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A Conversation in the Yellow Drawing-Room, chapter 3
Title: A Conversation in the Yellow Drawing-Room, And Other Letters To Mrs Strange
Fandom: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
Genre Drama
Rating: Teen and up
Characters: Emma Pole, John Childermass, John segundus, Stephen Black
Pairings: Emma Pole/John Childermass
Chapters: 3/?
Words: 1083
Summary: Lady Pole writes a letter to her friend Mrs Strange about an unexpected encounter.
The whole fic on AO3
Dear Arabella,
I am still in York, somewhat exhausted after looking at several more or less suitable houses. Mr Segundus has been very helpful, and I’m now strongly considering taking a house called Rosehill for at least a year. I promise I will delve into further details when I write you again, but it is spacious enough without being too grand, and not crowded by other houses. I prefer my future neighbours to not be too close.
I have been debating with myself if I should do yet another errand while in York, and yesterday I acted upon it. As you know I have been in correspondence with Mr Childermass about my magical problem, and though there is yet no solution in sight, I have found his advice helpful. But we have not met since the day of his unexpected visit even if I have returned to our conversation again and again in my mind. There are things I wanted to say to him I haven’t been able to put into a letter, so I made him a visit on my own. I know you are frowning a little now, my dear, but you may as well wait; I am sure you will find more to frown about before long.
Mr Childermass lives in a part of York I wouldn’t call low, but it’s not somewhere the better sort lives either. I was pleased to notice there was no landlady to welcome or hinder me. I thought perhaps Mr Childermass’ cards had told him of my intended visit, but I think not, as he opened the door in his shirtsleeves. Nevertheless he did not seem surprised to see me and stepped aside to let me in. The room was of a goodish size, but with furniture of no particular style, placed with little care of what would be most pleasing. I don’t think he spends much thought on his surroundings though everything were neat and clean. I wasn't surprised to see books everywhere and an assortment of quills and inks on the desk. A half-open door provided a glimpse of a bedchamber, its bed made-up neatly. I couldn’t help wondering if Mr Childermass keeps his bed linen as fine and clean as his shirts, a thought which made me a little short of breath.
There was a fire burning, and the room was pleasantly warm, and the two chairs in front of the fireplace, looked like they made up in comfort what they lacked in style. I must have disturbed Mr Childermass there, because there was an open book on a small table by one chair along with a small glass of port. He motioned to me to sit and poured a glass for me. Then he sat down, excused himself and picked up the book and started to read. Undoubtedly you will say it was unforgivable rude of him, but I have never liked being disturbed in the middle of a chapter myself. It’s like being interrupted when you speak and in both cases it is always difficult to find your way back. So I looked into the fire and tasted the port. I was not surprised to find that even if the glass was simple; the drink was excellent, as so much seems to be with Mr. Childermass.
It was restful sitting in front of the fire in companionable silence, and I felt content in a way I can not recall I have ever felt before. Sir Walter could never abide silence and always talked with me. He was often interesting or amusing, but it could also be tiresome. Now I thought it was a fine thing to not have to speak with someone and still feel at ease. I watched Mr Childermass as he read, noting he didn’t look so shabby out of his old coat. I think no one would call him handsome under any circumstances, but he is still an interesting man to look at. And I thought how, underneath his shirt, there must be a scar of my doing. I wondered what it looked like, and if it caused him any pain or other discomfort. When he put down his book, I almost asked him if I could see it, but instead I said.
“Would you like to kiss me, Mr Childermass.” (See, I told you you would frown more)
He didn’t look shocked by my words, and I don’t think he was, either.
“I would like it very much, Lady Pole.”
“And I would like to kiss you. But I need you to answer a question first. You told me I attract magic, and you know I have seen that for myself now. And you yourself is a magician which means this enchantment ought to affect you too. So are you sure you want to kiss me by your own free will?”
He thought about it, and I could see he disliked the idea of being under a spell. I don’t think he is a man who like to admit he is not completely in charge of himself. Then he spoke in a reluctant manner which confirmed my assumption was correct.
“No, I can’t be sure.”
I rose. “I thought so. I know you will understand why I take my leave now. I know how it feels to have your feelings dictated not by your heart, but by magic. You may smile, but still never stop screaming inside. I will allow no one else to suffer like me even if this enchantment is not of my doing.”
Mr Childermass nodded and. “Of course, Lady Pole. But when this spell is broken, I hope you will ask me again.”
I didn’t give him my hand when I took my leave as I feared I would be undone by touching him, and Mr Childermass didn’t offer me his.
“Do you still have my letter?” he asked as I was leaving.
I patted my ridicule. “I always carry it with me.”
“Good.”
And then I left. I know you feel relief I didn’t compromise myself, but I felt none. I’m glad I didn’t stay, but only because I detest the thought of forcing anyone with magic. I am now more determined than ever to find a way out of this enchantment. And I have a few notions of what could be done! But I don’t feel prepared to share them yet as I’m ridiculously afraid talking about them could somehow hex them.
