In The Fog of London

The Party

Later in the day, Kathrine had sold and rented out a few books to the usual patrons, always looking up from whatever manuscript or novel she had her nose in whenever the bell above the door would chime. This had been the norm since she'd taken over the little shop. As she read through a book of poems, she heard the sound of the bell above the door and, upon looking up,  beheld the familiar face of Gabriel Utterson. "John!" She exclaimed, nearly tripping over herself as she rushed around the counter to embrace him. "Yes, yes, I'm happy to see you too, Lynnie." He chortled, giving her a pat on the shoulder before she let go of him and stepped back. "What brings you to this fine little shop of mine, Mr. Utterson?" She chimed in a sing-song. "I just thought I'd stop by, Ms. Hughes." He replied with a low sigh, glancing about the shop as he turned his hat in his hands. "Oh, pardon me, there actually was something I wanted to share that might interest you," He suddenly spoke after a brief pause, sparking Kathrine's interest, "a friend of mine, Dr. Lanyon, is hosting a small dinner party for some colleagues and such this evening. Considering you've settled in and, to my knowledge, are no longer bogged down with prior engagements and chores, I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me." Kathrine's eyes glittered and her whole face lit up excitedly. "Oh, John, yes! Of course, I'd love to go! I think I even have the right dress for a dinner party. Thank you, thank you!" She took his hands in her's and bowed graciously. "Just be ready by six o'clock. I'll have my cab pick you up then." He instructed with an amused smile on his face. He enjoyed seeing Kathrine so enthusiastic, even if it was only due to being invited to some stuffy gathering of old friends. He believed she'd still find a way to enjoy herself, as he always knew her to find the joy in everything she did.

After John had left Kathrine in her shop, she started to prepare for the night ahead. She reorganized the book shelves, brewed another pot of tea, and made sure the bookstore was completely tidied up. "I don't want to leave my library in shambles," she huffed to herself as she wiped off the front counter for the third time, neurotically fixing and tousling her hair, "I want to leave a clean shop and return to one as well." Time went by in a blur until she could hear a nearby clocktower chime six. She hurriedly checked herself, making sure she looked presentable before shuffling outside and locking the door to her shop. Right on time, the sound of horse's hooves and carriage wheels rose from behind her and she turned to find John stepping from the cab, holding open the door. "After you, Lynn." He hummed. Kathrine curtsied and stepped up and into the cab with John trailing behind her. "You look stunning." He murmured simply after the cab door shut, adjusting his gloves. "Thank you, John. You look quite put-together yourself." She replied, fidgeting slightly. Utterson put his hand atop both of hers and looked her in the eyes. "Don't be nervous, Lynnie, you look fine and these men are old friends of mine. You remember Lanyon, yes?" He asked, and she nodded. "He was the one who took care of mother after I was born and me when I got that bad cold from-" She giggled and John finished her thought, "When you fell in the creek chasing that fat hen in the garden, yes. Do you also remember that I rushed outside and wrapped you up in my nice wool coat so you wouldn't freeze?" Kathrine snorted, and covered her mouth, her cheeks blooming red like roses. "I was holloing so loud it scared mother and father half to death! They thought I'd been seized by a pack of wolves! Oh dear." She laughed breathily, bringing her hands to her chest. "Oh dear." She repeated in a content sigh and Utterson looked satisfied, having somewhat relaxed her. They hardly spoke for the rest of the cab ride into the well-to-do part of London where the illustrious manors and townhomes loomed over their carriage. Shortly thereafter, the cab halted and the two passengers gathered their things and stepped out. The two stood in front of a large, brick facade with white pillars framing the front stoop. It looked styled in somewhat of a colonial fashion, yet the fine European details and initials "H.L." embossed on the golden knocker betrayed the identity of the master of this fine house to be Dr. Hastie Lanyon, an acclaimed medical doctor with a good standing in society, despite his stubbornness and short temper. John knocked and was immediately greeted by a butler who bid him and Kathrine admittance. The two stepped in, arms linked, and cast their glances about the space. Lynn's eyes were full of such lavish splendor; red silks, hanging chandeliers, beautiful carpets and lovely scent of wine and flora and cologne. She was led into the main sitting room alongside John, clinging to him like she was lost at sea and he was her only raft. She was close to being overwhelmed by it all, having known her bookstore and the city for only a few months before all of this. In the main sitting room were a group of three men and two women, all speaking to one another in the warm space. Kathrine searched the faces, going from one to the other. At once, she recognized Dr. Lanyon, the sturdy, somewhat round, but genial man with greying hair and rosy cheeks. He was sat comfortably in a leather chair smoking a pipe whilst speaking with a younger man she did not recognize. The two women, one older and the other young, did not stand out as much as Lanyon did, but Kathrine knew the older woman to be Lanyon's wife, Guinevere Lanyon. She was of the talkative, gossiping sort, but was equally as cheerful and friendly as her husband when you weren't on the wrong end of a rumor. Something past all of the chatter caught her eye, however, and though this scan of her surroundings only lasted a few seconds, she felt time had began flowing as slow as molasses; not for any reason other than Kathrine's absolutely sharp focus and curiosity honed in on one subject. Someone she did not recognize at all.
He was tall, well-built, looked about fifty years of age, and was standing in front of the fireplace, one hand on the mantle and the other tucked into his trouser pocket. His hair was ashy brown, greying just behind his ears, and slicked back to look neat. His face was pale and smooth with an unchanging expression as if he were carved in marble. His eyes were grey and stormy and Kathrine could have sworn the reflection of the flickering firelight in them looked like lightning. The man looked deep in thought, pondering something that caused his brow to furrow and his lips to occasionally press into a thin line. Kathrine was ripped from her daydream by Utterson, who dragged her towards Lanyon and the young, fair gentleman, who introduced himself as Richard Enfield, a distant cousin of John's. "My girl, you've certainly grown into a lovely young woman!" Lanyon bellowed warmly, "And not frozen like the last time I saw you!" He added, and the group laughed together. She was then ushered along toward the two women, who chatted with her for a moment. Guinevere introduced her daughter, Jillian Lanyon - the younger woman - to Kathrine and the two exchanged pleasantries before Kathrine looked up at Utterson with a pleading gaze, flickering her eyes toward the hearth where the distant figure stood. The lawyer raised his brows, nodding before accompanying her to greet the last guest. As they approached, Kathrine kept her eyes low, showing a hint of shyness. "Harry! How are you, old boy?" Utterson called and the man at the fireplace lifted his head and turned, straightening. He smiled and She caught a glimpse of his face. His teeth were white and his eyes glittered, the storm of contemplation clearing. His face was kind and smooth and displayed every hint of his good nature and purity. "Gabriel Utterson! Ah, I am well! Very well! And you?" His voice was rich and smooth and Kathrine held on to every word. "Just as well, Harry. Er, I'd like to introduce you to my little sister, not by blood. This is Kathrine Lynn Hughes... Lynnie?" She snapped out of her daze as John set his hand on her shoulder. "Oh! How do you do." She piped, giving a curtsy. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kathrine." The man addressed her, dipping his head slightly, "My name is Henry- Dr. Henry Jekyll, that is."