Elsie

Chapter 7: The Photograph

A/N: Clement and Elsie pictured above.

Elsie blew out a shaky breath and stepped into the library. It was Tuesday, and according to the grandfather clock, eight minutes until four o'clock.

She surveyed the library for the best seat. There was a bench in front of the large windows that offered a great deal of natural light, so she perched herself there and waited, running her fingers over the cover of the book nervously.

She had read the first three chapters of Treasure Island alone, just to ensure that she would be comfortable reading it aloud. Perhaps Mr. Jones would forget all about their little arrangement, and she could go on reading quietly to herself.

No sooner had that thought crossed her mind when she heard the sound of Clement's heavy footsteps approaching from the hall. Even before she could see him, she knew who it was based on his self-assured stride. He always walked with confidence, neither slowly nor quickly.

Suddenly, Elsie wasn't sure what to do with her hands — first checking her hair, next smoothing her dress, then folding them neatly in her lap, and finally grasping the book and hugging it to her stomach just as Mr. Jones strode into view.

Clement thought Elsie looked a bit like a terrified bunny as he sauntered into the room, clutching the book to herself as if it were some sort of shield. He ignored the feeling of bitterness that rose in his chest at her timidity around him and attempted to act as though she was any other employee.

"Good day, Miss Thomson," he greeted in the friendliest voice he could muster. He strolled straight to the chair next to the grandfather clock and took his seat. It was one minute until four o'clock. "I'm glad to see you haven't forgotten about our agreement."

"Good afternoon," Elsie returned his greeting. She bit her lip as she opened the cover of the book. She couldn't have forgotten if she had tried. For the past five days, she had been anxiously anticipating this day.

"I must thank you," Clement continued, trying anything to get her to talk, "for agreeing to read to me. I can't remember the last time I read a book for my own enjoyment."

"It is no trouble," Elsie answered mechanically, and Clement knew he wasn't getting anywhere with her. Instead of trying further, he readjusted himself in his chair and waited patiently for her to begin.

Elsie began to read the first chapter of Treasure Island, first in a small voice, but as she read on, she began to immerse herself in the story. Clement smiled as she even chanted in a singsong voice:

"Fifteen men on a dead man's chest, Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!"

After a few minutes, she looked up at Clement inquisitively. "That's the end of the first chapter. It's a bit short. Shall we go on?"

"Please, do," Clement grinned. He was enjoying the book, to be sure, but he was enjoying Elsie's animated face as she read even more. It was clear to him that she had an avid imagination, getting lost in the book as she read. He watched as her thick, black hair bounced just a bit with her animated expressions. Her eyes gleamed with entertainment.

"Wait, that's it?!" Clement exclaimed as Elsie snapped the book shut.

Elsie giggled just a bit. "That's it," she confirmed with a bit of a mischievous smile. "That's the end of the second chapter."

"No, wait, what's Billy Bones' real name?" Clement whined. To his great pleasure, Elsie actually laughed out loud.

"You'll have to wait until next week," she said smugly. "It's almost time for dinner now, and I should go see if Lois and Verda need any help."