Chapter 7
Stepping carefully after the man I entered the room. Everywhere I turn there are bolts of cloth and tables piled with shears and needles. A mannequin head is perched on a window sill where dusty light spills on to it. The man is sitting in a high back winged arm chair of black leather. I can see him more clearly in the light now than in the dimmer hallway. I take a moment to study him.
He has a slim yet imposing figure, like someone who at one point was very, very, large and scary, perhaps when he was younger, but now he has let himself go soft and become gaunt and hollow. He has a deep blue suit trimmed in silver thread which makes his ice blue eyes seem to glow and his long auburn hair shine luminously. He has a firm brown and the prominent cheek bones of noble lineage. The skin of his face and hands is powder white and appears porcelain smooth.
He looked up and caught me staring causing me to turn my gaze and blush violently. He walks over to me stepping lightly like a dancer, and raises my chin. My cheeks are on fire! How dare he be so forward as to touch a girl, in his private chambers none the less, without establishing rapport or even introducing himself first! The barbarian! Ripping my head away violently I walk back towards the window hugging my arms tightly around my middle.
Once more he steps up behind me. "Come now little sparrow, I meant no harm! They were right to separate you from the other girls for you feistiness! You could have stirred rebellion in them with only a handful of words!" He is inching closer again "Come sit down with me and we will have a nice chat. Would you care for some tea, little sparrow?" Sitting on the couch nearest to the roaring fire I decide that I can use his attention to my advantage. Maybe I can earn his trust so that I can get some answers. He moves to sit back in the armchair but I scoot over to the end of the couch to make room for him. He hesitates but then smiles and seats himself next to me.
"Do you have any questions?" he asks me. "Yes, I do. But first off, what sir is your name? You have yet to introduce yourself!" I say as sweetly as I can. "My name, dear? Have I not told you? Please forgive my ineptitude, little sparrow! My name is Hatter." "Hatter? How peculiar a name! Unless, of course, you are a craftsman of fine hats? In which case, it is quite my pleasure to make your acquaintance!" "Well, my child, look around you!" he says spreading his arms widely to the bolts and various materials strewn about the room. "I was once the finest Hatter in all of Wonderland, but I am afraid I have gone too far around the bend to do anything else but care for you girls!" Taking the bait I lean towards him and say in almost a pur "But Hatter, you must know that all of the best people have! Be not ashamed, I think you are a lovely person, crazy or not!" With my words I cover his hand with mine. He looks at my hand nervously again before smiling again and clasping mine in his.
"Sparrow, it is okay if I call you that?" He glances at me and I give him my best coy smile, hoping I have not overplayed my charm. "DO you know why you have to come to us?" Sidling closer to him again to answer I say "No, Hatter, I do not, will you tell me?" He starts looking anxious again but one glance into my wide eyes calms him down again. "I am not really supposed to tell you though…." Leaning still closer I whisper in his ear "I won't tell anyone" I pause suddenly unsure of myself. I can see the strain plainly on his face. Leaning so closely to him I am nearly brushing his lapel with my chin I say softly "I promise".
He looks like he is about to explode, a vein in his forehead is pulsing rhythmically. His grip on my hand tightens. I am practically sitting on his lap now. This is closer than I have ever been to a man other that Ciel. Suddenly he jerks away from me, "No! I cannot tell you! It is against the rules!" Shifting away from him I say soothingly "It's okay dear, I understand." I get up and turn to walk out the door. "Wait!" Turning slightly I ask "What is it dear?" just harshly enough to make him wince. "Will you come back again?" he says sounding small and helpless like a small puppy. I pause and look at him, trying to make him sweat with anticipation and unrest. Finally I say "Yes, Hatter, dearest" I place my finger under his chin "I will be back." Letting my finger linger I slowly turn and walk away, very conscious of his gaze on me.
Opening the door I slip out and pause to look back again. He is still looking at me, his face seriously flushed. "Good bye Hatter" I say softly as I click the door shut. Once again I admire the fine craftsmanship of the carving on the door. Turning back to the hallway I smile and soak a moment in my success. I have Hatter wrapped around my little finger. I start walking back down the hallway ready for a very long, luxurious, and well deserved sleep.
