[Introduction] A horrid turn of events

[regency_twihard]

The coach ride to Bath proves utterly imperilous, with no great calamity than a stop at an inn -- its taproom sadly lacking in sinisterly scarred ruffians or raddled wenches with sharp tongues, much less a kitchen with a fat, surly chef cuffing the kitchen boys. Once they resume their journey, they nearly turn back to the inn, when Mrs. Allen

Comments

[not_snake_bite]

Should Catherine wander into the library, she may come across a strange scholar, dressed in strict garb that could pass for obsolete, perhaps the previous century.

Steerpike is hunched over a pile of books and reciting to himself something that sounds decidedly arcane. He is in fact quite absorbed in his study.

[regency_twihard]

It's likely getting on towards evening, and Catherine was looking for something to read in bed. Entering the now slightly darkened library and spying the young scholar, she pauses, watching him. It's as if he crawled out of the pages of "The Necromancer of the Black Forest" (Yes, this is a real book title...) and into this shadowy nook. She edges closer, trying to get a look at the titles of the books on the table and trying to be as quiet as possible.

[not_snake_bite]

Steerpike is not oblivious to the spying young woman - and she's nothing to sneeze at, but more importantly, he does not know who she is.

He keeps on writing his note, and says, slowly, without looking at her, "It's usually polite to introduce oneself, when nosing around another person's work, lady."

[regency_twihard]

She backs away a little. "I'm sorry, sir: I was trying not to disturb you," she says. "I've never seen books like that, I've only read about them in novels. I'm Catherine Morland, of Fullerton. I am sorry if I was interloping," she says, dropping a curtsy to him. Hoping he doesn't turn her into an animal or lock her in a deep enchanted sleep for her misstep."

[not_snake_bite]

"That's quite alright," Steerpike replies with a false smile. He finally finishes his note and closes the book. "Were you looking for anything special, Catherine Morland, of Fullerton?"

The fact that he hasn't given his name is purposeful.

[regency_twihard]

"I was looking for a novel to read before I fall asleep," she replies. Then looking from him to the books, she asks, "Are you a scholar of some sort?"

[not_snake_bite]

"Of some sort," Steerpike replies. "Knowledge is something one should always be concerned about."

He smiles a little, very polite. "Though I'm afraid literature is not in this section, Madam."

[regency_twihard]

She can't help returning a smile to him, unsuspecting and innocent. "I'm sorry, I'm rather new here: I only arrived a few days ago, and I am still growing accustomed to this place. The library alone is so big one could get lost in it forever if you had no one to you find your way around in it."

[not_snake_bite]

"Of course," Steerpike replies, and chuckles a little. "Let me direct you to the proper section, Madam."

He stands, makes sure his pages are kept and notes are properly kept in place by a paper weight.

[regency_twihard]

"Oh thank you," she says beaming, as she follows him. "I'd be still twisted around if I had not stumbled upon you. You're a very kind young man."

[not_snake_bite]

Ahahaha if only you knew, Catherine. "You flatter me, lady," Steerpike replies, and offers her his arm, of course.

[regency_twihard]

She takes his arm, laying her free hand on it, then retracting it, blushing a bit at her forwardness. "So by whom, do I have the honor of being rescued and escorted?"

[not_snake_bite]

"Master Steerpike, of Gormenghast," he replies in his Scottish-like brogue. "What manner of books to you enjoy, pray tell?"

[regency_twihard]

"I've not heard of such a place, but I'm hardly a learned woman. It sounds like the name of a kingdom with a strange old castle," she says. "But I'm rather fond of adventure tales, like Mrs. Radcliffe's novels. But I can't imagine a smart man like you has read them."

[not_snake_bite]

"I'm afraid I have not had much time for leisure reading," Steerpike says, in false apology. "But certainly I may assist you in finding them."

Hey, how about he helps her find some Mary Shelley?

[regency_twihard]

"I am sorry to hear that; if you ever have time to spare, you might like Mister Walpole's Otranto," she says, pressing his arm gently. "But I very much appreciate your assistance."

This! So very much! ::Grinning::