trouble miss, thank you. And I'm very good today, the weather's alright for this time of year. Thank you for the bread.

The boy stood there for amoment after handing her the money. The coins were shiny, completely off for someone who lived in the streets. She arched an eyebrow but didnt say anything. Even if they werent his, she was sure whos ever it was had plenty to spar. He looked at her baffeled. Like he wasnt exspecting her kindness. It nearly hurt her to see it. But then again he was use to roughness. Kindness wasnt a thing he saw everyday.

He went off to sit at a table. He knew manners ,which made her think he didnt live in the streets all his life. He also looked like he felt a little awkward. She went to the tea and poured a cup and also gathered the whatever he could want in it. She went over to the table and set it out for him.

"I hope you like it. I dont know what you like in your tea, so I just brought what I thought you would." a small smile on her lips.

She wnt back behind the counters and gathered the stuff to set on the other tables.

"I havent seen you around here before, how long have you lived here?" She tried to lighten up the mood. She didnt want him to feel any uneasiness here.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Upon shuffling his way into the bakery, Victor finally lifted his gaze from the ground before him. He pushed open the door, the tinkle of the little bell that announced his arrival brought a slight twitch to his eyebrows. He removed his top hat, nestling it in the crook of his arm. To one side he saw a young lad sitting at a table, by the sight of his dirty unkempt clothes he was most likely a scrounger. Victor lifted his eyes to the woman behind the counter. He nodded with a polite “Morning Mam.” He waited for her to be ready before placing his order for a fresh loaf of bread, and asked if she had any pastries done as well, for he seemed to have a sweet tooth today.

As Amanda gathered his goods, Victor reached inside his long overcoat to gather his wallet. “I do enjoy your baked goods Mam", a crooked grin stole across his face. "It is a shame you do not have a twin as I find myself in need of a replacement for Miss Medwin."

[innoscenteyes]

The little bell chimed as before the boy could speak. She glanced up and saw it to be Victor.

“Morning Mam.”

"Good mornig Sir. What can I get you?" She put a quick glance to the boy and smiled, then returned to Victor.

He placed his order and she went to gather them for him.

"You are in luck this morning. I happen to have baked some."

She went back to the cunter as he was pulling his wallet out.

“I do enjoy your baked goods Mam", a crooked grin stole across his face. "It is a shame you do not have a twin as I find myself in need of a replacement for Miss Medwin."

Amanda put on a warm smile. It thrilled her to know someone so much enjoyed her baked goods.

"Well thankyou. I am glad you like them. I try to do my best. I would have loved to have a sister but it wasnt in the fourtune for my family. If I find someone one with my talents, I will be sure to tell them of you." She put on a small smile. " What happened to Miss. Edwin. I hope she is well." Disease and sicknees was bad in London. It worried her to think someone has fell ill.

[Shenanigans_SC]

“If I find someone with my talents, I will be sure to tell them of you.” Victor smiled as he handed over the money due for his goods before making sure he returned his wallet to the secure inner pocket of his over coat. He hoped she was being sincere, and not merely being polite. “What happened to Miss. Medwin? I hope she is well.”

Victor paused for a moment. The truth was the woman simply could not handle the stresses her job entailed. Victor wasn’t your typical employer, and even such a simple position as housekeeper, cook, tailor and all the other womanly jobs were a bit more complicated when in his house. “Oh yes, I’m sure she is quite fine. She went off to be with her mother or some sort. It is hard to find good workers now a days.” He took the bread from the kind woman behind the counter, tipping his hat to her as he placed it back atop his head. “Good day mam. I suppose I’ll be seeing you tomorrow morning as well.” He turned to leave the little shop, eyeing the young lad who was at the table still before going through the doors.

((OOC: Geez... I feel like that was a driveby encounter. lol Sorry... gotta find my character.))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was about to answer the woman's question, when a tall, well dressed man came in. He reflexively grabbed his tea cup and took a sip to make it look as though he had a reason for being there. The man was definitely the sort whose pocket Thomas would pick, he had an arrogant air, as though he thought he deserved whatever privelige he had.

Extremely disconcerted both by the stranger and by the baker woman's kindness, he tried to make himself invisible, a skill that the lowest classes inevitably gained.

((OOC: I think twould be amusing for Thomas and Victor to talk to each other Shenanigans. If you'd wait for me to finish in the bakery, can Thomas pick your guy's pocket?))

[Fluid_SC]

Dr. Coyle left the employment offices with several promises of quick fulfillment of the positions he required. The weather was brisk, and he tightened his gloves as he began down the street.

As usual, his maidservant had not sent up any breakfast that morning--one of her many flaws--and by this point he could do with some thing to eat before embarking on his other chores that day. Walking down the street he happened upon a small bakery, and though through the window it seemed that there were already several customers, the smells of the fresh-baked goods just outside the door were enough to convince him that a minor delay would be worth his while.

Besides the woman at the counter with an easy smile, there was a boy who looked as if he spent the balance of his time on the sidewalks instead of in a warm bakery, and a gentleman of eccentric countenance and bearing. The urchin was engrossed in his tea, and no wonder--even the Doctor could appreciate the warmth of a fine cup of tea on such a chilly morning.

Dr. Coyle cast his gaze across the shop, noting various details, as he waited for the proprietoress. He tipped his hat briefly at the gentleman as he exited the shop with his purchase.

[innoscenteyes]

“Oh yes, I’m sure she is quite fine. She went off to be with her mother or some sort. It is hard to find good workers now a days.”

"Well I am glad to know she is still well."

Another chime sounded at the door. She glanced away to seee who it was. None other than Dr. Coyle stood there. She turned her gaze back to Victor.

“Good day mam. I suppose I’ll be seeing you tomorrow morning as well.”

"Good day to you too Sir. I will see you tomorow morning." She watched him eye the young boy at the table as he left. A frown appeared on her face. It didnt feel right for someone to look down on a sweet boy as.... It occured to her she didnt know his name. He looked so uncomfortable. She had a sudden urge to want to proctect the boy. With two upper-class gentalmen in here, he no doubt felt little. She brought a bright smile to her face and brought her attension to Dr. Coyle.

"Dr. Coyle. This is a plesant surprise this morning. What can I get for you?"

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: lol I think I would have to be crazy to say yes, please come pick my character's pocket. lol However, it could be interesting if Victor gave him some side errands to do.
And darn... I wanted Victor to meet Dr. Coyle.))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas decided it was time to leave, so he picked up the loaf of bread and secured it in his jacket. He hesitated to leave the shopkeeper a tip, but he decided it was probably for the best, and besides, he hadn't paid for the tea. He dropped a coin onto the table, and left into the biting winter's day.

He checked his pockets, he probably had enough coins to get through the day if he was frugal, but over the last several extremely cold days he had acquired an irrational desire for some boots. The stuck up looking gentleman from the bakery was only a bit farther down the street from him, and Thomas decided that there was no way he needed all the money he had glimpsed in his wallet.

He ran cat-like up to the man and slid a hand smoothly into his side pocket, and found... nothing. Thomas was extremely indignant, one would think that a person of means would have the decency to leave his money where the poor could get it, with or without permission. He only realized that he had paused a mite too long as the jacket pulled on his hand and he found the man glaring at him.

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: Thank you much. :) ))

Victor strolled down the street, not really in a hurry to get home, but he had no other place to head to this time of day. That's when he felt a slight nudge in his overcoat and turned quickly to spot the very lad who had just been inside the bakery. Victor glared at the boy, unsure of what he wanted to do. It would be useless to call for any police man that may be nearby. The lad was obviously a petty thief, not one worth capturing. Instead he slowly spoke to the lad, with no emotion to his voice. "Nice try, but I'm not your ordinary man. If you ever want to make an honest living, then try me again." then he turned back to his original direction and began to take a step, wondering what the lad's reaction to his words would be.

[FurryPanda]

"-If you ever want to make an honest living, then try me again." Thomas backed off smartly at being caught, hoping that meekness and a quickly moving crowd would get him out of trouble. Then he actually stopped to consider the man's words.
Try me again?
The man was taking a step and seemed about to disappear into the crowd, so Thomas stepped forward and grabbed the man's coat- the sleeve this time. "Wait, goodsir, are you offering me an honest job?"

[Shenanigans_SC]

As Victor took a step forward, he felt another tug on his coat, this one seemed intentional. He paused, once again turning his head to see the young lad behind him. "Wait, goodsir, are you offering me an honest job?"

Victor was inwardly pleased to hear the boy speak, though he would not allow his face to show it. While Victor himself was known to be a bit of an eccentric, he never could forget his own childhood, practically abandoned by his own father. He'd never admit it, but there was a part of him that wanted to spare any young lad from that same fate.

"Perhaps. More likely I'd offer you a couple of paid opportunities to prove to me that you could be trusted. If you proved to be efficient and reliable, then and only then, could there be a decent offer."

[FurryPanda]

Thomas backed off a pace as the man once more turned around. There wasn't any change in his features, but he said, "Perhaps. More likely I'd offer you a couple of paid opportunities to prove to me that you could be trusted. If you proved to be efficient and reliable, then and only then, could there be a decent offer."

Thomas attempted to hide the hopeful look that was building on his face. An honest job and a roof every night would be wonderful, and maybe he would be able to make enough to leave and go back to the farm, assuming that no one had gambled the palce away, which was far from unlikely. He came to a descison rapidly.

"That sounds right excellent sir, right excellent indeed. Name's Thomas Blackfoot, if you must you can call me Thomas. What exactly will I be doing for you sir?"

[Fluid_SC]

"Good morning to you, Miss Wright," said Dr. Coyle with a pleasant nod. He held his walking stick in the crook of his arm. "It is my good fortune that I passed your door this morning--I was inquiring at the employment agency just down the road, you see. My current housekeeper...well, she keeps no house at all, really." Dr. Coyle worried he was rambling, but the young woman didn't seem to mind. "She left me breakfast-less this morning, and I hoped you could help me remedy that unfortunate situation. Perhaps you could choose for me? And something warm to drink as well, if you please."

As he spoke to the proprietoress, Dr. Coyle heard the door open and noticed out of the corner of his eye that the urchin was leaving. He decided that his exit, so soon after the gentleman with the eccentric manner, did not bode well for the gentleman. There were just as many thieves and pickpockets in Edinburgh as in London, and the Doctor had for some time made it a habit to keep his wallet in his breast pocket. But the boy wasn't his concern just then--sating his hunger was.

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda saw the boy leave. She was a little saddened by it and hoped he came back so she could know him better.

"Oh I am sorry to hear that. I think I have just what you need. Please have a seat and I will bring it to you." She was glad she set the table while the young boy was in here. It would to embarassing for them not to be set while someone was wanting to dine. She quickly turned around and started working on gathering some morning pasteries. When that was finished she poured him a cup of tea and brought it all out to him.

"I hope this is to your liking. Everything is freshly made this morning." She smiled happily at him. The thought came to her maybe she should open a little diner some day. It would fun for her to do, but with the prices they wayt hey are now, she doubted it would be soon. Winter was coming and prices were sure to go up.

[Shenanigans_SC]

"That sounds right excellent sir, right excellent indeed. Name's Thomas Blackfoot, if you must you can call me Thomas. What exactly will I be doing for you sir?"

The lad seemed all to eager to take the opportunity afforded him. Victor wasn't sure he could trust the lad, but one always had to start somewhere. He carefully undid the top two buttons of his over coat with his free hand, reaching inside to retrieve one of his calling cards. He figured the young lad had no idea as to who he was dealing with. "I cannot have you going around performing errands for me dressed like that." He held out the calling card between his index and middle finger for the boy to take before rebuttoning his coat to protect him for the chill of the December air. "You'll find my address on the card. Come to my place this afternoon, and we'll see what I have for you... Thomas Blackfoot."

Victor turned once more, wondering if the boy could read the address on the card or not. He figured the boy was resourceful and would figure it out one way or the other.

((OOC: Sorry, I gotta be heading to bed soon. See Thomas this afternoon. Incase I was vauge, he doesn't expect Thomas to show up dressed nicely, his servant will take care of that matter. :) ))

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: I sorta got that kind of feeling from what he was saying, I was planning on having him steal some nicer duds, if that wouldn't interfere with what you have planned?))

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: lol Nope, I only have ideas, nothing really planned. Steal away Thomas!))

[ElektraNatchios33]

Elaine awoke to a light outside her window. Not much, but enough to cast a ray of light across the room. Her room wasn't much. A bed with a side table, a small vanity and a chest of drawers. She slowly moved out of the bed and walked downstairs to a small dining room. The house was very small, but it was her own. Elaine had worked hard for it, and it wasn't far from her "parents" house. They insisted she get married, but she had yet to find a lover.

Elaine ate a small breakfast which she cooked herself, and got dressed for the day ahead. Her closet wasn't that full. Only a few dresses and overcoats. She selected a cream dress wth a tan fur coat. Elaine finished getting ready and left for the library she worked in. She normally didn't open it this early, but since it was snowy outside, people would be out and about. Elaine unlocked the front door, and proceeded inside the cold building. She lit the furnace and the rooms startd to heat. Everything was in its place from the previous day, and ready for business

((anyone can come inside and talk to her or get a book or something. If anytjing is not historically correct feel free to shout at me))

[GeeWayrocks]

Alyssa smiled nervously at the woman she had been talking to.
"I'm terribly sorry, but I need to go, I have some errands to run." Very quickly, she melted into the crowd, and looked for a place she could disappear into. The bakery. Walking swiftly, she walked through the doors, and up to the counter.
"Excuse me," she said quietly, "I was wondering if you had any fresh pastries?"

-------------------------

Catrina looked out the window. The whole family was now up, dressed, and fed. Thomas and Alice were playing in the garden. Her husband had left for work. Slowly, she stood up, and opened a window.
"Children, time to come in, your tutor will be here soon!" Obediently, the children dropped their toys, and hurried in.

((Just to get your character interacting with people pinkgirl :) ))

[Anne_SC]

Julia Axe made her way to the park. There was a man who made a portrait of a woman, children playing and ofcourse a few ladies talking by the pond.
There were also men. Lots of men. When she was younger, her mother and Julia would go to the park where they would talk and Julia would tell what she wanted to do later.
The last day they visited was the day before her parents died in that fire. Since then Julia decieded to go to the park almost every day, just to never forget her mother. She remembered that once they were in the park, and her mother poitned at a very handsome man, telling her that once she would marry someone like him.
Julia always laughed at such comments of her mother, ofcourse she wanted to, but she just didn't know how. Now her mother was gone, no one could help her with stuff like that and she just decieded to do what she wanted to do.


