@dcpin
“Ah it is the whim of my career Mademoiselle Murray,” the man replied before smiling a thank you for the tea. Keen fingers took the cup and he sipped at it with closed eyes, smiling wide “-ah… tea is a luxury I limit myself with. I find it is… como… far too easy to get into the regular drinking of it. I myself normally prefer the coffee… but tea? It is a treat, especially when sharing it with such agreeable company,”
Dupin adored Mina. She was a strong willed, self-possessed woman. Her own intellect, though not to his, was still far more honed than the average person. She had been of great help during his case, and when she had invited him for tea, he of course accepted.
There was then a glint of playfulness in his eye “-you see… I only work cases which interest me… or when perhaps I could use a little… walking about money. Aha… but when people hear that I am selective, everyone clamors to have Dupin solve their problems!” he held up an exaggerated finger “-but if I were to work all of the cases, I would not get a single one,’
Mina nodded, her lip quirked in amusement. Even for the French, Monsieur Dupin was an unusual one. She perked up somewhat hearing him mention his selectively chosen cases. How intriguing! The life of a detective must be a fascinating one. Though Mina was quick to assure herself that she had no further aspirations beyond the duties her status and sex afforded to her, there was a part of her that clung to any scraps of information about such a dynamic and intellectually stimulating livelihood.
❝I'm glad you enjoy the tea. It's a jasmine blend. We try to take our own little luxuries where we can here.❞ She took a delicate sip, a glimmer in her eye. ❝Now, would this be one of the interesting sort of cases, or merely a monetary need? If you can't discuss it at the moment, I understand completely, but you have a knack for piquing my curiosity...❞ She shot him an impish glance over her teacup.
