"Copper, then," Lavinia affirmed with a nod, more to herself than to Miss Zabini, "Over a soft, but rich green—silk, of course..."

As she spoke, a quill in the rear of the room took notes. It was not the most effective tool, for it often lost some of her words, but was certainly more cost effective than requiring Miss Corner to sit in the corner taking dictation.

"Perhaps some floral engraving to soften things just a bit—gentlemen are very sensitive when they feel as though a woman is too capable."