((I want my character to interact with someone :p))

[Fayreview]

((Dam Ian he still hasn't gotten to work :P))


Ian stopped at the park this morning to look around and check everything was running favourably among the partolling policemen, he did so on a regular basis as to acertain the crime levels of the area. and hense the state of desperation the poor seemed to be in.

He spotted and attractive lady in her mid-twenties in the park, clearly the kind of woman his mother would approve of, but today he just felt like an amiable chat so he approached her.

"Good morning madam," Ian tipped his hat at Julia .

[Anne_SC]

"Good morning" Julia answered, smiling at the handsome man that just approached her. She wondered what her mother would have said about him.

"Lovely weather, isn't it?" she asked while she sat down on a stone bench, closing her umberella. She wasn't lying, the weather really was nice. The sun was shining and the sky had never been so blue.
"My name is Julia Axe." was what she said, gesturing him to sit next to her on the bench.
The man was really handsome, Julia immediately noticed his blonde(or red?) hair and beautiful grey eyes when he talked to her. He was clearly also from the upper class.

[Fayreview]

"Yes the weather is indeed beautiful," Ian replied. "And I am most enchanted to meet you Miss Axe I am Ian Venn."
"I do love this park at this time of year and I really wish my visits here were more for pleasure than business, but at least today I have a little time to enjoy the fresh air," he turned to Julia "and meet some nice new people too." She really was a very attractive young woman with fine features and very well bred by the look sof her.

[Anne_SC]

Julia smiled when he told her his name. Ian...
"Please Mr Venn, Call me Julia. I don't like the sound of Miss Axe" she laughed and looked around.
"I try to pay this park a visit every day, it reminds me of my mother." she sighed while saying it, in some way she really missed her mother, even if they really only had a relationship of picking men to marry her.
"What do you do then? If it isn't for pleasure?" she asked.

[Fayreview]

"I shall call you Julia only if you will call me Ian. And I am sorry to hear your mother is no longer among us. As for my job? Well it means it is necessary for me to talk to the local police force, I am an assistant to the poor law commission a job I take very seriously."

Ian meant hat his work was in deed his life, sadly this meant whilst he gained respect within social circles and money he had little time to enjoy either...

[Anne_SC]

"Then I will call you Ian. And yes, it is sad. My parents both died in a fire in my old house. But I need to move on, and here I am." she smiled and looked into his perfect eyes.
"Wow." she said when she listened to what he told her. She didn't even work...
"I don't work. I inheritted everything I own. I know it sounds lazy, but I also can't seem to find a job that fits me." she moved a little on the bench and brushed a leave off her dress.
Julia looked up to see several leaves falling down.
"Can I ask you if you are married?" she asked. Please say no...

[innoscenteyes]

Before Dr. Coyle could answer, the bell on the door chimed again. Amanda looked up to find a young women had entered. She went upstraight up to the counter.

"Excuse me," she said quietly, "I was wondering if you had any fresh pastries?"

Amanda looked at the girl. She was from the lower class from the way she was dressed. She was also quite a pretty girl if she would clean up a bit.

"Yes I have made some fresh this morning. I will get you some." Amanda turned to where her pasteries were being kept warm and started laying some on paper. Then she turned to the girl, "How much would you like, is this enough or would you like some more?"

[GeeWayrocks]

"No, that's fine." She took some money out of her pocket, that Catrina had given her, and payed for the pastries.
"Thank you," Quickly, she hurried out of the store, only to bump into a boy who looked about her class.
"I'm so sorry, I should have looked where I was going," She said to him.

((FurryPanda, hope it's ok I cut in there?))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas couldn't believe his luck as the man reached into his coat pocket to remove a calling card, which he proceeded to gingerly hand to Thomas. "I cannot have you going around performing errands for me dressed like that." he had said cooly, but Thomas merely pocketed the card and slid back into the quick moving anonymous crowd.

If his clothes would be a problem, then he could change them. At almost any other time he would have been revolted to steal clothing from someone, but now he was a meber of the elite, he blithely thought. Or at least the working class, a big step up from being a street urchin as far as he was concerned. He still needed to find some clothes, and he had been contemplating getting new stuff anyway. It was only a matter of stealing it in a morning now, as opposed to paying for it over several weeks with stolen money, a little enough difference in his mind.

He decided to make his way towards the better part of town, there was probably some overpriveliged person who left the door to their laundry unlocked. As he walked past the bakery again a girl, about his age, and in his own class, bumped into him. "I'm so sorry, I should have looked where I was going," she said.

Thomas blinked a few times at that, but answered politely, "Oh its fine, you alright?"

((OOC: Not a problem at all GeeWayRocks))

[GeeWayrocks]

"Oh its fine, you alright?"

"Yes. I'm really sorry. Oh, I'm Alyssa, I think I saw you earlier. You were talking with someone who gave you a card of some sort. Do you work for him?" She offered him a friendly smile, she felt a lot more comfortable with people of her own class. Shifting the package around in her arms, she waited for him to answer her.

((You can call me Gee, or Lauren. Up to you :) ))

[FurryPanda]

"Yes. I'm really sorry. Oh, I'm Alyssa, I think I saw you earlier. You were talking with someone who gave you a card of some sort. Do you work for him?"

"That's a pretty name. I'm Thomas. I don't precisely work for that guy, it sort of happened to happen, you know?" He gave her a small smile, he did have places to be, but he had been tuaght to always without fail be polite to women. He noticed her shifting the packages she held, "Do you need any help with those?" he offered.

[GeeWayrocks]

"Thanks. Nice to meet you Thomas. Um, yes, I could use some help with the packages, thanks for offerring." She held out two of the packages to him, knowing she could carry the rest herself.
"Where do you live, Thomas?"

[Laughy]

"I'm terribly sorry, but I need to go, I have some errands to run." Very quickly, she melted into the crowd.Julia looked on as the girl slowly blended into the quickly increasing crowd."Very nice to meet you",she yelled after her.Then,she smoothed her dress and headed to the bakers to begin her shopping trip.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas took the tow packages she held out to him, and he watched closely for a moment, but she seemed to have the rest well secured. They started walking, and Thomas was relieved to note that they were going towards the better part of the city anyway. Out of nowhere she asked him, "Where do you live, Thomas?"

Thomas felt his eyes widen slightly, he suddenly desperately did not want to reveal that he was a simple street urchin, even if that was likely to change soon. He said, with a bit of a blurt at the beggining, "Oh, a little garret on the Thames, nothing special." He sighed quietly, at least it wasn't entirely a lie, he had been to a garrett on the Thames, and even slept in it.

[GeeWayrocks]

"That's nice. I used to live in an orphanage, until I was sent to work as a maid for a wealthy family with my friend." She was silent for a while as they walked, thinking of the place she grew up. Her father was probably as dead as her mother now, if he couldn't afford to keep her, could he have afforded to keep himself alive?
"Do you have parents, Thomas?"

[Fluid_SC]

When that was finished she poured him a cup of tea and brought it all out to him. "I hope this is to your liking. Everything is freshly made this morning."

Dr. Coyle accepted the steaming tea and fresh pastries with a courteous nod. "They are, Miss Wright, the finest breakfast I've enjoyed in some time, I'm certain." Another customer had entered the bakery, and the baker returned his quick nod and returned to her counter.

Dr. Coyle at as quickly as was seemly. The shop was quite busy for such an early hour of the morning, and promised only to increase in customers. He preferred, if at all possible, to avoid jostling with the crowd. The pastries, however, demanded appreciation.

When he finished, he paid his bill and left a generous--but not extravagant--tip, folding the bills and setting them under the teacup. He donned his top hat and exited out to the sidewalk. It was, if anything, colder than only a short while ago that morning. His next chore would be to visit the University.

[Fayreview]

"Can I ask you if you are married?" she asked.

"Why should a woman as beautiful as you have to work," he looked at Julia and tried for what he hoped was a charming laugh.

"And no much to my parents dismay I am not married, I do however have the priveledge of being best man at my sisters wedding in March. I take it you are not married, as you are not wearing aring and had no objection to being called Miss?" Ian turned to look up at the sky the world was full of wonder on some days, such as today it seemed...

[FurryPanda]

Thomas listened to Alyssa tell her story, and he was struck by how sad it was. She fell silent for a little while and Thomas was not inclined to break it, for fear of offending her. Suddenly she turned and asked him "Do you have parents, Thomas?"

"I sort of do. I have five brothers, and my pa owns or owned for all I know, a farm. He really couldn't afford to feed me, so I left. Haven't heard anything from mom or dad or my brothers since I left, must've been six years ago. Could ahve all dropped dead for all I know. I'm still glad I left, London isn't any ahrder than the farm, just different. More interesting. And more of a chance to get ahead." His face turned a bit red, he hadn't spoken that much in months. He cast about aimlessly for something harmless ot talk about, but decided to let Alyssa do the talking for now, he was probably boring her.

[GeeWayrocks]

"I don't have any brothers or sisters, but Mrs Clarkes' children are like my brother and sister. She pays me extra to work as a nanny as well. But I think that's because she's going to have another baby and she wants to spend more time getting her figure back than taking care of an infant. Some day, I'm going to get out of London, and see the world. I might be able to make my fortune, and if I have any children, I won't send them to an orphanage like my Pa did, because I'll have enough money to take care of them."

[innoscenteyes]

Dr.Coyle finished his morning breakfast and left. SHe smiled to him as he ventured out into the morning cold. Amanda sighed as she looked around. It was quiet again. It had beena busy morning and she was happy about it. She liked nothing more than plenty of people around.

She went to the table and cleared away the dishes finding a generous tip. Another flashy smile appeared on her lips as she tucked them money into a pocket in her dress.
She brought all the dishes to the back and set them in the sink. Then grabbed a towel and wiped the tabled the young boy had been at and Dr.Coyle had eaten at.

Then she decided to make some more goodies.

((she is approachable. :) ))

[FurryPanda]

"-Some day, I'm going to get out of London, and see the world. I might be able to make my fortune, and if I have any children, I won't send them to an orphanage like my Pa did, because I'll have enough money to take care of them."

Thomas nodded at that. "That's good, the orphanages breed awful bullying thieves." It was only after he said it that he realized how utterly callous and creul those words sounded. He shrunk in on himself slightly, and hoped she wouldn't snap at him for that, not that he didn't deserve it.

((OOC: Can they be getting into the nicer parts of town about now?))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Sorry guys! I was only gone for a few hours and you all get going *s* If I've missed a question you asked just poke me, and I'll reply.

Shenanigans: Yup, I was planning on putting up a map of some sorts or something like that to let you know where everyone could go etc. To be honest, I wasn't expecting the thread to take off so quickly. Not that I'm complaining, but now I have a bit of reading to do :P))

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: Daaaaang I go away for a day and look! I'm kinda regretting being an upperclass girl now, I cant seem to think of a reason for her to leave the house and interact with anyone, cause well bred young ladies don't really wander the streets alone *puts thinking cap on*

[innoscenteyes]

((ooc: you can rp her with an npc friend going shopping or something.))

[Slytherin-Girl]

As Eugenie continued to play, she caught sight of a familiar looking head of dark brown hair poking through the door. "Issac, is that you"?, she called, already knowing it was her youngest brother.

"Yes Eugenie" the six year old said, stepping into the room wearing his coat "I wanted to ask you something". Eugenie ceased her piano playing and shut the lid, turning around to face him. She knew she was most likely going to end up saying yes to whatever it was he asked because Issac was one of those children it was hard to say no to. He had been a surprise to her parents , her next oldest younger brother was currently 12, and was rather spoiled.

"I wanted to go out to the park and nurse Liz isn't feeling well so I want you to take me. Will you"? he asked. Eugenie smiled at him and got up from the piano bench. "Of course I will brother dear, just let me get my things and tell the housekeeper we're leaving. You go get ready".

Issac grinned and ran off to get his boots on with an excited yell. Eugenie informed the head housekeeper they were leaving, before pulling on her own coat and other outerwear, and meeting her excited brother at the door.

She took his hand as the left and headed down the streets to the park.


OOC: Totally approachable :P *pokes upper class peoples :P *

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Just putting Katriona back up here... if your character runs a business, please PM me so I can put it on the map. I know there is a Bakery from innocenteyes' character, but if there are any others, let me know. Also, if you really want a place on the map (heard something about a University Fluid) let me know, so I can add that in as well.))

Katriona woke early to make it in time to the market, rushing out of the door, and closing the door silently behind her in fear of waking her masters. She was late rising this morning, even though she had been roused earlier than most. Thankfully, the masters hadn't been woken yet, although they should have been.

Katriona sighed slightly as she began the short walk to the market. She had so much to do, and had promised herself some lesuire time today, even if it would be just for an hour, but the dream was unlikely to be fufilled today.

Snapping out of her daydreams, Katriona watched where she was going as she reached the center of the market, sidestepping, and pausing frequently as many came and went, moving closer to and away from stalls.

Finally coming away from a slightly packed fruit stall, Katriona slipped quickly away from the market, thankfully spotting an empty bench in the only small park for quite a distance. She slipped onto it, placing her basket of groceries by her side, and allowing her eyes to skip over the faces passing her.

((Approachable ;)))

[GeeWayrocks]

((Yep, no problem, Furry))

"That's good, the orphanages breed awful bullying thieves."

"Not all of them." Alyssa thought of one boy she knew, once.
"There was a boy in our orphanage, a hateful little lad, David Cunningham. He had a strange love for me, always giving me flowers that he stole. One day, I told him to leave me alone. Next morning I woke up, and he had stolen the necklace that belonged to my mother, the only thing she ever gave me, and had sold it. I'm still looking to see if I can find it. It was a silver necklace, and if you opened it up, there was a small saphire inside. I loved it. But apart from him, the orphanage I grew up in was a nice place." Alyssa noticed that they were getting closer to the manor, from the looks her and Thomas were getting from other upper class people.

[Fluid_SC]

((OOC: "Also, if you really want a place on the map (heard something about a University Fluid) let me know, so I can add that in as well."

