Returning Lost Goods - 9:45 am, April 17th - cont'd

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

OOC: Continued from Contemplation

Smythe-Higgins Wines & Spirits
A small edifice of two levels stands in front of you. Built of ivy-covered quarry stone with a dark grey slate roof, it displays a large sign above the small entrance door: "Smythe-Higgins, Wines & Spirits".

Inside there are rows upon rows of neatly stacked and classified bottles, barrels, and casks. The place is kept spotless, and the connoisseur can immediately recognize bottles of the best French clarets and champagnes, German whites and ice-wines, Italian reds, Hungarian tokajis, Spanish sacks, Portuguese ports and Madeiras, as well as the stronger Highland whiskeys, French and Spanish brandies, Italian grappas, and the more exotic American rums. Ales, both dark and light, as well as meads, have their own section, albeit small in comparison to the rest.

There is a small door in the back, which leads to a cellar, where the truly extraordinary vintages are kept. Beside it, there is a wooden staircase going up.

On entering, a ruddy-faced, slightly plump, but portly shopkeeper greets the prospective client. "Good day to you. My name is Albert Smythe, co-proprietor. May I inquire as to your needs today?"

The fresh faced young lady looked about the shop with wide, curious eyes as she was greeted by Albert Smythe. "Oh! Good afternoon, Mr. Smythe, I was wondering if an Eleanor Smythe is available for a visitor." Alexandra was not sure if it was a good idea to tell Albert of the lost satchel or not but wanted to personally leave it with the owner of the bag. If the co-proprietor wanted to stay that would be fine as well.

[Hope]

"Eleanor?" Albert remarked with surprise, and with a little disbelief then said, "My wife's name is Eleanor, Eleanor Smythe, could it be the same Eleanor Smythe as you are seeking?"

It was not that his wife did not get visitors, but that she rarely got visitors here. The last visitor she had had was the Taxman, and he hardly qualified as a visitor. But this finely dressed young woman was no Taxman to be sure, in fact she was so fine that she would not even appear in a tax mans dreams -- that is unless he was a most audacious Taxman perhaps.

"Ah, she is in the office upstairs milady."

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

A gentle nod in acknowledgement followed by, "I believe so, Mr. Smythe." She smiled at the mention of her being in the office upstairs, "That is wonderful to hear. Perhaps you could tell her Alexandra Rosewyck is here to see her. She will not know who I am, but perhaps I may be of some service to your wife."

The young lady kept it at that not meaning to sound cryptic yet hoping that Mr. Smythe would get someone to let his wife know that she was here.

[Hope]

It was not so often that a person of her class visited his shop, fetching supplies was usually something that servants did, so it was that Mr Smythe was caught off centre with her arrival. "Why certainly milady, would you like a seat?" he looked around for a chair, and moved a box off a nearby three legged stool. "I'll go tell her myself, if you will but wait a moment please."

Off he went up the stairs two at a time. His voice then wafting downwards as he spoke to Mrs Smythe with door left ajar, "I don't know what she wants. Come now dear, the day cant get any worse."

Back down the stairs he went, and told Alexandria soberly, "She's just making herself presentable milady."

The store was eerily empty given that it was a Friday, when most would be laying in their supplies for the weekend. As Mrs Smith descended, the shopkeeper allowed them some privacy by stepping into the shop doorway and looking out into the street - enjoying a skerrick of sunshine in that way that shopkeepers are prone to do.

"Good morning Mrs Rosewyck," Mrs Smythe was red-eyed, and had obviously been crying, though tried her best to pretend that she had not. "I don't believe I have had the pleasure, Mrs Smythe, at your service." she bobbed a curtsy.

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

It was going well enough as she was asked to sit and was offered a stool. Promptly, Alexandra had placed the satchel on the floor by her feet and waited for the shopkeeper's return.

Soft mumblings of voices were heard coming from the stairs causing Alexandra to wonder if Mr. Smythe's comment was due to the loss she had found. With a polite smile, she said to the shopkeeper, "I appreciate your assistance, Mr. Smythe. Thank you." Bright eyes looked about the shop while awaiting Eleanor's arrival.

