My good mood has been entirely restored thank goodness, and I have managed
to push such brooding and pointless thoughts as were occupying my mind over
the last couple of days completely from my mind. I see now that there has
been no use in them at all and so therefore will try my hardest in future
to prevent such worries from bothering me and focus my attention on more
worthwhile matters.
I had been planning to spend the morning in bed today in order to catch up with some well needed sleep, but, as seems to be happening more and more frequently of late, I found myself once again waking with the dawn. Still feeling rather restless, I decided to take advantage of the fact and rise at the usual time, wishing that my body could be as alert as my mind as I made my way down to breakfast. I am very glad of making that effort though, as just after eleven Mary, Caroline's maid, came knocking at the drawing room door to inform us that there was a 'Young Gentleman to see Miss Ginny," waiting in the hall.
"For me?" I could not help exclaiming, knowing even as I did so who it must be. William frowned slightly, but Caroline, having clearly reached the same conclusion as I, silenced him with a look before he could speak.
"Well don't keep him waiting, Ginny," she urged, turning to me with a smile. "I believe you have a bookshop to visit." I flushed slightly at the gentle teasing and the questioning glance that my brother was giving us both, but somehow I managed to stand and make my way out to greet my unexpected visitor.
"Ginny!" he exclaimed, a wide smile quite lighting up his face as I approached him. "Forgive me for arriving unannounced," he added quickly, his expression suddenly one of concern in case he should have inadvertently caused offence through his actions.
"Think nothing of it," I was quick to reassure him, unable to help returning his earlier smile with one of my own. "I was doing nothing of importance, and besides, a visitor is always welcome here." He smiled again, clearly relieved at my words, and I felt suddenly excited for a reason that I did not know how to explain and which caused me to flush yet again in his presence. He must not have noticed though, or if he did, chose not comment on it, as he merely bowed, gesturing towards the door as he did so.
"I am glad," he told me, smiling even more, "For I was hoping that you would allow me to take you to the Bookstore that I mentioned at our last meeting. I promise to have you home at a reasonable hour and that I will not attempt to lead you astray in any manner," he informed me, directing a quick glance towards the half open door behind me. "That is if you would like to and it is agreeable to those you are staying with," he added quickly, as the thought suddenly occurred to him. I nodded, needing no time to consider his suggestion. Caroline had already given her consent to the venture, and I did not doubt that she would be more than able to convince William that it was acceptable enough to let me do as Archie had proposed. All that remained to be done therefore was for me to find my cloak and then we could leave.
"I had managed to forget that it is still so early in the year," I commented as we stepped outside. The air was somewhat cooler than the previous day, but thankfully the thick layers of my cloak and shawl were more than enough to keep out the winter chill and I did not let it bother me unduly.
"A little brisk, is it not?" my companion replied, pulling his own coat more tightly together as he spoke. I smiled at him, feeling a thrill of anticipation at the thought of what lay before me. Suddenly however I found myself thinking of my Mother at that moment, but hastily pushed her from my mind. I would not let thoughts of her reaction if she were to discover what I was doing ruin what promised to be a truly delightful day.
"Yes, but I am certain that it can and has been much worse, so at least we can be thankful for that!" I told him, laughing at myself for my own high spirits. He laughed with me, and we continued to talk and joke as we made our way through the busy streets around Convent Garden to the same area where Caroline and I had been shopping earlier that week. I lapsed into silence, once more captivated by the striking contrast between two places that were so close in distance but worlds apart in every other respect.
"We are nearly there now," he told me a while later, shaking me from my thoughts as I followed him into a quieter, less busy lane. The buildings were more tightly packed together there, the street itself so narrow that the upper floors of some actually almost touched in places. I was gazing around in fascination and as a result almost walked into Archie when he stopped in front of a small, rundown looking building.
