To any fellow achievement hunters, here is my playthrough for “An Unlikely Victory and a Profitable Wager” (Cordwainers win the boat race) and 4 Val ending achievements (Hollywood, Rainy Morning, Rising Star, Service from a Distance). Split into chapters for size. Names and genders can be changed according to your preferences. Hope it helps.
Chapter 1
An attractive iris in a bud vase and a cup of fragrant oolong tea.
…a woman who could serve as a lady’s maid.
I sympathized with her regarding this Aunt Primrose, saying she sounded difficult to please but clearly loves her.
“…Dorine.”
“…Hudson.”
“People find themselves fond of me. I have an inimitable way about me that is difficult to resist.”
“I’m reluctant to challenge authority at times.”
I assisted my cousin in her art gallery.
I followed her, and convinced her not to purchase cigarettes.
By lying to her and telling her that the tobacconist is under investigation for unsanitary conditions.
“Most distressing, madam, to be sure.”
“I took the liberty of discarding that outfit with yesterday’s rubbish, madam. May I suggest an outfit less…sudden in its effect?” I say, calmly.
Volunteer to read the book myself and give Rory the highlights.
Veal ragout with truffles and apricot compote.
A port-poached pear tart with homemade raspberry-streaked crème fraîche.
Playful and improvisational.
“Deplorable, madam.”
Suggest that Aunt Primrose turn to see a painting on the wall, and when she moves, Rory will be able to snatch the paper.
Commiserate with Aunt Primrose regarding the buttered roll.
…put your hand on Rory’s shoulder to comfort her.
I don’t know what came over me. I’ll be sure that never happens again.
…a charming and clever young woman with whom I have enjoyed spending time.
“This isn’t a case for increased security at all. Instead, simply tell her you trust her.”
Drop one of the port glasses that I was clearing away.
I’m…in love with Rory.
I look up and meet her gaze.
I look down in a flurry of emotion.
But I was still reeling from the news of Rory’s engagement, and could not respond.
Let Rory finish.
achievement (Hospitality)
“I fully understand the situation.”
Chapter 2
Slow down and wait for them to finish, so as not to spoil the moment. Perhaps I will still be able to make the train.
Perhaps a subtle hint would be best, if I can think of a clever way to get that across.
achievement (All Aboard)
…a civilized, but economical way: second class. (will cost 5 readies)
…an extraordinary-looking woman in her twenties with long black hair, dyed purple at the ends.
I sit down next to her. “Nice to meet you. I’m Dorine Hudson.”
“Waiter, can we have two drinks over here at once?”
“Winter.”
I slowly and lightly move her head back to the window.
I return to second class.
“Simplicity itself. I shall be right back with it.”
I wait for the perfect moment and then replace the champagne with a glass of water.
I clasp my hands behind my back and greet him cordially.
“I don’t think I’ll be kissing her dewy brow, but I’ll tell her you are thinking of her.”
“Of course. I will assist to the extent possible.”
I fight to maintain a neutral expression in the face of such a grotesque portrait.
“I apologize, but I cannot.”
“I must still say no, sir.”
I tell Col. Firesnuff and the salesclerk that the hairstick is on reserve for me.
…I notice Haze perched on the railing of the caboose.
Chapter 3
A delicately proportioned maid in uniform.
“Wonderful! Glad to meet you, Valentine!”
“Go and wash your hands while I hire a cab. Your hands are sure to be sticky.”
“I think it would be tidier to eat that later, don’t you?”
“Solving problems on your own without bothering your employer.”
“Listen carefully, then, and I shall tell you an illustrative tale about Miss Wintermint.”
To offer some memorable tips to aid Valentine in her remembering proper behavior.
“Mrs. Patterson, is that you?”
“In fact, he asked me to kiss your dewy brow on his behalf,” I say, kissing her dewy brow.
achievement (Dewy Brow)
I simply hold her and pat her back parentally.
I destroy it at once.
I out-and-out lie, saying that Aunt Primrose asked me to dispose of this painting.
I ease her mind.
Very, very much.
“Oh, go ahead and do your jumping jacks, then.”
“To be perfectly honest, you look rather unwell.”
“I can help you break off the engagement.”
“Moray eel?”
“Actually, I prefer ‘Shadowstealth.’”
“Any polished servant has heard of that august society, although I don’t have much hope of being admitted.”
“Yes. That is consistent with what Valentine told me.”
“A young woman gave me this letter of introduction from the Inner Circle today.”
“This is madness. I’m not helping you.”
I make a noncommittal noise, and then move to rejoin Rory.
I raise one eyebrow to suggest to Rory that she ought to make less of a show of support for Mopsie in public.
I whisper something effective in Rory’s ear.
achievement (A Superior Gift)
Chapter 4
“Say that you are looking forward to spending some time with him. Be genial.”
“We should get along with the hunt, I think. There will be time for pleasantries later.”
