Dawkins frantically looked around the busy street, clearly tying to see if Alden’s outcry had attracted any notice. Fortunately, the hustle and bustle of the market day crowd had neatly drowned out Alden’s exclamation, and nobody was paying them any undue attention. After a moment’s hesitation, Dawkins sagged slightly. “Look, I’ll explain, but… not here. We can talk somewhere private.” Alden was still rather taken aback by the whole matter, but he gave Dawkins a curt nod and looked around the street they were on. A nearby pub sported a sign advertising private dining rooms, so Alden grabbed Dawkins’ hand and led the nervous youth towards the establishment. Once inside the crowded pub, he waved his hand to attract the attention of the barkeep. “I’m looking for a meal for two and two pints of cider in a private room.” “That will run you a half sovereign, sir.” Alden frowned at the expense, but he supposed private space was at a premium on market day afternoons. Besides, he was hardly hurting for money at the moment, so it wasn’t like half a pound would set him back very far. Digging around in his purse, he found two crowns and tossed them to the man. “Right you are, sir. Down the hall, third door on the right. Your meals will be along in a jiffy.” Alden nodded and led Dawkins down the hall and into the indicated room. It was a rather intimate space, softly lit by gentle gas lighting. The decorations and furnishing rather suggested it was mainly a space used for romantic dinners. As the two of them sat down, facing each other across the small table, Dawkins kept fidgeting nervously. “I… I see you bought a new suit, Mr. Stowe. It looks good on you.” “Thank you. I will admit, I considered your thoughts on the frock coat when I decided on this particular style.” “Oh. I see.” Dawkins managed a nervous little smile, though the fidgeting continued as they waited for their meal to arrive. After a few painfully awkward minutes, a maid knocked politely on the door. Alden called her in, and she quickly set the table with two bowls of stew, a basket of bread, a small pot of butter and two pints of warmed cider. “Thank you very much, miss. Now, we would appreciate some privacy, so we are not to be disturbed until it is time for us to leave.” “Of course, sir. Enjoy your meal.” The maid left, closing the door behind her. The sound from the raucous barroom was almost completely muffled, leaving Alden and Dawkins in an extremely awkward little world all their own. “So…” Alden said. “I suppose you’d better tell me about… all this.” “It’s… It’s rather a long story, Mr. Stowe. Lifelong, really.” “We’ve got plenty of time, Dawkins. And for gods’ sakes, just call me Alden. You’re not in trouble! I’m just going with ‘Dawkins’ because you hardly look like a ‘Harry’ right now!” For whatever reason, Dawkins smiled brightly in response to that statement, and the fidgeting calmed down somewhat. “Thank you, Alden. I suppose I should just start at the beginning. Ever since I was very little, I never enjoyed… boy things, I suppose. I much preferred practicing needlework and cookery and things with my older sisters over roughhousing or running about with the boys at the estate.” “The estate?” “Ah, yes. The Dawkins estate, up in Norfolk.” “I had been wondering if you were related to the Norfolk Dawkinses. I saw Baron Dawkins once, and he had the same light hair and blue eyes, though he had a rather more severe cast about his features.” “He is a rather severe man at the best of times.” “I can imagine, given what little I’ve heard about Norfolk by-laws. But I’m interrupting. Please continue.” “Well, as I grew older, I began to consider the matter of my impending adulthood. Or, well, obsess over it, really. To be perfectly frank, the very idea of the changes I was told to expect filled me with an almost overwhelming dread.” Alden inspected Dawkins once again. The delicate features, the soft skin, the complete lack of any visible facial hair… Even the voice was very soft and light and gentle. With the dress and the long hair worn lose, nobody in their right mind would look at Dawkins right now and see anything but a young woman… And suddenly the pieces started falling into place. “Your studies regarding what enhances or inhibits the androgenic processes of the body! You were working to inhibit the natural consequences of puberty!” “It was a very slapdash effort at first, based on home remedies and old wives’ tales and fairy stories. And it wasn’t without its side effects. My bones are rather frail, for instance, and I suffer mild joint pains that flare up from time to time. But it was worth it, Alden. It was more than worth it.” “And you went to the institute to refine the process?” “Just so. Over the years I spent at the institute, I was able to refine and improve upon my methods, creating tinctures that could hold the androgenic processes at bay without causing further side effects. I’ve also started looking into feminizing tinctury, but that project is still very much in its infancy.” “That’s still some very impressive research from someone as young as yourself.” “Well, I was rather powerfully motivated. I will admit, that is part of the reason why I was so desperate to find work at a tinctury. My supply of counter-androgens was dwindling, and without a proper tincturer’s workshop I couldn’t make more. I certainly couldn’t afford to order purpose-made tinctures from another tincturer.” “Well, I’m very glad to have you. Your work is beyond reproach, and you certainly seem to get along well with the rest of the staff. Especially with Miss Oxley.” Dawkins flushed a rather adorable shade of pink. “Liz