by Mark J Rose
“You don’t have the means,” Thomas replied.
“Not yet,” Matt said. “But I will.”
“You will?” Thomas quipped. “The richest men in Virginia are asking for my daughter’s hand.”
“I’ll be starting a business when I return to Philadelphia.”
The older man laughed. “There’s no guarantee of success,” he said. “Then what?”
“Two years is all I need,” Matt replied.
“Two years! She should already be starting a family.”
“She’s chosen not to,” Matt said.
“She’d not have been around her animals.”
“I’ll not ask for her hand unless I can guarantee that.”
“Every poor man within two days’ ride would make the same pledge.”
“I’m not a poor man. I have an education,” Matt said. “If I have to come back with enough money to buy your farm, I will.”
“Your word alone will not be enough to court my daughter,” Thomas replied. “My answer is still no.”
They rode for a while in silence, all three riders deep in their own thoughts, until Matt interrupted the quiet with a revelation. “Can I at least escort her to the Martins’ party?”
Thomas shook his head at the boldness of this stranger who had somehow become intertwined with their lives. Eventually he said, “Only to the party.”
They rode again in silence until Matt made the conscious effort to restart their conversation. “Jeb, are you going to Henry Duncan’s?”
Jeb looked at his father, who answered for him. “No, Henry has little for young men.” Thomas addressed his son next. “We should purchase your clothes before other errands.” Jeb nodded. Thomas turned back to Matt. “You mentioned you had much to accomplish in town.”
“I have a few places to visit and am hoping to spend time with Henry Duncan,” Matt replied.
“Will you purchase more clothes?” Jeb asked.
“I told Henry I’d teach him my fighting style,” Matt replied.
“Let’s see how you fare with the horse in town, and then we can go our separate ways. We’ll meet at two o’clock in front of Duncan’s for the ride home.”
“That would be good,” Matt replied.
“It means you would lunch on your own,” Thomas said. “It has naught to do with our previous transaction. I’m not trying to avoid you, now.”
“The thought hadn’t even occurred to me,” Matt said, laughing. “I’ll meet you at two o’clock. I’m not sure how long it will take to arrange things with Benjamin.”
“Are you sure you desire intercourse with Benjamin?” Thomas asked.
“I need something to do until my ring sells,” Matt replied. “My plan was to come into town and work with him.”
“What about finishing your riding lessons?” Thomas said.
“I’ve asked to court your daughter,” Matt replied. “I can’t keep living in your barn.”
“How long until you return to Philadelphia?” Thomas asked.
“My ring went to auction this week,” Matt said. “I’ll leave Richmond once it sells. One week…maybe two.”
“I propose that you work for us another week,” Thomas said. “The prospects of reaching a satisfactory agreement with Benjamin are dubious.”
“One of my options would be to distribute my medicines through Benjamin’s store,” Matt replied.
“I believe you have the wrong impression of the man,” Thomas said. “He’s in some distress now because of his health, but even before this, his reputation was poor.”
“I left him with a list of supplies,” Matt replied. “He said he’d find them.”
“Inform Benjamin that you are required to work another week and you’ll leave for Philadelphia thereafter,” Thomas said.
“Why would I do that?”
“The man’s a lazy and witless soul,” Thomas explained. “I’d not enter into any agreement with him. He’ll be the first to yammer should you offer your medicine in Richmond. Tell him no more details of your affairs.”
“I’m supposed to tell Benjamin I’m not interested?”
“If you learn that none of your items is available, then your decision should be made.”
They were now entering the business district. Matt had been in the city enough now that he knew where he was going. “I’ll meet you at Henry Duncan’s at two o’clock.”
“Any trepidation with the horse?” Thomas said.
“I’ll be fine.” He patted Thunder.
Matt headed to the silversmith. Jacob Berkley was sitting behind his bench with a lens in his eye, looking at a piece of jewelry when Matt entered his store. “How does it at the farm?” Berkley asked.
