Going about business

[Leo]

Afterwhile. That was a good way to put it for he did not know exactly when they would return, but it would be before the day was out. He did not want people to think that he had kidnapped her, even if they may wonder where she had gone.

With her arm in tow Leo first gave her hand a slight pat before proceeding to carry on, walking the length of the room and starting out the front door. A nod of recognition given to the people who might have been around.

"Tell me Señora," he started to say as they stepped outside in the beautiful morning air. "Why is it that you have not been around these parts? If you had I am sure that I would have come across you before now." She had mentioned how she did not know the area.

Leo walked at a pace that was leisurely. A casual stroll in the crisp morning air. No need to rush. "Our stop is not very far, a bit south of the wall that boarders New Haven. I hope you do not mind the walk. We shall take other means back if you are tired at that point." Glancing over to her as he progressed down the road.

[Guest]

Madeline hadn't reaaly been out to explore the town since she arrived back in New Haven. It was amazing t see how much things haven't changed. The best part was looking at her hansome escort. Madeline thought this was turning into one of the best days of her life.

"Actually I was raised here, but for the past 7 years I was away at a bording school outside of town. I guess you could say I was a bit of a brat growing up and I got into a few mishaps. My mother thought I needed structure, so she sent me to a place where I could get the structure and discpline she thought I needed.
This a beautiful day for a walk. I can't believe how much this place has stayed the same. My that air is cool this morning."

Madeline shivered as a cool breeze flew over her. To which she snuggled closer to Leo.

[Leo]

He could not help but laugh when she made her comment about her being a brat. It had to mean that she had spirit or spunk. With the passing of the cool air, and her moving in closer, he helped in that effort by pulling her in. Leo removed her arm from him and, instead, moved his arm around her, over the small part of her back.

Leo was not being too imposing, but she was cold, and he was warm. "Cannot have you catching a cold from being out with me. We shall get you something. A shawl, cloak, a new dress perhaps." He looked her over, from neck to foot and back up again as they were walking. The fabric of his own clothing was very smooth to the touch, and light. He might have been speaking in a business type of tone, but it was relaxed.

"Did you learn the things that your mother sent you to school for?" Asked almost absently as he was beginning to picture her in various styles of clothing. A few people were out and about as they made their way along the street.

[Guest]

Madeline thought about his last question for a bit. What had she learned while she was away. Her mother had wanted her to learn to be a proper young lady, and how to stay out of trouble. What she had learned was to be a proper young lady who didn't get caught. This thought made her giggle. "From a certian point of view, I guess you can say I learned what she wanted me to. She wanted me to learn what every mother wants for her daughter, how to be quiet, and proper, how to cook, how to stitch, all that boring girly stuff. Personally I don't see the point of all that. I much prefer adventure, exploring, playing cards. I even like to get my hands dirty. "

She stopped herself, for fear she was rambling. She wasn't feeling cold anymore. She wasn't sure if it was because it was getting warmer, or because of the rush she was feeling from being in his arms. "Thank you for the kind offer, but I'm feeling much warmer now. Where are we going anyway?"

[Leo]

"A lady who is not afraid to get her hands dirty. That is good. There are times when circumstances call for a little dirt," While he liked cleanliness, he also knew that it was not always possible. Also, things could get quite interesting if a person veered from traditional methods.

Leo found himself grinning as they proceeded through town. As with any town, it as coming to life as the day was getting on. Shops began to open and people were milling about in the streets. Street vendors began the exploitation off their wares.

"Where are we going?" a light chuckle to his voice. "My dear, we are going to see about business. And to buy you something pretty. I will take no argument on that matter." A playful jest to his voice. "At the shop. Four blocks ahead."

[Guest]

"What's wrong with what I have on?" she asked jokingly. "I'll have you know it took me two minutes to pick this out this morning, and besides you just met me a few hours ago, why would you want to buy me new clothes."

She didn't want to come off as ungrateful, but at the same time, she was being cautious. "Please don't think I'm being rue, I'm just curious."

[Leo]

"Indeed it is lovely, but it is customary to buy a female a favor if she has chosen to accompany on a trip. Such as what you have done." If he had known he better he would have picked at her clothing, brushing against it to get the feel. He could see how the offer of buying things could put her off.

"It is, as the term might be called an 'offer without strings'?" The saying was something of that matter. Buying a gift would not have any underlining meaning.

"Por ejemplo," Leo cleared his throat slightly before guiding her to the other side of the street. "If we are out, and the hour is that for lunch, and we are hungry, I get you food." He did not have the same grace of style as his Boss when it came to handling the ladies. He tended to be more upfront and came off generally as a bit off-center.

Before them , amongst the other buildings, was a southwest style storefront with a sign that said: "Fabrications by Design" This is where they were heading.

(I am not so good with describing the outside, therefore, I found a picture.

[Guest]

((Pictures works for me ))

She accepted his answer with a big bright smile. "O'kay that works for me. Just as long as it's not putting you out. I'm all for being spoiled."