Yours, as ever, loving friend
Emma Pole
Fandom: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
Genre Drama
Rating: Teen and up
Characters: Emma Pole, John Childermass, John segundus, Stephen Black
Pairings: Emma Pole/John Childermass
Chapters: 3/?
Words: 1083
Summary: Lady Pole writes a letter to her friend Mrs Strange about an unexpected encounter.
The whole fic on AO3
Dear Arabella,
I am still in York, somewhat exhausted after looking at several more or less suitable houses. Mr Segundus has been very helpful, and I’m now strongly considering taking a house called Rosehill for at least a year. I promise I will delve into further details when I write you again, but it is spacious enough without being too grand, and not crowded by other houses. I prefer my future neighbours to not be too close.
I have been debating with myself if I should do yet another errand while in York, and yesterday I acted upon it. As you know I have been in correspondence with Mr Childermass about my magical problem, and though there is yet no solution in sight, I have found his advice helpful. But we have not met since the day of his unexpected visit even if I have returned to our conversation again and again in my mind. There are things I wanted to say to him I haven’t been able to put into a letter, so I made him a visit on my own. I know you are frowning a little now, my dear, but you may as well wait; I am sure you will find more to frown about before long.
Mr Childermass lives in a part of York I wouldn’t call low, but it’s not somewhere the better sort lives either. I was pleased to notice there was no landlady to welcome or hinder me. I thought perhaps Mr Childermass’ cards had told him of my intended visit, but I think not, as he opened the door in his shirtsleeves. Nevertheless he did not seem surprised to see me and stepped aside to let me in. The room was of a goodish size, but with furniture of no particular style, placed with little care of what would be most pleasing. I don’t think he spends much thought on his surroundings though everything were neat and clean. I wasn't surprised to see books everywhere and an assortment of quills and inks on the desk. A half-open door provided a glimpse of a bedchamber, its bed made-up neatly. I couldn’t help wondering if Mr Childermass keeps his bed linen as fine and clean as his shirts, a thought which made me a little short of breath.
There was a fire burning, and the room was pleasantly warm, and the two chairs in front of the fireplace, looked like they made up in comfort what they lacked in style. I must have disturbed Mr Childermass there, because there was an open book on a small table by one chair along with a small glass of port. He motioned to me to sit and poured a glass for me. Then he sat down, excused himself and picked up the book and started to read. Undoubtedly you will say it was unforgivable rude of him, but I have never liked being disturbed in the middle of a chapter myself. It’s like being interrupted when you speak and in both cases it is always difficult to find your way back. So I looked into the fire and tasted the port. I was not surprised to find that even if the glass was simple; the drink was excellent, as so much seems to be with Mr. Childermass.
It was restful sitting in front of the fire in companionable silence, and I felt content in a way I can not recall I have ever felt before. Sir Walter could never abide silence and always talked with me. He was often interesting or amusing, but it could also be tiresome. Now I thought it was a fine thing to not have to speak with someone and still feel at ease. I watched Mr Childermass as he read, noting he didn’t look so shabby out of his old coat. I think no one would call him handsome under any circumstances, but he is still an interesting man to look at. And I thought how, underneath his shirt, there must be a scar of my doing. I wondered what it looked like, and if it caused him any pain or other discomfort. When he put down his book, I almost asked him if I could see it, but instead I said.
“Would you like to kiss me, Mr Childermass.” (See, I told you you would frown more)
He didn’t look shocked by my words, and I don’t think he was, either.
“I would like it very much, Lady Pole.”
“And I would like to kiss you. But I need you to answer a question first. You told me I attract magic, and you know I have seen that for myself now. And you yourself is a magician which means this enchantment ought to affect you too. So are you sure you want to kiss me by your own free will?”
He thought about it, and I could see he disliked the idea of being under a spell. I don’t think he is a man who like to admit he is not completely in charge of himself. Then he spoke in a reluctant manner which confirmed my assumption was correct.
“No, I can’t be sure.”
I rose. “I thought so. I know you will understand why I take my leave now. I know how it feels to have your feelings dictated not by your heart, but by magic. You may smile, but still never stop screaming inside. I will allow no one else to suffer like me even if this enchantment is not of my doing.”
Mr Childermass nodded and. “Of course, Lady Pole. But when this spell is broken, I hope you will ask me again.”
I didn’t give him my hand when I took my leave as I feared I would be undone by touching him, and Mr Childermass didn’t offer me his.
“Do you still have my letter?” he asked as I was leaving.
I patted my ridicule. “I always carry it with me.”
“Good.”
And then I left. I know you feel relief I didn’t compromise myself, but I felt none. I’m glad I didn’t stay, but only because I detest the thought of forcing anyone with magic. I am now more determined than ever to find a way out of this enchantment. And I have a few notions of what could be done! But I don’t feel prepared to share them yet as I’m ridiculously afraid talking about them could somehow hex them.
Yours, as ever, loving friend
Emma Pole