The Ironmaster's Tale (10)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

He was able to write in very cheerful tones to Eliza to say that he confided that they were no longer at stand over that canal business but like to see their way forward: sure there were still a deal of matters would need getting upon hand, but now looked entire practicable.

After going out to post the letter – sure it was a fine thick one, but they were not obliged to economize in the matter, or write crosswise to save paper – the thought of saving paper minded him that he was night unto the end of yet another little memorandum book – sure they went fill up most extreme speedy these days! – and called in at the stationers and booksellers that he found himself passing.

Within he observed that fine if rather terrifying woman Miss Gowing engaged upon some transaction at the counter, and turned aside to look at the display of new books, in case there was somewhat he might buy for Madame Clorinda, that turned out to dearly love a fine new novel to beguile her idle hours.

He could not see any that she did not already have upon her shelves, and turned back towards the counter just at the moment that Miss Gowing was coming away, bestowing a letter into her reticule, and looking a little discomposed at the sight of him. He bowed, and she made the slight dip suited to the time and place. How now, Mr Ferraby, about your errands?

Entirely so, he said, proceeding to the counter about the matter of the memorandum book and a few pencils.

She was still lingering when he had completed his purchase.

If you have no business to be about, she said, perchance you might care join me at the coffee-house around the corner? 'Tis an entire respectable establishment.

'Twould be a pleasure, said Josiah, with the thought that there was a matter upon which he might desire her advice, that was a thing he had some hesitation about asking Madame Clorinda.

Did not, he remarked once they were set down with coffee before them, anticipate to find you in this neighbourhood.

O, said Miss Gowing with a toss of her head, I keep a little room about these parts, it is entire prudent for a lady of the Town to have some refuge. But pray, do not tell Clorinda you saw me, or she will be about nagging me that I do not go about the right way to entrap Sir Barton.

Nagging? said Josiah with a lift of his eyebrows.

O, perchance 'tis not precisely nagging, but she goes fuss at me about taking care for my future, and that 'tis not unknown for fellows of Sir Barton’s condition to marry their mistresses, and between his mother ever dinning marriage and grandchildren into his ears, and his being entire used to me as quite a habit, 'tis very like to come about. She sighed deeply. Sure he is an amiable enough fellow, one could do a deal worse, but –

From what I hear, you would have considerable trouble in a mother-in-law!

Indeed there is that consideration! But I am like to suppose that there is no lady that she would ever completely welcome as a fit match for her darling boy. She passed a hand across her eyes. But let us not speak of it further.

They were silent for a little while, and then Josiah said, Was a little matter – have a little reserve about asking Madame Clorinda for her advice – wish to purchase the makings of a fine silk gown, 'tis a thing about which I have entirely no knowledge and would desire female advice.

Miss Gowing sat back a little in her chair and folded her hands together. Why, Mr Ferraby, I may have some understanding in such matters, but was I you, I should go seek Docket’s opinions upon the matter, for she has not only the finest understanding of styles but a deal of connexions amongst those in the trade.

Sure I am somewhat daunted by Docket!

Are not all? said Miss Gowing. I have seen her look at me and give a little sigh, as who would say, did I but have the dressing of her, she would show a deal better. But I fancy that did you go to her very humble and seeking her very fine understanding in matters of ladies’ dress, she would be exceeding accommodating. Indeed, you might go about most exceeding diplomatic, such as having Hector or Phoebe convey a message that you would be desirous of an audience –

Josiah laughed. 'Tis a fine strategic ruse, he said.

La, I have been lessoned by the mistress of the art! though she will say I am a sad inapt pupil. They smiled at one another. Well, she said, with what seemed an entire inadvertent glance towards her reticule, I must not take any more of your time, I doubt not you have business to be about.

There are most certain matters that require my attention, Josiah conceded, rising to his feet. 'Twas no business of his what secrets she concealed.

He went about his business, but shortly after noon found himself at Madame Clorinda’s pretty house. She was not expecting him and he dared say he would not find her in, but he had the excuse that certain of his clothes were kept there and he desired Hector to furbish him a little for a visit to Mr Robinson’s studio.