Truth was, thats she was not use to being spoiled, she had spent part of her early life behind the walls of the Society, and the other half surrounded by nun's with rulers. She really hadn't had to much material things.

As they approached the gorgeous store front, she couldn't help but feel excited. "WOW!! This place is gorgeous!!!" she said with excitement, and with a twinkle in her eyes. A twinkle of a small child at Christmas.

[Leo]

If she liked the outside, then perhaps she would like the inside as well. As they neared he reached for the door. Taking the knob he gave it a turn and pulled, opening the door.

"I am hardly ever put out." He said with a smile. stepping to the side to allow her to enter into the building first. "Please, after you." Of course he would let her enter in first, it was the right thing to do.

Upon entrance she would be welcomed to a room that was full of light, the large windows accented with lavender curtains which were pulled to the sides of the windows by braided golden cords. The floors were a light grey marble, small purple flecks added in the mix, and the walls were a cream colour with dark wood baseboards. What there was to see consisted of shelves with various fabrics along them. Cottons, silks, satin, poult and faille, chiffon, organdie, voile - even denim - and more, all of various variety and colors. There were even leathers, hard and soft.

Another section consisted of a small stage lined with panels of mirrors, enabling the person who stood center stage to see their appearance from many angles.

Apart from the fabrics were clothing displays; dresses and suits from casual dress, to highly elaborate. There were accessories for the items as well. One thing was for certain - this was not a place to buy t-shirts. The whole place had an airy feel and a freshness to it. A few people were throughout either helping the few people who happened to be about, or seeing to other matters.

He smiled and lifted a hand, catching the attention of one of the workers. "Now, dear Madeline, we do business. Welcome to the shop."

Something else that was interesting, all the workers were females ranging between the 20's to early 30's, and attired in long flowing skirts and laced corsets. The color - a deep royal purple.

[Guest]

Madeline gasped as she walked in the beautiful shop. The shop it's self and the clothes were gorgeous. She ecspecially loved the clothes that the worker's were wearing. The cool thing was the workers seemed to be the same size she was, plus she loived the color purple.

She squeezed Leo's hand with excitement. "Oh Leo this place is amazing!!! Where do we start?"

[Leo]

The interior was a wonder, and of course they kept it clean. The worker he motioned towards came forth.

"Good morning Master Mînguez," The lady was straight in posture and spoke politely, giving Leo and Madeline welcoming smiles. "How may I service you today?"

Leo took a half-step backwards from Madeline with the intention of clasping his hands upon her shoulders. "Emily, this is Madeline. I want you to take care of her."

Then he took his hands from her shoulders and took a glance towards a back door of the shop and looked again to Emily. "Déme los papeles, please." (1) That having been said he smiled to Madeline. "Think of the store, Madeline, as a playground. You may find something that you like or, if there is nothing here that you see, the seamstress can create virtually any style of attire. Emily will be your personal assistant for this visit."

As an afterthought, he added something else. "Hungry? I shall get us something to have while you shop. Emily."

Leo bowed to both women before he began towards the door, he had glanced at earlier, taking a small envelop Emily took out from a pocket in her skirt. It was then that Emily curtsied before Madeline. "Mi'lady Madeline, you are fortunate. Where would you like to start?" Leo, will return shortly.

_{1 - Give me the papers}

[Guest]

Madeline have never felt so excited. The store as her playground, she wondered if Leo really meant it.

Madeline turned her attention to Miss Emily, and gave ger a warm, but some what cautious smile. "If it's alright with you Miss Emily, I wouldn't mind starting with that gorgeous purple outfit you have on. Do you sell that outfit here?"

[Leo]

If Emily had known what Madeline was thinking she would have told her that the Masters Leo and Stry never said anything that they did not mean.

"My outfit Mi'lady? Very good then. You like the color purple? Step this way please. Ladies." Emily called out to some of the other employees around the room and they started gathering bits of this and that. (picture of the outfit is included) "Step up on stage Mi'Lady. The lady's will start to undress you down to the shift."

Perhaps that was the reason why the shop was full of females? "You do not have to worry about the wandering eyes. We are trained to keep you publicly decent." Four ladies waited about the stage with shoes, undergarments, and articles of fabric and cloth. All pieces of the outfit. Emily helped to lead Madeline.

Meanwhile, inside the back room . . .

Leo flipped through the papers he was given while one of the workers prepared a tray of food. He couldn't believe the reports, what he was reading. The thing he really could not believe was the report in the back. Pulling out the paper he turned to the lady who was filling a pair of wine glasses.

"How long have they been there? You know these matters are suppose to be reported."

"Only this morning Señor. An hour before you arrived here with your lady."

"No lo creo,"(1) Leo gave a hasty sigh and balled that slip of paper up in his fist. "No tengo tiempo para esto.(1) Stephanie, get a note ready. I have a guest to see to."

_{1- I don't believe it.
2- I don't have time for this}

[Guest]

Madeline step up on the stage, and giggled, she was loving this.