As Mrs. Smythe arrived, her red-rimmed eyes were noted as she recalled her morning 'swim' in the mud and pond. "Good morning, Mrs. Smythe. I apologise for taking up your time, but I had a mishap earlier this morning which brought something to my attention." She had offered the shopkeeper's wife an encouraging smile hoping that this would help her alleviate some cause of concern. Alexandra had picked up the bag that she had placed at her feet before sitting down and handed it to Eleanor. "I believe this may belong to you and thought it might have been missed?" Of course, she could have probably read the entire situation completely wrong and this was supposed to stay on the bench in the park. Regardless, Alexandra hoped it would help Eleanor or at least to have her smile again for she hated the feeling of being in the doldrums as the next person.

[Hope]

The shop consisted of rows of bottles, with crates of the same stacked on the floor. There was several kegs as well - and one of these was sat in the centre of the floor with a selection of sparkling wine glasses. The room had that particular alcohol smell that tends to linger after any especially festive party.

"It is quite all right madame." Mrs. Smythe would have been in her mid twenties, a woman of pale skin and eyes that were almost black. Her hair was quite dark, and drawn up into a small and tight bun. Her costume was a severe cut in a blueish violet. The one indulgence she appeared to allow herself were a pair of earings that jiggled with her movement glinting an aquamarine sparkle. The jiggled greatly right then, with her sudden relief. "The satchel!"

Mrs Smythe glanced towards the door briefly, clutching up the satchel into her arms she squeezed it close. "You are a life saver, pray, where did you find it?" Eleanor inched further away from the door, and lowered her voice to whisper, "Did you see him?"

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

"It was found on a bench in St. James' Park." Inwardly happy that the woman seemed happy towards the satchel's reappearance as she answered where it was found. Of course, the next bit of action was a bit odd to Alexandra as she leaned in towards Eleanor as the woman whispered.

"Perhaps, but I had seen many men lingering about, you may need to be a bit more specific on who you are inquiring about." She lowered her own voice to match Mrs. Smythe's whisper. Of course, it was indeed a lie, the only person she saw or noticed was Catriona and it was possible that she was too upset to notice anyone else, but Alexandra hoped that her words were enough to pull out some more information regarding this satchel and the mysterious 'him'.

[Hope]

""Of course." Eleanor uttered under her breath, she had not thought to look there again, she'd thought he'd mislaid it at the Inn.

"Ah, oh, no..." Eleanor was flustered for a moment as she realised that by having asked the woman 'if she'd seen him', she now required some explanation to having not. It would have been better to have not have said anything! In a very quiet voice she replied, "Mr Brooks, the taxman that is. Dont be fooled by him milady, he might seem handsome and charming, but he is the devil in disguise. Shh!" Mrs Smythe's confession was suddenly interrupted as her husband turned and looked into the shop, and smiled to the pair.

Eleanor smiled back, then as soon as his back was turned she carried on. "Mr Brooks told me that if I did not meet him at the Inn last night, he would ruin my husbands business." Eleanor in earnest gripped the sachel. "He had this satchel with our tax records. I delivered it to his office myself, yesterday morning - that was when he made his indecent proposal. Then today our most private affairs, house valuations, loan amounts, sensitive and embarrassing information - all left laid about in the park? It could have fallen into any ones hands."

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

Alexandra also gave Mr. Smythe an innocent smile as if she was just here to have tea with his wife.

Also, so she could not really admit to meeting the mentioned man, Mr. Brooks, but the woman's confession gave her a bit of concern. Her blue-green eyes gazed into Eleanor's eyes with concern. "And you could not tell your husband about this man's indecent proposal? Would he not have a means of fighting against this man or is he truly that powerful?" Alexandra hoped she did not sound too naive but she honestly did not know much about business as well as how powerful a taxman was unless their business was not doing too well at the current moment.

"It seemed a bit odd for this Mr. Brooks to leave your satchel on a park bench, perhaps you should look inside to make sure all is there. Hopefully, he did not just keep your papers and just discarded your bag? Or worse try to use that as black mail now." The frown had deepened as she whispered, "The man sounds like the scum found in a bottom of an stagnant pond. I understand that you are trying to protect your husband, but do you think he would not try to protect you as well?" She was not pushing the woman to tell her husband but wondered more on her line of thought. "What happened at the Inn?" Wondering if Eleanor would confide in her further, she also included, "Does your husband find out of the missing papers? Is that why you were crying before I got here?"

The red head knew she was prying but how could she stop asking. She was always sensitive to other people around her especially when they were distressed and hoped that this was all conveyed in some way that she was there to help and not interfere.

[Hope]

"I didn't go to the Inn." Eleanor expressed in earnest, "I am not that sort of lady. I thought perhaps it was all a sham, and that if I called his bluff nothing would come of it." the woman's expression was tired and drawn.

