The Outing

"That girl, makes me wanna be

A better man

Yeah, and should she see fit

Gonna treat her like a real man can

She's fearless. She's free

Oh she is a real live-wire

And that girl

She's got me feeling so much better…"

"Better Man" - Paolo Nutini

June 27, 1897 10:00 a.m.

This morning in London was more lovely than one would have hoped, which only seemed to boost Basil's mood twice over with Anna on his arm as they walked together, careful to avoid the unintended hazards that humans pose at times. But then again, Anna had gotten used to living this way over the past few weeks since she wound up here. Things appearing very obviously larger than life for her quickly became her new normal. The pair walked with a little pep in their step, but Basil's step was even lighter. The smile on his face gave away his mood to every passerby. And typically, not being the most open or socially competent fellow, actually managed a handful of friendly greetings to his fellow Londoners, and even the periodic polite nod to a lady or two. Meanwhile, Anna managed the occasional soft "good morning" and a few shy waves. Being far more introverted than the famous detective, Anna was more reserved, yet still friendly in her greetings when passing others on the sidewalk. Her warmth was expressed far more naturally around those she knew and was close with. Basil could tell after a moment that Anna's social approach was more shy and restrained than his. He turns his head a bit to glance down at her as they continue their stroll.

"I hope my exuberance today isn't bothering you, my dear."

"No, no. I kind of like your enthusiasm. I'm used to you being excitable and full of energy, but I'm not used to you being this… uh… forthcoming with people you haven't met. Don't get me wrong, you're normally very forthright with clients and strangers, but that's normally due to you being observant and honest. I just wasn't expecting you to be so chatty with everyone, that's all. But it's not a bad thing." Anna gives Basil a thoughtful look as she expresses her thoughts to him. He considers her point of view briefly before smiling warmly.

"I should hope it isn't a bad thing. After all, one of the reasons I feel so jovial at present is because you're allowing me to be by your side on this little excursion. You could have easily told me you were busy, or that you preferred to go out by yourself. You have no notion of how grateful I feel when I have you on my arm, darling. Letting others see that my affections belong to the most beautiful mouse in all of England. Perhaps the world." There's a charm to his voice as he puts his feelings out there, as well as a magnetizing shine to his eyes. Anna's blush deepens with every sentence, and she can feel part of herself melting at his way with words. Her voice is a bit quiet at first as what he said still affects her.

"I… I didn't realize how much you actually wanted me to be around you like this in public. I guess I assumed you would want more time to yourself, considering you're used to working alone and doing all of your thinking on your own. I just didn't want to seem like a shadow."

"Well, you aren't mistaken in that many of my endeavors require some particular concentration. Which in turn leads me to rely solely on my own perception and objectives without any input from others. But believe me, Anna, your company is more important to me than you may realize. Even if at times your only purpose is being my shadow." He answers rather honestly, yet still carries warmth. Anna already knew most of this to be true, but part of herself couldn't help starting to overthink that last part a little.

"You said us being out and about together was only one of the reasons for your good mood today. What are the others? Are you just excited about the show tonight?" She tries to steer the subject away from her slightly bothered thoughts.

"Of course I am. After all, the three of us will be seeing a marvelous display of the musical arts. Not to mention I get a chance to see you adorned in your best with your lovely hand in mine. But aside from the excitement of tonight's performance, I must confess, there has been something else on my mind lately that truly lifts my spirits at times."

"What's that?"

Basil smiles as he's about to respond to her inquiry when he glances in another direction, and his thoughtful smile turns into a cheeky one as he makes one of his usual sounds of contemplation.

"Hmm… tell me, dearest. Would you object to me explaining myself further over a spot of tea and a pastry or two?" He nods toward an entrance to a quaint little cafe. There was a cafe above it meant for human patronage. But far below a few feet away from the larger doorway was a much smaller entry with a cream-colored sign, the words Le Petit Café painted and written in cursive. Anna takes a moment to truly appreciate what she sees. She is still very much enamored with some of the things she experiences in her daily life as she adapts to living the way a society mouse would, with typical human places of business being adopted and run by mild-mannered rodents. As she lets her mind come back to the matter at hand, she realizes that Basil's inquiry had made her remember how hungry she is. She had neglected to eat anything else this morning other than a single cheese crumpet. Suddenly, the idea of a late breakfast truly appealed to her, even if it was most likely to be pastries.