“Quite well,” Matt answered. “We’re done with the hay and the corn. Any word on the ring?”
“The first I’ll hear is when the courier arrives this week, or the next,” Berkley explained. “He’ll have the gold and a bill of sale, or if it didn’t sell, he’ll have the ring.”
“What if he does bring the ring back?”
“You must decide. I could buy it from you, or if you return the seven pounds, you can take it.”
When they’d finished, Matt shook the man’s hand, went out onto the street, and untied Thunder. “Let’s go, boy,” he said. He walked beside the horse as they made their way to the apothecary.
Benjamin Scott was sitting behind the counter, reading a book. “Can I help you, sir?”
“It’s Matt Miller,” Matt said, extending his hand.
“Oh, Mr. Miller,” he replied. Still sitting, he reached his hand out to shake. “I apologize for not standing. My joints are aching more than is common this morning. I would buy more of that medicine from you, if you have it.”
“There are only a few tablets left,” Matt lied. “Could you get the supplies?”
“You didn’t leave any money.”
“You didn’t say to leave money,” Matt said coldly. He already knew where this was going.
“I’ll buy some of that medicine,” Scott said. “I much admired how it relieved my pain.”
“I told you we could make all you needed.”
“That won’t help me now. I may never get some of those supplies.”
Matt wasn’t sure what was making him angrier, Scott acting like an idiot, or the fact that he hadn’t seen the signs of this during their first meeting. “Which ones can’t you get?” he asked, already surmising that Scott hadn’t looked for any of the items.
“Everyone knows that you pay in advance.”
“Mr. Scott, to let you know, I’m required to work on the Taylor farm for another week,” Matt explained. “After that, I’ll be returning to Philadelphia. It’s probably fortunate that you didn’t spend time looking for my supplies. You are relieved of any future obligation.”
“I’m very disappointed that you’ve decided not to continue our business,” Scott said. “It would have been beneficial to both of us.”
Matt wanted to reach out and collar the man, but he forced himself to stay calm. “Have a good day, sir.”
“What about that medicine?” Scott repeated as they shook hands.
Matt thought for a moment. He had come prepared with ten tablets wrapped in his pocket to barter for supplies. He’d need money if the ring didn’t sell, so he thought of a high price. “Ten pounds for eight tablets.”
“Ten pounds!” Scott exclaimed. “No medicine’s worth that.”
“It’s very rare, and you’d have to go all the way to China for more.” He had little sympathy for Benjamin Scott, so turned to leave. “Good day, Mr. Scott.”
“Eight pounds for eight tablets,” Scott said as Matt reached for the door.
“They’re worth more,” Matt said, turning back. “Plus, there are the four I already gave you.”
**********
Matt walked out of the apothecary shop with nine pounds and eight fewer tablets of the world’s supply of ibuprofen. It would be enough money to purchase the rin
g back if it didn’t sell and he was exceedingly glad to be rid of Benjamin Scott.
Matt rode Thunder for the few blocks it took to get to Henry’s store and tied him outside. Henry was finishing with a customer. “I’ll be with you in a moment, Mr. Miller,” he said. Matt wandered around looking at the racks of clothes. Much of it was elaborate and not his style, but he could imagine himself in some of the simpler items. “Here for more clothes?” Henry asked once his customer left.
“Not unless you’ve something for a party,” Matt replied.
“You’re speaking of the Martins’.”
“That’s the one,” Matt said. He pulled a decorated jacket from the shelf, scowled and put it back. “I don’t like the fancy stuff.”
“You liked your clothes last week?” Henry asked.
“Best-dressed man in Richmond.”
“Did you make a favorable impression on Miss Grace?”
“I’ve been given permission to escort her to the Martins’ party.”
“Mr. Miller,” Henry exclaimed. “Congratulations!”
“Hardly congratulations,” Matt replied. “I asked to court her and her father said no.”
