THE INTERVIEW
The feeling of ebullient joy and delight eddied in Paulina Benter's stomach, as she watched the show come to an end. As she had been promised by the one and only mr. P.T. Barnum, the performance truly was some of the most enchanting magic she had ever had the pleasure to see for herself, easily surpassing her expectations. Only thing was she quickly caught onto the fact that someone was missing; this person being the man of the hour.
Paulina had looked forward to seeing mr. Barnum perform, but as she had not once seen him on stage, she could not help but feel somewhat disappointed. She assumed the showman had just repositioned to being just the mind of the circus, instead of the face as well and with that said, was still impressed by the event she had been lucky enough to attend.
After the show the lights were being flicked on and the onlookers all went towards the exit, where the young man who Paulina believed had taken upon Barnum's earlier role was standing, greeting goodbyes and making sure everyone left happy. Giving a great amount of the crowd a chance to leave the spectator seats, she then rushed towards him, putting on her best smile.
When their eyes met, Paulina immediately observed the tired look, that rested safely behind the gleam his dreaming, blue eyes held. From the stage she had only seen the joyfulness he radiated. The one she was currently experiencing, was a whole other vibe.
The man, Phillip Carlyle judged by the way she was smiling as she marched towards him, she came with other purpose than to degrade him for being part of a circus. Rich strangers had invested both time and money in overseeing a show, with the sole purpose of scolding the man who they believed brought shame upon their aristocratic rank for taking part in such freak show; they were embarrassed by him. Even friends and family did no longer wish to be seen with him for his scoundrel-like acts on leaving behind success. Those first months had been a real setback for Phillip Carlyle but the people he worked with, gave him reason to not quit what he had learned to love doing, some more than others. Not many months ago, before P.T. Barnum had introduced himself to the wealthy man and somehow convinced him to join up as Barnum's junior partner, he worked within the similar business of organizing events and had for many years had friends up in high places, easily being positioned there alongside his family. Since he really had no choice but to observe the poor plays he produced as part of his job, he had been granted a good eye for what to- and what not to do in the world of performance and for the first time in his years of living, Phillip felt he could finally do something he was truly good at.
"Ma'am, I hope the performance lived up to your expectations?" The pretty young man smiled, displaying his pearly white teeth. Even if she had not recognized him as the Phillip Carlyle whom she had heard had left behind any family affiliation to join the circus, even then there would be no question he came from a family of high status, having lived under the fundamentals of wealth and power his whole life.
"Why you certainly surpassed anything I could have possibly imagined, sir!" Paulina gleed and clasped her hands together, holding her little book tight under her arm against her stomach.
He bopped his head, his fingers fiddling with the hem of his top hat. His frame was tall and proud and Paulina would not be ashamed to admit he most certainly was a fine young man, seemed to be polite as well.
Paulina stuck out her hand for him to shake, "Paulina Benter, I scheduled a meeting with mr. Barnum some months back."
"Ah, yes! He told me he would have someone coming from--where was is again? Connecticut?" he guessed, trying to recall his conversation with Barnum a few weeks back and Paulina nodded, glad she did not have to explain herself further. Phillip Carlyle cast a glance over her shoulder, waving at the remaining exiting guests. "Please ma'am, follow me, we'll take this somewhere we can sit down."
