[hr][hr][center][img]https://s23.postimg.org/h6shths5n/virginia.png[/img]
[img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/e1e20629c43d083e365cb6358b2ca293/tumblr_o17frnvlTR1thj7ndo1_500.gif[/img][hr][color=9999ff]Location:[/color] Crypt Townhouse; near the Strand, London ---> Almack's[/center][hr][hr]She had changed into something perhaps a bit more comfortable, enjoying the plainness of dress for a mere moment. Although it was a black dress with white sleeves, it had a certain boyish character that Virginia felt gave it a particular charm. Whenever she trained, she wore this dress. It prevented her from becoming encumbered with lace and frills, allowing the freedom of movement that she so desired. If she could, Virginia would simply attend Almack's in this more natural dress. But that was not to be. 

"Are you sure you will be attending the event tonight, my lady?" Alfred asked, as he handed Virginia the various pins and ribbons needed to attend to her hair. 

[color=9999ff]"As sure as I am that Great-Grandfather Crypt was fatally stabbed by an Irishman,"[/color] Virginia replied, as she quickly braided and put up her hair. It was perhaps a bit fanciful for her taste, but the Season demanded it. And while Crypts were many things, she hated to think that she could be called rude. 

"But think of the risks, my lady," Alfred cautioned her, as he selected an ice blue gown from the wardrobe. "An attack is imminent and your will inherit the earldom if you are no longer among the living. Who shall stop the courts from declaring the Lord Dywell dead at sea?"

[color=9999ff]"You shall see to that, dear Alfred,"[/color] Virginia replied, rising from her seat. 

"And if I am not here to do so, my lady?"

[color=9999ff]"Then I shall have to try earnestly to remain among the living,"[/color] Virginia replied. [color=9999ff]"Though my dear Alfred, do not speak like that. You are not in our employ to die at such a young age. I should be terribly cross with you if I live to see your demise."[/color] 

Alfred shook his head ever so slightly, and retreated from the room as to give Virginia privacy while she changed. With a bit of solitude, Virginia took a moment to close her eyes, imagining the release of sweet oblivion. Her mother had always explained that there was a certain jump to throw oneself towards destruction--a desire to step off the edge of a cliff and to fall. Did that explain her behavior this evening? To be truthful, Virginia did not fancy the society she lived in. As much as she did not wish ill upon her father, his absence was the only thing that allowed her to continue to rebuke suitors. 

She slipped into the soft, ice blue gown and partnered it with fine gloves. Her weapons were attached as always, as she was expecting tragedy that evening, and would have brought them even if she did not. Slipping the family ring onto her finger, Virginia was as ready for the events of that evening as she ever could be. [color=9999ff]"Arthur, I shall return late,"[/color] Virginia announced, as she made her way out of her room and down the staircase, headed for the carriage that would whisk her away to Almack's.

"Do come back in one piece, my lady," Alfred replied, nodding at her as he opened the door. 

[color=9999ff]"I would worry myself more with the clueless young men who fancy they can make me their wife, dear Alfred,"[/color] Virginia replied. [color=9999ff]"It is perhaps them who will not return to their homes with all of their limbs attached and operational."[/color]