"University Fluid"--hey, I like that idea! The real university I've spoken of is London University, founded in 1826; in 1836 it became University College London when it merged with King's College London to become the University of London.))

Dr. Coyle was leaving the University, after having conversed with several of his colleagues and friends, as well as having inspected the office, laboratory, classroom, surgery observation room and operating chamber that would be part of his new professional setting. Although the Doctor was not becoming, strictly speaking, a full-fledged member of the faculty--he would be a part-time lecturer on medicine and would perform surgeries, primarily forensic surgeries--he was provided with all the essentials normally accorded to someone of his status and reputation.

While the buildings, grounds and quads of the University were bustling, outside along the major thoroughfare London was a hotbed of activity. People jostled each other as the passed on the sidewalk--or even out on the street itself, crossing as they felt like it and causing bottlenecks in the already dense traffic. Dr. Coyle waved his walking stick in the air, trying to attract the attention of a passing hanson or brougham, but without much success.

((Anyone want to share a cab? Even if not, approachable.))

[Anne_SC]

"Can I ask you if you are married?" she asked.

"Why should a woman as beautiful as you have to work," he looked at Julia and tried for what he hoped was a charming laugh.

"And no much to my parents dismay I am not married, I do however have the priveledge of being best man at my sisters wedding in March. I take it you are not married, as you are not wearing aring and had no objection to being called Miss?" Ian turned to look up at the sky the world was full of wonder on some days, such as today it seemed...

She was happy of his answer and a smile crossed her face as he talked about her not objecting to be called Miss.
"I'm not married no, just didn't find anyone who I really fell in love with. My mother really hated it if I said her that it wasn't the man I wanted to spend my life with. But she just couldn't change what I wanted." she laughed and looked at Ian.
"My mother always chose men for me. Now I can finally choose one myself." she laughed and grinned a little. Ian was surely a gentleman.

[Fayreview]

"My mother always chose men for me. Now I can finally choose one myself."

"Well be sure to find a fitting person! One can never be careful particularly when the happiness of such a beautiful lady is in the balance," he smiled at her again and for the first time in a long time work completely slipped from his mind.

"What are you doing with yourself today? One would iamgine a lady like you must infinite interesting things to be doing."

[Anne_SC]

Julia smiled at Ian as he told her she was beautiful. She blushed a little. He was handsome himself.
"I was only planning to go for a walk in the park today. So no interesting things today." she laughed and looked at her umberella. "And what will Mr. Venn do today?" she asked jokingly as she accented his name, flipping her hair once. She then brushed her dress again as leaves fell on it.

[Fayreview]

"I was only planning to go for a walk in the park today. So no interesting things today." she laughed and looked at her umberella. "And what will Mr. Venn do today?"

Ian heard the laughter in Julia's voice as she spoke. "Sadly I must work the commissioners of the poor law do not implement it themselves, that, sadly is my job."

Ian hesitated, "Julia, I suppose you have dinner arrangements, however if you do not, I would most like to... I mean would you... are you, by any chance, free for dinner?"

[Anne_SC]

"I am certainly free for dinner." she said. "And I am definately free if some kind of man would want to invite me." she giggled a little. She hadn't laughed or giggled in a long time.
Simply because there was no one who could make her laugh or giggle. If Ian was really asking her for dinner, she would be so happy. Just because she finally liked someone. She found it really cute when he stumbled over his words.

[Fayreview]

"Well then Julia, if you would be kind enough to give me your address, it would be my pleasure to take you out for dinner."

He blushed and looked out over the water in the park, what was he doing? He had only just met this woman. Was Ian finally feeling close to a woman moments after he met her? Was love at first sight really possible?

[Laughy]

After going to the market,Julia headed home to get ready for her tutoring job at the Clarkes.When she got home,she checked on her sister,pleased to find her well and asleep,she changed and headed back to the streets to go to the home of the clarkes.When she got there,she took a deep breath and went up to the door of their large mansion.She then rang the door bell,and waited for someone to answer.

[Anne_SC]

Julia nodded. She smiled at him, also blushing.
"I don't live far from here. When you walk out of the park and turn to your right, you can see a couple of houses. The last one is mine. I would love it for you to take me out for dinner." she looked down at the ground and then up, into his eyes. Her heart made a jump, but she didn't know why.

[GeeWayrocks]

Catrina looked up at the knock of the door.
"Thomas, that's probably your tutor, go let her in." Obediently, the boy left his seat and hurried to the door. Opening it, he took Ms Crosby's hand, and led her into the drawing room. Catrina smiled, her and Julia had gone to school together.
"Julia, do you mind staying on a little late? I have to leave for a doctors appointment now, and I'm not sure if I'll be back before their lessons are over."

((Pinkgirl, hope it's ok they went to school together?))

[Laughy]

((Sure,but her name is Ms crosby,lol))
Julia smiled as thomas opened the door for her,"Why hello,thomas,where's your sister?",she asked.When they got to the drawing room,she turned to Catrina Clarke and smiled,"It's no problem,i love staying with them,and is everythingok with the baby?",she asked with concern.

[Fayreview]

Ian smiled back at Julia, it seemed here, in the civilised world people did meet by chance, begin conversation out of politeness and find themselves in a whole new world within London. Who would have thought that a park could brighten your day in more way than one.

He smiled at her once again and without a word kissed her hand, turned at left... he was halfway down the path when he truned and said "seven this evening" with that he tipped his hat and left.

[GeeWayrocks]

((>.<))

Thomas pointed at Alice, who looked up from her books and waved. Catrina smiled at Julia.
"I'd say they're happy to see you. As for the baby, I don't know. This has been harder than when I was carrying Thomas and Alice. Hopefully, it's just the stress of taking care of two very active children." She smiled as she picked up her coat and bag.
"Children, be good for Ms Crosby." With another smile at Julia, she left the house.

[Anne_SC]

Julia smiled at him as he kissed her hand.
"I'll be home then. And I'll wait." she laughed and watched him leave. He was really polite, cute and handsome. What more could she have wanted? Days like that could change lifes...
Even hers. She stood up, brushed her dress off once again and took her umberella. While she opened it, she started leaving the park.

[FurryPanda]

"-But apart from him, the orphanage I grew up in was a nice place."

Thomas wasn't quite sure how to answer that, so he just smiled blandly and replied, "Oh that's too bad, I'll keep an eye out for it if you like." The two kept walking in companionable silence as they left the low parts of the city into the center. Thomas was getting slightly uncomfortable, people were staring rudely at them. It was probably mostly him, Alyssa at least looked like a proper maid or something.Thomas, for his part merely stared boldly right back at the rich people, it seemed to disconcert them.

Unfortunately as far as he could tell, all of the doors to the mansions were firmly locked. He decided to come back later, the clock had tolled loudly recently and he still had an hour or two to spare before the man from the bakery was expecting him. This did not stop him from contmeplating all of the rich people he was passing almsot every minute, he had passed up seven people perfect for having hier pockts picked in the short itme he was in this part of town. After he left Alyssa wherever it was she lived he figured that he could always get some clothes that way.

[Laughy]

Julia gave a little wave and when Catrina left,she turned to Alice and Thomas,"I hope you little ones haven't been giving your mother trouble",she said to them and gestured to them to come to her so they could start.Pulling up a chair,she sat down and said to them,"Okay,did you finish your work from last week?"

[Slytherin-Girl]

Having finally reached their destination, Issac took off like a shot from a cannon and ran into the park. "Issac Albany you come back here right this instant" Eugenie called, going after him. She caught up with him just as he was about to crash into someone.

"I'm so terribly sorry" she said, giving him a stern look and grabbing onto his hand "My brother seems to have forgotten his manners, my apologies".

OOC: Anyone feel free to be the nearly crashed into party :P

[GeeWayrocks]

Catrina pulled her coat tighter around her, she was very cold. Halfway down her street, she noticed Alyssa talking to a boy in very dirty clothes. Moving very fast for a heavily pregnant woman, she ran towards her, brandishing her purse.
"Alyssa Cotton! What are you doing associating with riff-raff like this!"
"He's not riff-raff Mrs Clarke. He offered to help me carry packages."
"Leave 'er alone, Mrs Clarke. She wouldn't 'ave even talked to 'im if I hadn't run off."
"Felicity, I should have known. Take the packages from that boy, and get back to the manor." Alyssa smiled apologetically at Thomas.
"I'm sorry. Maybe I'll see you again."
"Alyssa!"
"Goodbye," And Alyssa quickly ran after Felicity, who was laughing at her.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Victor handed the packages over to Charles as he entered his house. Putting his outerwear items on the coat rack he thought about the offer he presented the lad with. He was pretty certain it had not been the most intelligent thing he had ever done, and cursed the charitable spot of his heart. Now he’d have to come up with some errands for the boy to do that really weren’t all that imperitive. As he certainly couldn’t hand over a good amount of responsibility to a boy that he didn’t really know. Well, he did know a little about the lad. He knew his name was Thomas Blackfoot, and he knew the boy was a petty thief, and he was pretty certain he was homeless.

Victor took a seat at his modest dinning table, Charles was placing the fresh baked goods before him.

“Charles, I am expecting a lad this afternoon.” Victor paused to chew a little. “When he comes, do not let him leave the foyer, and do not take your eyes off of the boy.”

“Yes Master, what am I to do with the boy once he is here?”

“After breakfast I will make a list. You shall give it to him along with a sum of money and send him out to fetch the items on the list.”

“As you wish.” Charles replied before going about other duties. Victor was known to be a man of few words, unless you had found one of the few topics that were of great interest to him. He sat at the dining table, still in the clothes he had worn the day before, his mind drifting to his laboratory.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was bemused to discover all of a sudden that the packages he had been carrying were in some girls arms, and a heavily pregnant, very welathy looking woman berating Alyssa. She ran off to follow the girl with the packages, and Thomas who had been taking the dirty looks harder than he thought, marched after the pregnant woman and grabbed her arm.

"Hai, ma'am, you gotta be careful o' who you call riff raff. Who do you reckon is making all them nice things you're wearing, other rich jerks like yourself? It's not, its riff-raff like me, in the sweat shops. So don't get all high and mighty on me for trying to help a lady out."

Thomas was getting quite worked up, and he realized he was making a scene. He grinned inside, her was someone who undoubtedly deserved to get robbed, even if she was a woman. He could pay her back by helping Alyssa, a perfectly fair trade in his opinion. He waited a for her to turn around or leave a clear opening to her pockets.

((OOC: Shenanigans, do you mind if Thomas shows up int he morning? Since afternoon doesnt start until the day after tomorrow?))

[GeeWayrocks]

Catrina scowled at the youth, and lifted her bag. She brought it down on top of his head, which caused quite a lot of people to watch the two of them.
"I'll thank you to keep your filthy low-class nose out of my business. That girl I took in because I felt pity for her. She's just riff-raff like you, and if I could, I'd gladly release her to the streets." Catrina began to breathe deeply, the argument was beginning to take it's toll on her. As a man walked towards her and Thomas, she hid her purse, and turned away, continued her walk to the doctors as if nothing had happened.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Shenanigans, do you mind if Thomas shows up int he morning? Since afternoon doesn't start until the day after tomorrow?))[/i]
((OOC: Hmm... I suppose it wouldn't hurt if he showed up early. I'll warn you though, I'm swamped with other RP necessities right now, and won't be able to reply very quickly. When he does show up, have Charles show him to the Foyer, I'll take Charles from there.))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas suddenly found an extremely heavy bag coming into contact with his head, which made him stumble slightly, and before he could do any more than stand up straight again, she had starting walking, with her bag securely clutched, and her pockets similarly guarded. Thomas would have gone after her to take what he felt he richly deserved, espeically after she hit him, but there were lots of people staring at him, and it would just confirm her point if he did.

Instead he bowed at the waist to Alyssa gave a smirk, and turned on his heel to go where people hadn't seen him and he could get a bit of money for clothes. He had given up on his breif ambition to be a burgurlar, that was far too risky.

All of a sudden he paused in the street and actually thought of what the man in the bakery had said. He had been offered honest work, and it probably would not help his chances if he showed up in clothes that were undoubtedly stolen. He checked to see how much money he had from the fat man that morning, and he reckoned it was just enough to get some cheap clothes, if he didn't eat that night.

He pulled out the loaf of bread he still had from that morning, and ate half of it as he continued to a tailor's in the lower parts of the city, where he spent the rest of his money on a new outfit of suitably cheap cloth. He saved the old one, it was worn to peices, but the cloth could be useful. He then pulled out the card the man had given him and spent a few minutes deciphering it. He could read, but his skills were very rusty.

He figured out the adress, and went to the house listed on the card. He gulped upon seeing it, the place was a mansion, to his extremely untutored eye, but he swallowed and marched up to the door to knock enthusiasitcally, until a butler opened the door. He was shown, in complete silence, to an elegantly appointed foyer.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Charles heard the knock on the door that seemed to continue longer than normal. He concluded that it must be the young boy that his master had told him to expect. He pulled out his pocket watch to gather the time. It was not afternoon yet, the lad was early. He shrugged his shoulders and made his way to the front door. He opened the door, having to look down a bit to see the young man. “Thomas I presume?” the boy nodded in answer which led Charles to open the door wide allowing the boy to enter.

He shut the door firmly behind him and silently led the lad into the foyer. The foyer was Charles’ favorite room in the house as Victor had allowed him to maintain it properly as any formal foyer. The grandfather clock in the corner was quite a wonderful time piece. The small piano sat further down the wall from it, sheet music sat upon it giving the impression it was a loved, cherished possession. Truth of the matter was not a single note had been played on it since he became employed by Mr. Stanbury. There was rarely a guest in this house, and his master spent most of his time in that basement of his. If one ventured out of the foyer and passed the dining room they would quickly discover the interior of the house did not hold the same appearance as the exterior. If left to his own accord, Charles had no doubt that Mr. Stanbury would allow the whole house to fall in to disrepair.

“You are a few hours early, the master was not expecting you as of yet.” Charles finally spoke to the lad. Seeing his clothes were clean he motioned for the boy to take a seat. Once Thomas was seated on the cushioned armchair Charles sat as well. Remembering the few things Victor had communicated he began their conversation.

