One Fine Day, at the British Museum

[Clara Lindsey]

((The British Museum. Written in collaboration, obviously.)

The city had filled her with rebellion. She couldn't imagine what her father would think if he'd seen her letting herself out into the brisk air and sneaking away from her brother's house. Clara was giddy with excitement at the thought of being alone in the capital, and it didn't even occur to her for a moment that perhaps a more truly rebellious girl would have gone somewhere other than the British Museum. Still, the building's immensity thrilled her, and she picked her way through the various halls before shuffling up to where a pharoah's mummified remains sat on display. Shocked, she gave a girlish little gasp and raised her delicate fingers to cover her mouth.

Tierney, having today affected the clothes of an upper-class gentleman (courtesy of one well-to-do fellow from Oxford who had ever-so-graciously ...given... him the clothes), was spending the day in the British Museum. For once his mind wasn't on thievery...or at least, the theft of large objects. He didn't have the kind of contacts necessary to make off with an exhibit. So today he was spending his time studying the crowd that visited: children on a school visit, couples on public display, gentlemen that secretly leered at ladies when they thought no one was looking...a lady who gasped at mummified remains...Quite a good looking one, in fact. Tierney strolled up beside her, studying the display with an enthusiasm not entirely born of amazement. His voice, when he spoke, held its usual lilt. "Quite frightening, isn't it, Miss?"

"Oh dear, sir!" Clara blinked wide eyes and turned to look at this interloper. "Quite so!" she replied quickly, before realizing that if word got back to Nat that she'd been fraternizing with strange men in the museum that she would likely receive a talking-to. Still, the fellow seemed harmless enough. Surely he would understand. "I'm sorry sir, but I must not speak with strangers! A thousand apologies!" she added, and nodded vigorously, tight curls bouncing around her face.

He wondered if this was a decree from one of her male relatives. "Of course, Miss. A woman can only be too careful in this day and age. However, I should think that if we were to introduce ourselves to each other, we would no longer be strangers. To that end, I am Mr. Pierce, if you should ever like to spend time in idle conversation." Tierney gave her a genuine smile of polite interest. Honestly, he wasn't sure of her. It might be that she would prove to be a bit too interested in following the dictates of her male relatives. In that case, she likely wouldn't speak to him again... If she felt otherwise, however...

Clara blushed, and gave a very soft laugh. She oughtn't accept that sort of an answer, she knew, and yet...well, the fellow looked respectable enough, and he did seem to understand the pickle. And, he did have a point. If they were introduced, they were hardly strangers! She extended her hand in mannish formality and smiled sweetly. "Mr. Pierce then. I am Miss Lindsey. Good day."

Tierney smiled broadly in return, taking her hand and bowing slightly over it instead. Quite pretty, this Miss Lindsey, though slightly odd. "How very good to meet you, Miss Lindsey! Perhaps you would do me the favor of accompanying me throughout the museum? I would quite like to share these oddities with someone so amicable and beautiful as you."

"How kind of you!" she exclaimed in reply. It was kind, and remarkable good fortune that she should come across such a pleasant person. "Oh, but which exhibits have you not yet seen? I have seen most, but would certainly not mind making another go-'round with you, Mister Pierce." At those words, Clara coloured fetchingly, and looked down at her hands. Oh dear, she spoke far too quickly, had she no shame?

[Tierney]

Tierney smiled beautifically; if Miss Clara Lindsey had spoken too quickly, he didn't notice. Though he did notice how delightfully she blushed. How amusing! "How kind of you to offer. I'm afraid I can't remember most of the exhibits I've seen; it has really been too long. Shall we go 'round and discover them again together, Miss Lindsey?"

With that, he offered her his arm as a good gentleman should. Hopefully she would be a dear and take it, and then they could have a good conversation. About where she lived, and who she lived with, and how much money they had...Surely there was some money to be had...Miss Lindsey was well-dressed after all. ...Tierney had always had an eye for fashionable clothes.