"On Meeting An Inquiry Agent" -- Part # 1/?
I have had this scene in my head for years, but either never got around to working it out, or didn't feel 'allowed' to post it. This year I'm trying to do things for 
fandom_stocking (my stocking is { HERE}, by the way.) though, and wanted to get into capacity for writing other things so I decided to start work on this first. I am working on the next part now (about 300 words in at 10:05PM 12-20-2013) but thought that I should split it up after the last sentence sounded like an end.
This is how Lorel & Alfred met. I have ideas for, and used to think of writing out little adventures they had as partners, but I doubt I ever will. But this part here is about their first meeting. For those that don't know; Alfred is Lorel's spouse that was murdered, and also was her teacher & partner at the inquiry agent office they set-up (L & A). His murder was the reason she started her quest for vengeance, and why she took on the persona of L.S. Cassius & went to The 'Neath/London.
-----
It was mid-September in 1879, and Lorel Lumbry was begrudgingly trying to get her boots on & tied to go out. She didn't want to go out, days of rain having left the air damp, and that dampness was bothering her knee. He uncle had requested it though, and she did see his reasoning in it. It was better for the business of gaining contracts, if the one seeking it showed themselves as friendly. So for the merchant's niece to attend a local gathering, it would show that that even his family was friendly. Lorel did not care much for salons or parties or any of that business, often finding them lonely places, or having to deal with either questions or scorn. Lorel was not much of a lady, that seemed to most of the public to be 'odd'. She was not interested in marriage, did not wear a corset, often wore her hair loose, and preferred the clothing of men. She medically was advised against wearing a corset (having a limp had thrown-off things), but many did not know that--unless they started on questions. She didn't even look like much of a woman. She is slight, and boney in places she'd rather not be. Her hips were those of a young man, and the only womanly feature at first glance would be her breasts. So at the times when she chose to bind them back, she could pass quite well bodily for a boy. Well except for her long, somewhat curled, hair. Bright ginger, long, somewhat curled, hair.
All of this would not be as 'dreadful' if not for that knee. Some men like handsome women, and some like cleverness. But Lorel Lumbry was often treated with a sort of scorn because she could be called 'crippled'. Or worse she would get pity. These things were because much of the public considered Miss Lumbry unable to be married, and-unless they knew it was an old injury-unsuitable to bear children. Again; both things were not something Lorel had interest in, but it became in the least an annoyance when she'd attend something sociable and hear the related whispers. “...burden to her uncle...”, “Poor child!”, “...she stay unseen?”. Lorel at times would like to beat them with her walking-stick.
As she left the inn, she was relieved that 'in the least' the ground had dried which made the small walk easier. As much as she did not want to attend, she also could not be disgruntled with her uncle. She knew he would have also been attending if he was not in meetings, and given that she was his only heir she would do what she could to help the business. And even if the business wasn't connected, she would still do it for Uncle Frederick. She had chosen to wear a milky tea coloured dress, with just enough white & pale blue pieces to be dressy. Her hair was pinned-up, but tendrils hung in places. She had also chosen to wear men's travel boots. Lorel spent the first while there taking in punch and trying to move about avoiding most conversation. She was trying to put on a sociable persona, but just couldn't seem to settle into it. It was becoming better to just not talk than to have an annoyed tone seep into her voice. No, and, no. She was not born deformed. After that answer she gripped her hand on the handle and moved to stand by the fireplace. At least she could avoid the lingering damp, if she couldn't calm her personality. It was on her way over that she saw a young auburn haired man already there, leaning on the mantle with an arm holding punch.
He seemed to be enjoying this gathering as much as she was. His eyes in a dazed look, and more enjoying the warmth and waiting until he could leave than anything. When he saw this young woman coming closer he grimaced, and left the mantle to turn around. He stared into the fire as if hoping she wasn't planning on speaking to him. Because of this she kept coming closer--it would be far better company than she was having. He had taken note that this woman was not the typical sort that wanted to talk to him, the kind that knew of his family and that he was a bachelor. It had become an increased problem since his brother had become engaged, and since there were rumours that he had chosen an almost disgraceful vocation to follow. Meaning that someone might have to hurry before he loses favour with his parents and the favour of their money. This red haired woman had a cane, and obviously was not wearing a corset; walking without the bit of sway that comes with one. For a moment he thought maybe that he should give her a chance to speak before throwing his opinion on her, “Assumptions are unwise.” after all, but he had already had a bothersome evening and was not in the mood to have more. He opened his mouth to firmly say “I'm not available.” when she plainly said “Your trousers are wet.”. It was a statement, a completely true but unexpected statement. The young man turned and grinned.
Lorel had a tired look on her face, but her eyes softened at this man's grin. His eyes were a bright green, but a warmer shade than she was used to seeing. His teeth showed, and the way his cheeks went was well too. She took a better look at him. He was rather short, only a little bit taller than her. His suit was simple but of good quality, a nice deep brown colour. He had an odd complexion which was not as pale as his physical build would suggest. But his hair was even more odd. It was short but seemed as if it was trying to curl or escape his head, and Lorel had an urge to reach out and try smoothing it down. At this thought she shock her head and made a face. The gentleman was taking a better look at her too, but neither really knew how to begin with further conversation. Then he started laughing and introduced himself.
