Tyrian spent the entirety of Sunday supervising his newest apprentice. Edgar had proved to be a quick learner and no longer required his help with simple works. He trusted him to continue his studies on his own. This new apprentice however was taking much longer to get the hang of things.
“Julian, no I told you before, you don’t want to glue down the flaps on the spine.”
“Sorry sir.”
“Here, use adhesive remover and start this section over. I have the steps written out for you. If you learn to bind these books first then you can work with the actual leather. Measure twice, cut once. We want to save on materials, they are not inexpensive.” Tyrian rubbed his temples. He wasn’t sure what he was doing wrong. Julian seemed capable but when it came to using the skills Tyrian had taught him the young man was all thumbs.
“Lord Boudreaux, sir, I have completed the order for Mrs.Montgomery.”
“Are the rest of the orders for Virginia ready for shipment?”
“They only need your approval sir.”
“Alright give me a moment, I’ll look them over and then you can take them down to our courier.” Edgar nodded and went back to his station. Tyrian looked back down at Julian’s work. “Yes, that’s it! So now what you’re going to want to do is create a hard backing. This order calls for a specific sizing so make sure you follow the ticket I gave you. I’ll be back to check on your progress soon.”
Edgar had indeed finished all of the orders for Virginia. The books were bound in custom Italian leather and he’d even finished the engraving. “Edgar come here.” Edgar walked over to Tyrian. “Did you do this Pyrography?”
“Yes sir, I apologize if it is lacking.”
“No need, this is perfect. I’m just surprised since we haven’t gone over leather burning yet.”
“I read ahead in the study materials you gave me. I decided to practice on some scrap material I had left over from another project. When this order came you seemed to be occupied so I took it upon myself to complete it.”
“This shipment should arrive ahead of schedule thanks to you. I appreciate your work ethic.” Tyrian said looking over at Julian. “How would you like a raise?”
“Sir?”
“3 pounds more on the order. I would like you to work with Julian, see if you can get him to relax. He’s got all of the knowledge but his execution needs work. Do me this favor and on your next order you keep the profit.”
“Thank you, sir. Of course.” Edgar had a look of excitement.
“‘Tis your hard work to thank and nothing more and Edgar…”
“Yes sir?”
“Call me Tyrian.” Edgar smiled.
* * *
When Tyrian returned to his estate it was very late evening. All of the orders had been processed and shipped. Edgar had opted to stay and work with Julian long after their doors had closed to the public and Tyrian stayed to monitor the progress. It seemed that Edgar was a natural teacher. Julian managed to fnish his first project with his guidance. Eventually Tyrian would have to take over his father’s estate and he would need someone like Edgar to manage the details of his leather business. He sighed aloud. It would be nice to have someone help him manage the affairs at home. The countess managed the staff and grounds of their estate whilst his father managed the business and funds. They worked as a team. As more responsibility came to Tyrian he would need to be able to delegate. Perhaps this is why the Countess and Earl had been so insistent on his marrying. Maybe they knew something he did not. Tyrian had to admit he had always assumed it was the Countess’s want for a grandchild that fueled her. There was a knock on his door.
“Come in.” Bigsley entered.
“Lord Boudreaux, I’ve a letter for you.” Tyrian took the letter from him and grabbed his letter opener from his desk. Bigsley turned to leave.
“Bigs, can I ask you something?” The butler turned back around to face his young master.
“Of course sir.”
“What dost thou think of Lady Markisean?”
“She comes from a most notable family, a very dependable pedigree.”
“You speak of her family, Bigsley, I required your opinion of the lady herself.”
“Forgive my boldness sire, but I do believe my opinion of the lady is rather mute, ‘tis your own opinion that matters regarding the young lady.” Tyrian blinked at his butler. “Dost thou enjoy the company of the young lady sire?”
“That will be all Bigsley.” Tyrian said, refusing to answer. Bigsley gave him a knowing smile and nodded before heading out the door. Tyrian cut into the envelope and retrieved the note inside.