I found Frankincense too irritating to live with.
“I don’t know how you are able to resist a lovely rare steak. Wherever do you get your energy from?”
“…Sassy Sunshine.”
I will help Valentine.
“Don’t worry. I’m here to help. What’s the problem?”
“Let’s work on this together, shall we?”
Sit next to Valentine and chat.
“I can’t help noticing that you have a fascinating accent.”
“Is this letter of introduction from the Cadbury Club a forgery?”
Ask that Valentine confide in me.
I pat Valentine uncomfortably, saying “There, there. There, there.”
I can’t be angry at Valentine. I promise to keep her secret.
“Come on, Valentine. Let us depart.”
I hug back.
“Of course I’ll come along.”
I join Valentine, lean against the fountain, and close my eyes, too.
I lean forward and kiss her.
“It’s a mixture of gentle butterfly and alert hummingbird, both wafting and darting, but without any of the woodpecker’s staccato.”
“Not in the slightest.”
“I do not do any sort of ‘hop,’ Lindy or otherwise. Why don’t we try dancing to something more elegant, like a waltz.”
Convince Valentine to join you in dancing a waltz.
achievement (Post-Hunt Refreshment)
“I shall try harder next time.”
…stand respectfully at attention.
Chapter 5
I did it solely because Rory asked me to—but I did it under protest.
“I can see your eyes practically sparkle with love when you speak of her.”
I will search Figs’s studio and see what I can find.
I treat Figs’s artistic works and tools with special care, taking the time to help him organize the contents of his wardrobe before moving on to locating a disguise.
“…try to speak intelligently, as a scholarly professor might, but keep a low profile. Don’t engage in intimate conversation.”
“…spirit gum.”
Valentine, whom I find rather compelling.
I try to smoothly respond for Figs so that he doesn’t make a mistake.
“I shall tell Mrs. Patterson of your excellent gate-guarding.”
“Go on, sir,” I whisper. “I’m here to help.”
I nod supportively at Figs and whisper a word of encouragement.
“It is considered somewhat gauche, madam.”
I must think of an answer that supports young untamed hearts, which should please Mopsie. I shall then jot the answer on a napkin, and put it in front of Figs.
Rory may be able to pick up on my nonverbal cues. It is a long shot, but I try signalling to her to tell Figs to use the napkin.
“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, madam,” I say to Aunt Primrose. “It may be bad for the digestion if we got up in the middle of the meal.”
“I think what Professor Hickory meant is to ask whether this is the section with the paintings of high quality. Isn’t that right, Professor Hickory?”
I step forward and take the blame.
“Yes,” I say, “by which I meant, ‘Eeeeaaaaghh, that was a wonderful meal!’”
“Absolutely, Valentine. I’d be happy to. Tell me all. I’m happy to help.”
I weave a fascinating narrative out of the dream that ends up meaning that I—Hudson—am highly attractive and desirable.
I pretend to eat it, but instead stealthily discard it on the floor.
“I think of rowing as more an intellectual pursuit than one of strength.”
I put a hand on her shoulder comfortingly and whisper a word of comfort.
I pledge to Carlington on my honor that Valentine is innocent and should be kept on. (Requires 55 renown.)
Chapter 6
I am laughing at how ridiculous the Professor Hickory costume was.
“Another scheme, you say?”
“Not really.”
“I’m afraid that I must decline. In fact, I think I’ll just step outside and get a bit of air and then turn in for the evening.”
“I have a headache, Mopsie. I’m so sorry that I cannot help. I just need a breath of fresh air and then I’m off to bed.”
I remember quite well which ones they are, and I step carefully over them.
“All right, Mopsie,” I whisper. “Go ahead and take the key. Just be sure to come back straight away so you can let me back in.”
I tell Mopsie to calm down and keep quiet.
I give her a small handful of bills. (readies -3)
…sharpen my perception, even as my body is terribly fatigued by the day.
Speak gently and lovingly to her. It’s the kindest way to treat her, even though it may not stop her from playing with the key as quickly as I’d like, and I don’t know if it will help me get the key back in the end.
I go in and talk to Valentine.
“Are you practicing your lines?”
“I think you need more practice to sound thoroughly convincing as an English servant.”
“Hmmmm. I’m not sure. I feel like something more active than a stroll.”
“Yes, it was.”
Sweethearts (1913).
Arm in arm, snuggling into each other a bit.
“I’ve tried to maintain a window box of herbs back in the London flat, but I haven’t had much luck.”
“I like happy endings.”
“I don’t think I knew your last name.”
“Valentine Hartlock is a great stage name.”
“Swimming? Really?”
…rescued Rory after she got a cramp while taking a postprandial dip in the creek.
I’ll strip to my skivvies like Valentine.
…splash Valentine when she least expects it.
“You know, Galatea, I can see you are content where you are. Go on and keep the key. I’ll just get into the house some other way.”
