Attending Sir Ferdinand Lyle's little.. social gathering was a rather irritating distraction from the task at hand, but a necessary evil in order to have him translate the hieroglyphics that Sir Malcolm and Vanessa had found. He was absolutely insistent that he get to know who he was working with. It was understandable in a way, but a nuisance when you were approaching him as a matter of urgency.

Nonetheless, Sir Malcolm and Vanessa attended. Vanessa dressed in a low to the ground purple dress that hugged her figure just right, sleeveless and low cut to show off just the right amount of skin. But never too much – her appearance was always a careful balance of seductive and covered. She knew exactly what game she was playing.

When they found Sir Lyle, he mentioned to them that his wife was around.. somewhere. Most likely near the gin, according to him. It didn't seem like there was much love lost between the two. Sir Malcolm told him that Vanessa would go and introduce herself. She nodded, supposing that it likely would be a good idea to be on good terms with the man's wife if they wanted him to do what they wanted.

Vanessa walked slowly through the manor, her every step measured and calculated. She moved as if she weren't acknowledging a single person around her, when really she was acknowledging every person around her. Ever the skeptic, she liked to make sure she was familiar with her playing field before she played on it. She never did like being at a disadvantage.

While inspecting the room, Vanessa caught sight of who she believed was likely the woman she was looking for. Near the gin, as Sir Lyle had said they would be. A little tipsy from the affliction of the alcohol. But not quite so out of it as the people she surrounded herself with. They were aware of what they was doing as they spoke to both men and women alike, giving each of them the same charming little smile and light laugh. Yep. Definitely no lost love.

Vanessa's heels clicked softly but commandingly as she approached Sir Lyle's wife. A footfall that would attract attention, but only from the person she wanted it from. And it did attract their attention, for the woman turned their head at her approach. There was a shift in her eyes, a slight darkening of the colour of them. Their confident demeanor faltered for a moment into something like surprise or sheepishness, before their courage was back with them. Vanessa smiled.

"Miss Vanessa Ives. You must be Sir Lyle's wife. He recommended that I ought to seek you out."

She introduced herself, extending a hand to the woman.