is just amazing. I feel so safe and protected around her.” Alden nodded understandingly. The world of romance was largely a closed book to him, but he could certainly understand feeling safe under the aegis of a mountain of a woman like Elisabeth Oxley. “I thought you a very odd couple when I first learned of the relationship, but the more I think about it, the more sense it makes.” “Honestly, it’s been wonderful. I was always very nervous about being myself around other people, you know, but around Liz I feel like I can just stop worrying and really be Tiffany.” Alden raised an eyebrow. “So it really is Tiffany, then? That wasn’t a joke in the workshop the other day?” “Less a joke and more a slip of the tongue, really. I will admit, I was very nervous once my brain caught up with my mouth…” Alden looked at the young… Well, young woman, he supposed. As his thoughts ordered themselves, he gave her a warm smile. “Well then, Tiffany, I expect to see you at work bright and early tomorrow. And I wish to remind you that my workshop has no particular dress code so long as you’re wearing something decent and suitable to your tasks. People generally do better work if they’re wearing something comfortable, I find.” Tiffany was briefly stunned as she tried to parse what exactly Alden had just said, then her eyes started welling up with tears. “Thank you, Alden. Thank you so much.” Alden shook his head. “That’s nothing you need to thank me for, girl! Way I see it, if anyone in this world knows if you’re a man or a woman, it’s you. And if anyone gives you trouble over it, you come and tell me, you hear? I may not be as formidable as Miss Oxley, but I’m not too old to deliver a righteous thumping to those who deserve it.” At this point, Tiffany was fully weeping, and Alden felt more than a little awkward about it. After a few moments, he reached out and gently started stroking Tiffany’s arm in what he hoped was a consoling manner while mumbling vaguely calming noises. Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before the young woman got a hold of herself and dried her tear-streaked face with a napkin. “I’m sorry, Alden. I just… I wish my father could have shared those sentiments. Hearing those words from a man your age just… Sorry.” “Not on the best of terms with Baron Dawkins, I take it?” Tiffany laughed bitterly. “That’s putting it mildly. He disowned me the very day he found out about my experiments. Sure, he paid my tuition at the institute, but that was it. Told me not to come back home until I’d ‘come to my senses’. He won’t even let my sisters send me letters, although they’ve managed to sneak a few by him over the years. Apparently he’s remarried now, and has a son, but if my sisters are to be believed he doesn’t even intend to tell the boy I ever existed.” Alden’s face gradually set itself into a deep frown as he listened. “Well, if you’ll pardon my language, Baron Dawkins sounds like an absolute arsehole, and he doesn’t deserve to be the father of a brilliant young woman like yourself.” Tiffany shot him a smile, but she looked like she was about to cry again, so Alden quickly changed the topic. “That being said, I feel like we’ve rather forgotten our meal. I’m afraid the stew is probably rather cool by now.” Tiffany laughed in spite of herself. “Would you believe I had completely forgotten we even ordered food in the first place? I suppose we should eat. The food isn’t getting any warmer, after all.” Even lukewarm, the stew turned out to be rather excellent, and the bread wasn’t bad either. As the meal progressed, the atmosphere of the room seemed to lighten, and what little conversation was had was simple small talk. Shortly after they finished the food, there was a gentle knock on the door. “Well then. I suppose our time here is just about done. I’ll see you tomorrow, Tiffany. And do remember to wear something comfortable.” Tiffany’s face fell slightly. “I don’t really have any work clothes I’m all that comfortable in, Alden. Don’t get me wrong, you’re paying me very well, but I’ve only had this job for a very brief time, and what little money I’ve managed to scrape together for clothing so far all went into what I’m wearing now.” “Well, why didn’t you say so? I’m flush with coin at the moment. Let’s go find you something nice that’s appropriate for work. Hel, let’s get you whatever you might need. A single dress is hardly an appropriate wardrobe for a proper young lady.” “I can’t accept that, Alden! It’s too much.” “Nonsense. Think of it as a birthday present.” “My birthday isn’t for another two months.” “Then consider it a present to make up for your last twenty birthdays.” “That’s ridiculous! You haven’t known me for even a month!” “And I apologize for that. As an apology, how about I buy you some clothes?” “That doesn’t even make sense! What…” At that moment, the door opened and the maid peeked in. “I do apologize, sir and madam, but your time is up. I need to clean the room to prepare it for the next customer.” “See, Tiffany? Your arguing is inconveniencing the staff. Do apologize to the good maid and come along. We need to find a suitable tailor before they all close.” “You can’t just…” “No more arguments from you, young lady! Just get to it!” Clearly flustered and bewildered, Tiffany stammered an apology to the bemused maid before hurrying out after Alden. The situation had taken a turn so quickly she barely understood what was even happening, but for some reason she just couldn’t stop smiling. In the end, Alden managed to talk Tiffany into letting him purchase several outfits for her, though it was like pulling teeth the entire time. She kept trying