Journeyman

by Mark J Rose

  “Funny girl,” Matt replied.

  “I should not have believed it. I’m truly interested in whether you can charm Graine. It would speak much to the skill of Henry Duncan.”

  “Funny…again,” Matt said sarcastically. “Some women find me charming even without new clothes.”

  “There’s someone for everyone, I imagine,” she said.

  You stuck – up little …

  “Ready for church?” Mary said, walking down the steps. She stopped completely when she saw Matt and said, “Henry Duncan has outdone himself. You look very handsome.”

  “Thank you,” Matt replied. “He had a lot to say about dressing as a Virginia gentleman.”

  “He’s a charming man,” Mary said.

  “Very boisterous and animated,” Matt replied.

  “He’s the biggest fop in the city,” Will exclaimed, coming down the steps.

  “You would never speak thus in his presence,” Grace said.

  “Do you believe your brother mad, sister?” Will replied.

  “There have been times when I have questioned your judgment,” she replied, smiling.

  Matt was puzzled. “What would happen if you said it to Henry?”

  “He’d thank you if he was in a good humor,” Will explained, “or slice you into tiny pieces if he was otherwise.”

  “Are we talking about the same Henry Duncan who talks endlessly about London fashion?” Matt asked.

  “He’s a master swordsman,” Will said.

  “I would not have believed he was a dangerous man,” Matt replied.

  “He’s the friendliest man in Richmond,” Mary said.

  “I jest. We all admire Henry,” Will said. “We wouldn’t have sent you there otherwise.”

  “It was a good call,” Matt said as he fumbled with his hat.

  Will motioned for Matt to hand it over and then demonstrated how it should be carried under his arm. He returned the hat to Matt. “That’s how a Richmond gentleman carries his hat.” He watched Matt practice.

  “Not exactly,” Grace said. She stepped to Matt and adjusted the hat lower in his arm. “It makes you look more relaxed and confident if it’s not so high.” The hat slipped from Matt’s arm onto the floor. She said, “You should master that for Graine.”

  “Dear sister,” Will said. “Are you playing matchmaker?”

  “I wish to learn if clothes truly make the man,” Grace said, smiling. Matt gave her a good-natured frown.

  “Everyone ready?” Thomas said as he walked into the room. “Mr. Miller, you look a man of parts. The cravat is perfect.”

  “I had help,” Matt said, nodding toward Grace.

  “She ties everyone’s silk,” Will said, laughing. “’Tis why we keep her here, unmarried.”

  “That’s quite enough,” his mother scolded.

  “She knows I jest,” Will replied. “If she weren’t so hard to please.”

  “You’ve had no greater success,” Grace said. “Twenty-five and unmarried!”

  “I’ve not found a maiden who appreciates my humor.”

  “Why have you children waited so long to be betrothed?” Mary asked.

  “I have not seen anyone worthy of either,” Thomas piped up.

  Mary lightly slapped him on the shoulder. “With such conceit,” she exclaimed, “I shall never have grandchildren for my knee.”

  “I dare say neither of these children will have a problem,” Thomas said. He turned to Matt and looked him up and down. “I hope Henry is there to see the results of his handiwork.”

  **********

  They drove to church in two separate wagons. Matt’s was pulled by two dark brown mares and black stallions pulled the wagon carrying Thomas and the women. The mares weren’t twins, but it was obvious that some thought had gone into picking closely matching horses.

  “Are these four horses for sale?” Matt asked.

  “Will you purchase them as well?” Will said, smiling.

  “It’s a serious question. I’m interested in how much horses cost.”

  “We desire forty, perhaps forty-five pounds each,” he said. “Would you sell them, then?”

  “I could use the commission after all the money I spent,” Matt answered jokingly.

  “You picked the finest cloth,” Will said, looking at Matt’s jacket. “Graine may be charmed.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  “I regret my jesting,” Will said. “She is a woman of excellent wit and I have thought she was very attractive.”