…and then I go back to the house, wondering whether Mopsie will let me back in.
I run to the side of the house and try to find an open window on the first floor.
Chapter 7
“One moment, madam!” I call. “Just getting dressed.”
“I understand, madam, and this is an important conversation, but I wonder if we might have it just a bit later.”
I help Rory recollect the word she is thinking of.
“In point of fact, I must intercede here. Miss Wintermint did not bring the peacocks in here. The situation is mysterious to us.”
“Good morning, Mopsie. You are looking rather smart this morning.”
I appeal to Aunt Primrose’s sense of gracious hospitality: “Mrs. Patterson, surely these officers would like a cup of tea before getting to work.”
“This suitcase is where I keep baked goods. You may rest easy. There is no cause for alarm, gentlemen.”
Choice of Rowboats
…an attractive pastel palette, well suiting the boat’s grace and attractiveness.
I greet her warmly. “Hello, Glenna. What are you doing here?”
I take the herbs, but then discard them after she leaves.
“It’s rather surprising about Mr. Murthwaite there in the last chapter, isn’t it? One would not have guessed it.”
“Surely now that we are all assembled, you might conclude your novel later.”
“We should not discuss that here,” I say. “Discretion is very important.”
I nod comfortingly at Aunt Primrose.
While everyone is distracted and looking at the window, I try to steal the CLUES notebook and the EVIDENCE envelope and toss them in the fireplace.
achievement (Tampering with Evidence)
I dramatically sing Valentine’s praises, to try to sway Inspector Ambrose on an emotional level.
achievement (Not Guilty)
“I have no doubt at all that they are safe, Mrs. Patterson.”
“I will row with Valentine.”
Chapter 8 - Common route
What the future holds for Valentine and me.
“I’ll bet on the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. I wouldn’t mind increasing my money twentyfold.”
“Fifty.”
“Surely this puts everything into perspective, Mrs. Patterson. It makes you realize what is important in life. Love, friends, and family. Not the slings and arrows of Fifi Buttercup,” I say, to get her to use this experience to be more patient with those around her.
I partner up with Valentine and search the area by the Ferris wheel.
“Orlando! Sanchi-San! Galatea! Come off at once!” I say in a commanding manner.
“Counting the tail?” I say.
“Why can’t you just stay here in England?”
“It might be wiser to try for smaller, supporting roles.”
“I actually like clichés,” you say. “They are classic for a reason. They work.”
I kiss Valentine tenderly.
“I guess they like you.”
I insist that the peacocks come with me at once and return to Aunt Primrose for the Exotic Animal Show.
I think I’ll leave well enough alone and await the scores.
achievement (Peacocks are Better than Yaks)
I shout “Huzzah for Mrs. Patterson!”
“I would drop your chin and squint just a bit more if that’s the mood you hope to strike,” I say, although the rest of the crew might not appreciate Valentine’s focus on striking the right facial expression.
“So there’s an aesthetic dimension here? I wasn’t aware of that.”
I ignore her.
It is most important that they appreciate the beauty of Choice of Rowboats. I suggest that we all pose in a manner befitting its Renoir-inspired pastel decorations.
I encourage the crowd to cheer for one of the other boats.
The poor, struggling Cordwainers.
I recommend that we ram into the police boat.
I implore Scrubs to give most thought to safety, weaving carefully between the most treacherous regions of Dead Rower’s Bend.
“All right, Valentine. We can take a detour by them, if it means so much to you.”
“The word ‘dreamboat’ comes to mind.”
“Pretend we are having a lovers’ quarrel, you and I!”
I kiss Valentine to maintain the passionate scene.
“The left path—it’s safer, but longer!”
I leap over to The Firesnuff and address Col. Firesnuff directly.
I stand next to him and consider the battle, analyzing the battle from a tactical point of view, which will keeping Choice of Rowboats and The Firesnuff locked in combat here for as long as possible.
“I like how he used those champagne bottles to blind his foe. Very clever.”
…something to sabotage our progress, although this may be noticeable if I am not devious about it.
achievement (An Unlikely Victory and a Profitable Wager)
“Ask permission in a polite and mild way.”
“Mopsie, you must be patient and obedient. Your aunt is trying to protect you. You must respect that and be a good niece.”
Endings
1. A Rainy Morning
“I wish I could come with you, Valentine. But I need to stay here.”
“Please, Valentine. There’s acting work here. Stay here with me.”
I’m not quite certain what I want to do. I’m going to have to think about it.
2. Hollywood, A Rising Star
“Valentine, of course I’m coming with you. I need you.” I kiss Valentine.
The notion of acting is enticing to me.
3. Hollywood, Service from a Distance
“Valentine, of course I’m coming with you. I need you.” I kiss Valentine.
I am going to continue as Rory’s lady’s maid, even though I will live the United States. Somehow.
I’ll try it again sometime and see if making different choices helps.