His named was Alfred Cassius, and was in that town on business of his own. After she introduced herself, and surprised (and further impressed) him a bit about being a shipping merchant's heir, they made their way to a sofa to talk more. He had had a bit of a scuffle earlier and fallen over into a spot that was still more marsh than solid ground. He had managed to get the front part of his trousers dry by the fire, but-as she had noticed-the backs were still wet. He had hoped the dark brown would hide it a bit better. Alfred facinated Lorel with his talk of being a private detective, and how clever she was kept facinating him. She wasn't the typical sort to talk to him at all, and through as her first statement had shown she was forward, she wasn't trying to get his whole family status out of him. She was genuinly just interested in his vocation. He had never been able to expond on it before, not even to his older brother whom wasn't disapponted in him. Said brother was going to be a constable, which was lower than his position but still a noble calling. “Detectives are mostly a scam. his mother often said. Alfred hated having to rely on his parents, yet “I'm not fool enough to follow poverty too.” (he almost said 'not noble enough' but didn't want to for Lorel). He admitted to feeling stuck. He was trying to seek his life, but had to maintain the funds to do so from his status. And yet that status could at time damage his reputation. Have him taken for a man with too much money & too much spare time that was merely playing at work. Lorel asked him about his tan then, and brought another grin. Alfred bunched his hands up to study his knees and explained how he actually was travelling about all summer for work. Then chanced to mention his foreign grandfather (many thinking the 'Cassius' is of the very old German immigrant kind). She told him of the Wilhelmina Vrabec woman who raised her. And then he asked why Mila & Uncle Frederick had raised her. When she told him, he frowned a moment, then stood-up and bowed rather dramatically toward the refreshments. She watched as his silly hair flounced around when he did so.
Lorel didn't sit all dainty, with having to move to fold a bustle down. Alfred watched as she eased herself down with her cane, a plate of cakes, and a little puff of air. She stretched her legs out, and he noticed the men's travel boots. He smiled but wanted to ask her about her limp. After they had talked another hour (her eating with pure enjoyment), and made plans to meet tomorrow, he decided that she'd tell him about it in her own time--if she wanted him to know. He knew some people were bothered by ailments as such, and that usually didn't bother him enough not to ask. But with Lorel it was as different as she was. And after the gathering he decided that it didn't really matter in pursuing a friendship he thoroughly planned on pursuing.
fandom_stocking (my stocking is { HERE}, by the way.) though, and wanted to get into capacity for writing other things so I decided to start work on this first. I am working on the next part now (about 300 words in at 10:05PM 12-20-2013) but thought that I should split it up after the last sentence sounded like an end.
This is how Lorel & Alfred met. I have ideas for, and used to think of writing out little adventures they had as partners, but I doubt I ever will. But this part here is about their first meeting. For those that don't know; Alfred is Lorel's spouse that was murdered, and also was her teacher & partner at the inquiry agent office they set-up (L & A). His murder was the reason she started her quest for vengeance, and why she took on the persona of L.S. Cassius & went to The 'Neath/London.
-----
It was mid-September in 1879, and Lorel Lumbry was begrudgingly trying to get her boots on & tied to go out. She didn't want to go out, days of rain having left the air damp, and that dampness was bothering her knee. He uncle had requested it though, and she did see his reasoning in it. It was better for the business of gaining contracts, if the one seeking it showed themselves as friendly. So for the merchant's niece to attend a local gathering, it would show that that even his family was friendly. Lorel did not care much for salons or parties or any of that business, often finding them lonely places, or having to deal with either questions or scorn. Lorel was not much of a lady, that seemed to most of the public to be 'odd'. She was not interested in marriage, did not wear a corset, often wore her hair loose, and preferred the clothing of men. She medically was advised against wearing a corset (having a limp had thrown-off things), but many did not know that--unless they started on questions. She didn't even look like much of a woman. She is slight, and boney in places she'd rather not be. Her hips were those of a young man, and the only womanly feature at first glance would be her breasts. So at the times when she chose to bind them back, she could pass quite well bodily for a boy. Well except for her long, somewhat curled, hair. Bright ginger, long, somewhat curled, hair.
All of this would not be as 'dreadful' if not for that knee. Some men like handsome women, and some like cleverness. But Lorel Lumbry was often treated with a sort of scorn because she could be called 'crippled'. Or worse she would get pity. These things were because much of the public considered Miss Lumbry unable to be married, and-unless they knew it was an old injury-unsuitable to bear children. Again; both things were not something Lorel had interest in, but it became in the least an annoyance when she'd attend something sociable and hear the related whispers. “...burden to her uncle...”, “Poor child!”, “...she stay unseen?”. Lorel at times would like to beat them with her walking-stick.
