Molly took in the sights of the town as they drove to the hotel and was already thinking of different stories to send back.  She really wanted to storm into the infamous Bar Cambon which was male only instead of patiently in the Ladies Waiting Room for the men to finish drinking.  Yes the ladies could be served liquor in there but it seemed such a waste not to mingle when drinking.  You'd have thought that in Paris, of all places, such would be allowed.  On the other hand, the smoke from the bar was reputed to be so thick that it resembled a steam room.  But she wasn't Molly.  she was Sandy and she doubted that Sandy would have brazened into the male domain with a smile on her face and a camera in hand.  Mungo yes...Sandy no.

The Count helped Mr Perkins load their luggage into the waiting taxi before taking a seat next to his friend. He spent the majority of the early part of the trip making notes for their up coming research, but stopped as they entered the city proper.

France and Paris in particular was the first stop on his journey from his homeland where if felt reasonably safe. He had arrived at the end of spring and spent two wonderful months roaming the museums, parks and libraries of the city. He had thought of making it his new home but the attraction of London won out in the end.

Once they were secured in the hotel lobby The Count approached the main desk and enquired after a suite for himself and Mr Perkins. So they would lunch with the others and then to other business.

"Doctor Weston I intend to undertake some research this afternoon and would humbly ask your assistance in the endeavour."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:15, Wed 04 Sept 2013.

Mr Perkins had begun his list on the plane and had finished it off just as they were entering the city. He placed his notepad back into his bag as the city sped by. Last time he had been in Paris he was in uniform and away from the trenches so his memories of the place were a little hazy.

As he exited the taxi he tried to mask his reaction to the opulence before him. He also tried to keep his mouth closed as he entered the lobby letting the Count make the preparations.

He would help the Count in the afternoon in the libraries with the research and the other days would be spent looking for stock for the London shop.

Mr Perkins moves closer to Mr Falcon and then in a hushed voice asks;

"Was it our intention to stop in Rome as well ?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Wed 04 Sept 2013.

Cynthia follows along with Molly. She catches Molly's eyes on the men's lounge and smirks, but keeps her wicked thoughts to herself.

With that, she hurries up to the room, pausing only long enough to change clothes, as well as, perhaps, to enjoy the view and the smell of the sheets, and to sample of the little fruit basket left out, and oh! look at that bath tub! I do need a bath ...

Eventually, she completes her preparations and seeks out Molly, to invite her out. No agenda yet, certainly in a city like Paris, the ladies will be able to complete their 'research' as they go.

JM clasps Karlheinz in a friendly fashion around the shoulders.  "Good, good.  I'm glad to have my old comrade with me here."  He arranged for the aircraft to be closely guarded and then helped the others load gear and luggage into the taxis.  JM watched the approaching city with interest.  He had visited it a number of times on war time pass but that had been a number of years ago.  Now he marveled at the exuberance of the post war city.

When they arrived at the hotel he was startled at first by the luxury of the place.  Squaring his shoulders he smiled at KH and headed into the hotel.  He glanced over at George and shook his head.  "We should stop for fuel and perhaps to spend the night but I do not expect us to linger in Rome." KH frowns.  "That is unless there is something in Vatican archives that might be of interest."

As the group gathered in the lobby he called out.  "Let's meet for lunch in the lobby after we are all settled in." He winces a bit at the cost of a suite for himself and KH but convinces himself that they deserve a fling.  When the reached their room he laughed.  "Well, the delay galls me perhaps but luxury like this is a decent reward."

"That was my initial reasoning if nothing surfaces in our inquiries here. I don't have means for access, but the Count has a knack for such things."

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 119):

"I should be glad to help you out with any research, Count.

Rooms at the Ritz were an exorbitant £10 a night.

"Yes, John-Marc, rather pricey indeed! But as long as we're not going to be doing this all the time. My clientele was the poor and indigent, not the wealthy of society."

JM considers the idea of gathering information inside the Vatican.  "George, I've heard that the Catholic church is notoriously reluctant to share information.  I would think they would be even more hesitant to give out knowledge of what could be considered the blackest of witchcraft.  Do you think the Count has the connections to pull something out of them?"

He nods sympathetically at Dr. Weston. "And I'm a poor flier living on a budget.  Most of what I make goes toward upkeep for the airplanes.  If it weren't for Karlheinz' genius with repairs I would not be able to manage to keep both airplanes flying.  But it is worth living high once in a while."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 125):

Mr Perkins stared at Mr Falcon for a second than said;

"Give him the opportunity and I bet you a bottle of 25 year old scotch he gets in."

Molly followed Cynthia and walked up to register with all the confidence of the having done so many times before.  She was escorted to their rooms and looked around.  Once the doors were closed from peeping staff eyes, she kicked off her shoes and ran from one location to another in the suite with an excited expression.

"Oh this was indeed a good decision to stay here."  She calmly took some of the stationary that was in the drawer of the writing desk and purloined it for her journals quicker than a child could grab some holiday candy.  Her words of "look at this" were heard popping up all over the suite as she investigated their quarters.

She waited for Cynthia to refresh with a bath if she so chose and then followed suite herself.  Finally she emerged with a new outfit on, her hat in her hand, ready to go out on the town.