You know what? Pastries for breakfast isn't the worst idea in the world… She thinks to herself.

"You know, I'd say that idea really takes the cake." She doesn't even laugh at her own attempt at being cheesy, as she simply looks over at Basil with a mix between an innocent smile and a sly grin. She gets the reaction she was hoping for, as the detective struggles to suppress an amused smirk while rolling his eyes at the impish redhead.

"If I weren't feeling rather peckish myself, I would take back my offer altogether just for that. But you're lucky I'm feeling quite generous today." He continues smirking at her as he places his hand on her lower back, guiding her to walk toward the entrance. Anna could only chuckle playfully as she walked a step ahead of him. She knew Basil was only playing along in her game, and it made her appreciate him all the more that he would put up with her antics just as much as she puts up with his.

"Oh yes, because I would certainly perish without my sweetness fix." Anna counters sarcastically with her own eye roll and smile. Basil simply laughs quietly to himself.

"We'll just see, my dear. We'll see."

Several minutes later, the couple was escorted to a small table right near one of the few windows of the establishment. The cream-colored leather chairs looked rather plush and comfy. Basil smiles and politely thanks the host as he removes his brown jacket, which the host graciously takes to hang up elsewhere while the pair sits and makes themselves comfortable. Basil, being the proper British gentleman that he is, naturally pulls Anna's seat out for her. She blushes slightly and accepts the gesture with a gracious smile. After he's pushed in her chair with her in it, he walks around the small table to his own seat opposite hers, brushing a hand through his brown hair. This is done on his part mostly out of habit, as he prefers not to slick his hair back like many English gentlemen do. Anna takes a moment to look around a bit more in her seat. The windows are draped in sheer white and light pink curtains. The natural light in the establishment makes it feel more vibrant, casting the intricate green wallpaper in a brighter, less muted hue. There were floral-shaped ceramic and brass ceiling lamps above each individual table, but their source of light was unneeded on a gorgeous day like this one. When Anna's attention is brought back to Basil, she sees him simply gazing at her with a thoughtful expression with his elbows on the edge of the table and his chin propped up on his interlocked fingers. This was a typical thinking gesture of his. But instead of pouring himself over evidence and clues or getting lost in the organized chaos of his own mind, instead, he was looking at the lovely lady sitting across from him. It was at this moment that Anna realized for the first time that this was truly hers and Basil's first real date. Although, others would more appropriately refer to this as their first solo outing during their courtship.

"Something on your mind?" Anna asks as she leans forward a bit.

Before Basil can voice his thoughts, a member of the waitstaff brings a silver tray to their table, setting down two cups of freshly brewed Earl Grey tea. The waiter additionally sets a couple of small porcelain plates on their table, both plates consisting of a dessert. Anna politely interjects when she fears they had been given someone else's refreshments.

"Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry, but we didn't order anything yet. You might have the wrong table." She blushes, hoping she's not being rude.

"No, no, miss. These are free of charge to yourself and Mr. Basil, compliments from the owner." The poshly dressed serving lad leaves off with a flustered smile as he takes the tray away with a nod and leaves the pair alone at their table with their tea and dessert. Anna looks quite confused while Basil has a rather boyish smile on his face at the sight of their plates. Anna almost instantly recognizes the dish.

"Is this… flan?" She looks astonished, as she hadn't had this particular sweet treat in a long time. She almost seemed afraid to touch it with her spoon as she was afraid of ruining its visual perfection. It looks amazing.