“I do not presume you know of who it is that you will be working for, and that is fine by me. However I will let you know that Mr. Stanbury has very little patience for shenanigans of any sort. He does not mind what you do on your own time, but if you are working for him, whether it be running an errand or completing a task, there shall be no thievery of any sort. By paying you, he is buying your time, and what you do during that purchased time is very much a concern of his.” Charles removed his reading glasses from his pocket, preparing to put them on the tip of his nose as he continued. “Is that understood?”

[FurryPanda]

"-and what you do during that purchased time is very much a concern of his. Is that understood?”

Thomas nodded at that, "I think that sounds fair sir, wha's behind it is b'yond me, but I can certain'ly abide by it." He was being very quiet, the house he was in was far and above the nicest building he'd ever been in, and it was subduing. It probably wasn't helping that the armchair was absurdly comfortable, especially compared to where he usually slept, and that it was significantly bigger than he was. His feet barely touched the floor making him feel much younger than he was.

He swallowed and looked around at the opulent room. He decided to be quiet, he had known the guy in the bakery was rich, but not quite this rich. He certaintly wasn't expecting to find himself in the employ of someoen so far above him that he could wind up squished like a bug. He swallowed again and told himself to stop being paranoid. Anything was better than a sweatshop or being a full time thief.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Charles looked over his glasses while the boy talked. He seemed eager enough. Taking out a piece of paper from his pocket, he then began to unfold it. “Here are the items he would like for you to gather today…” Charles held the paper a considerable distance from himself while he read off the list of five items. An artist’s pad of paper, black lead pencils, a pint of olive oil, a blanket, and two small live mice.

As he refolded the paper and reached in his pocket once again Charles couldn’t help but shake his head a little. His master had certainly reached a new level. A new level of what he wasn’t quite sure, but it was a new level. He began to hand the paper and some folded bills to Thomas. “Here is enough money to purchase the items on the list. Once you return you shall be paid in full for your time. Have you any questions?"

[funheart00]

Just a little reminder to let you know it's 24 hours until Afternoon

[FurryPanda]

“Here is enough money to purchase the items on the list. Once you return you shall be paid in full for your time. Have you any questions?"

Thomas was rather startled by the butler's directness, but he shook his head, and took the money. "Pad, black pencils, olive oil, a blanket and two mice? Sounds a bit odd t'me sir, but I'll do my best." He slid off of the arm chair and made his way to the door, pausing for a moment to see if anything more specific in the way of instructions came his way. He wasn't sure about the stores in the nicer parts of town, but he knew of nowhere to get live mice, and the few places to get dead ones, even he avoided.

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: :laugh: Yeah... I thought maybe Thomas would know where to catch some live ones. I don't know! I struggled to come up with the list, but every item on the list has a purpose... of some sort. :lol: Hey, Victor has to live up to his reputation as eccentric!))

[Fayreview]

"What?" Bradford askedshouted. Ian and the other assitant commissioners were lined up in front of the "three Bashaws" and the secretary.

"An alcoholic and an illiterate running the school in Salisbury? No wonder there are riots up and down the country." Ian stepped forward. "I thought we were to stop such problems, to help the poor. Not to put them in the care of the imoral and the idiotic."

"My dear man. I assure you this is not normal, and we bring it before you as we must sort it!" The secretary was on his feet. Ian stared the man in the eye. Neither one was likely to back down, the stood for several seconds until Commissioner Frankland Lewis interjected and took charge.

"This needs sorting and we will see to it I will not have this commission have anymore of a mockery made of it. We have lost too many good people to riots, look at Alfred Power, he is no longer among our number after the Bradford insident." We must sort this before it becomes public knowledge. "And as for you Mr. Venn you are to go out and find what the Papers know. I do not want to see you again until you can assure us every word has been silenced."

((Ok just a roelplay to get Ian out of work for the next couple of days... but all historically accurate, sadly the pauper children in Salisbury were taught by an illiterate woman and a drunkard and assistant commissioner power Power was pelted with stones in Bradford.
For those of you who don't know, the lower classes would, for the most part despise Ian and the others for interfering in places they knew little about as the work of the Poor Law Commission was to work on setting up workhouses and centralising the relief system.))

[FurryPanda]

The butler made no move to call after him again, so Thomas stepped out the door. He blinked a few times, Dr. Stanbury's house had been much better insulated than most places he'd been, and the cold air was like a slap in the face. He was used to it however, and he stepped briskly back into the flow of traffic. The art supplies would be easy enough he supposed, there were shops for rich ladies that seemed to sell nothing but vellum and more types of pencils than Thomas imagined anyone could possibly want or need. Olive oil would be in the food markets, and a blanket could be gotten from any tailor, he might even be able to get it for free if he was charming. Mice though, were an entirely different issue.

He had gone over in his mind everywhere that he could even get into, legitimately or otherwise, and not a one of them seemed like a place he could get mice. He shrugged, there were plenty of them in the city, it wouldn't be much trouble to catch a few. Thomas decided that as long as he was in the nicer parts of the city he would get the pad and pencils. He thoroughly enjoyed the process, as he transacted with the people in the store, who looked at him extremely askance, he couldn't help but feel very ritzy. The olive oil was acquired just as easily,and Thomas was pleased to find there was still more than enough money for a nice blanket if he needed to get one.

Clutching the sacks he had he wandered back into the low parts of town, releived to escape the condescending stares of the rich. He relaxed for a moment against one side of a building contemplating what to do about the mice. He was sure one of the thief gangs would be more than happy to get some for him, and it was hardly as though he didn't have any favors owed, but he decided he didn't want to spend any just yet. Especially since any newfound wealth he might gain would disappear if anyone in the gangs got wind of it.

Thomas was strolling along contempalting the problem when he passed the bakery he had eaten at that morning. He grinned and walked right in again, what better palce than the back of a bakery to catch mice? And besides, the woman there seemed like a decent sort.

((OOC: He's going to the bakery with Amanda/Innocent-eyes))

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda was setting out some more goodies when she heard the chime on the door. She wiped her hands on her apron and turned around. The young boy had came back. A bright smile came back to her lips. She liked the shy boy for some reason. He was a refreshing change from the people she was used to.

"Well hello again. Nice to see you have came back."

[FurryPanda]

The baker had smiled when Thomas came in, and he felt an upwelling of warmth for her; even the other members of his class didn't want him around most of the time. Bad for business he assumed. "Well hello again. Nice to see you have came back." she said warmly.

Thomas blushed slightly at that. "Thanks, food was good here. Hate to be a bother miss, but can I please ask a little favor?" He wanted to hit himself almost as soon as the words came out of his mouth, not only did he feel they sounded like he was begging, he thought they were awfully rude to say to a lady. He tried to hide his nervousness behind a sharp stare at her, but he had no idea where else there might be mice, not rats, in the city.

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda saw a little pink come to his cheeks at her greating.

"Thanks, food was good here. Hate to be a bother miss, but can I please ask a little favor?"

It was a surprise to her to be asked of a favor. The look in his eyes showed he was a bit nervous and uncomfortable asking her. If it had been any other lady, they would quickly dismiss him. It was a little rude to be asking of a favor to a miss you did not know at all. But it did not offend her in any way.

"A favor? Well I suppose you may. What is it?" She kept her smile on her face to try to comfort him. He had no need to feel awkward around her.

[FurryPanda]

"A favor? Well I suppose you may. What is it?"

Thomas was relieved to notice she didn't look upset at his bluntness, actually she was still smiling away. Enboldened he went ahead and rattled off confidently, "Can I hang around behind your store for a couple of hours, and buy an empty box, and some sweet pastries?" He blinked again at his own words, they were probably even more blunt than the last exchange. He mumbled a much belated, "Miss." as he resumed staring at his shoes.

[innoscenteyes]

"Can I hang around behind your store for a couple of hours, and buy an empty box, and some sweet pastries?" Then a few seconds later he added "Miss" and started staring at his shoes.

Amanda let out a chuckle. He was so sweet and acted like that was such a big favor to ask of her. But she couldnt help but wounder why he wanted to hang around the back of the store.

"I think I can grant you that favor. On one condition though. And why do you want to hang around the back of my store?"

[FurryPanda]

"I think I can grant you that favor. On one condition though. And why do you want to hang around the back of my store?"

Thomas was mortified to find her chuckling quietly to herself, but he made a specific point not to let it show. "What's the condition? And the why, well it's a bit complicated, the short of it is I'm trying to catch live mice." He grinned impishly at her, a bit surprised at his own gall. "Hence the box." He continued smiling genially, until he remebered his manners, and added another hasty "Miss." He consciously decided not to drop his eyes, so what if he seemed rude?

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: Mind a pair of visitors in the bakery? :P I haven't found anything to do with Eugenie yet lol. I really ought to find her a man XD

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda saw this time he didnt dropp his eyes, but kept them on her. Was he coming around now and feeling more relaxed?

"Live mice? Well there are plenty of them in the back of the bakery. You are more than welcome to them. I wont ask why you need them exactly." Still yet a small smile rested on her lips.

"The condition is you have to tell me your name. You are more than welcome here any time. I usually come early, but I dont close late. I rather close earlier than the other buisnesses around here. My name is Amanda Wright, by the way." She stuck out her hand to shake his.

((ooc: Yes , you are more than welcome to come to the bakery. :) ))

[Slytherin-Girl]

Having apologized profusely to the young man Issac had nearly knocked over, Eugenie decided to make a sidetrip to the local bakery before they went home. Issac was complaining of the cold so it would at least give them a chance to warm up. She firmly gripped his hand this time, forewarning him not to touch anything and to behave himself or he wouldn't get a treat.

Eugenie pushed the door of the shop open and stepped inside with her brother in tow. "Good morning Miss Wright" she said, nodding towards her. She noticed the young man as well and said "And to you young sir". She could tell the young man was from a less than reputable part of town, and subconsciously reached into her pocket with her free hand to hold her money.

[innoscenteyes]

Before the young boy could answer the bell chimed again in the door. She looked up to find Eugenie and the young boy Issac.

"Good morning Miss Wright"

"Good mornig to you too Miss Albany."

Then she turned to the young boy. "And to you young sir".

Amanda couldnt help nut noticed her hands go in her pockets. It annoyed her a little to see suck a thing.

"What can I help you with this morning?" A smile shone on her face.

[Fluid_SC]

The hansom dropped Dr. Coyle in front of his home. Greene Street was a small avenue with some shops, businesses and other apartments; it connected to a busier thoroughfare and thus saw some traffic throughout the day, but not as much as nearby streets, and was, all things considered, a fine place to live.

Once inside, he tried to shake the chill off. He noticed that no fire had been laid in the parlor, and surmised that his library was equally fire-less; the maidservant was so increasingly unsatsifactory that the Doctor considered, in his vexation, dismissing her on the spot.

He removed his overcoat, scarf and top hat, draping them over a mahogany armchair that sat against one of the hallway walls beside a ceiling-high ficus. His gloves he deposited in the hat. He was about to head upstairs when he noticed, on the sideboard, a silver tray with a calling card and accompanying note. The maidservant should have presented the tray to him in person, once he had made his way into one of the rooms. The Doctor sighed, but took the card and the note into the elegantly appointed parlor and opened the note, sitting beside the cold fireplace as he read.

((OOC: Anyone feel free to be the one who sent the card and the note. Even so, the Doctor is approachable.))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was just about to answer Amanda when the doorway opened, letting in a teenaged girl and small boy, quite clearly upper class. He shrunk away towards a corner, hoping not to be noticed, it was one thing talking to a baker, quite another listening in on a conversation between his betters. He had no intentions of leaving for that reason, but it wouldn't hurt to be unobtrusive. He doffed an imaganary cap at the girl, and tried to blend into the walls. It wasn't too difficult, he'd noticed that most rich people were perfectly content to ignore the poor if they were quiet.

He couldn't help but observe her shove her hands into her pockets, but he merely smiled lightly and kept his head down. If he wasn't going to rob that overbearing woman in the rich part of the city, he certaintly wouldn't bother a girl doing her own shopping. He was in no rush and and could wait. Thomas hoped that the baker herself wouldn't get annoyed that he wasn't answering her; he found himself desperately wanting to please, and was more than content to stand where the ovens leaked a bit of warmth while she took care of her business.

[Slytherin-Girl]

"I was just looking for a quick treat for my brother and I here" Eugenie said, releasing his hand so he could look around the shop. She figured he had been sufficiently warned not to touch anything. Issac grinned and wandered over to look at the cakes.

"It's awfully cold outside, what do you have thats nice and warm" she asked, glancing around the store

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda let go of her brothers hand and let him wander. She couldnt help but notice his delighted face when looking at her cakes. A warm smile and a softness went into her eyes.

"It's awfully cold outside, what do you have thats nice and warm" she asked, glancing around the store.

"Lets see. I just took some cream filled pasteries and some cookies out of the oven. You may have some of them, but the cakes are warm too. Also I have some tea made."

[funheart00]

It is now Afternoon

[Fayreview]

Dear Dr. Coyle

I hope you do not mine the intrussion of my letter, but naturally I have heard what a fine doctor you are and therefore would like to converse with you on current medical theory. For at current my office is beginning to look into the health of people within england and I do not concider myself to have enough knowledge, at current, to help gather information at the present moment.

Please reply at your own speed and contact me at either my work or home address both of which are on the acompanying card.

Yours Sincerely

Mr. I Venn

[Anne_SC]

Julia Axe danced through her house, smiling and laughing at the sight of her maid looking at her like she was crazy.

"Oh come on, can't a woman be happy to finally find a nice, sweet gentleman." when Julia said that, the maid laughed.
"Ofcourse Miss Axe, ofcourse. What do you want me to cook for you tonight?" she asked, walking close to Julia to make her stop dancing around the room.

"Nothing, really. He's taking me out for dinner. You should go out when i'm gone. You deserve it." slowly, Julia danced out of the room to the piano where she started playing a beautiful song.

[Fluid_SC]

Dr. Coyle read the note from Mr. Venn before returning it, and the card, to the envelope. He tapped it on his chin several times, pondering its contents as well as the author. He could not quite place Mr. Venn, though due to his relatively recent relocation to London from Edinburgh he was not yet completely apprised of the total players in the city scene. His office, that of a law commission, was noted on his calling card. That Mr. Venn knew the Doctor did not surprise him, considering his reputation in medical circles; the Doctor's more sinister reputation he confined to himself--or, at least, had to his own knowledge.

