“Mademoiselle Beaulieu is known for her refined taste, and harbors quite a collection of things from the Far East. Rumor has it she’ll be gone in a month or so, for a few months. No doubt leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake!” -Aaron HaDeed

Claudine resides on the Fourth Floor: Room D2

The Vignettes

“Men are born soft and supple. . . Dead they are stiff and hard… The plants, tender and pliant…”

Claudine’s curves move with a subtle grace behind the paravent as she quotes to her liking the wisdom of Laotze from the best of her recollection. The surrounding lamps cast a glow that illuminate her twirling silhouette. She emits a soft giggle as she holds a gown to her body, deciding what to wear to bed. The routine is the same as she drops the gown and comes out from behind the paravent holding her breasts in her arm breathing in the smell of the night air along the wind. She feels comfortable with her reflection as she gives a smile, her sensual figure strides to her bed. The cool sheets await her tired embrace.

Claudine Beaulieu entered the lobby late at night, catching every eye. She was marvelously beautiful, in her Kimono robe of Cherry Blossom print, with blonde hair wore up and lightly tussling around freely.

For her the room moved still, not unlike that of a snow globe as she ascended the staircase in her own world of tranquil perfection. and personal determinations.

All remained quiet and still in the long passage of time until her door shut, and life resumed for all of the tenants within.

Claudine Beaulieu sits back in her hot bathwater, soaking away her troubles by candlelight. Her eyes shift over a particular article in the newspaper, that is illuminated by the clear blue sky outside the open window.

Her eyes widen at an unusual opportunity, her mind weaves a tapestry of thoughts, feelings, and most important of all deception as she practically leaps from her bath.

---

Four of the female tenants gathered around in Claudine's apartment to hear her plight. Annette Bouthillette, Marquerite Navarre, were present, as they often were paired together as best friends, in addition to Sophie Leitner, as the prospect of excitement interested her greatly, and Mrs. Berkshire, who also was more so curious than anything.

"It's a Ming Vase, and it's extremely rare... There stands a chance that I could very well outbid everyone."

Marquerite looked down on Claudine saying. "Then certainly you don't need us, since you make plenty with your line of work."

"Actually, that is where I need your help, all of you..."

"Usually when it comes to auctions the men always outbid each other in a big show, and then it ends up in some private collection."

"So, how is that any different?" Mrs. Berkshire inquired plainly, her eyes trailing over Claudine's apartment of fine arts.

"I don't have a thousand Ming Vases to hoard, it's beautiful and I want something I can appreciate at the end of the day, something that's beautiful and one of a kind, that won't be put in some dusty corner for some old coot’s amusement with his even older friends he's trying to impress. It deserves a little life! A little animism never hurt!"

"What's animism?" Sophie innocently inquired.

"Sounds like some kink if you ask me." Marquerite chided.

Claudine covered her face with her hands and sighed all but giving up.

"What is it you want us to do..?" Annette asked to which Claudine responded by lowering her hands and smiling brightly.

"I need you to distract the highest bidders, I know the men. they are always the same, and they are prominent collectors."

"We need to show up early, and spread misinformation about the Vase before the bidding, and make them apprehensive, for everything else I might need you to 'encourage' the other men to not bid.

Marquerite furrowed her brows. "You forget unlike you we are married!"

Before Claudine could respond. Mrs. Berkshire chimed in. "I'll do it... I'll do it..."

"Just because I've had five children and have aged a little it doesn't mean that I'm no longer a desirable woman..."

Feeling a bit of personal pride in herself not often felt or expressed she raised her bosom. "In fact, that makes me more women than all of you!" Giving a heavy sigh and nodded her head once more with a self confidence assured. "You'll get your vase Claudine..."

Sophie overlooked Mrs. Berkshire's old worn clothes with patches, and the bandanna wrapped around her head to catch the sweat from the hard work in her home.

"Mrs. Berkshire, don't take this the wrong way, but I think you're going to need a new dress."

"Call me Milly..." Mrs. Berkshire admitted freely.

Claudine interjected after a moment of silence. "Well, what are we waiting for, I know the perfect place!"

"I don't have any money" Milly admitted.

"Confidence makes the best currency darling you'll do fine... Follow me girls!"