"Well, here we are," he informed me, steadying me with a quick hand on my arm as he spoke. Looking upwards I was just able to make out the faded script on the sign swinging above the door. Bamber's - est. 1732. Through the grimy window, shelf upon shelf of books were revealed to my curious gaze, more than I had ever seen in one place in my life. An old, grey haired gentleman sat surrounded by yet more volumes and I felt a sudden flash of envy that he could spend his time working with something that I loved so much.
"Can we go in?" I asked, anxious to begin exploring this treasure that he had led me to.
"The Lady is impatient I see!" Archie observed with a smile, opening the door as he spoke. "After you," he added with a bow.
The shop was almost dark, and it took me a moment before I could see anything at all in the poorly lit room.
"Quite a place, isn't it?" Archie observed from somewhere behind me, and as my eyes adjusted to the dimness, I realised that he was right.
Everywhere I looked there were books, books of every colour and size and quality imaginable that rose from floor to ceiling in row upon row until it made me quite dizzy just looking at them.
"I don't know where to start," I admitted, gazing around in awe. After a moment though I reached a decision, and was soon exploring my way through the shelves closest to me. Every book I had ever heard of must have been there, along with countless numbers that I had not, and I became completely engrossed in the expanse of volumes stretching out before me.
I managed to entirely lose track of time as I stood there, and it could have been minutes or hours later when I suddenly became aware of Archie standing at my side, watching me. I tore my eyes away from the elegant copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream that I was holding and smiled at him, eternally grateful that he had allowed me to share such a place with him.
"Thank you, thank you for bringing me here," I told him, "It is truly amazing.. Forgive me though, I did not mean to mean to spend quite so long browsing," I added, quickly, fearing he might think me taking advantage of his kindness, "I am sure that you must have other things to attend to."
"Not at all," he replied, the sincerity in his expressive blue eyes reassuring me more than any words could. "I have been talking to Bart here quite happily whilst you were discovering the delights of his wonderful establishment, something for which he cannot fail to be appreciative may I add, as I somehow seem to have managed to place a rather large order for books in the process." I laughed, once again amazed at how at ease I felt in his company as I returned the book to the shelf.
"Nevertheless, I think that I should stop now," I told him ruefully. "If I do not, who knows what I may end up buying?" I had allowed myself one treat though, and approached the counter in order to pay for the book I had chosen for myself. It was a copy of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, something that I have been wanting to read for a while now, but never been able to find at a time when I was not with Mother. She would not approve of my reading it I know, so to come across it like this was an unexpected stroke of good fortune.
After I had paid for my purchase we left the shop, blinking at the afternoon light that seemed quite dazzling after the darkness that our eyes had been subjected to for so long.
"I wonder how long we have been here?" I mused out loud, unable to tell from the overcast sky what time of day it now was. Archie glanced at his watch.
"Just over two hours, I believe," he informed me with a grin. I stared at him in disbelief.
"Two hours?" I repeated, astonished. "Oh Archie, I really am sorry. you should have said something, you must have been terribly bored!" He only laughed though, brushing aside my apologies with a wave of his hand.
"Oh not at all," he assured me with a smile, "I remember the first time I discovered this place - It was late morning when I went in, and I was still there at 5 when Bart wanted to put the shutters up! And besides." he added, his eyes twinkling, "It gave me time to find this." As he was speaking his hand moved to his pocket, and the next moment he was holding a small paper- wrapped parcel out to me.
"What is it?" I asked curiously. His reply however, threw me into something of a predicament.
"A belated Birthday gift," he told me with a grin. "Go on, open it," he pressed as I hesitated, trying to decide what to do. I unwrapped it slowly, almost dropping it in my sudden nervousness. Finally though I managed succeeded, and I found myself holding a well worn, but intricately decorated, book. Garrick - A Collection I read as I turned the cover carefully to see what lay inside. The pages inside were well preserved, and a further inspection revealed a selection of beautifully drawn illustrations to compliment the plays that the book was made up of.