“Still ’tis a laudable accomplishment,” Henry said. “God has some plan for you.” Then he chuckled and said with some irony, “Of course, I can imagine with the beauty of Miss Grace, more than one man in Richmond believed ’twas God’s plan that she be his wife.”
“I have to believe,” Matt said, laughing.
“What brings you to my shop this fine day?” Henry asked.
“I thought I could show you my fighting style,” Matt said. “I’ll go eat lunch and come back when you’re free.”
Henry stepped to the door and turned the sign around to read “CLOSED.” “We should do it now,” he said. “There are victuals in back and a table outside where we can watch people pass by.” Henry motioned for Matt to follow him to the back of the building. They worked together to move plates and food out to a wooden table and soon sat in front of meat, bread, wine, and cheese.
Henry said, “Tell me how you met the Taylors,” and Matt spent most of the meal explaining.
“And so after all this,” Henry said after he was done, “you don’t know how you got under that bridge?”
“I don’t,” Matt replied. It was as truthful as he thought he could be. He wasn’t sure there was anyone in the colonies who could handle a story about time travel.
“You already have enough money to hire passage to the North,” Henry said. “Why haven’t you gone?”
“The obvious reason is Grace,” Matt replied.
“There are many beautiful ladies in the colonies.”
“The whole lifestyle’s attracted me.”
“Richmond couldn’t be much better than Philadelphia.”
“Traditions and expectations,” Matt replied simply.
“What expectations?” Henry asked.
“Where I come from, people never say a prayer before they eat,” Matt explained. “They don’t get dressed up and go to church. We live our lives in Philadelphia without much regard to the others in the community.”
“So it’s church and community?”
“Yes—no. I was starting to feel lost in Philadelphia.”
Henry shook his head, smiling, but still stared at Matt, waiting for more.
“You have to get permission from a woman’s family to court her here,” Matt explained. “I never met my old girlfriend’s parents.”
“Family’s important in Virginia,” Henry said.
“There’s a culture of honor and responsibility that I’m not used to. It’s challenging, but every time I manage to meet their challenge, I feel exhilarated.”
“I understand. Though ’tis not everyone in Richmond. Thomas has labored many years for what you see. The Taylors are endearing because they don’t own to their prominence.”
“I don’t think of them that way,” Matt said. “The Martins, on the other hand…”
“They do have a bit of the plum about them,” Henry said. “Speaking of, you’ve taken quite a responsibility escorting a Richmond gentlewoman to a society party.”
“Society party?” Matt said. “It’s a picnic.”
“My boy!” Henry exclaimed. “Richmond takes its picnics very seriously. How’s your dancing?”
“I practiced last night. I’m ready, except for the minuet.”
“You’ve never done the minuet?”
“I had a dance class. It’s been a long time.”
“I know our charge these next hours.”
“Practice fighting skills, I thought.”
“Fighting can wait,” Henry replied. “You’re speaking to the best dance instructor in Virginia.”
“How did I not already know this?” Matt said. “You’ve time to practice dancing?”
“I can close the shop.”
“I thought I’d skip the minuet.”
“What about meeting their challenge?” Henry exclaimed. “None of it seems rational, but if you should lead Grace onto the floor and show her properly to Richmond, she’ll consider you the angel Michael himself. You should only incur the cost of a new cravat.”
“What’s wrong with the one I have?”
“You’ll not want to wear that old thing.”
“I just bought it!”
“You said naught of a party,” Henry replied.
After lunch, they spent a full three hours dancing the minuet. Henry had a studio in the back of his building. He pushed fighting targets out of the way to make an area for dancing. He’d count out the beats as he moved Matt through the dance.
After about an hour, Matt said, “I have it, Henry.”
“Not even close!”
After the second hour, Matt asked, “Am I getting there?”
“Closer,” Henry said. “You still hesitate.”
“It’s hard to remember all the forms.”
