Polite Society by Monique Jones
EDIT: The story has undergone extensive revision. We’ve updated the excerpt below to reflect the new version of the first chapter.
The first part of the newly established romance/drama serial Polite Society, reposted with the author’s permission.
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Generally, men don’t gather together to talk about different fabric swatches and the latest corset innovations, but in 1756, several middle-aged men sat around a decorated iron table in the gardens outside of a Palladian-style country home in Petworth, sharing stories about their latest trials in the couture fashion business over coffee.
“Naturally, it costs more to start making fashion dolls, but I’m hoping it will bring in more revenue. I’m slightly worried about losing money, but at the same time, it’s not like I don’t already have some backup money from my father’s estate, God rest his soul.”
Small laughter.
“I have complete faith in you, old boy,” Kristopher Storey stated, his gruff demeanor softened by his wide grin. “Let’s raise a toast to Jacob! May he be successful in his new venture!”
Raised glasses clink together while jovial utterances of “Hear, hear!” rang out in the night.
“Oh! Before I forget,” Kristopher said, “I must tell you gents about the company I’m going to have in a few days. I’m going down to the holiday home in Worthing sometime next week to meet with my business partners from Asia. They’re on holiday right now, and I thought it might be nice for them to meet you all while they are here. You’ve heard me talk about Zheng Yin and Aakash Chopra-Singh, yes?”
Everyone gave their assurances. Kristopher grinned and leaned over in Morrison White’s direction.
“You’ll have some company in the ethnic category for a while, eh, Morrison?” he whispered. Morrison, not amused, glanced in his direction, eyebrow raised.
“If we are all finished here, I have to get back home,” Alexander Vance stated tiredly. “My wife hates it when I’m out late at night; she gets in terrible fretting moods.”
“Yes, I think we’ve talked about everything we can tonight,” Kristopher said. “Besides, Gerlie probably wants her home to herself by now.” As Kristopher got up to show his colleagues out, he caught up with Morrison.
“I just wanted to make sure you weren’t too offended by my off-hand remark, Morr, old boy. You know how coarse I can be sometimes.”
Morrison gave him a worn smile. “I know you didn’t mean any harm. Besides, you’re probably the only one in the group who actually values my being here.”
Kristopher looked saddened, but quickly cheered up. “Of course I value you being here. I’m sure the other gents do as well; most of these people have never been out of Sussex, let alone England. Give them the benefit of the doubt.”
Morrison’s sad smile intensified. “I do that on a regular basis.”
Kristopher clapped him on the back as he said, “Remember—I invited you to our meetings because you’re my friend, not just one of my many business partners. And we have our children’s courtship to think about, right? We’re probably closer to a wedding than we know! I’d have no one else become a part of my family unless it’s you and your family.”
Morrison looked grateful and relieved. “Same time next month, then?”
“Of course, and as I always tell you, my house is always open to you.”
Just then, Alexander bumped into Morrison’s shoulder from behind. “My apologies.”
Morrison looked at Alexander before bidding Kristopher goodbye and left. Alexander, seeing how down Alexander had been throughout the entire meeting, caught up with him.
“Alex? Something’s been bugging you all evening, and I’d be a poor friend if I didn’t try to find out if there was something I could do to help.”
Alexander sighed. “It’s my daughter again.”
“She still has her affections been placed on that rather unfortunate fellow, then.”
Alexander sighed. “Yes; she’s still got her heart set on that stableboy. I guess it’s what I get for indulging in their friendship when they were children. Now that Amelie’s all grown up, there’s nothing I can do to change her mind.”
“Well, look here,” Kristopher said. “Perhaps Aakash could help you out there. I hear his oldest, Devinder, is about to be married, but his youngest, Abinhav, is of marrying age. Perhaps he and your Amelie might hit it off. I would mention Zheng’s son, Guangli, but it looks as if he’s getting married as well. But who’s to say? Maybe she could woo them away from their intendeds? Crazier things have happened.”
Alexander looked dejected. “First, she’s in love with a servant from Spain, and the solution you offer me is someone from the Orient. Where are all of the Anglo-Saxon alternatives?” He sighed. “Give Gerlinda my thanks for the coffee.” He left, leaving Kristopher confused and somewhat frustrated.
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Monique Jones is a senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham majoring in journalism and minoring in film. She runs Moniqueblog.net, an entertainment site specializing in movie reviews and movie analysis.