He retired upstairs to his library and, sitting at his desk, retrieved his stationery and addressed a note to Mr. Venn:

Dear Mr. Venn,

I this morning received your note with interest. If my advice could serve some small service to you and to your office, then of course I should be pleased to provide it to you. In my career as a physician I have treated people in many walks of life, and as a forensic surgeon I have come to understand how even the most minor of circumstances can lead to the most curious, and all to often debilitating, diagnoses.

Send word and I shall call upon you at your earliest convenience.

Yours,

Doctor Gideon A. Coyle

He sealed the letter. He had considered inviting Mr. Venn to his home, but with the state of his servants still in doubt, he did not wish to make a poor impression.

He looked forward to the commissioner's interview. Rather than relying upon the maidservant's mercurial work, he took the letter himself to one of the nearby businesses and asked them to post it for him.

[Slytherin-Girl]

After spending a bit of time at the Bakery enjoying some tea, or in Issac's case a slice of cake, Eugenie realized it was high time they were getting home. She bid farewell to Miss Wright and the young boy before going out the door after Issac.

As they reached home, Issac tugged on her sleeve and she bent down. He threw his arms around her and hugged her. "Thanks Eugenie" he said, grinning at her and darting off upstairs to his room. Eugenie smiled after him as she handed her things to one of the maids to put away and made her way to the library to do some reading.


OOC: Feel free to visit anyone :P

[Fayreview]

((I understand the mail isn't this fast... but this is a roleplay and its diffult enough to wait for the posts let alone the posts sent by post))

Dear Doctor Coyle.

I am most grateful for the promptness of your affirmitory response. Feel free to stop by my work, the one marked Somerset house on the card, between the hours of eleven and three anyday this week, if this is not possible I do understand and we can arrange a better suiting time and date.

Yours

Mr Ian M. Venn

[Fluid_SC]

Dr. Coyle set aside Mr. Venn's reply upon the table beside his fine scarlet-hued velvet armchair. It was already the afternoon, as he determined from the clock on the mantle. He had no other obligations, and decided that he would call upon Mr. Venn.

Dressing in a fine suit and donning his outside attire, he left his home and locked the door behind him. Hailing a hansom cab, he gave the driver the address of Somerset house and settled back for the ride.

The driver pulled up outside of the office; Dr. Coyle paid and tipped him, but didn't ask him to wait. Inside the office, he took a calling card from his pocket and handed it to the secretary.

"My name is Dr. Coyle. Mr. Venn has invited me for a consultation this afternoon. If you please, could you tell him I've arrived?"

[Fayreview]

"Certainly sir," the young man reached for the card and straightened his waistcoat. "If you would like to take a seat." He indicated to a brown leather armchair for Dr. Coyle before setting off at a fast pase along the corridor and up a flight of stairs to the floor that held the offices of the Assistant commissioners. He knocked and waited for a non-descript noise from within before entering.

"The is a Doctor downstairs for you sir,"

Ian looked up at him. "Thank You Archie sent him staright up." With that Archie dashed back downstairs to let the doctor up and Ian quickyl swept over his room. Quite fortunately whilst he had gotten the smallest office, it had the most light and clever filing tricks had made it so besides the fireh e could fit a small table in mahogany and two small armchairs.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was a bit relieved when the rich girl left, he didn't truly mind standing perfectly and woodenly still in a warm corner, but the day had progressed into afternoon by then, and he was getting stiff. He extricated himself from the corner with a bit of difficulty, and waited for Amanda to say something to him. He vaguely recalled that she had ended the conversation last, asking for his name.

No words were forthcoming, and he finally blurted out, "My name's Thomas Blackfoot miss. I mean Amanda. I mean Miss Wright. I mean miss." He blushed and spun about to leave, then recalled he was still pastry-less, and had nothing to tempt any rodents he might find. He waited silently for her to recall that he had asked for some, firmly deciding not to open his mouth again, lest he embarass himself further.

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda smiled as Thomas spoke.

"Let me get that pastry for you." She turned around to get the pastry.
"Will you be eating this here or do yo want to take it to go?" She let a smile beam from her. She enjoyed this boy company. He was so unsure and shy. She also couldnt help but wounder why he needed the mice.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas cocked his head, a bit confused, he thought he'd been perfectly clear that the pastries were for the mice. It didn't matter though, he just answered, "Oh, I'll be taking it please, and two boxes. Thank you." He was starting to get a bit worried about time, and his new clothes itched. At least the old ones had had enough dirt to make them smooth.

He walked back tot he counter though to pick up the pastry she was wrapping. It was a nice big cruller, he figure dhe could catch two mice on the one confection. He started digging into his pocket for what was left of the money he had gotten from Dr. Stanbury, and rather faster than he was used to, found it. The smallest thing he had left was a crown, but he shrugged to himself, she deserved the tip. he waited, hand in his pocket, for her to finish with the pastry and boxes.

[Fluid_SC]

Dr. Coyle barely had time to remove his coat and hat before the secretary rushed back downstairs. "Mr. Venn will see you now, sir. If you will go upstairs, please?" The Doctor thanked him with a tilt of his head and went up the way the secretary had came.

He found the office of the assistant commissioner without difficulty. The door had been left slightly ajar, and so with a brief knock on the doorframe he pushed the door open the rest of the way and entered the office.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Venn," he said with a courteous smile. He offered his hand to the young man. "And so we meet. You were very good to call upon me, and I hope that whatever small service I can be to you will live up to your expectations."

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda wrapped the pastries in the boxes and put them on the counter.

"Here you are Thomas." She said looking at him wiht one of her usual bright smiles.
"Is there anything else I can get you? You are more than welcome to the mice out back. I hope you have a happy time hunting them."

[FurryPanda]

Thomas took the boxes and balanced them under his chin, as he pulled the money out of his pocket. He turned on his heel and made for the door. He stopped on the threshold to make eye contact, he hoped she wouldn't come back to bother him about change, there was plenty more money that Dr. Stanbury had given him, she probably could use it more than he could at the moment.

He went back behind the bakery,a nd wrinkled his nose a bit. The front was warm and inviting, but the back, hidden from passerby, showed that the place was still in a poor part of town. There were lots of mosue droppings and several empty crates on an alley that extended quite a bit farther back than the bakery. Thomas ignored the passage, he knew better than most that if he walked all the way down he wouldn't have any money left. He went into the comfortably spattered hole behind the bakery and left half of the cruller in one of the boxes turned on its side. And then he waited. He was as motionless as a statue, a skill he had cultivated back when he was a gang thief. Some of the boys were fast enough to get away in a flash, but Thomas depended on blending in. When he was much younger he would flit out, silent as the mice he now was trying to catch, grab the money and dart back to stand absolutely motionless in the same position he'd started. He'd been shockingly successful with it, until he grew too tall to comfortably hide in the shadows. He never forgot how to hide by being still though and he knew that if he gave them enough time the mice would come, thinking him a new peice of furniture.

He sat still for hours, uninterrupted, and jsut as he was starting to cramp up painfullyf rom his half crouch, he was rewarded by a chubby little mouse trundling trustingly into the box to eat the cruller. Had anyone been watching they would have seen the boy scoop the startled and indignant mouse up into the box, faster than seemed possible given how still he had been. The feat was quickly repeated with the second box and the rest of the cruller. Feeling rather smug with himself he grabbed the items he had bought in the better part of town, the two seperately boxed mice, and went to buy a blanket. Accomplishing this quickly, Thomas had a large smile on his face as he sauntered up towards the nice part of town. ((Approachable))

[Fayreview]

Ian looked up "Dr. Coyle it was very good of you to have come please do take seat." He indicated to the chairs by the side of the fire. "The commission would be hard pressed to look into the subject of public health without contacting esteemed professionals from all over this great nation."

"You have probably worked out from where m office is that I am a member of the government founded Poor Law Commission, even if it is only on a Junior level." Ian took a seat by the side of the fire as he had motioned for the good doctor to do. "And naturally the Health of the poor is therefore quite a pressing matter for myself. Of course there are three main diseases I wish to discuss, cholera, tuberculosis and small pox. However without a medical base to work from i fear I can have little to write on the subject, what in your opinion is the main cause of cholera?"

((Fluid do feel free to gloss over the speech i do not expect you to research this yourself, that would just be mean. However unless you are a VERY forward thinking doctor you would just expect it to be Miasma, or "bad air".))

[funheart00]

It is now Night in London ...

[Fluid_SC]

((OOC: Bacterial theory was proposed in 1849, and seeing as how the roleplay takes place at the end of 1840, it might not be entirely unlikely that an intelligent doctor like Dr. Coyle would at least have heard of it, if he might have a skeptical attitude towards it.

Also, I'll try to post more often!))

Dr. Coyle sat with Mr. Venn in the young man's office for the best part of the afternoon, discussing the state of medicine in England as well as the ramifications of medical treatment--or lack thereof--upon the poorer citizens of London. The Doctor found it more stimulating a conversation than he had expected, with Mr. Venn posing some very precise questions, and not trying to hide his unfamiliarity with the concepts involved behind bluster or sophistry.

The afternoon wore on. The Doctor placed his empty teacup upon the saucer next to him. "So you see, Mr. Venn," he said, "while there are certain interesting theories being proposed by my colleagues in the medical community, the most pertinent for your projects would be to apply what is known as the miasma concept, if only because projects to decrease the ill-humored noxious odors are far more practical and applicable." He covered his mouth with his fist and coughed discretely; he did have a tendency to ramble. "Some of the the things we discussed, such as making a more proactive effort to remove sewage and garbage from the streets of the city are, I would imagine, within the grasp of an enterprising man such as yourself, Mr. Venn. Having the authority of a legal office behind you would, of course, bolster your efforts."

He looked at his pocket watch, and noticed that it was now the early evening. He stood and offered his hand to the young man. "And now I'm afraid that I have other appointments to see to this evening. If you would find it helpful, I could draw up in more specific form some of the plans we discussed?"

[FurryPanda]

Thomas realized he had spent longer mouse hunting than he thought; it was early evening by the time he reached Dr. Stanbury's mansion. He knocked on the door just as enthusiastically as he had in the morning, if the doctor expected that he'd need all that money just to get a few things, then he couldn't wait to see what his time was worth. Even getting the blanket and tipping the baker hadn't been enough to seem to decrease the money, he thought, although living on the streets would distort his perceptions terribly.

A bit of time passed and he carefully placed the mice down before he knocked again. They had squeaked and seemed annoyed the first time. He shivered in the cold air; most days by this time he'd have found somewhere out of the wind to sleep. He slouched against the doorjamb to wait for the door to be answered, tugging at his shirt to reduce the chill in the air a little.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Charles shuffled his feet quickly towards the door. The night had grown dark, and he’d been about the house lighting the fire to keep the first floor of the house warm for himself and the one other servant in the house. Mr. Stanburry had retired to his basement hours ago and hadn’t come out once yet.

He opened the door and ushered the lad in. The cold air pushed against the door, making it twice it’s normal weight to close. Once Thomas was inside, Charles took the packages from his arms, opening the bags making sure the goods were what was asked of the boy. When he came to the box with the mice in it, he gave Thomas an amused look. He was surprised the boy had returned with everything on the list. He proved to be most resourceful indeed, Charles knew his master would be pleased.

“I say boy, you’ve done a very fine job indeed.” He reached inside his coat pocket, taking out another wad of money. He took out as much as he had given the boy to fetch the items. He replaced the rest of the money carefully from the pocket he had taken it from and carefully picked up the blanket Thomas had bought, draping it over his arm. “The master wants you to have this blanket, and here is the funds for the afternoon you spent gathering all these items.” Charles looked at the boy, waiting for his reaction. He wondered if he’d be surprised, or just thankful.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas took the blanket and money with a bemused look in his eyes. Before that morning he had never even seen that much money, and now he had it to spend. He realized it was probably rude to simply stand there running his thumb along the stack of currency, daydreaming about actually having a change of clothes, and maybe a hot meal. Thomas neatly folded the blanket over his arm, hiding his face, trying not to let the butler see just how thrilled he was with his new found "wealth" In actuality it was probably only enough for a week's frugal living, but Thomas didn't know that, having never had the money to pay his own way. When he was on the farm arguing with five brothers over food it didn't count.

"Thank ya muchly sir, thank ya muchly." He didn't know quite what else to say, and he hardly ever talked anyway, let alone to those he saw as his betters. He pocketed the money and pulled out the change he had from the afternoon and offered it to the butler. "An' this'd be yours sir." He wanted nothing so much as to flee, warm house or no warm house, but figured that it would be in the worst form if he did so. Thomas merely kept himself looking at everything else but the butler and the door.

((OOC: how much money was he given btw? i was reckoning about ten pounds, is that close enough?))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Guys, I just want to make sure that everyone is happy with the timelines at the moment, so if you want to move on more quickly - or slower - give me a prod and I'll change it around :)))

[Fayreview]

((Not a problem and I was just thinking as there was no real proof until the 1860s when Pasteur proved it that it was rather up to your percepton of him as to what he would believe.))

"I am sorry I kept you so long my dear man! It was a most enjoyable conversation and a more formal paln would be most useful when I pitch to the commission about adding these measures to our report."

After bidding farewell to the good Doctor he glanced at his watch, Ian had just enough time to dash home and fix himself up before....
___________________________________________________

Ian knocked on Julia's door. Hopefully tonight would be a most wonderful evening and by his pocket watch he was right on time.

[Anne_SC]

Julia had been sitting by the mirror for a few hours, just thinking and making herself up for Ian.
She smiled into the mirror and then heard a knock on the door.
She didn't want her maid to open the door, so she hurried to it and opened it slowly, smiling as she saw Ian there.
"Good Evening Ian" she said, making a little bow and opening the door a little further so he could walk in.

The maid peeked over at the large hall from the door of the living room. Miss Axe never really had men over, she was all alone and as far as she knew, Ian would probably be a good guy then. Miss Axe would never pick bad men. A manner she had well remembered from her deceased mother.

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: how much money was he given btw? i was reckoning about ten pounds, is that close enough?))
((OOC: I have no idea what money was equal too back then. I've tried to do a google search, but I must not be using the right words as I come up empty when trying to translate today's value of money to back then. I was thinking like $50 worth today, I don't know what that would be back then.))

