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Madame Vastra had patience for countless ape constructions and customs. When she awoke in this world, she found herself in a peculiar time. A time on the planet where the British empire reigned and the society was based on a hierarchy. She had to adapt and adjust to civilization around her. It took time but she found herself quite comfortable and, dare she say, settled in this world. “Jenny dear, I don’t see why we needed to purchase a new gown for this forthcoming event.”
Jenny rolled her eyes; the last clasp was done on the back of the dress and now such an act was muscle memory that it required little attention from her. “Ma’am, we have been through this. You ‘ave only attended a few social gatherings and I’m afraid the selection of gowns you ‘ave won’t work for this event.” A new dress was needed. Vastra looked into the mirror and greatly appreciated the midarm length sleeves. The material was made of fine silk and the color of gold, which was not her favorite, but with the trim and repeating black ribboned patterns that stretched around the center along with the black pattern that continued through the middle of sleeves, she was impressed with the craftsmanship. This dress was a bit smaller than those she typically wore around town. The bustle was smaller and did not drag on the floor and a hoop wasn't required. Vastra realized that over time the dresses had come close to being practical for everyday wear, they had smaller bustles and you could easily navigate yourself through crowded places.
Vastra's eyes caught that of her lover in the mirror and she smiled. She was not required to attend many events but Jenny insisted she participate in one every year. Had she known this event was formal and required a ballroom dress, she would have declined. Her reluctance for spending time with other socialites led to her procrastination and now she had no other options available.
Jenny stepped in front of Vastra and eyed her from top to bottom, the dress fit nicely and her black gloves and veil would match nicely. “You look good and proper. Now, we’ve got to teach ya to dance.”
Vastra let out a sigh, a long time ago she enjoyed the art of dancing. It was not like what humans did, more like ceremonies showing your rank or talents of a certain skill. Most of them involved weapons and fighting rather than dancing.
“Alright my ducks, there is always a person who leads in a dance. It's normally the man, so I will lead the dance between us since you won’t be leading.”
Vastra scoffed at the idea, “Why couldn’t I lead the dance?”
Jenny rolled her eyes, “My love, it's not very romantic if the woman has control, is it?”
Vastra held her hand as a playful grin appeared across her features, “Well I have never complained when you have been in control.”
Jenny blushed, leaving it to her wife to say such embarrassing things. She was grateful she wasn't being stubborn about this. Vastra was suspiciously being very cooperative about this. Jenny bowed slightly, “My lady, may I have this dance?”
Vastra smiled and nodded, pleased when Jenny grabbed her hand. Dancing required them to be close together, she enjoyed the idea of being able to dance with her wife. Vastra then began to ponder if she should ever attempt a Silurian dance for her wife. Her attention went back towards her wife when she placed her hand around her side.
“The waltz is a slower dance but it's very common at these types of parties. Another dance will be the galop, it's more complicated and fast paced. I doubt the old commissioner will be performing that.”
Vastra looked amused, she leaned down to her lover's ear, “Tell me my heart, how did you come about the knowledge and experience to perform these dances?”
Jenny’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she remembered her brother Barty attempted to swoon a girl of the upper class with his dancing. She watched him practice for hours everyday. Least to say he was unsuccessful but Jenny had observed and improved these skills when she joined Vastra on investigations. She always felt proud for being able to play any character they needed if she had to go undercover. While Vastra disliked Jenny going undercover, she would never tell her no. Vastra always let Jenny do what she liked, regardless of the risk.
“‘ow about we stop asking questions and pay attention to the dance my love.”
Vastra looked pleased and nodded as Jenny took the lead. “Now the male has his own steps and so does the female. What's nice about the waltz is the steps are always in a count of three. The step will start with the right foot and go counterclockwise.”
Jenny told her the placement of their feet and the next step they would take together. Vastra focused and it didn’t take her long to get the rhythm of the waltz. She was impressed by the directions she received from her wife, they were very clear, a topic she understood and cared for, more than she let on. The Silurian was very curious when the shorter woman took the time to learn these dances. At the end of the turn, she learned how to dance clockwise, counter clockwise, and the contra check, which was a very intriguing technique. It required the male partner to take a longer stride and bend his knees and hold his partner as she leaned back and looked to the right. It all seemed very formal and grand, Vastra would not complain as she relished the time dancing with her wife.
“Well, my love, you learn quickly. I believe you are ready.” Jenny smiled. She didn’t expect her to be cooperative and the reptilian woman danced gracefully. Leave it to the green scaled beauty to always manage to make her fall in love with her more everyday. When Vastra pulled her against her chest Jenny smirked and leaned against her, listening to her strong heartbeat. It was rare for them to have moments like this, for Vastra to be able to accept commands without complaining about human customs. Jenny took a step back, “I think you're ready for tonight. One dance my love, you ‘ave to dance once with someone.”