  “Maybe you should marry her.”

  “Perhaps.”

  27

  Graine

  St. John’s Church was a beautiful white building surrounded by a matching white picket fence. Will drove the wagon through the gate and into the parking area. He hopped onto the ground and motioned for Matt and Jonathan to follow. Will handed the reins to one of the black men who was attending the parking area, turned around and led them to where the Taylor family stood waiting.

  “Two Sundays in a row, Mr. Miller,” Grace said. “One more and you may be required to purchase a seat.”

  “Have your fun, Grace,” Matt said. “I was looking forward to coming.”

  “I thought you didn’t attend a church,” Grace replied.

  “I don’t,” Matt replied. “That doesn’t mean I don’t wish I did.”

  “Why not attend?” she asked. There was no judgment in her voice.

  “If you don’t grow up in church,” Matt explained, “and none of the people around you belong, then you don’t even think about it.”

  “You’ll have a finer wife should you attend church,” Grace declared.

  “Who says I’m looking for a wife?” Matt gave her a sly grin.

  “Aren’t all gentlemen looking for the perfect lady?”

  “If you see her,” Matt said, “let me know.” He gave her his best poker face.

  Mary led them through the church doors and then to the front to their regular box of seats. Matt followed, thinking about how handsome he must look in his new clothes. He noticed people, especially women, staring at him.

  “Mr. Miller!” Jonathan whispered, tugging on his arm.

  “What?”

  Jonathan pointed at his face.

  Matt thought he must be commenting on his bruises. “They don’t look that bad.”

  The boy whispered, “No!”

  “What?” Matt asked again. They were almost ready to sit down. Matt was getting irritated.

  Jonathan pointed again and this time mouthed the words slowly as he said them. “Your hat!”

  “My hat? What’s wrong with my—”

  “Take it off,” the boy said louder.

  “Oh,” Matt said in surprise. He reached up and snatched the hat from his head. “Thanks,” he whispered. He made a mental note to buy the kid some candy.

  They shuffled into the box in single file and sat down. Grace handed Matt some crudely printed booklets so he could pass them to her family. Eventually, the preacher stepped to the wooden lectern and shuffled his notes. “I see some new faces in our church today,” he said, looking directly at Matt.

  Matt smiled back with his best Hello.

  “That’s good because it’s not my desire this day to speak to the converted,” the preacher said. There was a dramatic pause and then he went on. “Our Lord didn’t spend his time with the religious men of his time; he despised them. No! He spent his time with the prostitutes, the tax collectors and…the drunkards!” Grace turned her head towards Matt, and then looked back at the preacher. “You should see the dismay on Miss Taylor’s face,” the preacher said to the congregation, laughing. Chuckles sounded through the building. “She suspects her young man has been already convicted of a long list of crimes. Poor lad, you’ll learn that there’s naught worse than a lady’s suspicion.” There was good-humored laughter all around. Matt could hear shuffling as people strained to see the young man in question.

  “Fear not, Miss Taylor,” he said, looking
now at Matt. “I know him little more than Adam, but it’s plain to see that he’s a sinner and he’ll sin again.” The preacher turned back to Grace, and it was obvious from his knowing smile that her expression hadn’t changed. Matt’s body felt paralyzed and he had to focus to be able to move his head enough to see Grace. He saw her face and immediately turned back to look at the preacher. The preacher took another dramatic pause, then gazed out at the congregation and said, “There’s naught that is special about Miss Taylor’s young man, because we are all sinners in the eyes of the Lord. It’s only through Jesus that we are saved.”

  He then went on to shout fire and brimstone for the next twenty minutes, but never mentioned Grace or her “young man” in his sermon again. Matt had never seen such a riveting speaker. Now and then, the preacher would take a breath, and it was during these times that he’d look down at them both with a knowing grin. Matt tried his best to smile and he chanced a few quick looks over at Grace to try to assess her state of mind, but she stared straight ahead.

