Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2022 14:13:15 GMT -5
Temperance didn't get out much anymore, but there had been a time when she was out and about in the city multiple times a week. That'd been when she was younger, of course, and seeking out or meeting possible men to marry as her Father wished her to. After the rumors and the breaking off of her engagement when she was twenty-five, she'd pulled away from the public. Other than doing a bit of shopping, or helping deliver the occasional baby, she had few reasons to visit the inner city. She liked her little cottage, her greenhouse and garden on the outskirts were much more forgiving than the city streets, and much more peaceful.
But after spending a couple of days with Thomas, she'd had an idea for a proper gift. Melody had sent word to the man Temperance needed and he'd confirmed he could do the job. Now she just had to pick it up and fulfill her end. Melody had offered, but Temperance wanted to pick it up for herself. The place was right beside Thomas's home, after all, though she'd have to be careful not to run into him and ruin the gift of surprise.
Stepping into the shop, she inhaled deeply and her smile grew easily. An older man sat in the corner, his eyes downcast and clearly focused on his work. "A minute," he told her without looking up.
"Of course," she replied as she looked around the shop. She ran her hand over book after book, picking one up and lifting it to her nose as she inhaled again. The smell of books was so pleasant and calming, and this place was filled with them.
"You need something, miss?" The older man finally said, standing up and wiping his hands clean.
"I sent you word yesterday about a personal order, you said I could pick it up today. It was for Temperance Towers?"
"Oh, yes, Miss Towers, I finished it this morning," he said, walking over to a counter with a lock-box and what appeared to be paperwork. He pulled a book from underneath and slid it across the counter for her to look at. "How'd ya find it?"
"It's beautiful," she said, running her fingers over the cover. "Exactly what I'd wanted, thank you. And the other?"
"Oh, right, almost forgot that one," he walked back to his workstation, picked up the item in question, and sat it next to the book. She picked it up and twisted it in her hands, examining it carefully, before her smile returned.
"I can't thank you enough for getting these to me on such short notice," she pulled a linen pouch from her belt and slid it across the counter to him. He opened it up, poured the money into his hand, counted it, and then tucked it away in his lock-box.
"My pleasure, miss. 'Ave a good day, then," he waved a hand and turned away before she could so much as respond, getting back to his work. Temperance tucked the two items away into the basket she'd brought with her and exited the shop, then stood just out in front of it, looking up at the building directly next to it with a smile.
"Very unassuming," she said to herself, then turned to head back toward home. As she did, she bumped into something. A huff escaped her lips in surprise, and she reached out to steady whoever it was to keep them from falling as well. "Stars and stones, I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"