(Untitled)

[oh_so_pleasant]

Each day Elwood spends on the island is better than the last. He absolutely could not be happier about his life at the moment (unless, of course, the Island would be gracious enough to send his dear sister, Veta Louise, and lovely niece, Myrtle Mae, to spend time with him). Why, every single morning, he awakens to an island that is bustling with

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[stoicsidekick]

William spent a fair share of his free time (which was scant by the count of most island residents, but he liked it that way) in the Winchester. Archie was here most mornings for pestering and fond mockery, and even when he wasn't, the place had a home-y pub-like feel to it that reminded William of England, and of that life so long ago when he had spent most of his time on land in such establishments. The Winchester was a mite warmer and unquestionably cleaner than most places like it, but that just made it an even more appealing place to spend a quiet afternoon.

He had been aware of the man sitting nearby in an absent sort of way, had even nodded to him when he sat, but William hadn't expected to be addressed - the fellow was talking to him, wasn't he? He slid his gaze in the stranger's direction and arched an eyebrow as he brought his pint to his lips. "Pardon?"

[oh_so_pleasant]

"Oh, hello," Elwood says to the man, lifting his own glass to take a drink. The island beer is quite different than any beer he had consumed back home; it is heavier, more flavorful in some ways. He quite likes it, though not so much so that it will ever become more dear to him than his drink of choice, Scotch and Soda.

Though he had been addressing Harvey and not this fellow, Elwood is more than happy to engage in conversation. It is, after all, one of the past-times he prizes most.

"I was speaking to Harvey, actually," he continues, gesturing with his free hand to the seat beside him. "My name is Dowd, Elwood P. I do hope we aren't disturbing you."

[stoicsidekick]

William blinked - once, twice - as he made a go at processing this man's reply. He's simple, the sailor realized quickly enough, though harmlessly so as far as he could tell. But being a simpleton was no crime, and William was not one to judge, especially when a fellow was being perfectly polite.

"Not at all, sir." He offered his hand across the expanse where Dowd-the-simpleton's friend supposedly sat. "William Bush."

[oh_so_pleasant]

"Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. Bush!" Elwood exclaims. Beaming, he firmly shakes the gentleman's proffered hand and releases it after the adequate time for an introductory handshake arrives.

"I knew a few Bushes back home -- lovely people, although Mr. Bush the elder is quite getting on in years, the poor man. It gets harder and harder for folks to be mobile around as they age." He takes a sip of his drink and raises the glass in toast. "To our health, may it stay with us as long as we deserve it."

[oh_so_pleasant]

"Miss Helena!" Elwood exclaims, delighted at the sight her. "Why, my good fortune is that I am in the presence of a charming young lady such as yourself. "How goes the juggling?"

Smiling, he says to Harvey, "The day is indeed getting better by the moment!"

Listening to Harvey's response, Elwood nods and comments to Miss Campbell, "Harvey says perhaps you are his good luck charm; he just found a button he'd lost from a favorite vest in his coat pocket just now."

[oh_so_pleasant]

"Yes," Elwood affirms amiably, "he did. I cannot tell you how many weeks he'd been searching for the thing."

Next to him, Harvey nods, then straightens his waistcoat smartly. Elwood is pleased to see his friend so happy; the lost button had been vexing him as of late.

"It's not just good news; it's wonderful news," Elwood replies. "Have you see the island school, Miss Helena? It's a place where people of all ages can learn; I was thinking of looking into a few courses for Harvey and myself to take. Perhaps you might entertain the idea of giving juggling lessons? I expect that would be a topic of interest to many here."