"How did you know it was my birthday?" I asked, dealing with the easier of the problems and questions that had presented themselves to me since he had handed me the gift he had chosen. He smiled a little at that, although his expression betrayed a certain amount of embarrassment.
"I overheard two of your maids talking together on the stairs whilst I was waiting for you earlier," he informed me a little sheepishly. "I did not mean to listen of course, but they were standing rather close and I could not help catching some of what they were discussing." I gazed down at the book for a moment then back to him, conflicting thoughts tearing through my mind.
"What's wrong, don't you like it?" Archie questioned anxiously, my prolonged silence clearly having given him cause for concern. I smiled at him, trying as I did so to hide my confusion and uncertainty.
"No! I mean, I. I really like it, Archie, and it was very thoughtful of you to go to the trouble of buying me a gift, but." I trailed off haltingly. How could I explain to him that my desire to accept was hampered not only by thoughts of what my Mother and others would say if they were to learn of it but also by my own sudden misgivings over allowing myself to be in a position where I could be considered to be in the debt of a man who I hardly knew?
"It was no trouble at all, I assure you," he told me quickly, watching closely to see if I were displeased with him. "I hope that I have not caused offence," he added when I still did not respond. I forced myself to think clearly, pushing away the conflicting doubts in my mind as I reached a decision.
"I love it," I declared, trying to hide my embarrassment as I did so. "Forgive me, my reaction was from surprise, not displeasure." My reply appeared to satisfy him as he smiled broadly, and as always when I am with him, I found that I could not help but smile in return.
"Then I shall consider myself a happy man," he told me, glancing at his watch again as he spoke. "Although I do fear though that I have kept you out for too long, I hope you will not be in trouble for it."
"No, not at all," I replied, pausing to consider for a moment before continuing reluctantly, "Although it may be best if I return now, just in case." He nodded, glancing up at the sky as he did so.
"It looks like rain as well I fear," he observed, holding one hand out as he spoke. "Come, let me walk you home before we get caught in a shower - I do not think your relatives would thank me if I were to bring you home soaking wet now do you?" We started to walk back along the by now familiar roads, a few light spatterings from above proving the truth in his words. Due to one thing or another the walk back to William's took considerably less time than it had taken earlier in the day, and in no time at all it seemed we were once again standing outside the gate.
"Thank you Archie, for a lovely day," I told him, feeling suddenly a little shy although I knew I had no reason to be so. He only laughed at that though, shaking his head.
"The pleasure has been all mine, I assure you," he replied with a smile, looking down at the ground for a moment as if trying to make a decision before glancing up at me again. "I was wondering though. would it be most terribly forward of me to ask if I may call on you again during your stay here?" He looked so nervous that I had a sudden desire to laugh, although I quickly squashed the impulse through fear of offending him.
"I would be delighted for you to call," I responded, glancing up at the house as I spoke. "Although I fear I am only remaining here a few more days, I am supposed to be returning home by the end of the month."
"Then we will just have to make the most of the time that is left," he commented, glancing up at the sky once more as rain began to fall in earnest. "If you do not mind, I will take my leave of you now," he continued, already moving away from me as he spoke. "I will no doubt see you again soon!"
I watched as he made his way quickly down the street away from me, only going inside when I could no longer see him due to the bustle of people and the increasing bad weather that had chosen that moment to descend upon us.
I did not receive a great deal of questioning from William at dinner-time, so I can only presume that Caroline has explained everything and talked him around to accepting it, something for which I much remember to thank her later. I spent the remainder of the evening in reading the book that Archie has so kindly given to me, and I must confess to be looking forward to the time when he should choose to call again. It is so rare for me to find someone whose company I enjoy rather than endure, so it is only natural that I should want to see more of such a person once I have found them. I somehow do not think that Mother would see it in quite that way though, which is why I must do everything that I can to keep it from her, however much I may hate to do so under normal circumstances. But I can see no harm in it, and therefore do not feel that such a small omission of the truth can be any cause for concern. My conscience can find nothing wrong with that, so I will sleep easy tonight, secure in the knowledge that I am acting in a manner that no one can find reason to reproach or condemn.
