Pullen & Bumber
1048 Taviton Street
London
W1
Mme. West
Pirlock House
Sussex
BN17
Dear Madame,
As we at Pullen & Bumber are familiar with your particular proclivities, we hope to interest you in a series of items that have just come into our possession. They were delivered to the auction house mere days ago, and I assure you that no other customers yet know of their existence. We cannot yet release details of their provenance, but if you choose to make an offer, more details can be released; please consider the enclosed a preview. If you would be interested in making an offer for this unique collection, kindly let me know by the return post.
Yours sincerely,
Messrs. Pullen & Bumber.
Item #155-6743
Photographic print, 7″x10″, monochrome
Print shows seven women grouped formally in front of the side-window of a large house; the window is paned with a design that appears to be human figures twisted together, though their faces are blurred. The women are all dark-haired and pale-skinned, though little else can be told in black and white. Their dresses appear tighter than modesty would typically allow, and their bodies unusually elongated. Each is smiling, and through some fault in the photographic film the light appears to be glinting at the corners of each woman’s smile, as if reflecting off some small white object in the mouth.
Item #155-6746
Bottle, 10″ tall, with contents
Surface of the bottle, though polished, is scratched with a variety of symbols: pointed objects, silhouettes of women, and other signs yet to be identified. Sediment inside is deep red; stopper is still wax-sealed.
Item #155-6753
Hardback book, black, gilt edges—book’s cover states BIBLE in gold, but the pages have been replaced with blank paper, and turned into a journal.
Excerpt:
…again last night, though this time Father did not wake. I know because I could scarcely breathe hoping that his snoring would continue, and thankfully it did. They tapped against the windowpane and I could see that although it was raining outside, their hair was not wet. I was a little disappointed as they were wearing only their white shifts, and I thought that if the rain wet them then I would be able to see [section crossed out] Thankfully Father had not locked the window, and I hurried to let them in. There were seven, and they made quite a weight on my bed. They say they must collect my [section crossed out] to keep them alive, but I do not wish to be a donor. I wish to join the women, to spend my nights tapping on the windows of [section crossed out] and helping them, and of feeling alive too. I have let them take it, because then they let me kiss [section crossed out] and nothing can compare to the feeling when the ladies’ mouths close upon my [section crossed out]. I have dreamt about it every night since. Or perhaps it is not a dream, but…
Item #155-6753
Ladies’ white nightgown, small size
The fabric is of the softest cotton with broderie anglaise roses around the neckline. The roses appear most attractive, as parts have been dyed with a deep red color spreading from the side of the throat to the top of the sleeve. The design appears random, but the spreading of the colors suggests a clear intent by the artist. Also some tearing to the bottom hem, as from rough handling.
Item #155-6753
Letter, complete with envelope addressed to “Miss Cecily”
Excerpt:
…trying to see you for weeks. I have left my card for you a half-dozen times, and your mother simply says that you are tired! Cecily darling, I simply cannot believe that even a slugabed such as yourself can spend every hour of the day asleep. What have you been doing with your nights? If you have a young fellow and have not told me about him, I shall be most put out. And letting him visit your bedroom at night! I am glad to see you finally showing an interest in gentlemen. I had hoped that our little indiscretion last year would be quite forgotten. You simply must share your gentleman with me! I know we are of age, but I have much experience with the ways…
Item #155-6755
Selection of ladies’ white cotton undergarments
Garments are rent and torn, as if pulled away in a frenzy. Damage appears to be the work of some sharp object, such as fingernails or teeth. Items appear to have been discarded; no attempt has been made to mend them.
Item #155-6759
‘The Halfpenny Marvel’ p45
Text is somewhat illegible due to age and water damage, though parts remain decipherable:
… morning of the 3rd of November, 18—, a Mrs G— B—…her daughter’s bedroom to…bed empty and the sheets disarrayed. No sign…pile of…-soaked nightgown. It is clear, dear readers…victim of the VAMPYRE … creeps into the bedrooms of beautiful girls and spirits…the hideous VAMPYRE in a cavalcade…debauchery!…not dwell on what wicked deeds he will have forced…sucked the very…naked…frantic with lust!…
Item #155-6744
Photographic print, 7″x10″, monochrome— a pair with item Item #155-6743
Print shows eight women, grouped formally in front of the side-window of a large house. They appear to be the same women as in the previous print, excepting the woman in the center. She wears her gown tighter and lower cut; the swell of her cleavage is clearly visible, as is the same photographic flaw, giving her a bright glint at each corner of her insouciant smile.