[Leo]

The women gathered around Madeline and going about the ties, buttons, or anything else that might be in use to hold the outfit together. The ladies, they liked to chatter, even while they worked. "This will look lovely," and "Look at her hair," and this and that concerning other matters.

"Madeline, you must have done something nice to Master Mînguez." Emily said to her as she handed the bodice portion of the dress to one of the other ladies. That is what she assumed. "I cannot remember when he last brought in someone who was not joining our staff."

The ladies began tying the bodice, Madeline wouldn't have to dress herself. All she had need to do was aid by holding her arms up at the right time. Since the bodice and skirt were one, others brushed out the skirt and fixed the sleeves. The fabric itself, though it might have looked heavy, didn't feel that way at all and it felt very smooth and soft on the skin.

"You should take advantage of the opportunity."

After that was said another lady came out from the back, carrying with her a silver plate of chilled asparagus with orange and lemon sauce; and sauteed clams in white wine and, of course small baguettes. On another tray were a couple glasses of red wine. The lady placed the offerings on a small table.

"Master Mînguez will be out shortly. Please help yourself until he comes." The lady who brought out the dishes smiled warmly to Madeline.

[Guest]

Madeline smiled graciously at Emily. "Thank you so much Miss Emily. I love it."She ran her hands across the bodice, she loved the way it looked. I'll have to remember this place, she thought. Madeline took a baguette, and a glass of wine, sipping very carefully, as to not to mess up her new outfit.

[Leo]

Leo did not like to keep people waiting, and the business in the basement doing just that. He finished the business and took care to wash his hands and straighten up his appearance. It was not long after that until Leo made his appearance.

"Do you not look lovely, Madeline, in purple." The ladies who were around her moved aside when they heard him near, allowing him to have a good view. "Turn for me Señora so that I may be able to look upon you better. Have they treated you well?"

[Guest]

Madeline held her head down as to hide her blush. She wasn't use to receiving this kind of attention or compliments. She did as she was told and turned around in a circle. Not too fast, but enough to give the skirt a little flare. "OH Leo, it's wonderful! Everyone here is so nice. "

Out of impulse Madeline rushed off the plat form, threw her arms around Leo, and gave him a kiss.Thank you so much Sir!! I don't know how I'll ever repay you?"

[Leo]

Her reaction was completely unexpected. Leo thought that she would be happy at the prospect of clothes, and he expected some form of excitement, but he did not expect the kiss that came with it.

Leo held on to Madeline, keeping her secure as he lifted her from the ground and he gave her a spin and returned the kiss. One to her lips and another to her cheek before setting her feet to the ground once more.

Brushing his fingertips along the end of her hair he smiled. "You have repayed me enough. The place is at your disposal. If there is something else, you would like? Hair? Shoes" An arm was kept around her for the time being. "I think that you need something for around your neck."

[Guest]

Madeline was mesmerized by his kiss, and she was feeling down right giddy. As faras the clothes go the outfit she was wearing was more than enough. She was going to say no th the necklace until she walked over to the jewerly case and saw a beautiful silver necklace that had a blood red rose pendant on it. "Oh this necklace is beautiful. Please may I have it Leo?"

[Leo]

Leo followed as she made way to the jewelry case. Of course she would get something. If she did not pick something out for herself, then he would have used his best judgment to find something for her.

Hearing that Madeline had found one that she liked Leo motioned to Emily and had her come to open the case and remove the necklace from within the case. "Whatever you would like my dear. Our are made of only the best and handcrafted. Its worth pales in comparison to yours."

Emily removed the item and offered it to Madeline.

[Guest]

Madeline took the necklace and tried it on, she fell in love with it immedately. She looked at it in the mirror and smiled. "OK I love it. Now do I have to take it off?"

[Leo]

"Only if it offends you." Leo admired the necklace from the reflection of the mirror. From standing behind her his fingers ran along the silver chain, making sure it sat perfectly on her neck. "I like it. The color reflects your eyes. It would be a sin if you were to reject it now."

The clothes that Madeline had worn into the shop were being care of. Once the ladies had them off of her, they had been taken to the back part of the shop for cleaning and any mending that might needed to be done. When it was over, the clothing was put into a box; this box was now being brought out to them.

"Consider it all a gift for giving me warm welcome in the morning." Leo's smile was soft an sincere, his hands resting upon her shoulders.

[Guest]

"OH Leo you are most welcome. This has been the best moning. Now I was wondering if you would mind walking me back to the inn, I don't want my boss to think I have forgotten my post. I just want you to know I'm in your debt for all the pretty things you gave me."Madeline thanked Miss Emily, and promised to come back soon for some more clothes. She slid her arm into Leo's as they walked out the door.

[Leo]

Laughing slightly at the mention of a debt as if it were a bit of a private joke. Of course, he would carry the box for her.

"I would not give my debt to people if I were you. It is never knowing what they will do when they have it." A pat to her hand as they were heading back. "You gave me company in the morning, it is something I do not generally have and I welcomed it. Nothing like starting the day with the company of a lovely lady. We shall have to do it again. If you return without me, tell them to put it to my charge and the money will be taken care of."

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