  When church was over, they shuffled out for fellowship in the churchyard under the shade trees. Matt found himself alone as he had been the previous week as the Taylor family made their rounds. Henry Duncan stepped to him. He was silent at first as he judged the fit of Matt’s clothes. His satisfied grin disappeared when he finally focused on Matt’s face. “Oh my!” he said.

  “I got in a fight after I left your store,” Matt explained.

  “You fought Levi Payne? They claim you kicked him. Is this some particular fighting style?”

  “Something I learned in China,” Matt replied.

  “Would you mind teaching me? I’m a student of the fighting arts.”

  “I heard you were a swordsman,” Matt said, nodding. “It’s called tae kwon do. It’s a self-defense technique.”

  “Many of the Oriental styles I’ve studied are defensive,” Henry replied. “When can you visit?”

  “Next weekend, maybe,” Matt said. “I have another week committed to the Taylors.”

  Henry looked at him, laughing. “I imagine you’re Miss Grace’s young man.”

  “I don’t think she’s very pleased with all that,” Matt replied. “It’s a mystery how the preacher made the connection.”

  “He’s called a rector,” Henry said. “The Reverend Michael is a good judge of people. There may be more in her manner than you see.” Henry thought for a moment. “Speaking of,” he said. “Have you met Graine Martin?” Henry pointed over Matt’s shoulder. “She’s a formidable young lady.”

  Matt turned to where he was pointing, and as if on cue, Graine looked up to see them staring. Henry waved to her, and Matt smiled. Graine put her hand on the arm of the woman she was talking to, said something, and then walked over.

  “Good morning, Mr. Duncan,” she said as she offered her hand. He leaned down and lightly kissed it. She turned her attention to Matt and extended her hand. “And ’twas Mr. Miller.” She presented herself with a confidence and poise that Matt hadn’t appreciated during their first meeting. He accepted her hand in his.

  “You have a beautiful name,” Matt said. “I might like to use it someday for one of my own daughters.”

  “You might want to ponder that,” Henry advised.

  “Whatever could you mean?” Graine exclaimed. “Mr. Miller has paid me the most excellent of compliments.”

  “Graine Miller,” Henry said, laughing. “Unfortunate for a young lady unless she plans to enter the flour trade.”

  “She’d marry, and it wouldn’t be an issue,” Matt said.

  “This much is true,” Henry replied. He motioned like he was leaving. “I realize that you young people have many such possibilities to discuss.” He turned to Matt. “I look forward to a demonstration of your fighting style.” They both watched him walk into the crowd.

  “Why did he speak of fighting?” Graine asked. She was looking suspiciously at the bruises on his face.

  “I learned how to defend myself in China,” Matt said.

  “Why did you travel to China?”

  “To learn apothecary,” Matt replied. “I’ll be starting a shop when I return to Philadelphia.”

  “Quite exciting!” she exclaimed. “I have been with my father ofttimes when he’s begun new enterprises. Much can occur…’tis exhilarating.”

  “You sound like you’ve a lot of experience,” Matt said.

  “My father has multiple ventures,” Graine explained. “I maintain his accounts.”

  “You’re not what I expected,” Matt said.

  “Mr. Miller, I hardly know you,” she said, surprised. “How could you expect anything?”

  “Some men in town have mentioned you.”

  She was shocked. “And what do these fellows say?”

  “They say you’re beautiful, but that you spend your father’s money like there’s no end.”

  “I take pleasure in saving my father’s money. What’s the proof they have for this?”

  “Something about your expensive clothes,” Matt said. “You do dress well.”

  Graine smiled at the compliment. “My father runs an import business. Most of the pieces we keep are either free or discounted. It’s a benefit of the shipping trade.”

  “That kind of explains—”

  “Does William Taylor believe this of me?” she asked.

  “I wouldn’t break his confidence,” Matt said, “but he has nothing but good to say about you.” He saw her relax.

  “You’re the young man that the Reverend Michael spoke of today?”