I had been planning to spend the morning in bed today in order to catch up with some well needed sleep, but, as seems to be happening more and more frequently of late, I found myself once again waking with the dawn. Still feeling rather restless, I decided to take advantage of the fact and rise at the usual time, wishing that my body could be as alert as my mind as I made my way down to breakfast. I am very glad of making that effort though, as just after eleven Mary, Caroline's maid, came knocking at the drawing room door to inform us that there was a 'Young Gentleman to see Miss Ginny," waiting in the hall.
"For me?" I could not help exclaiming, knowing even as I did so who it must be. William frowned slightly, but Caroline, having clearly reached the same conclusion as I, silenced him with a look before he could speak.
"Well don't keep him waiting, Ginny," she urged, turning to me with a smile. "I believe you have a bookshop to visit." I flushed slightly at the gentle teasing and the questioning glance that my brother was giving us both, but somehow I managed to stand and make my way out to greet my unexpected visitor.
"Ginny!" he exclaimed, a wide smile quite lighting up his face as I approached him. "Forgive me for arriving unannounced," he added quickly, his expression suddenly one of concern in case he should have inadvertently caused offence through his actions.
"Think nothing of it," I was quick to reassure him, unable to help returning his earlier smile with one of my own. "I was doing nothing of importance, and besides, a visitor is always welcome here." He smiled again, clearly relieved at my words, and I felt suddenly excited for a reason that I did not know how to explain and which caused me to flush yet again in his presence. He must not have noticed though, or if he did, chose not comment on it, as he merely bowed, gesturing towards the door as he did so.
"I am glad," he told me, smiling even more, "For I was hoping that you would allow me to take you to the Bookstore that I mentioned at our last meeting. I promise to have you home at a reasonable hour and that I will not attempt to lead you astray in any manner," he informed me, directing a quick glance towards the half open door behind me. "That is if you would like to and it is agreeable to those you are staying with," he added quickly, as the thought suddenly occurred to him. I nodded, needing no time to consider his suggestion. Caroline had already given her consent to the venture, and I did not doubt that she would be more than able to convince William that it was acceptable enough to let me do as Archie had proposed. All that remained to be done therefore was for me to find my cloak and then we could leave.
"I had managed to forget that it is still so early in the year," I commented as we stepped outside. The air was somewhat cooler than the previous day, but thankfully the thick layers of my cloak and shawl were more than enough to keep out the winter chill and I did not let it bother me unduly.
"A little brisk, is it not?" my companion replied, pulling his own coat more tightly together as he spoke. I smiled at him, feeling a thrill of anticipation at the thought of what lay before me. Suddenly however I found myself thinking of my Mother at that moment, but hastily pushed her from my mind. I would not let thoughts of her reaction if she were to discover what I was doing ruin what promised to be a truly delightful day.
"Yes, but I am certain that it can and has been much worse, so at least we can be thankful for that!" I told him, laughing at myself for my own high spirits. He laughed with me, and we continued to talk and joke as we made our way through the busy streets around Convent Garden to the same area where Caroline and I had been shopping earlier that week. I lapsed into silence, once more captivated by the striking contrast between two places that were so close in distance but worlds apart in every other respect.
"We are nearly there now," he told me a while later, shaking me from my thoughts as I followed him into a quieter, less busy lane. The buildings were more tightly packed together there, the street itself so narrow that the upper floors of some actually almost touched in places. I was gazing around in fascination and as a result almost walked into Archie when he stopped in front of a small, rundown looking building.
"Well, here we are," he informed me, steadying me with a quick hand on my arm as he spoke. Looking upwards I was just able to make out the faded script on the sign swinging above the door. Bamber's - est. 1732. Through the grimy window, shelf upon shelf of books were revealed to my curious gaze, more than I had ever seen in one place in my life. An old, grey haired gentleman sat surrounded by yet more volumes and I felt a sudden flash of envy that he could spend his time working with something that I loved so much.