"It would certainly seem to be! How kindly and generous the owner is. I must remember to thank him personally before leaving here. Well, what do you say we enjoy ourselves? It would surely be rude on our part if we didn't." He smiles and gives Anna a playful wink as he speaks, delicately tucking one of the linen napkins into his shirt collar for manners' sake, with Anna following suit by placing her own napkin on her lap.

She feels a little less awkward now, especially when she looks up and sees Basil with that look of genuine joy on his face. He's the first to take a bite of the flan on his plate, and he looks like he's in heaven as soon as his spoon leaves his lips. He looks like a small child with that look on his face as he closes his eyes and savors it excitedly. She doesn't take a bite of her own quite yet, as she simply smiles at the man across from her, her own face being one of tenderness and affection at the sight of Basil. She knew he loved his cheese crumpets, but she had yet until now to learn that he had such a sweet tooth. When she sees him going for a second bite, she decides to follow suit and finally enjoy it herself rather than getting lost in her own tender feelings. Her eyes widen at the taste of it, the caramel sauce combined with the sweet, cream cheese-tasting custard-like consistency instantly makes her melt. She finds herself smiling as widely as Basil had been before. They both proceed to enjoy their treat in comfortable silence for a few more minutes until their plates are clean. Both of them delicately pat their mouths clean with their napkins, setting the napkins aside. Anna is the first to pick up her cup of tea. Thankfully it was still warm. She knows how Basil feels about cold tea. Basil takes a sip of his own tea as well before looking over at Anna with a thoughtful expression.

"I believe I promised you earlier that I would explain to you why I've been in such high spirits as of late." He speaks with conviction, and Anna realizes how important this must be for Basil to say. She sets down her cup so as to give Basil her undivided attention.

"Yes? I'm listening…" She looks across at him with wide, curious eyes. Wondering what could be on his mind.

"Well, as I'm sure you've noticed, ever since the night we had spared London and everyone in it from… him, I suppose you could say the aftermath of it all has… changed me in a way. Not in a bad way, mind you. But I suppose now I feel as though I'm finally receiving the respect and acknowledgment I've sought for so long over the course of my career. Long before you, and everything that transpired, I had a few cases here and there to keep me busy well enough, albeit with days or even weeks at a time with nothing to occupy my mind and provide a challenge. But for quite some time, many took neither me nor my work seriously. Even a handful of my own clients weren't as receptive to some of my methods. Of this to you, I'm certain it would come as no surprise."

"Of course, I know. You do have your eccentricities, and sometimes your methods can be really… how would I put it… unorthodox? I can see why it would cause some of the people who've hired you in the past to feel less than secure in coming to you for help. Not that there's anything wrong with your methods, but I mean I can see it from their point of view." Anna tries to engage in the discussion in a way that is understanding of Basil's position.

"Well… yes, I suppose. I must confess, even some of my own relatives found my career path to be questionable at best, and positively foolish at worst." He folds his arms on the table in deep thought. He considers what to say and what to keep to himself. Anna can clearly see that the topic being broached is a touchy one for him as she can practically see the mental gymnastics going on in his mind, as evidenced by the look on his face. She tries to gently ease the conversation in a more positive direction.

"Think of it this way, Basil. Everyone seems to consider you the greatest detective in London. I can see why you'd be proud of that, considering everything you worked tirelessly for a long time to achieve. And… for what it's worth, I'm really proud of you." Anna gently touches Basil's arm on the table, her foot barely brushing against his. Subtle ways to show her care and appreciation to him. For a moment or two, Basil seems a bit lost for words as to what to say to this remarkable young woman he has grown to care for so deeply. All the trials and tribulations they've experienced both together and apart, it led them both to grow in different ways, and it makes them stronger together. He wishes he could explain his own feelings on that subject with her properly, but he's never been the type of man who lets his sentiments do the talking. He's hoping to change that, for Anna's sake at least. He's been getting better at it lately, especially today when he's been in such a vibrant mood. He just hopes he doesn't fail her in any regard. A smile finally forms on Basil's face, one of warmth and appreciation in regard to Anna's support. He gently rests his hand on top of hers which sits on his arm. His smile turns affectionate as his hand gently caresses hers.