“Grace has been doing them since she was a girl,” Henry warned.
“I thought everyone would be looking at her.”
“Not likely. Keep dancing.”
Matt’s legs ached by the time they heard knocking on the door. “Your escort home,” Henry announced. Matt followed him to the front of the store. It was Thomas and Jeb.
“A few more minutes,” Henry told them as they walked in. “Let me get that cravat for you, Mr. Miller. It’s ten shillings.”
“Ten shillings for a cravat?” Jeb said, surprised. His father gave him a dirty look.
“Let that be a lesson to you, my young man,” Henry said. “Cloth of the finest quality is never too heavy. Don’t you agree, Mr. Miller?”
“If that means a good necktie is expensive,” Matt said, “then I agree.” It was true even in his own time. He had always marveled how such a thin strand of silk could cost so much. He fished coins out of his pocket and exchanged them for the cravat. “Grace ties them,” Matt said.
“Then she appreciates a good silk,” Henry said knowingly. He reached up on the shelf. “This is a diagram to that fighting style we practiced. I’d step though it a few more times tonight so you can commit it to memory.”
Matt opened the pages. It was a diagram showing the steps for the minuet.
“Thanks, Mr. Duncan,” Matt said. “I’ll practice.”
“Mind that you do. You never know when you may want those skills. Good day, gentlemen.” Henry shook everyone’s hand.
“Will you be at the Martins’?” Matt asked Henry.
“There’s a rumor that there’ll be dancing,” Henry said. “Henrietta and I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Henrietta?”
Henry only smiled. “Good day, gentlemen,” he repeated.
38
Five Minutes
Matt was tired on the ride to church. He had practiced the minuet in the hay barn late into the night. There were a few baroque composers among the albums on his phone, and these seemed to have the proper tempo for the dance. He could see the minuet patterns
in his head after looking at the diagrams so many times. Anyone coming into the barn would’ve thought him mad as he bowed to and danced with his imaginary partner. Towards the end of the night, he had focused so hard that he could practically see, feel, and hear Grace as they danced together in his mind.
At times, it felt bizarre that so much depended on dancing. He had asked himself more than once whether learning to dance was really worth his time. He sat a while in the barn during a break to answer this question in his mind and had decided that the best answer was that “it seemed like it.” In the big picture, it mattered as much as anything else. It was no less important than many of the other seemingly trivial things in life, which included getting to work on time, respecting elders, and not cheating on your girlfriend. Your life wasn’t over if you didn’t do them, but you usually had a much better day if you did.
Grace had tied his cravat for him in the morning and commented on how beautiful it was. It started him wondering whether cravats mattered in the scheme of things. Again, the answer was that it seemed like it; especially when a beautiful woman had to stand excruciatingly close to tie it properly. He remembered the smell of her hair as she hovered around him and the feel of her ribbons as they brushed his face. He knew she was looking forward to the party. He, on the other hand, was nervous; he had no idea what to expect. They would go after church to eat, dance, and socialize. The more he heard about the party, the more overwhelming it seemed.
Jeb sat in front of him in the wagon, wearing his new clothes. The teen wasn’t used to wearing a tie, and he shifted often on the bench and twisted his neck. Mary and Grace had new dresses and Matt wondered if they were part of the “Martin Collection.” The cloth was of obviously high quality. Mary’s dress was royal blue and Grace wore white with red trim. Thomas had dressed in a dark blue suit that wasn’t new but still made him look sharp. He carried himself with a formal but comfortable demeanor.
Will followed them in his buggy since he’d be staying in town. David and Faith would come later, once Charles arrived to watch the farm. Will wore clothing that was more colorful than his father’s. He had been in an exceptionally good mood all morning. Jonathan was the only one who seemed truly uncomfortable. He fidgeted beside Matt, tugging at his clothes and voicing multiple complaints, including that his pants were itchy, his collar was too tight, and the jacket was hot.