"Can we go in?" I asked, anxious to begin exploring this treasure that he had led me to.
"The Lady is impatient I see!" Archie observed with a smile, opening the door as he spoke. "After you," he added with a bow.
The shop was almost dark, and it took me a moment before I could see anything at all in the poorly lit room.
"Quite a place, isn't it?" Archie observed from somewhere behind me, and as my eyes adjusted to the dimness, I realised that he was right.
Everywhere I looked there were books, books of every colour and size and quality imaginable that rose from floor to ceiling in row upon row until it made me quite dizzy just looking at them.
"I don't know where to start," I admitted, gazing around in awe. After a moment though I reached a decision, and was soon exploring my way through the shelves closest to me. Every book I had ever heard of must have been there, along with countless numbers that I had not, and I became completely engrossed in the expanse of volumes stretching out before me.
I managed to entirely lose track of time as I stood there, and it could have been minutes or hours later when I suddenly became aware of Archie standing at my side, watching me. I tore my eyes away from the elegant copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream that I was holding and smiled at him, eternally grateful that he had allowed me to share such a place with him.
"Thank you, thank you for bringing me here," I told him, "It is truly amazing.. Forgive me though, I did not mean to mean to spend quite so long browsing," I added, quickly, fearing he might think me taking advantage of his kindness, "I am sure that you must have other things to attend to."
"Not at all," he replied, the sincerity in his expressive blue eyes reassuring me more than any words could. "I have been talking to Bart here quite happily whilst you were discovering the delights of his wonderful establishment, something for which he cannot fail to be appreciative may I add, as I somehow seem to have managed to place a rather large order for books in the process." I laughed, once again amazed at how at ease I felt in his company as I returned the book to the shelf.
"Nevertheless, I think that I should stop now," I told him ruefully. "If I do not, who knows what I may end up buying?" I had allowed myself one treat though, and approached the counter in order to pay for the book I had chosen for myself. It was a copy of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, something that I have been wanting to read for a while now, but never been able to find at a time when I was not with Mother. She would not approve of my reading it I know, so to come across it like this was an unexpected stroke of good fortune.
After I had paid for my purchase we left the shop, blinking at the afternoon light that seemed quite dazzling after the darkness that our eyes had been subjected to for so long.
"I wonder how long we have been here?" I mused out loud, unable to tell from the overcast sky what time of day it now was. Archie glanced at his watch.
"Just over two hours, I believe," he informed me with a grin. I stared at him in disbelief.
"Two hours?" I repeated, astonished. "Oh Archie, I really am sorry. you should have said something, you must have been terribly bored!" He only laughed though, brushing aside my apologies with a wave of his hand.
"Oh not at all," he assured me with a smile, "I remember the first time I discovered this place - It was late morning when I went in, and I was still there at 5 when Bart wanted to put the shutters up! And besides." he added, his eyes twinkling, "It gave me time to find this." As he was speaking his hand moved to his pocket, and the next moment he was holding a small paper- wrapped parcel out to me.
"What is it?" I asked curiously. His reply however, threw me into something of a predicament.
"A belated Birthday gift," he told me with a grin. "Go on, open it," he pressed as I hesitated, trying to decide what to do. I unwrapped it slowly, almost dropping it in my sudden nervousness. Finally though I managed succeeded, and I found myself holding a well worn, but intricately decorated, book. Garrick - A Collection I read as I turned the cover carefully to see what lay inside. The pages inside were well preserved, and a further inspection revealed a selection of beautifully drawn illustrations to compliment the plays that the book was made up of.
"How did you know it was my birthday?" I asked, dealing with the easier of the problems and questions that had presented themselves to me since he had handed me the gift he had chosen. He smiled a little at that, although his expression betrayed a certain amount of embarrassment.