"I have been fretting all day, my husband has been worried of me." she agreed with Alexandria's estimation of him. "I told him that it was nearing the time of the month, and that was all. I have been so worried. Do you think it is over now?"

As she'd spoken she had hesitantly undone the strap of the satchel, and looked back to the good Samaritan once more before opening it up to look inside. "...It seems... it seems all in order..." Eleanor dared to breathe a breath of relief, and put her hand touch the kind stranger in a gesture of thanks.

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

The tax records were given to Mr. Brooks yesterday morning which is also when she was prepositioned then rejected the invitation and suddenly the papers ended up in the park on a bench? "I believe it is not a good idea to ignore someone such as this man. I honestly do not know if it is a good idea to also tell your husband but if you love him enough and concerned for your livelihood as well as his own, he should so know. No one wants to be blindsided to such things. Knowledge is power is what my grandfather says and perhaps your husband can prepare himself for what may or may not come under the wrath of this Mr Brooks." There was concern in her voice but was even to now give off any alarm. Eleanor was upset enough as it is and needed her husband to lean on if the man was kind-hearted.

The mention of her husband being worried for her indicated that he would care to know, help and protect his wife as well as his business. "I do not know too much about these things, but I have a feeling that it is not over."

Her eyes were warm with concern and a glad I could help sort of expression. "I am glad to hear that." She accepted the woman's touch of gratitude. "It is your decision in what you want to do about this situation, but I think you should find a confidant in your husband and try to not bury it. Let him arm himself with the knowledge you have in case this Mr Brooks tries to follow through on this threat."

Her brow crinkled slightly in thought, "I wish I knew what to do to assist you further. I have newly arrived in London and do not know too much about such things, but if there is anything I can assist within my powers please ask."

[Hope]

"Oh but you are a help, I've been worrying to myself, and it's been a whirlpool in my mind. It's a blessing to have you to talk to. Yes, I shall do as you say, and talk to him tonight. After dinner perhaps." the nervy woman visibly relaxed once this decision was made.

"Goodness, look how rude I have been." now her personal drama had a course planned, she realised that she barely knew this messenger come advisor. "I am not actually usually so rude. Please, come through to the lunch room with me and I shall make you a drink, and you can tell me what brings you newly to London?"

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

Hopefully the decision was a good one for Eleanor, "I wish you the best, and I am glad I could help even if it is just to listen."

The conversation had changed directions and at the mention of being made a drink, Alexandra gave a sweet little smile and rose to follow Eleanor. "That would be delightful, thank you for your hospitality. To meet new people, learn new things and find adventure as most people do when they come to London. Do you help your husband with his business?" Wondering if this was another woman with a good business head on her shoulders or just someone to decorate a man's arm and take care of him as well as children.

[Hope]

Leaving the uncertain subject behind, Eleanor led Alexandra through to the lunch room. It was a very small room comprised of a table, two chairs and a small window, with a pot belly stove in the corner where cofffeepot happily steamed.

"Hod do you like it. It might be quite strong, perhaps I ought make a fresh pot?" the lady asked as she considered pouring over brewed coffee. If it were just her and her husband she'd think nothing of drinking it, but this was a refined lady of quality. She let Alexandra decide.

"Ah, well then this excursion fits in with your aims." She saw a bright side as the lady expressed that she had coome to London to meet new people. Quietly, she guessed that the young lady had actually meant meeting more nobility.

"I do my husbands bookkeeping, now dont be surprised, but quite a few business men hereabouts have the assistance of their wives behind the scenes. Oh I know that Maths seems a dreadful subject, objectively, but in practicality, it is much easier when it is your own business you are talking about."

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

"I do not drink coffee very often. I shall try what you have. Plain, or however you take it?" It probably was not what she intended but nothing could really be worse than Scottish Whiskey, could it?

"You do?" There was indeed surprise as well as excitement, "That is wonderful. I have never really excelled in it, but my skills were considered passable I suppose. I would imagine that it gets easier over time especially with as much practise as you must get to maintain this business." Alexandra gave a dimpled smile, "Have you met Countess Alyth? She is opening her own shop from what I hear. Not very many lone women go into business from what I understand."

"I noticed your business also has a partner a Higgins? What is your husband's partner like?" Figuring it was a safe subject, obviously put out there by the name of the business.