Charles was surprised when Thomas handed him the change from the day's purchases. It was something Mr. Stanburry had wanted to know about the boy. Would he keep the change as a tip, or would he give it back. Charles felt his master would be pleased. "You've done a fine job." He began to say to the boy as he walked him back towards the door. "If you would return the day after next, I'm sure Mr. Stanburry would find use for you again if you'd like."

((OOC: Sorry so short. Busy time of year and all. Basically Charles wants to know if Thomas will return, then he'll walk him out, unless you had other plans.))

[Fayreview]

((hey their peoply pops :) 7 days till christmas))


Ian couldn't help but think how stunning Julia looked when she opened the door to him. He could tell she'd run to get the door from her breathing and the fact a servant normally would have answered it. And from the look on her perfect afce she hadn't been disappointed when it turned out to be him, his heart sang when he saw her face again.

"Are you nearly ready my beautiful companion? I have made reservations at La Petit Fleur and there is a hansom outside to take us there, but he is quite happy to wait if you need a little longer..." Ian smiled and stepped into her lovely home.

[Anne_SC]

She blushed a little as he called her beautiful. "Ofcourse I'm ready. But please excuse me for a moment." she walked over to the living room where she opened the door and giggled as she saw the shocked face of her maid.
"You probably figured I saw you? Don't worry, as long as you don't look when things get serious. I just wanted to tell you that there's nothing to do for you tonight so you can go out, wherever you like." the maid nodded happily.
"You can pick one of my dresses and put that on. I have a nice blue one, which is made of silk and it also has some white parts. It's really pretty, put that on."

"Thank you Miss Axe" the maid said, bowing and then hurrying upstairs to get the dress. Julia walked back to where Ian was.
"Now i'm really ready." she told him as she took his arm and they both walked outside.

[Fayreview]

The cab journey was swift but intimate, he had never really believed love at first sight before. But for the moment she had opened the door than evening he had been smitten.

Ian swept Julia from the carriage to the restaraunt as fast as possible to keep her out of the cold winter weather. He watched her intently until they were finally sat at a small table in the warm restaurant. He smiled gently at her then and said "I do hope you like me choice in restaurant."

[Fluid_SC]

Dr. Coyle replaced his top hat as he left the commisioner's building. The evening was brisk and he wrapped his silk scarf tightly around his neck. All things told, his interview with Mr. Venn had gone very well, profitable for both men, he imagined. Although the Doctor, himself, was a rather conservative fellow and social reform not a subject he often concerned himself with, the opportunity to apply his medical theories en masse was a unique experiment; also, while Mr. Venn was not, it seemed, a major player on the political scene--at least, not yet--it always paid to cultivate relationships among men and women of influence.

The Doctor took a deep breath of the brisk, chilling air. His breath frosted the air as he exhaled. He felt energetic and vital, and thought that he could afford himself an opportunity to indulge his unique addiction. Certainly, after such an altruistic afternoon, he deserved it.

He waved his silver-handled walking stick in the air and hailed a hansom. He gave the driver an address in the Limehouse district--the home of many opium dens. Many of London's residents, from all social strata and walks of life, frequented the district, searching for anything from escape from the woes of daily life to poetic inspiration. Certainly the dens often had a mysterious atmosphere, staffed by stone-faced coolies with their round caps and long pigtails, parting the thick smoke of the long skinny pipes like a curtain as they led their customers to a room, or sometimes just a mattress, where they could succumb to their vices.

The opium dens were of interest to Dr. Coyle--not because he had any interest in opium, but because the drug-addled users were often very easy "projects." In their euphoric, drugged state they were easily subject to the power of persuasion, and the opium enervated them so that they put up little resistance when, ultimately, their benevolent poppy-flower dreams clashed with their new, unpleasant reality. And since upper-class men frequented the dens, nobody was interested in just another well-dressed gentleman like the good Doctor.

As the hansom jostled over the cobblestones, Dr. Coyle steepled his fingers and went into deep thought. He not only revisited some of his past projects but also tried to imagine the logistics of the evening to come. As his thought travelled the paths of his mind, he opened his eyes with a start. Of course! What a more creative and satisfying way to spend the evening, instead of gliding in and out of the fog at Limestone! He should have thought of it before.

He knocked on the roof of the cab with the handle of his walking stick. The cab slowed, and he gave a new address to the driver: his own address, 17 Greene Street. The driver pulled on the reins and turned the horse and cab onto a different road.

The maidservant who so inadequately and insufferable failed to maintain his household in a proper way, she lived in a small room on the ground floor of the apartment, in the back near the kitchen. She often left the house early and returned late, carousing with her disreputable friends.

But, she did always return. He would have time to prepare his workroom for her.

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: What Fluid said, this is an edit, and I'm going to fix the post I had back up a few in the bakery. Reckon that thats one pound then.))
((funheart00 the timing is aright I reckon, but I do think it would be beneficial if it were a mite faster, so that people dont ahve to wait a full RL week to do soemthing at a certain time of day if they miss it. Like three day morning, three day afternoon, two day night... or less, i dunno))

Thomas was a bit releived to find himself being gently led to the door. The butler then offered, "If you would return the day after next, I'm sure Mr. Stanbury would find use for you again if you'd like." Thomas's face broke into a wide and sincere grin. "Twould be 'preciated, sir, I'll be here, day after tommora?" He stood momentarily on the carpet, then spun on his heel to leave.

((OOC: He's still there if you ahd anything else to say.))

[Fluid_SC]

((OOC: One Victorian pound equals £65.63 (or $131.56) in modern value. £10 in 1840 is the equivalent of £656.35 (or $1,316.65) today. £15 equals £984.52 ($1,974.48).

This is according to the calculator found at:

Measuring Worth--Purchasing Power of British Pounds from 1264 to 2006 (http://measuringworth.com/calculators/ppoweruk/#)

You can visit Wages and Cost of Living in the Victorian Era (http://www.victorianweb.org/economics/wages2.html) to get an idea of how much people actually earned back then, to put in perspective just how much that £ was.

For example, laborers earned about 20 shillings, or £1, per week. This would mean that the £15 that Shenanigans paid FurryPanda would represent 15 weeks of a normal laborer's pay, or £984.52.

This site, The Cost of Living in 1888 (http://www.victorianweb.org/economics/wages4.html), gives an idea of how much things would have cost back then. So a year's worth of wine, or 7lb of tea, or six Sunday suits, or more than a year's worth of coal would have cost that £15.

(I'm pretty sure my math is correct.)

I thought that was really cool.))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Thanks so much for that Fluid - I think it could help everyone, so I've added it to the front page :D With that, it is 24 hours until night will fall))

[Anne_SC]

"I love it, thank you." she smiled back at him, and then looking into his beautiful eyes once again.
However... she had only talked to him once and she already felt this way, it was quite strange, but she could live with it, as along as it was real. As she got her food and gave the waiter an approving nod, to show it looked really good and she took a bite.
"This is really good." she said and stroke a hand through her long silky brown hair. She couldn't stop looking at him, and it made her blush slightly. She never felt that way before, but it felt great.
She took another bite and then took a sip from her drink. It was really cozy and warm inside the restaurant.
It had a great feel and he definately chose the right one. It suited her perfectly.

[Fayreview]

Ian was warm and comfortable in the restaurant, the firelight kept the room warm and well lit. The food was well prepared, stylishly plated and incredably expensive, which didn't hurt on a first date, after all a good impression had to be made sometimes did it not?

Her words were spoken in her beautiful voice and her very soul seemed to glow in the light of the fire. Ian sighed inwardly, he was genuinely happy, which, when you were as busy as him, doesn't happen often.

"Yes they do make wonderful food here"

[Anne_SC]

Julia smiled at Ian. She didn't know what to say anymore, because his beautiful personality and looks where just overwhelming. She wished she could say something to him.
She wished she could have a normal conversation, but she couldn't concentrate at all. Just smiling at him, and slowly eating her food.

She placed a hand on the table to grab her wine glass, but instead, at the lack of concentration, placed her hand on Ians, not even noticing it. And maybe she didn't want to notice it, just to keep her hand on his all that evening. But ofcourse he would notice. Why wouldn't he? He was probably able to concentrate well. Or wasn't he?

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: Holy cow Fluid! Victor didn’t intend to pay him that much! Lol I was thinking like three days wage. Thanks for going through the trouble of looking that up for us.
FurryPanda, Charles had nothing else to add, so I’ll assume he saw Thomas out. ))

Charles descended the stairs to the lowest floor with the box that contained the two mice. He carefully pushed on the door that lead to Victor’s laboratory. “Sir, the lad returned with all the items as you asked.” “Good, good.”, was the only reply. Charles walked over to one of the many cages of animals in the room, this one containing a two headed python (http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/images/_32695_s1.jpg) . He placed one of the mice in the cage for the snakes meal, placing the box upon the shelf, saving the other mouse for later. He looked towards Victor, who wouldn’t look up from his papers. “I suppose you’ll be remaining down stairs for the evening?” Mr. Stanbury didn’t give an answer, which Charles by now knew to mean the answer was so obvious he didn’t feel he should waste his breath on the answer. Bidding his master a good night, Charles left the room, leaving Victor to his studies.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((Apps are still open, right? Cuz I've been thinking about entering...)))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas left the nicer part of town quickly, he was to busy thinking of ways to sepnd his astonishing new wealth. Astonishing to him at least. He had gotten more money picking pockets, but this had a feeling of being worth more. When he walked straight into some fellow in his own part of town he shook his head and grinned. Keep your head out of the clouds Thomas. He realized only then that it was well past midnight, and that he had no place to sleep that night; the door he'd used the night before would be long taken, if not by its rightful owners then by another urchin like himself. Whoever it was was welcome to it, it was in a nice location, despite the rats.

He wandered down a few streets, vainly searching for another door to sleep in, but there wouldn't be any in a part of town that he would consider, not at that hour. Reluctantly he wandered over to the bakery he'd spent the morning in. The woman there had after all said he could spend a few hours back behind the place. She hadn't said specifically how many, or how many times. As far as he cared that was a green light for him to go ahead and sleep there.

Thomas arrived quickly enough, and skulked back behind the bakery. Amanda had said she usually left early, and he fully expected her to be long gone to wherever she lived. He was right and slipped behind the bakery. After darting halfway down the alley to check for doorways, he found none, and went to a small niche behind the bakery that was about his size. There was lots of huge sheets of stiff paper- thrown out boxes, he assumed. He made a crude lean to on the side of the wall to cut down the wind, and to hide himself in the morning when the baker came. He didn't want to be seen as a liar about having a garrett, or as something pitiable. He slid into the niche and pulled his new blanket around him, taking his old attire out of the nice deep pockets to use as a pillow, and went to sleep.

((OOC: Well all I am gone until Thursday ish, mebbe I can nip on at a library, but tis not likely. See ya then!))

[GeeWayrocks]

((Atropa, yes, apps are still open. It's freeform :) ))

[funheart00]

ooc;; Yep, apps are open in the Lower, and Middle classes Atropa :D

Well, until then FurryPanda :bunny: Merry Christmas!
And, in other news....

The sun has risen over the cramped city of London. There is a chill to the air but thankfully no rain has fallen during the night.

Welcome to the Morning London...

[AtropaMandragora]

(((Okay, great, as I have a middle class character in mind. Just need to sit down and type up his bio. :) And come up with a bit of a plot line for him. )))

[Fayreview]

((O.K. as is expected I'm gonna be dashing on and off of the computer and due to a more vital part in the Baroque Court I may not have a chance to post until the 27th... until then my friends!))

[funheart00]

ooc;; Can't wait to see them Atropa :D
Have a great Christmas Fayre and we'll see you back soon enough :P

Morning will last until December 27th - just to give everyone a chance to get online and stuff over the holidays...

Well, I'm being forced off the computer now, and I doubt I'll get a chance to hop on tomorrow (25th) so, I'll see you all on Boxing Day :D

[littlesunshine123xx]

Can i join :) please :) with sugar lumps on top :)

[AtropaMandragora]

Name: Benjamin Penrose
Age: 19
Class: Middle
Occupation: Writer
Bio: Born with an artist's soul, and a relentless urge to express himself and understand the world around him, often through the provocation of others, Benjamin was always something of a l'enfant terrible, frank and outspoken, growing more and more prone to making sharp observations, offensive remarks, and incisive comments of a often rather intrusive nature, not to mention acting in a most unrefined way at times and occasions that calls for polished manners. All for the sake of studying and understanding reactions, as well as amusing himself.
He can, however, also be gentle and demure, if he wishes to be.
At an early age he found an 'acceptable' outlet in writing poetry and prose. First published at the age of 15, he has now made a name for himself as a brilliant young writer, with an inclination for outragous behaviour.
His tortured writer's soul has set him on a path of self-destruction, his taste for decadence and delving into the deepest, darkest corners of the human mind having made him increasingly self-indulgent, and turning to various vices, such as chasing the dragon and dancing with the green fairy.
About a year ago he had an intense and turbulent love affair with a young woman about his own age. Although sometimes violent, their relationship never lacked passion, and thus the inevitable happened; she became with child. Not wanting a family, Benjamin abandoned her only a few days after finding out, and they haven't seen eachother since. As far as he knows, he now may have a son or a daughter.

Picture:
http://www.vintagestars.com/river/Test2/BenjaminPenrose1.jpg

[funheart00]

ooc;; littlesunshine123xx Yep, your welcome to enter a character as long as there is a space avalible in your desired class :D
Atropa, fabby application :) He's added up to the first post.