"And I hope to never take such support from you for granted, my dear. And should I ever do, I give you my own support to knock some sense into me however way you deem necessary."

Anna can't help giggling quietly at his invitation. Perhaps she'll take him up on that offer and use her creativity to get back at him one day if it ever comes to that. But for the time being, she chooses to hope that such a thing will never be the case.

"Let's try not to make ourselves self-fulfilling prophecies, okay? I don't need you jinxing anything between us, please." Anna says good-humoredly with a teasing smile.

"Perhaps you're right, excellent point darling. But my endorsement on the matter is still extended to you." Basil chuckles at Anna's hopeful disposition. He hopes as well that they run into as few problems with each other as possible. But of course, every couple has problems. Of this he is aware.

"And Mrs. Judson, perhaps?" Anna chuckles. Basil sighs at this, but the faintest of smiles still forms on his face.

"Yes, I suppose… but being berated by her is much more of an… acquiescence, of sorts. It feels as though I'm being reprimanded by my mother. Or grandmother…" He feels a soft kick to his foot from the redhead as he says that, and he's met with a playful scolding look from those greenish-grey eyes.

"You better not let her ever hear you say that. I don't think she'd take too kindly to being referred to as a grandmother."

"But she already is one! She was granted such a title no more than a year ago!" He looks at Anna in surprise, as it doesn't quite register with him immediately why most women don't like to be reminded of their age.

"That's beside the point, you know. Women don't often appreciate their age being commented on, especially after certain milestones. It doesn't make the most sense to you, I know. But that's just sort of how it is, realistically."

"Hm, I see. The fairer sex has always been an enigma to me, but you've been quite helpful to me at times in regard to it, dearest. That I appreciate. Even if I don't always understand your explanations either. Especially when these unspoken rules between females seem so… open-ended. Such as you saying 'that's how it is' in regards to why women take such offense to their age being broached in conversation."

Anna's eyes look inquisitive as she tries to come up with a better explanation, but it actually seems difficult. Most of these unspoken rules between women don't make any more sense to herself as they do with Basil. So she begins to feel more on his level in regards to his confusion. But on the same token, she still at least has a bit more common sense than the less-than socially perceptive detective when it comes to knowing how not to offend someone. Which he's capable of doing often, though normally by accident.

"I guess I can't really blame you for feeling confused about it. It doesn't make the most sense to me either, even if I'm also a woman."

This response from Anna seems rather refreshing to him, as he's found her to have some aspects to herself that set her apart from many other ladies. One of them being how much more simple it can be to please her. Unlike some women he's happened upon in his experience.

"Fascinating. So this leads me to the assumption that you're not very sensitive about your own age? I would pray it wouldn't since you're still in your prime of life as it were."

Anna can't help snickering softly behind her hand as he makes this comment, as the tone in which he speaks implies he doesn't feel the same way about his own age.

"Come on, with how energetic and, dare I say, handsome you are, I can't imagine you being much older than your late twenties. Am I wrong?"

They both blush somewhat from her honesty about his attractiveness. He clears his throat awkwardly but quietly as he pats Anna's hand affectionately with a soft smile.

"It may surprise you, dear, that my thirtieth birthday had just recently come to pass."

Anna gives him a blank stare for a whole five seconds of silence.

"Say what now? Hold on, did I somehow miss your birthday in the past few days?!" She asks with worry evident on her face and in her tone as she leans closer across the table as if desperate to be certain her fear of either forgetting something like this or skipping it completely isn't true. Basil's eyes widen slightly at her behavior, but he picks up quickly that it's simply out of her care for him, which makes him grin.

"No, no. In fact, you couldn't have celebrated it even if you wanted to. My birthday, as it happens, actually fell upon the day of your arrival. To 'my world' as you like to call it. I still have the newspaper detailing your mysterious arrival in London from the day in question. June fourteenth, if I'm not mistaken."