Vastra rolled her eyes as Jenny stepped away from her. She always had to attend one event, pretending she is still an upper-class woman and widow so no one suspected any wrong doings going on in the Paternoster Row home. Vastra sighed as Jenny walked away; she knew their moment was gone. They spent everyday together in this house but time alone with one another was something that eluded them. “Strax, is the carriage ready?”
She heard some commotion from upstairs followed by some louds thuds of footsteps heading downstairs, “Ma’am, I have found the most efficient way to travel to your destination. It will involve only minor explosions and removal of walls but it could be our best option.”
Vastra shook her head, “Strax, the scenic route will be just fine. We are not rushing into battle tonight.” Strax grumbled and grabbed his hat as he walked outside. Vastra looked back towards her wife who was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. “My love, wish me luck. Try not to stay up too late and get some rest.”
Jenny raised her eyebrows, “Do not worry my ducks. I’ll sleep just fine without your snoring.” Jenny was amused when Vastra approached her, Jenny stood up straight and let out a small sigh of happiness as Vastra’s lips were pressed against her forehead. “Be sure to behave.”
Vastra nodded as she heard the front door open. “Madame Vastra, your carriage awaits.” The ride to the other side of the city was uneventful, the change in scenery did not surprise her as they turned onto Baker Street. The townhouses revealed what people lived in this part of London, the rich, the upper class. “We have arrived Madame.”
“Thank you, Strax.” Vastra heard the door open and looked at the chauffeur holding the door for her. Vastra stepped down, immediately dreading the rest of her night. Jenny and her were wealthy, wealthy enough at least. Vastra never understood human society, the separation of wealthy and poor. Homes having servants, tending to the rich. Very few of them are treated as people, never equals, just based upon their birth into a poor family.
When Vastra walked through the doors she was guided into another room, when she had entered, she was impressed with the chandelier lighting. The room had large windows that were covered with red silk curtains enlaced with gold patterns. There seemed to be one of these windows every ten feet, which would make it perfect for morning social festivities. The room was ample with very little furniture scattered against the walls. Places for either the wallflowers or the older to rest. In the very back of the room was a small platform where the musicians sat and played. Vastra had heard of balls but never attended one herself, there were a lot of people dancing together, their movements all looked in sync.
Vastra's attention was taken away from the scene when a gentleman approached her, “The great detective graces her with her presence. I am so happy to see you here Madame Vastra.”
Vastra nodded towards him, “Inspector Cotton, I do look forward to such festivities but I have very little spare time. I am afraid I won't be able to stay the whole night, I do hope you understand.”
He bowed, “But of course, we do understand you are busy. Come, let me introduce you to my colleagues and of course the commissioner is here as well. I hope my nephew will stop by and visit you tonight, I know he'll be excited to see the Great Detective.” Vastra offered her hand and he walked her closer to where the musicians were. There was a small group talking, she immediately recognized the commissioner, an older man. Tonight, he looked regal with black trousers and a red button down top with golden tassels hanging on the left shoulder. He also wore a sash; she associated such a thing with his rank. The man had a large beard and mustache, he was groomed nicely.
“Gentleman, this is Madame Vastra. She is smarter than the lot of you, so please keep her in good company tonight. Do you need a refreshment before I go mingle?”
Vastra shook her head lightly, “No, I am quite alright for now. Thank you, yes go have fun, you are the youngest one in this corner right now.” The men laughed and when he walked away Vastra wanted to roll her eyes. The man was only being polite but she did not need to be coddled. “Gentleman, what mysteries is Scotland Yard trying to solve today?”
The commissioner let out a deep laugh,” This woman never ceases to amaze me. Madame Vastra, this good sir here James Monro, he is my assistant here in London.” James wore a formal black suit with a white undershirt.
Vastra nodded towards the man as he bowed, “It’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” Vastra didn’t mind discussing old or new cases with the men. As a matter of fact, she was relieved when the men discussed even the gruesome cases they had solved in the past. Often men tiptoed around such topics but her reputation was one that the two men were familiar with.
A young man approached roughly fifteen minutes into their conversation. “Madame Vastra, it’s an honor to meet you. I'm Mr. Cotton's nephew. Would you like to dance?”
Vastra had promptly turned him down, before turning her attention back to the men. James spoke up, “Are you a widow Madame Vastra?”
“Oh no Mr. Monro. I am a happily married woman. I have lost my family, which is why I wear my veil.” Vastra paid attention to her surroundings, watching the men and women dance. She couldn't help but think of her wife, think of how much she would have really enjoyed this. Jenny more than likely dreamed of attending such an event when she was child. Over-romanticizing the idea over finding her true love, being swept away in conversation and dance. Vastra would need to have another talk with the commissioner, perhaps Jenny could attend the next dance. Here she was surrounded by people, many of the ladies were casting glances in her direction. More than likely gossiping that she was a hideous widow underneath her veil.