Hector opened the door and said, Madame was out, but did Mr Ferraby like, was sure they could find him some snack in the kitchen.

Why, that is exceeding kind – he explained his intention, and then said, was also hoping I might contrive a few words with Docket.

Hector nodded, and said, once Mr Ferraby was refreshed, would despatch Phoebe about the matter, is in high esteem with Docket at present over some matter of sachets against the moth.

So, after a very excellent welsh rabbit prepared by Seraphine, and a mug of ale, he was conducted up to Docket’s sanctum in the dressing-room.

Docket looked at him very piercing and said, the shoe-buckles would be entire proper and she would write down where he must go and what to ask for, and not to be put off with some inferior item –

Sure I must be thinking about some suitable token for Madame Clorinda, but there was another matter I wished to open to your fine understanding on matters of dress –

Wish to provide a lady with a silk gown, that I apprehend is a matter of the makings for one, and have not the slightest notion where I might go to get a good kind of thing in that line –

Docket nodded slowly. Sit down, Mr Ferraby, and tell me somewhat of the requirements – of what height and size the lady is, her colouring &C – She took out a set of ivory tablets.

Josiah did as she bid. Clearing his throat, he began to describe Eliza’s form (fallen away from what it once was) and colouring –

She is not an old lady? asked Docket.

Coming up towards middle years, said Josiah.

Docket asked a few further questions, looked down at what she had writ, and said, Mr Ferraby, I fancy 'twould answer best did you commission me to go about this matter. For, she added with a grim little smile, there are those will take advantage of a fellow that knows little of the intricacies of ladies’ dress.

I daresay 'tis so, but sure I would not wish to give you trouble –

'Tis no trouble at all. 'Twill still not come cheap –

I did not anticipate that it would, and sure I can stand the cost.

And there will be trimmings and such matters as well.

Should desire all that was proper.

Docket gave him a small approving nod. '
Tis well, she said, may have this in hand afore you depart for the North again.

And how much - ?

You may pay me, said Docket somewhat severe, upon delivery. He thanked her very hearty, conveyed her a compliment, and left with a feeling of gratification.

Comments

[aedifica]

Methinks there may be an epistolary flirtation going on.

And yay, a dress for Eliza!

[nenya_kanadka]

My thoughts exactly! A stationery store seems like quite a respectable address to give out to a man of the cloth.

And now I'm trying to remember at what point Josiah gets C the traveling desk.

[castiron]

Looking at the beginning of the old epub (which might not match the currently-available e-version or print book), it was a bit after Josiah and Clorinda had had the "you know, you *could* just stay here instead of in lodgings when you're in town" conversation.

[nenya_kanadka]

Ooh so a bit in the future yet. I've been looking forward to that part too--as well as, what is Josiah's perspective on Eliza writing to Clorinda, does he know she's doing it right away? Etc.

I love them all so much. (C-/Eliza is still my OTP but I'm definitely developing more Josiah feelings this time around. He's a good one.)

[azurelunatic]

Docket shows him fine favor! Though perchance this is also somewhat in the manner of a test.

[nenya_kanadka]

Abby! Docket! Eeee.

[kore]

Docket nodded slowly. Sit down, Mr Ferraby, and tell me somewhat of the requirements – of what height and size the lady is, her colouring &C – She took out a set of ivory tablets.
Josiah did as she bid. Clearing his throat, he began to describe Eliza’s form (fallen away from what it once was) and colouring –
She is not an old lady? asked Docket.
Coming up towards middle years, said Josiah.
Docket asked a few further questions, looked down at what she had writ, and said, Mr Ferraby, I fancy 'twould answer best did you commission me to go about this matter. For, she added with a grim little smile, there are those will take advantage of a fellow that knows little of the intricacies of ladies’ dress.


DOCKET <333 Also I love Abby advizing J how to approach her through the other household members quite in Clorinda's way.

[castiron]

Docket!!!