Jewel

Chapter 1: The Library

October, 1888

NYC

Linus sent a cursory glance at his image in the bedroom mirror. He had never been much absorbed with appearances, and he knew well that his own was ordinary at best. He was of average height and a bit thin with sandy blonde hair and deep, dark eyes. And while his grandmother had always claimed that he had the most striking eyes she had ever seen, Linus knew that the oval spectacles he was obliged to wear gave his orbs a magnified appearance that most people found a bit farcical. Still, as a lawyer, Linus always tried to dress neatly and look his best.

Swiping a hand through his hair one last time, Linus resigned himself to his appearance and grabbed his coat. The brisk October air nipped at his nose as he trekked down the road towards the church on the corner. Clement Jones was getting married today, and Linus had been invited to the wedding. Although the couple had originally hoped to keep things small and simple, Clement was a popular man. His wealth and influence in New York society garnered friends and acquaintances from many elite individuals, and the bride and groom felt obligated to invite them all. Linus came alone, as he always did to such events. He was thirty-one now and had yet to court anyone, for he'd never had the time or motivation to do so.

Just as he was walking up the stairs to enter the church, Linus's toe caught on a step. He stumbled to the top, barely managing to keep his footing. He glanced about to see if anyone had noticed, then bent down to dust off the pant leg that had brushed the ground. He smiled wryly at the thought that perhaps his persistent clumsiness also factored into his inability to court any woman in his adult life. In social situations, he often felt like a bumbling fool— certainly not the confident, self-assured type of man to whom women were so attracted. He straightened himself, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose before walking through the large double doors which stood open.

Scanning the crowd, Linus took his seat towards the back of the church. He didn't like to draw attention to himself, and he certainly had no intention of sitting near the front. He noticed another lonely figure in the aisle across from him. The woman wore a heavy coat with a scarf covering her chin and mouth. On her head, she donned a large hat which kept her eyes hidden from view. Despite her obvious attempt to conceal her identity, Linus recognized her immediately: Eileen Jones. Linus would recognize her anywhere — partly because he had sat in a courtroom with Clement for an entire month over the summer awaiting the outcome of her case, but mostly because she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life.

Linus averted his gaze when Eileen cocked her head just enough to send him a sideways glance. He felt guilty for staring, worried that she would think he was casting judgment on her. In truth, he only stared because he was so intrigued. He briefly considered asking if he could take a seat next to her, but quickly dismissed the idea. She clearly did not want to be noticed, so he respected her space. He snuck one last peek at her as the ceremony began.

Elsie Thomson looked absolutely radiant as she walked down the aisle towards Clement. Linus didn't doubt for a moment their love for each other. Clement was nearly bursting with pride waiting for his bride at the front of the church. Standing up with the bride and groom were Clement's staff members, Adam and Hannah Schultz, a mixed race couple. Some of the guests had been set abuzz by the bridesmaid's dark skin, but Linus knew that Clement and Elsie didn't care a bit for what other people thought of them or their closest friends. Linus didn't know Elsie very well, but he knew Clement was intensely loyal to his loved ones... just as he had been to Eileen.

The ceremony was quickly over, and Linus almost missed Eileen slip out of the church before anyone else had even moved from their pews. He sighed, feeling a bit disappointed. If only he could gather the courage to speak to her someday.