1871 Words this chapter
Chapter Ten
Finally they arrived at the fabrics. "As I said, Love trust me." He smirked. "I think you will find they are exceedingly high quality. In fact," he said, smirking more, "they are the finest in all the realms.
Emma shook her head. "Wow."
Rows of shops, huts and booths filled with all kinds of fabrics as well as completed garments stood all around them.
Emma walked into a large hut and wandered the aisles. She ran her hand over some silk and satin. "Very nice." She noticed Killian smiling at her. "Hey! No peeking!"
He chuckled. "Fear not. There are several shops. I will conduct my search in another. Agreed? Then we shall meet up at...that small pub there," he said, pointing toward it.
"Ok, but Henry's going with you," she said, walking over to him. "Kid, you're in charge of the nosy away." She then grabbed the boy and hugged him close. "Be careful, now."
"Moooom!" he protested, turning bright red. "I'm not five!"
She kept hugging him and kissing his cheek. She took the opportunity to whisper into his ear, without Killian realizing anything suspicious could be happening.
Henry looked at her when she finally let him go. He nodded. "We'll be careful, Mom. Come on Killian."
The pirate stood still, looking expectantly at Emma. "Do I not get as affectionate and lengthy a goodbye as the lad?"
Emma laughed and hugged him tightly, then kissed him. "Don't dress me like a bar wench."
He grinned wickedly. "I did so love that garment, Swan, however it would not be fitting for the occasion."
"Good."
"I trust you will make certain my attire is worthy of my natural good looks and charm?"
"Of course, I'm thinking plaid or maybe paisley in orange and pink," she said, trading teasing grins with him.
"I do hope you admire my faith in you, Love." She laughed. "Come along, Lad, we must leave our dear Emma for a short while."
Henry shook his head as they left, noting that his mom stood still watching them leave and that Killian turned several times to look at her.
"You guys have it bad," he mumbled.
Emma waited until they were out of sight. She had to stall.
She wandered around, looking at things. The only things in this area of the market were fabric and clothes and she didn't want to choose yet. She was thinking about moving back to other areas of the market, but she didn't want to get too far from her boys. She'd just have to waste time.
Then she saw something that interested her. In a shop of bags she found some leather and cloth bound journals, all blank. She smiled. "Henry," she whispered. She found him the perfect gift. She purchased several, along with some unusual handcrafted pens.
"I'm glad I decided to stall," she said to herself. "I hope they're having as much luck."
Henry was laughing.
"You want what, Captain?" asked a merchant woman.
Killian groaned in frustration. "You heard me, Hilda. Honestly, I've been here many times. You never failed to understand me before."
"I know, Captain Hook," said the blond woman in a blue villager type dress with a white apron. "It's just that you never asked for anything without black or leather before."
Henry smirked.
Hilda continued, "This green satin is sturdier than it appears. In the past you've always asked for lady garments that, well," she said, eyeing Henry, "would bend easily to...pressure."
Henry stifled a laugh.
Killian turned red. "Lad, why don't you see how your mother is fairing?"
"I don't think I should leave you."
Killain rolled his eyes. "Hilda, I know what I want. Please, I will take the green satin."
"Very well, Captain."
"And the white silk and red."
"No prints? No buttons?"
"No. I do want these ribbons and beads however."
Hilda looked at the elegant, refined trimmings and stared at him. "What happened to you?"
Henry burst out laughing.
"None of your bloody business, wretched woman!"
"Killian, relax," said Henry. He turned to Hilda. "They're for my mom."
"Oh, I see," said Hilda, but from the look in her eyes, she did not. "I will wrap them up for you at once."
Killian shook his head. "The things one does…"
"When you're in love?" asked Henry.
Killian looked at the boy. He smiled and affectionately and gave his chin a soft, mocking punch. "Indeed, Henry, indeed."
At last Emma decided enough time had past and she went to the pub. She was a little surprised that they were there. "Hi," she said as Henry met her by the door. She looked over at a table toward the back. "Is he OK?"
She looked over at Killian, hunched over a large mug. "He doesn't look so good.
Henry laughed. "He's fine. He just needs a drink."
"So it went ok?"
Henry shook his head. "Well, I had a great time, Kilian, ah, maybe not so much, but yes, we got what he wanted."
She looked at him. "So…"
Henry chuckled and shook his head as he pulled short pieces of fabric from his pockets. "You should be ashamed, you know, sticking me on Killian's tail just so I could spy."
"It's not spying, exactly. I just want to know the colors and kinds of fabric he chose, so we'll match, that's all." Emma took them and smiled. "Perfect. Thanks, Henry."
He shook his head again.
"Alright, I'll be right back. .Try to keep him here?"
Henry chuckled. "That won't be a problem.
