Lechance

Staff was a little short-handed today so besides working the crowd, Obediah found himself actually working. When he noticed a table that hadn't been served yet, he set aside his guitar and walked over.

"Good afternoon," he said with a smile. "Welcome to the Black Sheep. What can I get for you today?"

The tune had been forming in his head all day. Finally, he escaped to one of the rooms upstairs at the pub and wrote until he had something he liked. It was short but to the point (and he could always add more verses later). He made a good copy, folded and sealed it, and snuck home to leave it where Charles would find it.

( When Love Gets You Fast in Her Clutches )





OOC: Composed by Dr. [Samuel] Arnold, 1740-1802

With all that was going on, it was really nice to have a day to just be domestic -- unpacking their things in their new house.

He opened another box -- more of his books, of course -- and began carefully shelving them on the built-in shelves next to the desk. A little lost in thought, alphabetizing without really looking, brain more on all the things he could do with this space -- and a little bit on going to find his husband and see what he's up to.

He hummed tunelessly to himself as his mind began leaning more towards the latter, distractedly putting D before B and R before K on the shelf.

The announcement about the meeting had been cried every day for the past week; every citizen had been strongly encouraged to attend.

Since it had the possibility of running for a long time -- and to give it the appropriate sense of seriousness -- the meeting was held in the cathedral, one of the only places in LeChance that could seat most of the town. Leroy stood behind the lectern, quietly talking to Ms. Sheedy as the crowd gathered. He looked tired but determined.

He invited Jonas and his staff to sit at the front of the space with him, giving them a brief rundown of what he planned and giving them a chance to voice objections or suggestions before the idea was placed before the town. Others at the front of the hall included Father Marks, the judge, council members, a historian and the principal of the schools.

Finally, on the hour, Anastacia Mason, the town crier, stepped forward and called for all to be seated and settled. She read a few commonplace announcements before introducing Leroy and moving unobtrusively to the side.

Leroy stepped up, hands behind his back and took a breath as he ordered his thoughts.

( My fellow citizens... )

He went down to the riverfront early, wanting to surprise Obediah by being there already, welcoming him with open arms and maybe half ready for swimming.

He stretched out on the blanket, eyes up to the sky, and between the warmth and the fascinating little patterns in the clouds and considering what he should do this week to keep himself busy and his to-do list for building a practice, not to mention a letter to his mother he was writing...

... well, he got lost in his thoughts and ended up daydreaming, hands behind his head, little grin on his face

He had to admit, he was nervous. Going to an Ascendant's home, unchaperoned, for the first time in, well. Since the last time.

He'd made a stop near the river to think, and it had heartened him considerably. He remembered that first, fleeting kiss, and the touches in the bar, and it had gotten easier and easier to get himself up off the branch he was sitting on and head to Obediah's home.

He carried himself up the stairs, hands clutched behind his back to keep them still, and finally -- only ten minutes late -- he knocked on the door.

It was the middle of the afternoon so there were only a few patrons scattered around the tables at the Black Sheep. It would pick up again at dinner but, for now, it was quiet. Obediah had taken a corner booth for himself, feet propped up and distant expression on his face. He was contemplating the future.

Finally, he penned a note requesting an official courting call if Charles was available. He sent it and Mrs. Jenkins to the Beloveds' hotel and then returned to his contemplation as he waited for either a note or the man himself to appear.

Obediah had purchased the most extravagant bouquet he could find, left the Black Sheep in the hands of the Jenkins and headed toward the Beloveds' hotel. Halfway there, he found himself unexpectedly nervous and made a detour to settle his nerves. He walked along the river, toward "his" spot but paused when he noticed that someone was already there.

His hesitation disappeared when he realized who it was. He swaggered toward the other person, grinning broadly.

This time it was Mr. Jenkins who was accompanying Obediah to the Beloveds' hotel. The missus was tending the Black Sheep and had practically pushed them out the door. Obediah had brought his guitar and, after he'd sent word that he'd arrived, leaned against a wall and checked its tuning. Mr. Jenkins was relagated to holding the case.

When James appeared, Obediah played a complicated riff that matched the timing of his steps.

( Letters to Ascendants )

( Beloved )

( Dear sir: )

A letter containing hand written sheet music and lyrics to 'Travel the Country Round', and a small, neatly folded note written in black ink on manuscript paper, are sent to Obediah via The Black Sheep. The return address on the back of the envelope indicates the Beloved's Hotel.

Lyrics:
I am a jovial ranger,

( Read more... )

Note attached:
Dear Mr Jones,
I hope this note finds you in fine form and fettle, and that the day has been kind to you.

Please forgive the forward nature of this missive. I wished very much to express to you how much I enjoyed our talk the other day, and how much this stranger to LeChance enjoyed the tour you provided. Thank you kind Sir!

Regarding the attached broadsheet. I heard this song played recently in a tavern, and excuse me for saying so, but it very much reminded me of your good self. I thought it suited a tavern owner, with a previous career as a travelling musician quite well.