As she left the inn, she was relieved that 'in the least' the ground had dried which made the small walk easier. As much as she did not want to attend, she also could not be disgruntled with her uncle. She knew he would have also been attending if he was not in meetings, and given that she was his only heir she would do what she could to help the business. And even if the business wasn't connected, she would still do it for Uncle Frederick. She had chosen to wear a milky tea coloured dress, with just enough white & pale blue pieces to be dressy. Her hair was pinned-up, but tendrils hung in places. She had also chosen to wear men's travel boots. Lorel spent the first while there taking in punch and trying to move about avoiding most conversation. She was trying to put on a sociable persona, but just couldn't seem to settle into it. It was becoming better to just not talk than to have an annoyed tone seep into her voice. No, and, no. She was not born deformed. After that answer she gripped her hand on the handle and moved to stand by the fireplace. At least she could avoid the lingering damp, if she couldn't calm her personality. It was on her way over that she saw a young auburn haired man already there, leaning on the mantle with an arm holding punch.
He seemed to be enjoying this gathering as much as she was. His eyes in a dazed look, and more enjoying the warmth and waiting until he could leave than anything. When he saw this young woman coming closer he grimaced, and left the mantle to turn around. He stared into the fire as if hoping she wasn't planning on speaking to him. Because of this she kept coming closer--it would be far better company than she was having. He had taken note that this woman was not the typical sort that wanted to talk to him, the kind that knew of his family and that he was a bachelor. It had become an increased problem since his brother had become engaged, and since there were rumours that he had chosen an almost disgraceful vocation to follow. Meaning that someone might have to hurry before he loses favour with his parents and the favour of their money. This red haired woman had a cane, and obviously was not wearing a corset; walking without the bit of sway that comes with one. For a moment he thought maybe that he should give her a chance to speak before throwing his opinion on her, “Assumptions are unwise.” after all, but he had already had a bothersome evening and was not in the mood to have more. He opened his mouth to firmly say “I'm not available.” when she plainly said “Your trousers are wet.”. It was a statement, a completely true but unexpected statement. The young man turned and grinned.
Lorel had a tired look on her face, but her eyes softened at this man's grin. His eyes were a bright green, but a warmer shade than she was used to seeing. His teeth showed, and the way his cheeks went was well too. She took a better look at him. He was rather short, only a little bit taller than her. His suit was simple but of good quality, a nice deep brown colour. He had an odd complexion which was not as pale as his physical build would suggest. But his hair was even more odd. It was short but seemed as if it was trying to curl or escape his head, and Lorel had an urge to reach out and try smoothing it down. At this thought she shock her head and made a face. The gentleman was taking a better look at her too, but neither really knew how to begin with further conversation. Then he started laughing and introduced himself.
His named was Alfred Cassius, and was in that town on business of his own. After she introduced herself, and surprised (and further impressed) him a bit about being a shipping merchant's heir, they made their way to a sofa to talk more. He had had a bit of a scuffle earlier and fallen over into a spot that was still more marsh than solid ground. He had managed to get the front part of his trousers dry by the fire, but-as she had noticed-the backs were still wet. He had hoped the dark brown would hide it a bit better. Alfred facinated Lorel with his talk of being a private detective, and how clever she was kept facinating him. She wasn't the typical sort to talk to him at all, and through as her first statement had shown she was forward, she wasn't trying to get his whole family status out of him. She was genuinly just interested in his vocation. He had never been able to expond on it before, not even to his older brother whom wasn't disapponted in him. Said brother was going to be a constable, which was lower than his position but still a noble calling. “Detectives are mostly a scam. his mother often said. Alfred hated having to rely on his parents, yet “I'm not fool enough to follow poverty too.” (he almost said 'not noble enough' but didn't want to for Lorel). He admitted to feeling stuck. He was trying to seek his life, but had to maintain the funds to do so from his status. And yet that status could at time damage his reputation. Have him taken for a man with too much money & too much spare time that was merely playing at work. Lorel asked him about his tan then, and brought another grin. Alfred bunched his hands up to study his knees and explained how he actually was travelling about all summer for work. Then chanced to mention his foreign grandfather (many thinking the 'Cassius' is of the very old German immigrant kind). She told him of the Wilhelmina Vrabec woman who raised her. And then he asked why Mila & Uncle Frederick had raised her. When she told him, he frowned a moment, then stood-up and bowed rather dramatically toward the refreshments. She watched as his silly hair flounced around when he did so.
Lorel didn't sit all dainty, with having to move to fold a bustle down. Alfred watched as she eased herself down with her cane, a plate of cakes, and a little puff of air. She stretched her legs out, and he noticed the men's travel boots. He smiled but wanted to ask her about her limp. After they had talked another hour (her eating with pure enjoyment), and made plans to meet tomorrow, he decided that she'd tell him about it in her own time--if she wanted him to know. He knew some people were bothered by ailments as such, and that usually didn't bother him enough not to ask. But with Lorel it was as different as she was. And after the gathering he decided that it didn't really matter in pursuing a friendship he thoroughly planned on pursuing.