"Good," she said, smiling at her son, tossing a quick glance to Killian, and then she snuck out.
Emma went back to the first shop she'd walked into. She had found the perfect rich black linen, and now she knew it would work. She picked it up.
"Ah, wise choice, my lady," said a large man with slicked back graying hair.
"Uh, thanks."
"I would recommend that. It is less bold than your current, um...clothing," he said looking at her strange garments with disdain.
Emma rolled her eyes. Apparently condescending snooty salespeople were not unique to the land without magic. She sighed. She picked up the black as he smiled smugly. "I also need red," she said.
He shook his head. "No, no. I don't think that is appropriate," he said, sneering at her red jacket.
'Oh, really?' thought Emma. "Look buddy, I'm the one who decides what's appropriate for me."
That flustered the man. Emma heard light giggling from behind. A woman about forty with graying brown hair tied in a simple bun came forward. "Bernard, we agreed. You purchase the merchandise and fetch it here. I sell it."
He eyed Emma with annoyance, gave the woman a frown, but left.
"I do apologize for my husband."
Emma frowned his way. "Don't. It isn't your fault."
The woman gave her a nice smile. "Youre looking for red, yes?"
"Please. I also need a deep green, like pine tree green."
"Of course."
"Maybe some white?"
The lady smiled. As she took Emma around, showing her colors and fabrics, her annoying husband kept suggesting boring browns, beiges, and sky blue.
The lady tapped her foot. "Bernard, do you want to sleep here tonight?"
Emma stifled a laugh. In very little time, she had all her fabrics. She headed down the street, and back into the pub. This time, Killian looked much better. He was joking with Henry, and they both had plates of food in front of them.
As she walked closer, Killian's smiled grew bright. "Ah, there she is. How faired you, Swan?"
She smiled. "Very well, thank you. I hope I didn't keep you too long."
"Not at all," answered Killian. "I am happy that you took your time and mulled over my garment choices carefully.
Henry rolled his eyes.
"You must eat, my darling," he said, gesturing to a waitress.
"Oh, good," she said. "I am hungry. The...uh, decision making wore me out."
Henry sent her a "really, mom?' look.
She just smiled innocently. Actually, she had not bought any of the same fabrics, just made sure they complimented his and didn't clash. Besides, she had no idea how he was using them. Nope, she had no reason to feel guilty.
After lunch, Killian went back to the Jolly to check on his crew. Henry led Emma. "Come on, Mom, Killian told me where to go now." He took her to cottages behind the fabric market.
They were simple and well kept, with flowers in front. Some had a few sheep or cows in the fields behind them.
"He said it doesn't matter which you pick. Each one houses a sweet and 'most talented' lady."
Emma nodded. "Ok." She chose the one in the middle. The lady inside was delightful. She made them tea and insisted Henry eat several cookies. Emma tried one. It was a simple spicy treat with raisins and ginger. It was delicious.
"Now, how can I help you?" asked the lady.
"I'd like to make a party outfit for my...um, man," she said, blushing slightly.
"A party, like a ball?"
"Not quite as formal," answered Emma. "I'd like it to be nice" Emma couldn't help but smile. "No. It needs to be dashing," she said, winking at Henry.
"You've been with him too long," said the boy with a chuckled.
Emma smirked. "I'd like the pants black, not too tight, but not extremely loose."
"She likes the tight pants he usually wears."
"Henry!" she cried, turning bright red.
The lady laughed. "Has he a nice figure?"
Emma blushed more. She gave a slight nod.
"Why be bashful, Mom? He isn't."
Emma put a hand to her temple and shook her head. "I want him a little more...restrained...than normal."
"I can do that," said the lady, "and still compliment his figure. You do have his measurements?"
They'd prepared for this. Emma gave Killian one of her princess dresses for size. Killian gave Emma a sample shirt, vest, coat, and pants. She didn't need the coat and the pants...well, she hoped the lady could make them a little less piratey for the party.
She had no problem with his pirate attire most of the time. She did mind the way some women stared.
"Good," said the lady, taking the samples. "Now, please describe what exactly you'd like."
Emma described her vision for the vest and shirt. "Make sure the shirt has plenty of these buttons."
"So he can leave half of them open."
"Henry! I'll send you back to the ship, young man."
He just smirked.
The lady laughed. "I promise to make it dashing yet elegant."
"Thank you."
"As for the pants," she said, smirking. "I can add a tad more room."
Emma chuckled. "Yes, please."
"Fine. I should have these ready, oh...in two days?"
Emma was shocked. "All three pieces?"
The lady smiled confidently. She put the fabrics, buttons, and sample clothes into a large basket by the table. She picked up a cookie. "That work is for later," she said taking a bite. "Now, then dear, tell me about this man who likes tight pants."
Henry laughed while Emma turned red.
End of Chapter Ten