Anna's eyes widen at this. What are the odds she arrives in Basil's world on his birthday of all days? Perhaps it was a coincidence, albeit a happy one, but also a bit disheartened that she'd have to wait another whole year to celebrate him like she would have wanted.

"Is there anything I could possibly do? You know, to make up for it? I know it sounds silly, but I was actually looking forward to figuring out what to do to make your birthday special, even if I hadn't known when it was yet. I mean, what did you do for it this year?" She asks in a hopeful tone. Basil thoughtfully taps his fingers on his arm as he responds.

"Nothing really, actually. At least nothing you'd attribute to a proper birthday celebration. I was simply happy with keeping myself busy, as you'd expect. Though Mrs. Judson was quite thoughtful to me and made a cheesecake for me that evening. Which I was appreciative of, of course. It's one of my favorites in the way of desserts."

"Clearly not appreciative enough if you shot a bullet into her throw pillows a week or so later." Anna retorts with a playfully admonishing manner as she folds her arms.

"It had to be done, darling. I was in the middle of an investigation as you are well aware." Basil chides back in an equally playful tone. Anna shakes her head with a smile.

"In any case, I still want to do something. Either give you something, make you something, anything really." Anna offers with a sweet smile. Basil grins once again and gives her a little chuckle, leaning slightly closer across the table before speaking, a mischievous look in his eyes.

"Quite the treacherous predicament you'd be putting yourself in. Allowing a man to choose what sort of desire he'd want to be fulfilled simply because of their date of birth. Whether it's something as harmless and innocent as baked goods, or… a bit of time alone with his lady."

Anna's cheeks feel like they're on fire as she stares at Basil for being so blatant, especially in a public place. Even if he did keep his voice down to a private volume. She finds herself stammering for a moment before Basil continues.

"But if I were to confess, I must say that I actually see this day with you, having the chance to spoil you, as a perfect excuse. By making you feel special today, I, in turn, would feel special by simply being the one to make you feel this way. And if it makes you feel any better, Anna…" He puts both of his hands to rest on top of hers as he caresses her fingers with his thumb. "I like to think that the day you came into my world is and always will be the grandest present I could have ever received. Even if we hadn't met that night, you still had already entered my life in a grand, yet also small way. I would never ask for anything else…"

Anna's eyes were on the brink of tears, which she quickly blinks back and smiles tenderly. Basil wasn't this sentimental with his words very often. So when he was, it only serves to make her melt every time. There's a long moment of comfortable silence between the pair holding each other's hands as his loving words hang in the air between them. Until Basil sighs satisfactorily and gently takes his hands back.

"What do you say we take our leave and finish up our intended errand? We can continue talking as we walk together if you feel comfortable. Unless you prefer silence on our walks. Either way, your comfort is important to me." Basil carefully pushes his chair back so he may stand. He adjusts his tie simply out of habit before pulling Anna's chair out for her so she may also stand. Anna smiles at this appreciatively as the both of them head towards the host to retrieve her shawl and his jacket. Basil makes sure to leave his gratitude and appreciation with the owner of the establishment; a tall, stout, middle-aged mouse with a charming French accent. After the pleasantries are exchanged and the two have thanked the owner for the delicious free-of-charge refreshments, they put themselves together to head outdoors together once again. Basil offers his arm to Anna and the two of them leave the café in just as happy a mood as they had come in with.

12:00 p.m.

The walk to the dress and finery shop Basil had in mind was indeed quiet, but not awkwardly so. There was a sense of comfortability between Anna and the detective. A few more brief, cheery greetings were exchanged between themselves and a handful of other Londoners in passing. It made Anna feel good knowing a bit more about Basil's headspace. She hoped that Basil would be open with her from this point forward, both because of their courtship and the newfound partnership between herself, Dawson, and Basil. She tries to be realistic with her expectations of the detective, however, as she's well aware of his oddities when it comes to his moods and thought processes. But still, she wants to hope…

Eventually, around midday, Basil makes one of those typical sounds of pride and delight he's known for as the two come to a stop.