[Hope]

Hearing the woman was not a great coffee drinker, Eleanor suggested "Would you prefer some wine?"

It was a pleasant surprise when Alexandra reacted so positively to her modest contribution to the family business. "Perhaps you could learn bookkeeping too? I would teach you if you like?" Though it occured to Eleanor that a lady of leisure had little need of such skills, it seemed the least she could do to thank her.

"No I've not met her, but I've heard the rumours of a lady of the quality setting up a shop. It's all the talk around town, some say that they have seen her in there baking biscuits." the look of surprise upon the common woman's face confirmed the rarity of such an event. She nodded, "Although I have heard of noble ladies looking after estates, and successfully, Belle Stuart being one."

"The Higgins are a prominent family around town, they have their fingers in a lot of pies. We don't seem them much ourselves, they are what you call silent partners. As long as the business is making a profit they pay us no mind."

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

"Oh, yes, please, something light if you have one available?" Alexandra smiled. It was rather early in the morning, but it was offered, how could one refuse?

Eyes widened in surprise at the offer, "Really? You would do that? I have always wanted to learn, but it was one of those things my grandpapa believed was not something that my pretty little head should fret about." She grimaced. "I suppose it does seem odd, but you never know when a skill like that might become important. When would you be available for my first lesson? Would I be able to learn everything that I need to know in one session?" She asked, not knowing how much information there was to get through.

Hearing about the Higgins, her head tilted to one side, "What happens if a business stopped making a profit?"

[Hope]

In these times milk in a city was a luxury, and water a danger, wine was one of the safest choices one could make - and Eleanor readily laid her hands upon a recorked bottle of a soft boqueted white wine and poured a little into fresh cups.

It is always a pleasure when one discovers that they have a skill that others want to learn. Mrs Smythe was flattered, and chuckled warmly, "It shall take a little longer than that, I wouldn't want to bombard your mind with too too quickly, or any pleasure of it might become lost. Do you have an slide rule? That helps a great deal when it comes to figuring complex numbers. We could make a start right now if you like."

"Well, then he visits us, and wants to go over the books. He arrives and sits in my chair in the office, and reads through the ledger asking me numerous questions. It's scary, I must admit, and he's got an eye so keen and a memory so sharp. He does not need a slide rule, he can do it all in his head!"

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

Accepting the offered cup, Alexandra gently swirled the wine letting it breathe and inhaled the bouquet of aroma that might waft from the wine. Then she took a small sip letting it roll around in her mouth before swallowing, "An excellent taste. Thank you."

With a sheepish grin, the fiery red head nodded, "Good to know. A slide rule? Well I do not have one available at this time, but I will get my own soon. Oh, could we? I would not mind at all to have something to chew on for the rest of the week before our next meeting." Her eyes lit up in excitement hoping that the subject was not too over her head.

"That sounds amazing. Mr Higgins sounds like a brilliant mind. Does he look scary or just his persona is intimidating?" She asked, her own observation skills were put to use looking at Eleanor to take in her features, hair color, eye color, etc. Also she inhaled gently to catch any scent that might give her some idea if Eleanor bathed in cheap perfurmes like most people during this time instead of bathing thinking it would make them sick to exposure.

[Hope]

Eleanor smiled as Alexandra showed some prowess with art of tasting wine, it was ever gratifying to have a educated palettes approval. "I am glad you like it." she smiled, "My husband takes the selection if wines quite seriously."

"Lets go upstairs then, to the office." she suggested as venue for the lessons, "Perhaps you could come a couple of times a week, if you are keen?" They would be upstairs for a good hour going over the fundamentals. To begin with Eleanor showed Alexandra how she ran her filing system. No math was necessary for this part, but might have been the noblewoman's introduction into the numerous bills associated with running a business.

"He seems scary to me, though I suppose he is quite normal really. He has a wife much younger than he, and a little girl who is only four. He brought her with him once, it seemed quite an anomaly to see him looking over the accounts while his fair haired little girl sat upon his knee.

Onwards the lesson progressed, the pair seemed to get along quite well, and Eleanor was a patient teacher, happy to answer as many questions as Alexandra could ask. Till at length it came to warm farewells, and the making of plans for the next lesson.


~ Fin!

OOC: If you can set aside the times of the lessons in your day planner (2-3 times a week) we need not run the lessons in IC threads, unless there are any other topics you'd like to pursue - but over the rest of the season (as long as she keeps all the appointments) we can have Alexandra learn the skill of bookkeeping.