to tell him she didn’t really need them, or saying he was doing too much for her, or offering to pay him back at a later date. But given her obvious joy each time he actually managed to talk her into accepting something, he felt fairly justified in overruling her complaints. Especially the more self-deprecating ones. The last straw was when she earnestly told him that what he was doing for her was more than she deserved. For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, that statement had really stuck in his craw. So much so that he had ended up purchasing a ball gown for her in a fit of pique, despite the fact that even he had a bit of trouble imagining when Tiffany could possibly find an occasion to wear the damn thing. Still, despite constantly having to argue with Tiffany over every purchase, Alden found that he rather enjoyed the bizarre little excursion. Something about the way Tiffany lit up like a little sun every time she tried a new garment just made it all feel very satisfying. But it wasn’t long before the shops closed and Alden bid Tiffany a good night. Feeling rather cheerful, Alden set off for home. The next morning, Tiffany came into the shop bright and early wearing the fully covering, hard-wearing blouse, skirt and apron combination Alden had purchased for her last night. Her hair was braided as usual, but together with the new clothes the style looked far more feminine than it used to. There was something else different, too. Tiffany seemed far more relaxed than usual. Then again, Alden supposed keeping a big secret was always a lot of work. “Good morning, Tiffany. Nice to se you looking so cheerful this morning.” To his not insignificant surprise, Tiffany rushed forward and gave him a quick hug. “Good morning, Alden.” “Ah, yes, quite. Hrm.” Feeling more than a little taken aback, Alden watched as Tiffany practically skipped into the workroom. In fact, he was so surprised by the incident he didn’t even notice that Miss Oxley had arrived until she pointedly cleared her throat. “Oh, Miss Oxley. I didn’t see you come in.” Alden hesitated for a moment as he considered Miss Oxley’s general behaviour and demeanour in light of recent events. “Just to make absolutely sure, I shouldn’t be calling you ‘Mr. Oxley’, should I?” Miss Oxley barked out a laugh. “Not if you want to keep all your bones in one piece, Mr. Stowe. Just because I could snap you like a twig doesn’t make me a man.” “Just checking. No offence meant.” “None taken, don’t you worry. I heard what you did for Tiff. It meant a lot to her. You’re a good man, Alden Stowe.” Feeling a little flustered at Miss Oxley’s sincere tone, Alden quickly waved away the compliment. “It really wasn’t anything so grand as you’re making it out to be. Any decent fellow would have done the same. Well, not counting the whole matter of purchasing a mess of clothing for her, that was rather extraordinary and I’m not entirely sure what got into me. But other than that, I just did what any decent man would have done.” “If that’s true, there’s a real shortage of decent men in this world.” Eager to change the subject, Alden racked his brain for any way to segue to a topic not related to his own supposed virtue. And it was at this point that he realized something odd about Miss Oxley’s earlier statement. “Hold on, when exactly did Tiffany tell you about all this? It was already getting quite late when we parted last night.” “Oh, she moved in with me the day before yesterday. The workers’ lodgings where she was renting a bed before then was no place for a young woman, so I offered her a spot in my bed. It’s just about large enough for two.” “Miss Oxley!” Alden exclaimed, feeling strangely scandalized by the news. “Don’t get your britches in a twist, Mr. Stowe. All we’ve been doing in that bed is sleeping. Tiff won’t even let me so much as look at her if she’s wearing less than a nightgown.” “I should hope not, Miss Oxley! Tiffany is clearly a sensitive soul, and if I find you’re pushing her beyond what she’s comfortable with, I will have some very harsh words for you indeed!” Miss Oxley grinned and patted Alden on the head, causing him to let out something of an indignant squawk. “I could still snap you like a twig, you know. But I appreciate how protective you are of Tiff. She needs more people like you in her life.” As Miss Oxley wandered off to prepare the shop for opening, Alden frowned thoughtfully. Even he wasn’t sure what had led to his scandalized outburst. Up until yesterday, his relationship with Tiffany had been one of professional respect and perhaps a burgeoning friendship. But after last night, he really did feel quite unreasonably protective of the young woman. Then again, he had watched Tiffany fully break down and cry in front of him. That had probably skewed his view of her to a certain extent. And it probably also explained his newfound loathing for Baron Dawkins, which bordered on violent. After all, any decent chap would be moved by such a gripping tale of personal tragedy. Nothing more to it than that. Feeling quite satisfied with his reasoning, Alden put the matter of why he suddenly felt so protective of Tiffany firmly aside and instead considered what he should be doing with his day. Perhaps he should go visit Ada once more. Lucille had promised to hire her on fair terms, but Alden wanted to make absolutely sure that the remarkable young woman wasn’t unfairly taken advantage of. And once that was done, perhaps he should check in with Mei Jing. After all, the task he’d set for her and the girls was a little dangerous, and he wanted to make sure they were being careful and staying safe.