"A-ha! Here we are, then!" Basil announces to her triumphantly as he gestures with his outstretched hand to the shop in question.

Much like the cafe earlier, there appears to be a similar human establishment attached under a different name, towering over the mouse-sized business far below in the same building, but out of eyesight from humans. The rodent-run shop had lovely wooden accents in the architecture, a dark and light green striped canopy over the entrance as well as the large window with two particular gowns on display. One of which was a dress made for a lady of high society to be worn day-to-day. The other being a far more extravagant ballgown and appearing to be made more along the lines for a party, or other grand events. Above the shop window was a sign painted in a light grey, and the shop name Thistles and Threads written in deep purple cursive. Anna isn't one to willingly judge something off of appearances alone, but she could already tell that she would enjoy this place very much, despite still feeling a little shy over the fact that the two were here for a dress for her. Basil reassumes her hand in his arm as he leads her to the entrance, holding the door for his lady once again. Anna smiles with the faintest blush and quietly thanks him before stepping inside.

The inside of the business was just as lovely as the outside. The space wasn't too brightly lit but had a certain warmth to it in combination with the dark wooden floorboards as well as the wooden features that stood out along the walls from the dark green floral printed wallpaper. Shelves were everywhere; the variety of bright and dark-colored fabrics provided a contrast to the muted yet warm atmosphere. There were several mouse-sized mannequins with various styles and colors of dresses, as well as an assortment of round wooden tables decorated nicely with accessories such as hats, gloves, shawls, and shoes. Another room attached to the shop was a collection of a multiplicity of jewelry. All in all, the shop had this… comfortability to it. The colors, the warmth, the organization of everything; the atmosphere made Anna's unease about dress shopping dissipate slightly. As she looked around from where she stood with that look of awe and happiness adorning her features, Basil was smiling tenderly at her from just over her shoulder. It was moments like this that he appreciates, as it gave him ample opportunity to discover more about her tastes.

Before Basil could utter a word, out came the shop's owner from down the stairs behind the desk and counter. A slim-figured, middle-aged female mouse with light greyish-tan colored fur, violet eyes, and blonde hair fixed in a bun with prominent loops of her hair styled and resting on the sides of her face, wearing a simple deep purple dress adorned with a lavender-colored apron. The woman seemed in a rush as she made haste to the pair to greet them with an apologetic look on her face.

"Welcome! My apologies to both of you for my absence, I am short of hands today. I do hope you were not standing here for too long all by yourselves," The shop owner's voice was warm and ever so slightly shy in tone, the kind of inflection from the sorts of people who are eager to please and quick to correct dissatisfaction. She spoke with a light Scottish accent, as well. Not too dissimilar from Hiram's and Olivia's, but perhaps ever so slightly more posh in her intonation. She smiles kindly up at Basil. "A pleasure as always to see you frequenting our humble business, Mr. Basil."

"A pleasure to be a customer, Miss Brown," Basil speaks with his usual subtle charm and a kind smile of his own as he removes his hat and keeps it in his hands behind his back. Anna is a bit taken aback by this exchange. The two are familiar with each other? And did he imply that he comes here on a semi-regular basis? Basil can tell these are questions she has by the look of bafflement on her face. He gives her that usual charming smile again as he explains.

"I do pay this establishment a little visit now and again. I'm sure you're aware of some of my methods for… disguising myself in particular situations where a more feminine disguise is necessary."

Anna can't help smiling in a way that she's trying to suppress any laughter. After all, she's aware he does own dresses for his wardrobe of disguises. But she hasn't had the fortune of actually seeing these dresses of his in action (or misfortune, depending on how you look at it).

"Yes, I-I'm aware, Basil. But I can't say it still doesn't astonish me just thinking about it."

Basil laughs good-naturedly at Anna's opinions on his unorthodox choices, which also earns a small chuckle from the shop owner. Anna blushes a little at this, feeling a touch sheepish now as they both laugh, even if it's mostly about Basil's eccentricities and not necessarily her. The older woman gives Anna a comforting smile as she interrupts for a moment.