Well, it's officially Christmas over here, so Merry Christmas to you all. I'll be back on tomorrow :D

[littlesunshine123xx]

Name: Millicent Robinson (Millie or Mildred)
Age:17
Class: Middle Class
Occupation:Just finished Education (Boarding school)
Bio:
My name is Millie, short for Millicent however I prefer Millie. Born to Joseph Robinson and Mary Thompson. My father is in the Navy , travelling across the world, earning his title as Captain Robinson and soon to be Admiral. Our family is very rich by wealth however not by status. My mother was from an upper class family but lost her status by marrying my father for wealth. Being an only child you would think I would be spoiled. However this is not the case my mother a selfish, vain, self seeking woman and my father wrapped up in his business to care about my wellbeing. My mother considered me a burden to have around her, and so the moment she could she sent me of to boarding school. At boarding school I learned many skills, I developed my needle work and learned the art of drawing and enjoyed reading on the sunny days. I made a few great friends some of higher rant than me and some of lower. There company I keep for the kindness and qualities than their status or wealth. Now I am the tender age of 17 and a young lady who is not only pretty but also fully accomplished, it is now time for my father and mother to take me out into the big world where I shall find a suitable match in marriage. In a world that is control by men and woman have no right’s how will a strongheaded, feisty girl like me survive. I have been know to speak my mind no matter the place or people I am with. I just hope it wont get me into to much trouble.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/victoria%20rp/wp20.jpg
(Millie and her Mama, In regency attire I no but it will do)

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: littlesunshine123xx this is in third person, just FYI. Wanna RP? My guy's lower class- if that will impact how you post next.))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: funheart - Thanks. :D
Furry - Are you sure ? In the other RP's it's up to each player to decide which style they think works best for them, and there's already been one other app written in first person, so... :) )))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; It's no problem whether you want to RP in first, or third person so long as you make it clear who your character is at the start of your post :) I really don't mind, so as long as the other RPer's know who your character is, it's fine :)

Now, as Christmas has passed - and according to the RP we are nowhere near to Christmas - I wanted to ask if you wanted to skip ahead to New Year in the RP, or just to carry on as we are ...))

-----------------------------

Like any other morning that was slowly stretching itself over the large city, Katriona woke early, dressing quickly and throwing a shawl over her shoulders in a small attempt to try and ward off the cold chill blowing through the crowded streets. She tried, uselessly, to flick off some dust gathering on her skirt as she went quickly through the silent house and escaped out into the cold air.

Rushing down the street, clutching slightly at her shawl to bring it closer around her shoulders as she made her way through the stalls lining the street, crowded in by an unnumberable amount of house maids, stall holders and any other Londoners that had made their way out of bed in time to meet the early morning rush.

Finally finished around the stalls, Katriona thankfully made her way out of the crowded street, turning slowly round a corner, her legs aching slightly.

Katriona set her basket down on the public bench before she sat down beside it, pulling her shawl tighter around her cold shoulders.

((approachable))

[littlesunshine123xx]

have i been accepted into the rp? i wanna start rp :) i have a great storyline :)

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Yep. I'm just gonna go add her to the first post, so feel free to post your girst RP post whenever...))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Thank yooooooooo xD

[littlesunshine123xx]

Millie sat at the breakfast table on a cold Monday morning. Her spoon clattered loudly on her breakfast bowl, to which her mother winced every time. “Mildred! Do have some compassion for my nerves. You know how much I suffer. One must be silence while eating , did your school teach you nothing?” Millie mother complained while holding a hankie to her pale head.
“Indeed it did mama; I am now quite learned at piano mama. Should you like to hear it after breakfast perhaps?” Millie asked.
“Oh my head is so dreadful, I don’t think I could bare the sound. I think I shall retire to my bedroom. Tell your father when he comes home that he is to see me instantly, I have important news for him” Her mother said and with that headed off to her bedroom.
“What important news mama?” Millie shouted after her, but her mother didn’t reply.
Millie put her spoon down and gazed out the window, what a dreadful day this was. She could never go for her morning walk in this weather. No she would have to wait for tomorrow to go into town, this vexed her a lot she had been looking forward to visiting her friends from school. They had told her interested stories of their lives in the city. Millie lived a little outside the city centre of London. In a small rural village in their large family estate. An estate that would be handed over to her cousin the moment her father died. Her cousin that Millie was so helplessly in love with.
The dining room door opened slowly and her father peeped his face around the door, smiling at his only daughter. “Millie! Oh how good it is to see you my child. I cant tell you how much I have missed you. But your back now, ohhh and what delights await for you my dear child” Her father told her merrily as he clutched her in his strong arms.
“I have missed you to father. Mother has gave me strict orders to send you up to her in the instance you come home. She says she has important news for you” Millie replied and shooed her father out of the dining room, his face curious but still merry. Millie slowly followed him up the stairway, she wanted to know what the important news was for herself. She stopped a door ajar at the end of the hallway and peeked inside the room. Her mother was sitting on a chair at the far side of the room and her father in front of her.
“It’s no good Joseph we must find her a suitable match, soon before its to late” Her mother cried anxiously.
“Nonsense woman, she is only seventeen. She has plenty of time. Besides she is to marry my nephew William if you remember. They will make a most suitable match I do think.” Her father replied calmly.
“My daughter deserves better than your nephew, what status does he hold or wealth for that matter. He has written to us asking if he would be able to stay the week. I dont think it a good idea. It will never happen, besides it isn’t possibly for him to marry her now anyway” “Why ever would that be, have you been meddling again?”
“How dare you suggest that I would do such a thing! No your precious William, that may I add has been leading our Mildred along for years. Giving her false hopes of a match that would never happen. You see William is to marry a Miss Applegate, a upper class woman whose father I have heard has one of the biggest estates in the whole of England.” Her mother told her father a tone of delight in her voice. Millie slumped against the wall outside. Tears filled her blue eyes and she tried to stop herself from sobbing. “This cannot be true, where is the proof?” Her father asked, all happiness had gone of his voice and had been replaced with a tone of anger.
Her mother threw the mornings newspaper at her father. There was a small cutting about a Miss. T Applegate to marry a Mr. W. Robinson on February 14th. So it was true. Her father slammed the paper down on the floor and stormed out of the room, knocking Millie out of his way by accident as he did. “Millie! You didn’t...You haven’t been listening to our conversation have you” Her father asked angrily but yet anxious.
Millie nodded and then before he could say anything more Millie ran, ran as fast as she could out of the door, down the garden path, across the whole estate. The rain hitting her skin hard and whipped her like a thousand knifes. She had no overcoat, nothing and the morning was icy cold. But none of this stopped Millie from running, she ran and ran until she reached London town. In search for one of her friends home, but she had no idea where any of them lived. She had address oh yes, but she knew none of the streets. She has visited London maybe twice in her life. She had been kept away in boarding school so long she knew nothing of the outside world and the dangers it held. Here she was soaked to then skin and totally lost in the blustering city of London. Whatever was she going to do? ((Feel free to introduce ur characters to me or watever :/ ))Click me (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/normal_clemence-poesy-guerra-e-pace.jpg)

[FurryPanda]

((Urk, you're right, sorry about that! And I don't mind skipping ahead to new years))

Thomas woke up late the next mornng, and he was just a bit confused. He was warm. He could barely remeber the last time he'd been comfortably warm in wintertime, and it disconcerted him a little. Not that he minded terribly, it was nice. A bit more of a concern for him was what to do with his tuff. He had no place that he knew was safe to leave everything. His money he could-and would- carry with him, but the blanket and his old clothes were a bit bulky to drag around. He grimaced but finally decided to leave them behind the bakery; most people who would take them would avoid the comparitive niceness there.

He left his stuff in the niche he had slept in and slid into the street. His sensibilites as a pickpocket were a bit aroused by the lack of crowd in the street, but his thoughts were far moore occupied with what to do with his one other new possession- the money. Lots of things ranged through his mind that he could buy, everything from food to that decent pair of boots to something extravagant like books. He was so lost in his thoughts that he crashed into some girl wandering around looking lost.
((He crashed into Millie))

"Oh miss I'm so sorry" He stuttered, completely mortified at his klutziness.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"Oh miss I'm so sorry" He stuttered, completely mortified at his klutziness.

"Ohhhhh" Millie let out a scream of terror, as the boy knocked her to the floor. The boy looked dirty and raggered. Millie reached inside her dress pocket and pulled out her velvet black, drawstring purse. It contained only a few pieces of silver, but to the boy it would be a lot. Shaking she stretched out her hand, with her purse in her palm. "Here take it, take it all. Just leave me alone please i beg you"

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: I am going away for a few days on holiday so i wont be back till the sunday 30th december. ))

[funheart00]

ooc;; Thanks for letting us know littlesunshine123xx, have a good time :)
Also, I'm going to extend Morning for a couple of days - or so - just to give everyone a longer chance to check in.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas's mortification switched to surprise when the girl gave a terrified scream and scrambled to hand a purse to him. "Here take it, take it all. Just leave me alone please i beg you" she said, looking utterly terrified.

He backed up a few paces and tried to smile charmingly. He would not rob a girl, even if she asked, especially when he did have money of his own. Looking more closely at her he realized that she had no idea what the heck was going on. No jacket, not even another layer of clothes and terrified by a pickpocket in clean clothes, she obviously was not from London. "Miss, d'you need some 'elp? An' ya might wanna get up, the walkways are wet in this rain." He hoped she would make up her mind to let him help her or go on her way quickly, he wasn't that interested in standing in the rain, even if he was a mite more sensibly dressed than she was.

[funheart00]

((ooc;; I think we should move on ... you characters can well still be where they are etc, but it's just to get the RP moving again after Christmas))

It is now Afternoon in London ....

[Fayreview]

((Ok i was gone longer than expected but I'm back and I'll post when i see a good opportunity))

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda spent her morning in the bakery cleaning from top to bottom in between baking. It was a habit she did every week. Her father had always told her that one of the keys to a good buisness was keeping everything sparkeling. So it was his words that rung threw her ears as she did a deep cleaning.

She was almost shocked to see it was afternoon already. She let out a sigh and sat down at one of the tables and leaned her head against the walls. It was a good thing that not a lot of customers had come that morning or she would have been twice as tired. BUt still even threw her tired body, her mood was as cheery as ever.

Getting up from the chair she walked to the oven and pulled out some fresh goods from the oven and set them on the warming display.

[AtropaMandragora]

Early morning light had never been a friend of Benjamin's. It tended to sting his eyes and make his head throb worse than on the rare occasion when he woke up to darkness after having remembered to pull the curtains before tumbling into bed the night before. This morning, however, he had been lucky enough to sleep facing the wall when the first rays of sunlight intruded upon his untidy room. And so it wasn't until morning had passed that he woke up, having turned in his sleep, only to find the light of noon to be equally merciless. Groaning to himself, at his pounding headache and the cruelty of life in general, he raised a hand to block the sunlight from his eyes, just long enough for them to adjust. Then he reluctantly sat up, wishing for nothing more than to go back to sleep. But, he was starving, and knowing him, there wasn't a single bite to eat anywhere in this rented room of his.
Thus, he had no choice but to get up.

Muttering to himself, he stood, just as slowly as he had sat up, and ran a hand through his longish, unkempt hair while glancing at himself in the mirror on top of the dresser across the room. He was well aware that it wasn't becoming of a gentleman, or any man, to sport anything but a neatly trimmed coiffure. Which was why he did. It amused him greatly to have people take him for nothing but an uneducated unfortunate, and shock them by turning out to speak quite eloquently. Sometimes behaving rather well-mannered in the process, and sometimes behaving anything but. It all depended on his highly irregular mood.
This afternoon, he wasn't up for games, nor was he up for making more of an effort than he had to. And so after grabbing his coat, he started towards the door, still wearing the same clothes as the day before, only now a bit more creased.

Once outside, he shoved his hands deep into his pockets, finding in them a few crumpled papers and a pencil that he always carried with him, just in case he was suddenly overcome by inspiration. Though sadly, so far, there was only one phrase written on one of the papers. 'Lies unfold, truths untold'. He didn't know what it meant. He couldn't even remember writing it, and so just assumed it was something he had scribbled down during one of his many sessions of intoxication. Lord knows he'd had his fair share of them.

With a low and relentless gutteral growl rumbling in his stomach - a constant reminder that his body craved some kind of nourishment - he picked up his pace, heading for the bakery nearby. He had been there a few times before, and knew that the young lady running the place always gave her customers their money's worth; never offering anything but freshly baked bread, unlike some, who would do just about anything to make more of a profit, including selling dry, day old bread.

The delicate tinkling of the small bell above the door welcomed him as he entered the bakery, and the warmth immediately wrapped him in it's comforting embrace. It wasn't really all that cold outside, but the hunger left him more suseptible to the chill, and so the pleasant temperature felt like somewhat of a blessing to him.

"Morning", he greeted the young woman behind the counter, while raising both his hands to his lips in an attempt to warm them up by breathing into them.

He didn't even register the fact that it was only to him it was still morning. To everyone else, it was now afternoon.

"A cup of tea and two corn muffins, please."

[littlesunshine123xx]

Miss, d'you need some 'elp? An' ya might wanna get up, the walkways are wet in this rain." He hoped she would make up her mind to let him help her or go on her way quickly, he wasn't that interested in standing in the rain, even if he was a mite more sensibly dressed than she was

Millie looked at the boy an opened her mouth about to say something but no words came out. Still opened mouthed she gazed up at the darking sky. It must have been mid afternoon at least and the clouds above where loaming dark and cry against the tall grimy buildings of london. "Help? Yes i need help" Millie said and spun around looking around her, feeling completely confused.
She stopped and looked back at the boy. She felt her head spin and the boy was saying something but she couldnt hear the words just his mouth opening and closing. She felt herself slipping into total darkness. Frightened she grabbed hold of the boy by the shoulders. She collapsed right there in the middle of a busy london street, clinging on to the boy.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was incredibly shocked to find the girl one second asking if he would help her, and the next minute holding his shirt front as she was pased out on the side walk. He made a face and hoped desperately that no one would see or comment on it, the girl was clearly off her rocker, or much worse off than he thought. He gently disengaged her hands from his shirt and got up off the kneeling posture she had forced him into.

He was a bit torn. He couldn't just leave her there, but there was no way he would carry her to somewhere warmer, he doubted he could. He sighed gustily out loud, his mother ahd told him the one sure fire way to remedy a fainting spell, but he had a feeling she wouldn't like it. He reached over and slapped her, hard, across the face, then scuttled back as she woke up. He flushed a bit, he felt like a monster for hitting a girl.

"Miss? Raight sorry 'bout that miss, but y'really need to get some'ere warmer. C'mon if you want." He stared down at her, hoping she'd be reasonable and go with him. He knew he'd feel guilty if he had to leave her.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"Miss? Raight sorry 'bout that miss, but y'really need to get some'ere warmer. C'mon if you want." He stared down at her, hoping she'd be reasonable and go with him. He knew he'd feel guilty if he had to leave her

Millie felt a hot hand across her face. She quickly regained conscious, clutching her face where the boy hand had just hit her. Her eyes began to water but she wouldnt let herself cry. She was still lying on the floor and people from across the street or nearby where gathering round. She could see the boy felt uncomfortable. A few of the members of the crowd muttered, shaking there heads.
"You think i want to go with you after you have just hit across the face. No thank you! ...Unless you really are willing to help me, are you? I mean it wont be easy and I may be a burden, are you sure you can handle it? You only look young, maybe you should go back home to your mother boy. You needn't worry about me." Millie said getting to her feet and brushing herself off.