"I overheard two of your maids talking together on the stairs whilst I was waiting for you earlier," he informed me a little sheepishly. "I did not mean to listen of course, but they were standing rather close and I could not help catching some of what they were discussing." I gazed down at the book for a moment then back to him, conflicting thoughts tearing through my mind.
"What's wrong, don't you like it?" Archie questioned anxiously, my prolonged silence clearly having given him cause for concern. I smiled at him, trying as I did so to hide my confusion and uncertainty.
"No! I mean, I. I really like it, Archie, and it was very thoughtful of you to go to the trouble of buying me a gift, but." I trailed off haltingly. How could I explain to him that my desire to accept was hampered not only by thoughts of what my Mother and others would say if they were to learn of it but also by my own sudden misgivings over allowing myself to be in a position where I could be considered to be in the debt of a man who I hardly knew?
"It was no trouble at all, I assure you," he told me quickly, watching closely to see if I were displeased with him. "I hope that I have not caused offence," he added when I still did not respond. I forced myself to think clearly, pushing away the conflicting doubts in my mind as I reached a decision.
"I love it," I declared, trying to hide my embarrassment as I did so. "Forgive me, my reaction was from surprise, not displeasure." My reply appeared to satisfy him as he smiled broadly, and as always when I am with him, I found that I could not help but smile in return.
"Then I shall consider myself a happy man," he told me, glancing at his watch again as he spoke. "Although I do fear though that I have kept you out for too long, I hope you will not be in trouble for it."
"No, not at all," I replied, pausing to consider for a moment before continuing reluctantly, "Although it may be best if I return now, just in case." He nodded, glancing up at the sky as he did so.
"It looks like rain as well I fear," he observed, holding one hand out as he spoke. "Come, let me walk you home before we get caught in a shower - I do not think your relatives would thank me if I were to bring you home soaking wet now do you?" We started to walk back along the by now familiar roads, a few light spatterings from above proving the truth in his words. Due to one thing or another the walk back to William's took considerably less time than it had taken earlier in the day, and in no time at all it seemed we were once again standing outside the gate.
"Thank you Archie, for a lovely day," I told him, feeling suddenly a little shy although I knew I had no reason to be so. He only laughed at that though, shaking his head.
"The pleasure has been all mine, I assure you," he replied with a smile, looking down at the ground for a moment as if trying to make a decision before glancing up at me again. "I was wondering though. would it be most terribly forward of me to ask if I may call on you again during your stay here?" He looked so nervous that I had a sudden desire to laugh, although I quickly squashed the impulse through fear of offending him.
"I would be delighted for you to call," I responded, glancing up at the house as I spoke. "Although I fear I am only remaining here a few more days, I am supposed to be returning home by the end of the month."
"Then we will just have to make the most of the time that is left," he commented, glancing up at the sky once more as rain began to fall in earnest. "If you do not mind, I will take my leave of you now," he continued, already moving away from me as he spoke. "I will no doubt see you again soon!"
I watched as he made his way quickly down the street away from me, only going inside when I could no longer see him due to the bustle of people and the increasing bad weather that had chosen that moment to descend upon us.
I did not receive a great deal of questioning from William at dinner-time, so I can only presume that Caroline has explained everything and talked him around to accepting it, something for which I much remember to thank her later. I spent the remainder of the evening in reading the book that Archie has so kindly given to me, and I must confess to be looking forward to the time when he should choose to call again. It is so rare for me to find someone whose company I enjoy rather than endure, so it is only natural that I should want to see more of such a person once I have found them. I somehow do not think that Mother would see it in quite that way though, which is why I must do everything that I can to keep it from her, however much I may hate to do so under normal circumstances. But I can see no harm in it, and therefore do not feel that such a small omission of the truth can be any cause for concern. My conscience can find nothing wrong with that, so I will sleep easy tonight, secure in the knowledge that I am acting in a manner that no one can find reason to reproach or condemn.