"Believe me, dearie, I was in your shoes at one point in time. It has certainly made my work a little less humdrum having Mr. Basil as a client, especially since the majority of the items he purchases from me or has mended are for himself. If you don't mind me asking, dear, what your name might be?"

"Anna Johnson. Should I simply call you Miss Brown?" Anna asks politely.

"Oh, no dear. You may call me Violette. I do not mind one bit." Violette smiles warmly at both of them as she decides to get to the purpose of their visit. "So, Mr. Basil, I take it since you brought a lady with you for once, that this particular call to my services is for her today and not yourself?" To this, Basil nods with an almost proud nod.

"That would be indeed correct, Miss Brown. We have an opera to attend tonight. I have everything I need myself. Miss Johnson, on the other hand, requires a dress more suitable for an extravagant evening than her daily activities, you see." Basil answers with a certain undertone of importance. Violette nods at this as she gives Anna yet another once-over before looking up at the detective again.

"That sounds positively lovely. Are there any particular styles or colors or fabrics either of you have in mind?"

Basil interjects before Anna can answer for herself.

"It may be difficult to come to a conclusion on that until we've had a look at what dresses are in stock of yours that have already been completed." Basil has this look of utter concentration on his face as he folds his hands behind his back and begins a rather thorough walkthrough of the few rooms of the shop, leaving the two women standing there watching him curiously before Anna turns to Violette with her own apologetic expression.

"I'm sorry if he seems a bit pushy…" Anna says sheepishly. This only brings a knowing smile to the older woman's features.

"Don't let it trouble you, dearie. I've had him as a client for a handful over two years. I know he has a certain proclivity for details. I don't let such demands from my customers bother me, not as much as it used to."

"Miss Brown, do you offer any styles in brocade?" Basil's voice interrupts their conversation as he unabashedly asks the question loudly from out of sight across the shop, and Miss Brown's young shop associate can be heard frantically attempting to dissuade Basil from touching the especially expensive bolts of silk on a shelf behind some dresses; all of this happening out of their line of sight, and causing both women to glance at each other for a moment and quietly sigh to themselves.

Several minutes have gone by, and Basil has finally found himself caught trying to decide between a couple of different options he felt best suited Anna. An emerald green dress in silk with half-length ruffled sleeves and subtle layers of the intricate silk fabric down the skirt. It would be matched well with mid-arm length black gloves. She would look lovely in green, he thinks. Or there's the slightly more daring option. An off-the-shoulder dress in red, with ruffles along both the neckline, in layers below the hip, and the very bottom hemline. Along the ruffles were adornments of small replica roses and smaller pearl-like white beading, and even more subtle, intricate details in black. The amount of passion and thought that clearly went into the making of this dress, combined with the slightly daring particulars of it, such as the neckline as well as the color, are what jump out at him. This is a dress that commands attention, but not in a way that is garish or unseemly, he considers. His mind is made up, and he makes his opinions about the dress known, while also giving Anna what he hopes sounds like words of encouragement.

"I do think you may do this gown justice far more than any other could, dearest. Think of it, this dress could be a perfect step for you. It could truly be a push forward into this new life you've adopted, and it'll serve as a helping hand in surrounding herself amongst this new crowd you'll have to learn to associate with. What do you think?"

Anna walks over to the dress Basil has become so enthralled with, and her eyes widen a bit when she takes in all the details that he did. It's gorgeous, she thinks. She's about to voice her thoughts when Violette places her hands on Anna's shoulders in a gentle way.