  “Grace wasn’t too happy with all that,” Matt repeated.

  “You don’t seem vexed.”

  “I don’t feel one way or another,” Matt replied. “Do you know Grace very well?”

  “Are you trying to win her heart?” She gave a knowing smile.

  “A matter for another day,” Matt replied. “Seems like you two would be friends.”

  “We were,” she replied. “Now we only say good day.”

  “What changed?”

  “Mr. Miller,” she said, irritated. “I don’t believe the trivialities of my life would be of any interest.”

  “What changed?” Matt repeated.

  “I told Grace that ladies shouldn’t be on horseback,” she said, resigned. “It hasn’t been the same between us since.”

  “What possessed you to say something like that?”

  “I was upset over Kathryn. She shouldn’t have been on that horse.”

  “Didn’t she know how to ride?”

  “Yes, as I’m sure you’re already aware,” Graine replied. “That’s not the issue.”

  “What’s the issue?”

  “You’re a very vexing man,” Graine said.

  “Not with everyone. I think it’s mostly beautiful women and town bullies.”

  She answered him with a look that said she thought he might be insane.

  “I’ve overstepped my bounds,” Matt proclaimed. “Accept my apologies.” He gave a slight bow and turned to leave.

  Graine put her hand out to touch his arm. “Please don’t go, Mr. Miller,” she said. “I said those things to Grace because I believe them. No matter how skilled, neither had the strength to handle a horse.”

  “Many women ride horses where I come from,” Matt explained. “They don’t get hurt any more than men.”

  “Ladies shouldn’t wear breeches and ride horses!” she exclaimed.

  “Nor should they manage a business.”

  “My involvement in my father’s enterprise is different!” she exclaimed. “It’s our trade.”

  “And so are horses for Grace Miller.”

  Graine became quiet and only stared back at him, and Matt was very sure that he had convinced her. “Don’t you have anything to say?” he finally asked.

  “You called her Grace Miller,” she said.

  “I did not.”

  “Will she wear breeches and ride when you’re her husband?”

  “Yes,” he said wit
hout thinking.

  “You’re hopelessly in love.”

  “This isn’t about me,” Matt replied.

  “Then who, Mr. Miller?” She smiled. “I’ve quite forgotten.”

  “Apologize to Grace for your comments.”

  “Fine,” she replied.

  “Simple as that?”

  “If her future husband won’t mind her wearing breeches and riding, why should I?”

  “Funny,” Matt said sarcastically.

  “Mr. Miller,” she said, “before you seek out Grace, give me the opportunity to engage her. Also, please don’t whisk Will away before I’ve had a chance to let him say good day.”

  “Graine,” Matt said, kissing her hand, “one other thing.”

  “What’s that, Mr. Miller?”

  “Do you want to buy some horses?”

  28

  Sit-down

  Much to Matt’s consternation, by the time he was able to talk to Grace, they were about to leave.

  “Will has been searching for you,” she said. “They are ready to retire to the King’s Tavern.”

  “What’re you doing while we’re away?” Matt asked.

  “A picnic with the Martins.”

  “Graine Martin?” he asked, surprised that things had moved so quickly.

  “We finally moved beyond an animosity that had developed between us,” Grace replied.

  “Are you going into the country for the picnic?”

  “Why would we do that? The picnic’s at the Martins’ house. Graine mentioned that her father had recently imported some new dresses from London. She’ll show them to Mother and me.”

  “So now you’re in the market for expensive London fashion?”

  “As I know you are aware, much of her clothing costs significantly less than I believed. She offered us clothing at their cost.”

  “I begged her to help you,” Matt said. “She does dress beautifully.”

  “So you’re helping me?”

  “I live to serve,” he said, bowing.

  “There you are,” Will said, walking to them. “You sold two more horses?”

  “Sold and bartered,” Matt said. “I’m exceedingly proud of the barter part, for obvious reasons.” He said this while putting a critical expression on his face and looking at Grace’s dress.