Tyrian,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I myself have been in a pitiful state since you left my estate Saturday evening. You sir, are the cause of my misery. Dost thou know the pain you’ve caused me? I find I am in need of an apology, for you did not tell me your findings on our science experiment. The agony of the unknown is too much for me to bear. How can you expect a scholar such as myself to sleep without a formal report. Tell me, have you changed your original hypothesis regarding all women? Will you stay the course to male spinsterhood having learned new information?
~Yours truly,
a maddened and waiting scholar, Soul
Tyrian chuckled reading her letter. He sat down at his desk and pulled out a piece of parchment and his quill.
Soul,
My health is in stable condition but I cannot say the same for my ego. Tell me, is it your life’s mission to insult my propriety? I do apologize, for I never intended to cause you pain or worry. I do hope you aren’t without sleep for too long. I myself did lie awake at night recounting the events of our experiment. I have to say, my mind has not changed. Perhaps I am too obstinate. Though I certainly do have much to rethink. My findings were rather inconclusive, the experiment was agreeable that much proved to be obvious. Yet by the third repetition my mind was clouded. The scent of sweet cinnamon and warm vanilla surly had an affect on my judgement. My hypothesis on women was proven incorrect the moment I made your acquaintance. Still, ‘marriage’— as you so cleverly quoted ‘is like putting your hand into a bag of snakes in the hope of pulling out an eel. I have no desire for either of those things. Though now I am curious, have you changed your mind on spinsterhood? Dost thou have scientific findings of your own?
~Sincerest regards,
A possible cure to madness, Tyrian.
Tyrian set down his quill to read over his penmanship. When he was satisfied it was void of errors he blew gently on the ink before folding the parchment and placing it in an envelope of his own. He held a wax stick over candlelight and let it drip to seal the envelope shut. When the wax dried he turned it over and wrote in elegant hand Lady Soliel Markisean and rang for Bigsley to take the letter away.
Soliel opened the letter Nan gave her whilst sitting in the library skimming another one of Shakespeare's plays. She held the paper with shaky hands. Perhaps her letter had been too bold. Her nervousness quelled however when she began to read his words. She had read his letter thrice over when she called for stationary of her own. Seated at a table in the library she returned his letter.
Tyrian,
I would not make my life’s mission to insult something that is hardly in existence sir. As for your ego, I don’t believe there are enough insults in all the world to bring it down to an acceptable size. I must thank you for writing me back with such haste. I can rest now knowing I haven’t stolen a heart only to break it. I have no intention of straying from my path to spinsterhood either. Though my scientific findings do hold true that I would not mind performing more experiments. Agreeable indeed. Much like you, the scent of my partner may have clouded my judgement. Perhaps it was the smell of fresh pine in a winter’s forest that led me to such inconclusive results. I have no desire for snakes or eels to suffocate me. Still I do find myself turning to speak to you when you are not in the vicinity. Perhaps your presence is something I’ve grown fond of. ‘Tis a wonderful thing that you will be here for tea tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully this tea is void of awkward surprises.
~Your loyal friend
and scientific partner, Soul
On Tuesday Tyrian arrived at the Markisean estate well dressed for the warm summer weather with flowers in hand. He knocked on the door and their butler, Adams, let him in.
“Good afternoon sir, Lady Markisean is right this way.” He followed Adams through the estate. They walked past the ball room and down the hall where he’d originally met Soliel. He smiled thinking of the way she’d thrown an apple over her shoulder. Adam’s led him out the back door of the estate and down a cobblestone path to a glass greenhouse filled with summer flora. When he entered the room his eyes fell upon her. “Lord Boudreaux to see you madam.” She looked up at him with a warm smile. She was decorated in a yellow gown that fell off her shoulders. The pastel color was gentle against her caramel skin, she was glowing. The dress was embroidered in white lace. Her hair was up in curls and though he preferred it down he couldn’t help but admire how this style showcased her face. His eyes lingered on her exposed neck and collar bone.
“Lord Boudreaux.” Soliel stood and curtsied.
“Lady Markisean.” He said with a smile.
“Adams, we are without a chaperone, would you stay or call on Nan for me? She should be with Madeline in the library.” Adams nodded and disappeared to find Nan. When he was far enough away Soliel ran and wrapped her arms around Tyrian.
“Soliel.” He whispered, returning her embrace.
“Tyrian, did you receive my last letter?” He laughed.
