1. petronilla introduces herself

[damesuccubus]

[Since Petronilla is illiterate and vain, she's spent the last day trying to figure out how to use the video function on the communication device. She finally turns it on and looks triumphantly into the camera - well, half-triumphantly, because she's pointing it at a spot just above her shoulder - but you can see her face and and the neat folds of

Comments

{Video}

[so_meretricious]

{A young, proper lady with child presses Holmes' few buttons in regards to helping and protecting women. He speaks, as ever, with his Etonian accent, and is dressed in his black and white evening wear.}

It is a pleasure, Lady Petronilla. I do hope you are no longer in such distress over your arrival.

{Video}

[damesuccubus]

[Petronilla sits up straight at the sight of him. A gentleman, perhaps?]

I am still distressed over the situation, but have spoken with many kind people who assure me I will not be harmed. [A smile.] And who are you, sir?

{Video}

[so_meretricious]

{His ancestors were country squires, don't you know.}

The few who might wish you harm in this place will be speedily dealt with, I assure you. I am Sherlock Holmes, {He gives a slight nod.} My own home is in London, and I have visited fair Hertfordshire on numerous occasions.

{Video}

[damesuccubus]

[She inclines her head ever-so-slightly.]

I have always wanted to live in London. My dear sister had a home there.

Your welcome is most gracious, sir. Thank you.

{Video}

[so_meretricious]

It is a fabulous city and, for all my travels, I do not believe I could permanently reside anywhere else. {Cottages in Sussex aside.} Your husband does not wish to make a home there?

{Video}

[damesuccubus]

My husband is heir to the de Vilers lands and manor in Hertfordshire, and that is where I reside. My sister-in-law inherited the townhouse in London from her deceased husband, and that's where she and my husband's brother live...currently.

{Video}

[so_meretricious]

Has there been a perhaps ominous development, my Lady?

{Video}

[damesuccubus]

Nothing more than family politics. I shouldn't trouble you with such things, as this is our first meeting and I would hate to make a poor impression.

{Video}

[so_meretricious]

I do not believe you could make such an impression. {Even though she is an inmate, yes, but he will just ignore that.} But you are right, we will not speak of such things at this juncture. Tell me, have you travelled?

{Video}

[damesuccubus]

Travelled? No, I have not. I travel from Middlesex to Hertfordshire occasionally, as my father's land is in the south, but no further.

{Video}

[so_meretricious]

It is a pity, and I do hope you are offered many sights to see here. Travelling is an excellent pursuit for a young woman. {He should know, he used to be one occasionally.}

If I might be so bold, Lady Petronilla, I extend my hospitality to you should have reason to feel unsafe in your rooms. I do not trust many on board around a lady in your state.

{Video}

[damesuccubus]

My husband and his family have gone to France. Even my sister has visited France; the one who resides in London. [Bitter? Lady Petronilla? NEVER.]

Thank you for your kind offer. I know I would feel much safer with such a well-manner gentleman looking after me and my child.

{Video}

[so_meretricious]

France is quite beautiful, and remains so until you encounter a Frenchman. {Holmes isn't an Englishman. Not at all.} My cabin is the nineteenth on the fifth floor; do not hesitate should you need or wish to call.

{Video}

[damesuccubus]

The nineteenth on the fifth floor. What does the door look like? [Numbers. What are those.] And too long a stay in France turns any man into an insufferable dandy. I have seen it happen.

{Video}

[so_meretricious]

{Holmes picks up his communicator, speaking as he does so.} Being an insufferable dandy is unfortunately what a man must do to survive any length of time in France.

{There is a pause as he opens his door and stands out side of it, focusing on the black wooden door and its elegant little opaque window above it.} The door, my Lady, and its proximity, to the lift. {Said all completely without a patronising tone.} Has the working of the lift been explained to you?

{Video}

[damesuccubus]

[Her nose almost presses against the screen as she tries to memorise the look of the door.]

The lift? No, sir, it has not. [Though colour her intrigued.