I was wondering mayhap whether you'd had further thoughts as to the likelyhood of a courting call with myself? You mentioned that this may be a possibility that you may wish to take up, and that you were still receiving visitors. I do not wish to impose, nor offend, and so I urge you to please ignore this request if you find it not to be to your taste or desiring. The virtue of patience was never one I was much good at I'm afraid!

Your humble servant,
James Warren

[signed with a considerably large flourishing autograph]

Obediah wouldn't admit it, but he was keeping an eye on the door. Every time someone came in, he glanced up to see if it was Charles. He didn't blame the other man for turning down his offer of a dance by the river -- it was risque -- but he was glad that he hadn't scared him away completely.

"You'll get a knot in your neck, you keep lookin' for him," Mrs. Jenkins said to Obediah as she breezed by with a tray of tankards. Before he could retort, the door opened and there was Charles.

"Ah! Mr. Carmichael!" Obediah walked over like the good host he was. "A pleasure to see you here at the Black Sheep!"

Carefully folded small and affixed to the bottom of a jar of fine clover honey, still on the comb

Sir:
( I wish to thank you for your fine company and the kind gift you brought with you. )

James had settled easily into the Beloved's hotel, and had even started to get the word around that he was available for potential tutoring.

He was currently sat reading and taking tea in companionable silence on the front porch of the Hotel with a couple of the male chaperones.

Taking his glasses off, he tucked them into his glasses case. He pinched the bridge of his nose, leant back in his chair, and rested his chin on his steepled fingers. He was content just to people-watch for a while, but when someone nodded to him as they they left the Hotel he smiled warmly. "Good day to you."

Obediah had given Mrs. Jenkins the afternoon off from the pub and then promptly corraled her into chaperoning his call on Charles. He showed up at the hotel promptly asked one of the maids to announce him and then went through to the sitting room.

He cleared off a little side table and sat the covered basket he'd been carrying on it. The aroma of freshly-baked bread began to fill the room.

( Letters to Ascendants )

( Beloved )

Obediah was sitting under a tree outside the Black Sheep. He had his eyes closed but he was mumbling something so there was no mistaking him for being asleep. He should know better by now. Drinking contests were a bad idea. Even if he won, he lost the next day.

"Shoulda known better," he mumbled again.

The inquiries had been discreet and almost unnoticed until each person got a formal invitation, hand delivered.


Mr. Jonathan Stanton IV
cordially invites you
an evening of cards and socializing
at half past eight in the evening
on the first of October.
Refreshments will be provided.

Your company is eagerly awaited.

Jon had the back patio readied, the screens were open and lamps were lit. Several varieties of whiskey, cordials, wine and tea were ready on a table along with trays of pastries. The cards and chips were already sitting at a round table covered in a soft gray brocade cloth.

He was dressed down slightly, no jacket, although his shirt sleeves were down and his vest was on and buttoned. When he heard the first knock, he hurried to the door with a bright smile.

The air was crisp, the sky a clear blue and the marketplace was buzzing with news as parts of conversations drifted across the gathering.

"Did you hear? The sheriff's gone missing!"

"Well I heard they've asked that Jonas Wilder to step in, be in charge."

"I went out to look at that rift my children heard about. It doesn't look safe at all. I've forbidden them to go out there again."

"And then he just hugged him, right there!"

The crowd fell silent as an elaborately dressed woman with a large piece of paper rang a bell and stepped into the middle of space. Her red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and a tricorne hat caught everyone's attention.

"Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!" she shouted in a voice that could be heard throughout the market. "These are the proclamations, bylaws, market days adverts and sundry notes of importance for the City of LeChance for the week of September the twenty-first, in the year of our grace eighteen hundred and seventy-three, the right and honorable LeRoy LeChance, mayor, and spoken by your most humble servant Anastacia Mason on this twenty-fifth day of that month."

She paused to catch her breath and to make sure all were paying attention, then glanced at her paper.

"The mayor would have it noted that in the absence of Sheriff William Bowbuck, he has asked Chief Deputy Jonas Wilder to act in his stead and has given him all rights and privileges of that office until such a time that William Bowbuck should be recovered or his body found. The mayor commands all residents to accord Acting Sheriff Wilder with the respect and allegiance due that office."

"Furthermore, anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of William Bowbuck or details of his disappearance should present themselves immediately at the sheriff's office for inquiry."

Another pause and the town crier looked around the crowd. This part was sure to get a reaction if for no other reason than that it broke a long-standing tradition.

"Furthermore, in his office and capacity as yenta, the honorable and worthy LeRoy Lechance would have these Marriage Banns read and announced for the first time:

Mr. Jonathon Stanton to Mr. Benjamin Simoneaux
Mr. Jonathan Ibis to Miss Effield Gallehawk
Miss Delphina Salas to Miss Harriet Palmer
Mr. Julien MacKallister to Mr. Theodore Nordstrom

If there are those among you who know reasons why these matches should not be allowed to progress, they are commanded to present themselves to the yenta to give such information as is right and proper."

A few more minor announcements about sales and market hours and the woman rolled her paper and made a final salute before moving through the crowd. She would repeat the news throughout the town all day but she knew most of it would be spread before she got to her next post.