"It's a wonderful choice to be sure. Come dearie, I'll take you into the back to hem the dress right quickly to your exact fitting. It shan't take long. Margaret, could you please bring the dress to the fitting room?" Violette calls for her shop associate, a young lady mouse perhaps younger than Anna, who removes the dress carefully from its display while Violette leads Anna back to a more private room to be fitted properly. She looks over her shoulder at Basil who stands there looking at her with such pride and affection in his eyes and his smile. Once he's watched Anna disappear into a private fitting room with the other two ladies, Basil turns his attention curiously to the small room attached to the shop which showcases some jewelry. He allows his instincts to guide him into said room, not sure exactly what he's looking for. Perhaps Anna deserves a little something more personal than just a gown today… He thinks to himself with his hand to his chin in concentration. His eye soon catches something in one of the cases that causes a boyish grin to turn up on his features. The young lady associate soon returns, leaving Anna and Violette alone while she minds the shop, and she spots Basil amongst the cases of jewelry.

"Do you need any assistance with anything further, sir?" She asks with a slight blush. This blush doesn't escape his keen eye, but he pays it no mind as he directs her attention to a particular item of interest.

"Indeed I do, miss. If you would, please, I'd like to purchase one more thing today…"

Anna stands on a small platform that is draped in purple velvet. Burgundy privacy curtains surround her as she stands still and only moves when asked as Violette makes the necessary adjustments to the gown. The changes were small and hardly noticeable, as the dress was already close enough in fit. And the length of the dress gave a small amount to trail behind her elegantly. Violette hums to herself as she works with the small sewing tools in her apron pocket. Meanwhile, Anna's mind was buzzing, as if she had a lot on her mind and unsure what to say in regards to it, especially to a stranger. She feels like she's hardly been able to say what's on her mind since she was brought here. Perhaps it was bugging her slightly, but her train of thought is put on hold as Violette speaks up.

"Well, take a look. What do you think, dearie?"

Anna looks over her left shoulder at the looking glass propped up nearby. She's… stunned. She's never worn anything like this before in her life. She felt elegant, regal, like someone important. And to finally be given the stage to voice her thoughts, she feels as proud as this dress itself looks. And she smiles…

"... You did beautifully… I couldn't have imagined I would have liked it so much. N-not that I didn't like it before, I-I'm just not used to wearing anything so extravagant, you know?" Anna replies thoughtfully and shyly as she touches the fabric of the skirt.

"Well, it suits you like no other. Just wait til he sees you. Would you like to show it to him now?"

Anna considers the question, and she smiles at her reflection once more as she replies in a calm yet confident tone.

"Actually… I think I'll let him be surprised."

Violette thinks about Anna's answer and simply shrugs and nods as she helps Anna carefully remove the dress, taking the dress to be delicately tucked into a storage box and tied closed with a ribbon. Once Anna is fully redressed, she walks back out into the main shop with Violette carrying the garment box in her arms. She soon spots Basil once again as he stands near the counter, having already paid for both the dress and another item he kept to himself. He smiles warmly at her as she approaches.

"Everything is sorted, darling. I take it I won't be seeing you in the dress until tonight, then?" He asks with a mock tone of disappointment, which earns a playful look from Anna.

"You're a patient man, Basil, I'm sure you'll manage." She retorts in a lighthearted tone.

Basil shakes his head with an amused smile as he quickly takes the neatly tied garment box from Violette's arms.

"We appreciate your assistance today, ladies," he says politely to Violette and her young associate, before turning to Anna with the box in his hands, "I'll carry this for you. We'll find ourselves a cab to get us back home, alright?"

Anna nods with a smile as she readjusts her shawl and the two bid the shopkeepers a good day as the two leave out the doors together and back out onto the street. A couple of hours were spent in the shop, so it was now well into the afternoon. The couple finds a carriage down the street with a handful of mice and a human disembarking from it. They're given the chance to get onboard, climbing up into a mouse-sized coach nestled directly underneath the human-sized carriage for public use. The horses are commanded to begin moving, causing the carriage and both its human and mouse passengers to lurch forward momentarily. As it now makes its way from street to street, Basil and Anna are riding privately at the moment as no one else had boarded after them. With this in mind, Basil sets the box on the seat beside him as he gently slides closer to Anna, nuzzling her hair with his muzzle, an affectionate hum escaping him. Their ride is quiet as neither of them speaks, and she rests her head on his shoulder with a content smile as the couple waits for their imminent arrival back at Baker Street.