"Gentlemen?  I do believe us women are ready to explore the town.  I also remember offers of carrying packages. Are you ready or do you think you need to refresh yourselves also?"

It was apparent from her words and body language that she thought it would be a good idea if they did change clothes before departing for shopping.

Already changed Alexander sits in the Lobby, watching visitors come and go, whilst waiting for the others to come down for lunch.

He'd sent a telegram to his wife at the first opportunity, mentioning that he would be delayed.

Presents....He would have to buy presents.

He smiled briefly, thinking that two of his companions would more than likely be delighted in helping him pick out something for his wife.

A rumbling came from his stomach.

Time to eat.....

I imagine Cynthia finishes her preparations before Molly, as she's operating without the 'hey, look at this!' stage of moving in. When Molly is prepared, Cynthia is already dressed and has eaten some light fare.

The Count freshen up as best as he could. He donned a new suit and one of his new panama hats. He took a seat in their suite and compared notes with Mr Perkins as to their respective itineraries for the afternoon.

His first stop with the Doctor was the Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne, only two universities in France offered a post graduate course in Egyptology and the Sorbonne was one of them. He expected this would be their only stop today as the library was vast and the manuscript section would be their primary focus.

As the group assembled back in the foyer the Count said;

"Ladies and Gentleman sorry but you will have to excuse Mr Perkins and myself from joining you for lunch. Our time here is short and I do not think I will find any useful information, but I have to try. Have a good day."

He quickly checked his bi-fold for the correct readers card and with his notebook and a larger folio notebook under his arm he hailed a cab for himself and the good Doctor.

Mr Perkins could not contain his amazement at the hotel or the suite any more and let out a long whistle once the bellhop had left.

"You royalty sure know how to live, this place is the size of my family home."

He quickly washed and freshen up, but did not change his suit. He intended to first go to Shakespeare & Company as the owner, Sylvia Beach was expecting him for lunch.

As they entered the lobby he went straight into the bar and purchased a very good bottle of French red, putting it on the room bill. The Count had made their apologies so with a wave to the assembled group Mr Perkins made for a taxi stand for the ride to his lunch appointment.

He had the standard list of occult and religious texts that they always purchased as well as the standing order list for clients and lastly the wish list for both parties. He was sure that Ms Beach would be able to help with finding some of the stock or know of someone who could.

JM laughes at Perkin's wager and shakes his hand. "I will take the wager George.  I must say that I will not be sorry to lose that bet if it comes to it."

As the rooms are arranged he heads upstairs with KH.  JM spends his time looking about with great interest, his astonishment ill disguised.  He cleans up quickly washing face and hands of the grime of flying and brushes his hair before donning a casual suit.  "Come on, let's go get dinner and watch the women shop. It should be an epic comparable to the siege of Troy."

He heads downstairs to meet the others.  "I am sorry to miss you Count, Mr. Perkins.  I hope that you have success with your investigations.  Karlheinz and I will sacrifice ourselves to escort the ladies and carry packages.  Perhaps we might arrange to meet again before dinner?"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 132):

"Yes of course. Lets say the bar at the hotel, off the lobby."

"Each of us to our personal addictions. Best of luck on your quest, Count."

Then, to herself, "'Sylvia Beach'. I should have used that one. It fits our water theme perfectly ..."

Molly looked at Beverly and picked up some grapes to much on while waiting to depart.  "Do you have any preference Beverly where we start our shopping at?""

She was quite pleased with the water themed names.  It would make a good story to tell one day.

"There are two ways to go about this. One is to make an agenda, plotting out each location and event, and doing your best to stick to it. The second is to go where the interesting things are, and choose what you find when you get there. For lunch, I recommend the second.

"I also recommend comfortable walking shoes."

Alexander, refreshed after a light lunch of moules marinieres, is ready to see something of the city.

"Perhaps you ladies would be able to help me?....I wish to buy my wife some presents. Money will of course not be a question in this case...."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:13, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 137):

Molly had to agree with Cynthia's assessment of the best method to their plan of action.  Then Alexander said the magic words..."Money will not be a problem."  She brightened up, made sure she had shoes she knew she could 'walk til she dropped' on and then quickly hugged Alexander.

"My dear sir, you have made my day.  How can I refuse to help you out when you ask so delightfully?."  The hug didn't last long and was totally appropriate.  "I think Beverly that we should scrap our agenda and rescue our dear benefactor.  Perhaps our course of action should be to get the present for his wife and then we shall see what is available for us.  Since we are to help him, I'm sure we will find something."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:57, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

"Excellent. I need to find something for 'Dr. Lake', as well. He does love me so, I need to remember to show my gratitude."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 139):

"A plan has been formulated and approved.  Let us gather what we need and start the search.  I'm sure you will find something for Mr. Lake.  He'll hold it in high regard, if for no other reason, because it came from you."

Molly picks up her fashionable handbag and perches a coordinating hat on top of her hair.  She goes to the door and patiently waits.

Once they settled in, the Count, Mr. Perkins and Dr. Weston immediately decamped in a Renault taxi for more academic parts of the city.

After an exquisite (and expensive) lunch, the others flagged a another Pugeot for their own excursion into Paris.

JM laughs enjoying the banter as he holds open the door to a Puegot cab.  "Please ladies, gentlemen, let us see the sights and spend our money."