Thread: Of Middle-Aged Débutantes & Winter Cotillions (any)

The door opens a few moments after Tala knocks. The butler bows as he motions her in. He avoids looking her in the eye as he leads her to the sitting room. The house is strangely quiet with no girls sitting at the top of the stairs this time. The butler motions her to a chair and moves to get her a drink.

Tala takes the drink and mutters, "Thanks." before taking a sip. Once done she smiles at the old man and says, "Aweful quiet around here... the girls out shopping today?"

"I suppose they'll be needing dresses soon, for the Cotillion. That's why I'm here. I ... I wanted to ask Mrs. Du Lac about what I should pick up for the event and my grandmother wanted to know if any kin from Europe have been invited." She rolls her eyes ever so slightly.

The butler nods and exits the room. Madame Du Lac comes out shortly after, looking perfect as ever, but somehow still managing to look old and gaudy at the same time.

"Oh my dear! I'm so glad you came back! Please assure your grandmother that we always invite only the finest young gentlemen our tribe can provide. I know for a fact that there will be several from France and Russia as well. As for you dear, just wear and appropriate dress and appropriate manners and the rest will be taken care of! I'm just so excited that you're going to be there!"

She smiles broadly and does seem genuinely pleased.

Tala nodded politely. "So," She says looking around the room a bit curious. "The girls all out shopping or something?"

Madame Du Lac smiles smoothly, waving a hand at the comment dismissively.

"They are in class. Today begins the lesson on proper maintenance of a kitchen in a household with a garou. We cannot have these young ladies not knowing how to properly stock a freezer and pantry!"

She chuckles. "I am so very glad you will be in attendance. I am confident that the gentlemen will be thrilled to have the chance to woo an actual garou rather than just another kinfolk."

Tala nods. "I can imagine it makes them happy. I presume there is no problem with my packmates being in attendance? It seems I may have to step into a leadership role here much sooner than expected and ... well, I can't afford to be rude to those who help keep me safe in battle against the wyrm."

"Oh and, well, I was wondering if maybe you could give me some sort of idea of what to expect for this ... party. I've been to events in the past where they hoped I would find an acceptable... mate... but, they were all very different from one another. I certainly don't want to make an idiot of myself or insult you and your efforts by being foolish, Madam."

Madame Du Lac puts on what is obviously a polite smile with nothing behind it.

"Oh dear... Leadership is what we do! I am surprised you have not taken charge already. However I am so deeply sorry that we simply cannot extend invitations to any of your pack that are not Silver Fang. I am certain you understand. Our resources are limited and I would hate for one of the girls to ... get attached to... someone not right for her. You know how these thing end up..." She pauses to take a breath and then her smile becomes genuine as she moves on to talking about the party itself.
"The party will start at seven p.m. We'll have appetizers and refreshments available. Dinner will be served at eight p.m. And then dancing can begin around nine. The party will end at eleven thirty. I'm just certain you'll have a lovely time."

Tala nods very slowly, her eyes falling to the left side of her and towards the floor... deep in thought. "Hmmm, so they are those type of girls." She says this comment with a passive aggressive insulting tone.

"Well, I suppose if the girls here don't know any better then I surely wouldn't want to ruin your good reputation by tempting them to give into their spirited ways. My Pack will just have to understand that my friends must be denied the famous Silver Fang tribal hospitality in this area." She shrugs and meets Madam Dulac's eyes.

"Pity. No matter though, I'm sure after we're done here that my family's sizable donation in thanks for tolerating my pack and their sometimes undesirable traits, will be more than welcome at plenty of noble households back in New York. You wouldn't believe the parties they throw!" She chuckles haughtily.

"The Kin there are always so happy to show off the tribe's abundance of resources and good breeding. Really, don't fret about it too much... unless..." She seems to suddenly get a very good idea and smiles, excitedly patting Madam Dulac's leg in her best imitation of some of the more pathetic kinfolk she was force to hobnob with in New York.

"Maybe I could convince Grandmother to make her donation to you & your school! Not only could it help with whatever needs you might have but, perhaps we could hire an extra hand or three to keep an eye on the other less refined girls and my packmates during the event. I mean, what with you inviting noble kin from Europe & the East Coast, surely there will be enough tempting Kin present that no girl here would give a second glance to the members of my pack." She prayed that the temptation of money combined with the thought that another kin family might show her up, would soften the old girl up to the idea of 'tolerating' whatever friends she might be able to con into helping her make it through the night.

Gaia help me but I don't think I'm going to be able to keep this up much longer if I can't at least have one sincere smile at my side... GAH! Gran... you have no idea what you've asked of me here.

Madame Du Lac's smile falters only for a moment as you see her weighing the options at lightning speed.

"I suppose I could allow you to bring one friend. Although the gentlemen may perceive that as a tick against you, and well, once we reach a certain place in our lives... well, beggars can't be choosers can they now?"

She smiles brightly at Tala.