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: You could come to my girl's house if you like. She's upper class & older, but they could have met in finishing school or something.

[FurryPanda]

"You think i want to go with you after you have just hit across the face. No thank you! ...Unless you really are willing to help me, are you? I mean it wont be easy and I may be a burden, are you sure you can handle it? You only look young, maybe you should go back home to your mother boy. You needn't worry about me."

Thomas shuffled his feet a few times. "Miss, that'd 'ardly be polite. D'you've some'ere ta go? I'll at least walk ya there, miss." He mentally resigned himself to helping her out. The girl even more clearly had never been out in a city before. Anyone that would stay to talk to "riff-raff" like him wouldn't assume anything of his paternity or what sort of time he had on his hands. More for the risk of getting all their money taken in some alley than any actual knowledge, but still. He had already decided not to leave her if he could help it, someone wandering around passing out in London would get everything stolen in a blink.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Yeah slytherin girl that would be good was thinking about something like that anyway. does your character have an address so i can go to were u live?))

"Miss, that'd 'ardly be polite. D'you've some'ere ta go? I'll at least walk ya there, miss." He mentally resigned himself to helping her out.

" I did not mean to be rude, please pardon me. But yes I do have somewhere to go. However I have no idea how to get there or where it is. If your willing to help me I would be grateful. But before we set of i was wondering how about a spot of afternoon tea. I havent ate since breakfast and I could do with a new coat. We could look around the city for a while for a coat and then stop of at an Inn for the night for food and sleep, before travelling tomorrow. Obviously at my expense, you do look like you need a good meal inside you and a good night sleep. What do you say? do you agree?" Millie asked him smiling, hoping he would say yes.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas smiled warmly, he hadn't really expected much out of helping her, but food was food. "That sounds aright miss. There's a shop near 'ere wit good food, we could go there for tea. I dunno about many inns in the city, if you're wit me twould be aright to go to your freind's house at night, nothin'll happen." He waited for her to say something, he was planning on getting inside soon, it wasn't raining that hard, but he was feeling uncomfortably damp and she didn't look much better.

[littlesunshine123xx]

""That sounds aright miss. There's a shop near 'ere wit good food, we could go there for tea. I dunno about many inns in the city, if you're wit me twould be aright to go to your freind's house at night, nothin'll happen."

"I can hardly expect a young boy like yourself to be out at night. Your mother would be terribly worried if you where out at night in London. Wouldnt she?. However we can worry about that later. At the moment I would like to find a suitable coat and prehaps a nice tea room. Do you drink tea?" Millie rambled rather fastly grabbing the boy and marching down the packed street, looking for a clothes shop on the way.

[FurryPanda]

"I can hardly expect a young boy like yourself to be out at night. Your mother would be terribly worried if you where out at night in London. Wouldnt she?. However we can worry about that later. At the moment I would like to find a suitable coat and prehaps a nice tea room. Do you drink tea?"

Thomas blinked confusedly for a moment before answering. He was slightly disoriented by, over what seemed to be an extremely short period of time, having some girl going form screaming in terror to asking about tea. He answered quickly, "Naa, I'ven't seen my mum in ages, she 'on't mind." He winced a bit inside, the worst part of running away from the farm had been leaving his mother, even if she would have benefitted just as much by his leaving as any of the others. "I drink tea, yes. Wha's your name?" He finished, deftly sliding out of her grip to walk just behind her.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"I drink tea, yes. Wha's your name?" He finished, deftly sliding out of her grip to walk just behind her.

"Oh you must think i have no manners not introducing myself. My name is Mildred Robinson but please call me MillieWhat is yours ?." She asked extending her delicate hand out to the boy. " I know how it feels to have a mother that doesnt care. Thats the reason why I am here, kind of.."Millie said sadly and looked down at the floor stopping, rubbing her eyes with fingers, stopping the tears.
"Im sure there was a nice tea room i heard my friends say about in London city...maybe its this way" Millie said her voice artificial sounding and strained, trying to hide her sadness.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas took Millie's proffered hand and shook it gently, he didn't deign to comment on what she seemd to think of his mother. He had left, not been kicked out and it was his brothers, not her, that motivated it. But Millie didn't need to know that, she seemed to have enough problems.

"I'm Thomas Blackfoot, and there are some tea rooms around here, but none I'd take a lady into. There's a better one uptown." He pointed in the opposite direction she had been going, and smiled vaguely. He was about to ask what her problem with her mother was, but seeing how very upset she looked he decided not to comment. It was one thing to help somebody out, quite another to help a sobbing girl. Or be on the same street as one.

((I hope you don't mind that I've stopped typing his cockney acent... it's getting a bit annoying))

[littlesunshine123xx]

I'm Thomas Blackfoot, and there are some tea rooms around here, but none I'd take a lady into. There's a better one uptown."

"Splendid splendid. But first let us just go ino this one for shop, i saw a coat in the window at a most agreeable price. You dont mind do you?" Millie said stepping into a shop in the side street.

[FurryPanda]

"Splendid splendid. But first let us just go ino this one for shop, i saw a coat in the window at a most agreeable price. You dont mind do you?"

Thomas stood startled for a sec and then said belatedly, "Oh no I don't mind, go right ahead. He stepped inside too and waited quietly in a corner for her to get whatever jacket she wanted. He wasn't sure how much the boots he wanted would be, and his clothes were sturdily, if cheaply, made. They would do for the moment.

He sighed very quietly, but stayed invisible in the corner as only the lowest classes can do, until she finished.

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: She doesn't really have an address set in stone, but her father is a Lord/Noble, so she has a big fancy house with lots of servants and such. You can just show up at one if you like :)

[littlesunshine123xx]

Thomas stood startled for a sec and then said belatedly, "Oh no I don't mind, go right ahead.

Millie entered the shop Thomas behind her. She browsed through the iron racks looking at each of the coats inspecting them. She looked behind her back at Thomas. He was standing in the far corner looking out of place and also aware of it. A few of the ladies in the shop sneered and gossiped to each other nodding and pointing in his direction. Millie found a coat she wanted; a delicate cream cotton overcoat. She paid the shop keeper with a few of her gold coins. 5 pounds hardly much for a coat she thought, her mother usually bought coats for 10 pounds or more. However Millie hadnt bought a great deal with her. Her purse was half empty just after buying one coat. How the rest of the money was going to last her she did not no. She walked towards Thomas about to tell him she was done when she overheard a few of the ladies in the shop speaking about him. "Yes dreadful it is, watch your purse my dear, one cant be to careful with his likes around. A young lady with a boy like that, oh how dreadful this is." A anger roased in Millie and she turned towards the women "Madam it is none of your business as what I and my friend are doing together. Nor is it your place to judge him. He would not rob anyone and how dare you suggest he might" Millie told them angrily, with that she grabbed a opened mouthed Thomas and stepped out of the shop and into the busy London street once more.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas followed a very angry lookign Millie out the store, a bit awed. No one ahd ever jumped to defend him like that. Of ocurse, normally he avoided the places where any such thing was nescessary, but he would never expect it. Not that the woman was wrong, he was a pickpocket after all and made very few delusions on the subject. It was only coincedence that he didn't rob women, and Millie had no way of knowing that. He was a bit startled that she had spent five pounds on a coat. He had hardly ever even seen that much money, and he doubted that Millie was rich enough to have it to waste. He didn't know, but it seemed like it.

He followed her in silence for a few minutes then quietly said, "That was nice of you." Remebering his place in society he stared at the sidewalk.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Slytherin girl i found an address for your london home Fitzroy Square, London, W1T Click here to see a pic of it (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/18fitzroy_ext1.jpg) ))

[littlesunshine123xx]

He followed her in silence for a few minutes then quietly said, "That was nice of you." Remebering his place in society he stared at the sidewalk.

"I can not, I shall not let someone be discriminated against because of there place in society. It is completely unfair, you should not have to indure such a thing and you shall not." Mille said looking at the boy. He was only a boy, she had not thought of his feelings before the shop incident. Here was a boy of prehaps only 13 maybe 14 years of age, alone in a busy london. She wondered his business here. Was the lower class so hard done by that children where on the streets, striving for a living.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas couldn't help but snort at that. "Good luck with that Miss, really. The tea room I was telling you about is down here." He turned a corner and waited for her, he was sure her reaction to the difference a single street could make in London would be priceless. The block they ahd been on was a bit grimy and dirty, and had single story shops crowded close together. Down here was shiny, pristine and everyone was dressed fantastically.

The tea room was just in this middle area where the poor could go if they needed too, rather than in true uptown, where he would draw stares like flies to honey. He had decided to avoid that as much as possible, given how his companion had just acted.

[littlesunshine123xx]

The tea room was packed full of ladies and their young children. All dressed in perfect satin or silk, with lace details. Millie looked down at her own dress, it was still a little wet and the shape had gone out of it from the rain. Some of the fabric at the bottom was torn and there was mud on her shoes and dress. She took her new coat from its paper wrapping. She quickly slipped it on and button it up. She looked a lot more acceptable now. Thomas maybe not dressed in the smartess of clothing, but at least he looked clean. Sitting close to the window,Millie poured out some tea into her and Thomas cups. She took a sip from her cup, pushing to look at Thomas who was too drinking. "Thomas i hope you dont mind me asking...but what made you leave home. You said your mother doesnt mind where you are, why is that?" Mille asked looking over her cup.

[innoscenteyes]

Amanda was laying out the freshly baked goods when the bell sounded on the door. A brightly smile appeared on her face as always and she went to the counter. It was a boy that came in. She had seen him in her a couple of hims, but had never really meet him. HIs brown hair was in a diseray. He actually looked like he had just gottne up. Which was strange seeing as it was after noon.

"Morning"

Amanda couldnt help but let a small chuckled exscpae. Maybe she had been right. He had just woken up.

"A cup of tea and two corn muffins, please."

"Good afternnon Sir. I will get them right away for you."

She turned away and went to get what he had asked for. First she pured the tea and set it on a tray with whatever he might like to put in it. Then grabbed his muffins. Quickly she walked and placed then on a tale. It was only a guess he had wanted to dine in. Plus seein as he looked cold, she figured he wouldnt mind staying in a bit.

"Here you are." She said standing by the table still. " Is there anything else I can get for you?"

[FurryPanda]

Thomas had been thoroughly lulled by the warmth of the tea house, and been reassured by the fact that Millie had not ordered the most expensive tea in the place, and had been sensible enough to order some crumpets. Then out of seemingly nowhere she asked, "Thomas i hope you dont mind me asking...but what made you leave home. You said your mother doesnt mind where you are, why is that?"

Thomas visibly flinched. He didn't like thinking about the farm or any of it. He gulped down a scalding hot sip of tea. He did not wnat to talk about this, but he for some reason felt he owed her. He put his cup down and stared at it then took a deep breath and said quietly, "Well, I was born on a farm, 'bout thirty some miles from here, youngest of six, all boys. Really small farm, fifteen hectares, and there was hardly ever enough food. When I was... eight, I think, yeah eight, so six years ago- I decided there wasn't much chance I would inherit anything, and I wasn't doing anyone any good on the farm. So... I left. I'd been too London before, I figured I could get work and make my fortune and so on."

He pasued to refill his teacup, he had been drinking deeply from it, and could feel the tea buring the roof of his mouth even after he swallowed it. "So I was in the city and to make a long story short, I had a bad time of it. A couple of obys took me in for a while and taught me what I needed to know, and I left them after a while." He gulped down even more tea, hoping she wouldn't be able to guess the truth about "the boys"- that one was a thief lord, and it had been a gang. "So I've been on my own since then. It's a nice enough life, better than a sweatshop." He reached over to pour more tea, and was slightly startled to find the pot empty and his hands shaking.

[AtropaMandragora]

There were three reasons why Benjamin found himself coming back to this particular bakery. One; it was nearby, and when it came to everyday essentials, Benjamin could be incredibly lazy, never venturing any further than was absolutely necessary. Two; the goods were never anything less than tasty, and sold at a fair price. And three; the shop keeper always seemed to have a genuinly friendly smile on her face. It was a rare thing among the ever busy Londoners, and something that Benjamin, despite his rather bitter and jaded views on life at times, appreciated. Her kindness seemed so pure, and as the artist he was, Benjamin very much enjoyed seeing things of purity, especially when put next to something of an extreme contrast. Such as himself, in this case. There she was, clean, kind and perky, with a bright smile lighting up her face, standing right next to the table he had chosen. And then there he was; the decadent and brooding writer, who tended to toy with people and insult them just because he felt like it. Especially the ones expecting to be met with nothing but courtesy and humility; the upper class.
Contrasts indeed.

"Here you are", the young baker said as she set down the tray with the muffins, the cup of tea and various condiments infront of him. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"

Benjamin glanced up at her while putting his cold hands around the cup of steaming tea; a much faster and better way to warm them than to breathe on them. He was just about to decline, but stopped himself at the very last moment. His mouth was slightly open, and he had drawn a breath to speak, yet he remained silent for a second or two. The reason why he was here in the first place was because he had nothing to eat at home. A fact that wouldn't have magically changed when he was done with his breakfast and left the bakery, no matter how convenient it would've been if it had. Perhaps he should plan ahead for once? It couldn't hurt, right? He wouldn't fall head first into the great abyss of conformity just because he resigned himself to one act of normal behaviour, now would he?
Besides, this was a change of enviroment. Perhaps it would jog his creativity? Over the past few weeks, he had accomplished pretty much bugger all cooped up in his dark and dreary room, so... why not give it a try?

"Inspiration?" he suggested with another glance up at her, although this time one far more ironic than the previous one.

But before she had a chance to even react, he waved his hand dissmissively at what he had just said, and simply conitnued;

"Yes. A loaf of brown bread, to take with me. And you may just as well bring the whole pot over here. I imagine I shall be here for quite a while."

With that he leaned back to reach into his pockets once again, to recover the crumpled papers and then proceeded to straighten them out before him on the table.



(((ooc: innoscent - I assumed she has more than one tea pot, so... :) )))