She didn't mind, she would be happy to tell each and every one of them she was married. Her wife, her better half, her heart. She understood she needed to maintain some sort of face, but she would never deny her marriage unless it put them directly in danger. Most people did not ask for details.
“My apologies Madame. If you’ll excuse me, I feel I must go waltzing. It was a pleasure to meet you. I did enjoy our conversation. Commissioner Anderson, I shall see you in the morning.”
Vastra watched as he weaved through the ballroom floor. Vastra focused on the dancers, realizing this was the dance Jenny had taught her. The waltz seemed eloquent, especially in a room full of gowns and tailored attire.
“Madam, would you care to dance?” Vastra focused back towards the voice, impressed that Sir Anderson was bold enough to assume she wanted to dance. She had to fulfill this one task in order to leave.
“I would love to dance, thank you commissioner.”
Vastra became attentive to her surroundings. Her senses felt hyper active, taking in the smells, looking for swift exits. The unknown feeling was one she was not intimately familiar with. She needed to relax, remember what her wife had told her. Vastra took a deep breath when he took her hand and placed his other gently upon her waist. The dance started and Vastra was eternally grateful that conversation was frowned upon while dancing. Vastra was able to keep up, not missing a step. Her sensitive eardrums focused on the music playing in the background. Vastra lost track of time, wondering how long they had been dancing before the music changed. Vastra was led off the floor and laughed, “Your waltzing was deftly executed.”
“I am glad you enjoyed the dance. I am in need of a break; would you care for a refreshment?”
Vastra shook her head, “I thank you for the offer and of course the invitation. It was a delightful evening but I really must leave now. Thank you again, I would love to have a discussion with you when you hold your next gathering. Have a goodnight commissioner.”
Vastra let out a sigh of relief when she stepped outside. She was delighted that she was fortuitous enough to experience such an occasion. As she approached the carriage she smiled underneath her veil, she did prefer the company of her own family. “Strax, I hope the evening has been pleasant for you.”
“Ma’am, there may have been a disagreement between the horse and I. It was promptly resolved; it also may have involved the bargaining of a sugar cube.”
“Let us go home now. I have had enough excitement for one night.”
“Very well, I'm sure the boy will be excited to have you return. Did you dance with a pitiful human?”
Vastra lifted her veil, “Yes, I did. It was amusing to dance with the commissioner.”
“Ah the weak and old human scum. That is a great target ma’am. If he caused you any issues, you could swiftly knock him out or outrun him.”
Vastra did feel elated that she accomplished her task. Not only that but it was performed without any hiccups. She had her wife to thank for that success. Vastra’s mind had drifted to Jenny all night. It was flabbergasting that she missed her so much. She did not enjoy spending too much time away from her other half. She never imagined that she would love one so much. That when separated from her love, she would miss their connection. How fortunate she was to have Jenny in her life. When the carriage stopped Vastra stepped out, “Thank you Strax. I will let Jenny know I have returned.”
Strax rolled his eyes, “Come on horse. Maybe the smooching will be over when I am done brushing you.”
Vastra walked inside the house and removed her veil and gloves. She walked until she reached the study, the room often used when they wanted to relax. Jenny was sitting on the chaise, a book in her hand. The fire kept this room at a warm temperature, often too hot for others to be comfortable. Vastra leaned against the door frame, it was astonishing that the two of them were still discovering new things about each. Every day was a blessing, that fate drew them together. She wanted to give Jenny everything but understood that Jenny would speak up for herself if she truly desired something.
“You just gonna stand there all night and stare?” A smile broke out across Jenny’s features and she placed a bookmark in her spot and put the book down.
Vastra approached and reached for Jenny’s hands and pulled her up. “I would love to have this last dance with you.”
Jenny blushed, “My ducks, we don't have any music.” Vastra took the lead, walking her over to the more open part of the room in front of the fireplace. Vastra gently placed her hand upon Jenny’s waist and lightly began to hum. Vastra did not sing or hum tunes, it was something she typically avoided. Tonight felt like a special occasion and she kept the tune from earlier this evening in her head. The tempo of the beat was fresh in her mind, and she continued humming as she danced with her wife.
Jenny's eyes remained locked with Vastra’s, the scales on her face almost glowed from the low light from the fire. The sparkle in her blue eyes showed Jenny just how much love and care the Silurian had for her. Jenny could drown in those eyes but hearing the Silurian hum, filled her heart with warmth. Vastra was doing this just for her, because she loved her. They kept dancing, staying connected in that moment, in mind, body, and soul.