Chapter 2
I felt more and more pity for myself, as I waited outside Dung's door. I was at the door of a man whom I didn't know but sounded odd, and on top of that I came here under suggestion of a man who was strange on so many levels. Yet for the strangest reason, I felt comfortable with Norman, perhaps his lunacy was contagious. I felt nervous now, and finally the door opened suddenly, bringing a gust of warm air to my face. A tall gentleman with spectacles and a mustache opened the door, he was quite well dressed, and I found it hard to believe that his name could be Dung. Behind him stood a girl who looked timid and reminded me of myself, the way she hugged her books to her chest and her fingernails looked chewed and nibbled on like mine; she had to be close to my age.
"Hello, Sir," Norman said cheerfully, though it didn't sound very sincere, his voice did not seem to hold the same excitement it held when he spoke to me.
"Norman." The man replied, not hiding what seemed like disapproval for Norman. He had a deep and husky voice, and to my surprise a thick English accent as well. How could I take such a serious man seriously when his name was Dung?
"Sir, I would like you to meet my friend, Miz Gemma Doyle."
"Miss Doyle, a pleasure to meet you," Said the man, turning to me, the irritated look that had to be caused by Norman dissolving from the surface of his face.
"The pleasure is all mine…" my voice trailed off, I could not call this man Dung, I curtsied to hide my discomfort.
"Miz Doyle, this is Sir Anthony Raven," Norman said, probably sensing my confusion, "and that, behind him, is Miz Louisa Scott."
"It's a pleasure," said Louisa, still hugging her books to her chest as she came forward.
"Likewise, Miss Scott," I replied.
Mr. Raven took a step back to let us in, and as he did, Louisa flinched; she seemed like a rather jumpy person. Mr. Raven, however, took no note of this. He lead us out of the foyer, and opened a door to a small, tasteful parlor.
"So how can I help you Miss Doyle?" Mr. Raven asked with a smile on his face, his eyes focused on me. He really did seem like he wanted to help.
"Well…I…" I turned to Norman for a little help, I wasn't too sure what to say.
"Miz Doyle was looking for an apprenticeship, Sir." Norman said.
"Ah, Miss Doyle, if only you had come a year earlier, I might have offered you an apprenticeship, but as you can see, Miss Louisa, here has taken on the job for quite a while." His smile did not waver, "I do however, know of someone who might be able to be a help," Mr. Raven's smile finally moved, the expression on his face now matched the expression he had when he saw Norman. I had a feeling he was thinking of Dung.
"Follow me, Miss Doyle," Mr. Raven gestured with the wave of his hand. I followed him back to the foyer where there was a narrow staircase on the far end. "Go straight up these steps, and knock on the door on your left, and tell the man exactly what you are looking for. I'm sure he will appreciate help from such a pretty and youthful lady like yourself."