“Yes, I’ve never been scolded so harshly.” She beamed up at him.
“Someone ought to.” She said, pulling away. “Are those for me?” She gestured to the flowers. He nodded handing them over. “Baby’s breath, how do you always know?” She touched the delicate tips. Remembering the last bouquet he'd sent her.
“Mrs. Baker says you prefer them.”
“She’s correct. These are beautiful thank you.” She walked back towards her seat at the table. “Clara should be by soon with tea. Join me?”
“‘Tis why I’m here.” He said sitting opposite her. She opened a book and read from it’s pages.
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” Tyrian looked upon her from across the table. He watched her full lips form the words of Shakespeare's 18th sonnet. “Rough winds do shake the darling buds of may, and summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” Soliel glanced up to find Tyrian staring at her. “Have I egg on my face?” She asked him amusedly.
“Of course not.”
“You are staring…”
“I will not apologize for admiring a most agreeable woman partaking in one of my favorite past times.” Soliel blushed.
“You find me agreeable?” She said shyly.
“I believe we’ve had this discussion once before or have you already forgotten our trip to the lake?” Soliel averted her gaze.
“I’ve hardly thought of much else since.” She admitted, embarrassed.
“I echo your interest on the subject.” He was smirking. Soliel took a deep breath and continued to read her poem.
“Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often his gold complexion dimmed; And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature’s changing course untrimmed;-”
“Lord Boudreaux!” Soliel looked up at the door to the greenhouse. Tyrian turned to see Madeline fast approaching. “You’ve returned! It’s good to see my sister hath not frightened you away.” Tyrian chuckled. Nan was a step behind the young girl and she signed her introduction.
“Nan says it’s nice to see you again Lord Boudreaux. She asks if all is well in your estate?” Soliel translated.
“Thank you, It’s nice to see you again also.. We’re all doing well. The Countess finds ways to keep us busy. Are you ladies well?” Madeline answered for them both.
“We’re in good health, but ever bored. 'Tis so wonderful you’ve come!” Clara came with a tray and set tea out for them.
“Thank you Clara.” Soliel said.
“Thank you.” Tyrian nodded to the maid.
“You’re most welcome, please ring for me if you need anything else.” She curtsied and made leave. Madeline put a spoon of sugar into her cup and stirred slowly.
“Lord Boudreaux, you lived in France before you moved to the colonies?” Tyrian nodded to her. “Did you have a girlfriend in France?” Tyrian spat his tea. Soliel erupted into laughter. “What?” Madeline demanded. “It’s not unusual for a man his age to have courted someone before Soliel.”
“Well Lord Boudreaux, now we all want to know, did you have a girlfriend?” Soliel smirked.
“I’d hardly call her a girlfriend.” He managed to say after clearing his throat. “The Countess would often trap me in teas with a young woman who frequently visited our estate in Bordeaux.” Soliel’s eyes widened at this new information.
“So you did have a girlfriend.” Her voice was sad.
“Not by choice though, I believe Lady Annabelle La Rochelle would say otherwise. I did my best to stay polite. I have to say I was relieved when we moved. I half expected to receive a thousand letters from her by now.”
“How many have you received if not a thousand?” Soliel asked, her voice was casual but the grip on her teacup had tightened.
“Three.” Soliel took a sip of her tea. The room was silent.
“Did you find her agreeable?” Madeline broke the silence. Everyone turned to look at the young girl. Tyrian paused and looked at Soliel. She brought her eyes to her cup.
“I would never speak Ill of a lady, though admittedly Lady La Rochelle was never able to hold my interest.” Madeline thought over this new information. Soliel kept her eyes on her tea.
“We all make mistakes Lord Boudreaux. Luckily for you, you’ve found our Soul and she is agreeable, don’t you think?” Tyrian wasn’t sure how to respond in present company.
“Madeline that’s quite enough. Clearly Lord Boudreaux is a gentleman and would prefer not to answer those types of questions. It’s not polite.”
“But Soul if he’s going to marry you-”
“I’m quite sorry Madeline there will be no wedding. Lord Boudreaux simply has grown fond of our library and company. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must return this book to its rightful place on our shelves.” Soliel curtsied and rushed out of the green house before another word could be spoken.
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