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The Easter holidays finally gave Segundus an opportunity to start sorting the room which served as the storage for all the things Starecross was full of before it became the school. Two days in, the schoolmaster found himself surrounded with boxes of old and mostly cracked china - both teaware sets and statuettes; candles that smelled of so much different and often unfamiliar things (these items Segundus hoped to use in the magician’s everyday life - of course, as soon as he made certain what scents exactly these were); and overwhelming amount of old cloth, everything from crumbling undershirts to fancy but yellowed table napkins and bedsheets. And yet, he was far from the completion of this task.
Moreover, he was confronted with another important business. Mrs Lennox planned to use the perfect spring weather to have a tour around England with her companion, Mrs Blake, and of course, Starecross was a point on her route.
Segundus saw a silver lining to this visit of the school’s patroness - he could ask her in person about what he should do with all this ancient property and avoid writing down the whole inventory of it in a letter - but it was one more concern on his quite a long list of things to do, and the only thing he actually wanted to do while the students and other teachers were away for the holidays was to drink tea with Childermass in the library, discussing books, spells and news of the magical world, and maybe (definitely) doing something more.
Childermass arrived a week ago, catching a couple of the last school days, and Segundus had to work hard to fix the chaos in the syllabus that the presence of the magician and his Book had, as usual, provoked.
The chaos involved almost all the ordinary lectures replaced by Childermass relating his latest adventures and some earlier experiences, which were always popular subjects. It may have looked like it meant that Segundus would have free time in lieu of the lessons he was to teach, but instead he had to figure out how to use those lectures that were left for him to conduct the most efficiently. Mr Honeyfoot had to basically reprimand him and tell him to go and have some sleep, but it was the same day they received the letter from Mrs Lennox, and Segundus just couldn't relax.
Sorting old things seemed a tedious enough task to distract oneself and empty one's mind of a swarm of thoughts, and Segundus set to the work with great expectations, but it didn't give him the rest he sought. Childermass would be happy to accompany him, but all sorts of business kept him in York, so his stay in the school was mostly figurative and in reality meant that it was only Vinculus who was taking the advantage of the comforts of Starecross.
That said, on the evening of Mrs Lennox's arrival the schoolmaster felt very tired and a bit lonely. He couldn’t say for sure whether his welcoming smile wasn’t just a nervous strain of facial muscles.
"Ah, my dear Mr Segundus!" the lady said the first thing. "Such a pity that I'm missing the students," (at this, Segundus shivered a little, because making them behave would have exhausted him completely), "but I'm only staying for one night anyway."
They had a pleasant hefty supper in a company of three and a nice conversation in the parlour, and the ladies departed to their bedrooms. Segundus, feeling unable to do anything significant, went to bed too.
Despite everything, he had a good night’s sleep and even overslept a bit. When he came down for breakfast, he found the ladies in the dining room, as expected, but then he saw Vinculus at the table as well and felt cold inside because for some reason he hadn't thought that encounter through (which was understandable considering the stress he had been under).
But on closer inspection, both Mrs Lennox and Mrs Blake weren't bothered by the presence of such a vagabond as Vinculus, and he, for his part, only paid attention to the food.
On even closer inspection, Segundus finally noticed the possible reason for the Book's good behaviour. Childermass sprang to his feet and shook the schoolmaster's hand with a warm, knowing smile in his eyes.
"I'm so glad we didn't miss each other, Mr Childermass," Mrs Lennox spoke in her businesslike manner. "I wanted to talk to you about one very important thing."
"I'll be happy to help you, if my help is required," the magician replied courteously.
"Oh, this time, I think, it's my help which is required."
Childermass and Segundus both looked at her with visible confusion.
"You see, I feel somewhat personally responsible for maintaining the image of English magicians as decent gentlemen, and it pains me a bit to see you so constrained by your budget."
"What do you mean?" Childermass asked carefully, still without understanding in his voice, but Segundus once again felt uneasy because he saw where it was going.
"I don't want to cause any offence, but I couldn't help but notice that your clothes are not in the best state, so to speak."
"Ah," the magician reacted, and Segundus was the only one to notice tension in his voice. "I'm quite satisfied with the clothes I have. They are durable and neat enough, in my humble opinion."
"I insist," Mrs Lennox's voice became colder. "I don't think that such a reasonable man like you would refuse an offer like this. A new suit will serve you as long as this one if sewn correctly, and believe me, I know where to order. Also," the patroness honoured Vinculus with a direct look for what seemed the first time that day, and this look was definitely not one of approval, "as I strive to have the best books on the students' desks and the library shelves, I would really like for the Raven King's Book to have a decent cover. And I'm sure that you won't argue with this."
Childermass put on his polite smile, completely deprived of emotions and started discussing the conditions. Segundus finally let himself breathe out and tried to relax. Having Vinculus's grunting in the background didn't exactly help.
By the end of the breakfast it was decided that the measurements would be taken for Childermass and Vinculus (they were actually taken right after the breakfast in Mrs Lennox’s pressuring presence), then Mrs Lennox would send them to her trusted tailor in York, and then, when the clothes were ready, they would be sent to Starecross and wait for their owners there, so the parcel wouldn’t have to chase them all over England.
The fate of the things from the storeroom was also determined without any delay. Those in fine enough condition were to be given away to villagers in need, and those too old for any use to be thrown away, unless, of course, they had any magical or historical value.
After setting these pressing matters in order, the patroness left the school completely satisfied.
Segundus opted not to put off and finish with the storeroom that very evening, so he had five full days of rest after, but when Childermass came to call him for supper, he found the schoolmaster sitting on a cushion in the middle of the room, staring vacantly at a spot on the floor, the boxes abandoned.
“Hey,” Childermass said, “you need to sleep.”
“I know,” Segundus replied, rubbing his eyes. “I just hate having so much on my hands.”
“I’ll help you with this tomorrow,” the other magician promised. “And we’ll be able to mix business with pleasure. The pleasure of conversation, I mean,” he smirked, and Segundus snorted.
Childermass extended his hand and helped him get up.
They both left for their chambers, but when all Starecross fell asleep, they saw each other again, after Childermass silently entered Segundus’s room, cleverly using a new little spell for unlocking doors.
“I must apologize for Mrs Lennox’s offer. I know that you cherish your independence and freedom to make your own decisions. She shouldn’t have pushed you,” Segundus said quietly, his head on Childermass’s lap, Childermass’s hand in his hair.
“It’s nothing, really. And it won’t hurt to have new clothes. If only they are not too fancy, though.”
“You would look great in fancy clothes.”
Childermass wrinkled his nose in disbelief.
“She got me an entire wardrobe before the school opening,” Segundus continued. “It was very awkward but necessary, of course.”
“Norrell used to do something like this every five years or so. Convenient, especially if you were careful enough not to ruin the old clothes. I wasn’t always.”
“I’m a bit surprised," the schoolmaster raised his brow.
“Let’s say, there were fights involved.”
“John, no,” Segundus laughed.
“I promise I won’t ruin the future ones this way,” Childermass laughed too, before stopping abruptly. “If no fairies attack me.”
“Do everything you can to prevent it, then,” Segundus grunted, half playful, half serious.
***
The parcel with the clothes (finished but still requiring a fitting in case any corrections should be made) came in the very end of May, having missed Childermass and Vinculus just by a day, so it had to wait for three weeks until they were in Starecross again, in order to help with examinations (not Vinculus, only Childermass), and then another week until the exams were over, because Childermass didn’t want to spend any valuable time on it.
Finally, he was standing in front of the full-length mirror in Segundus’s bedroom, fastening the last button of the new coat. They used this mirror often to enter and exit the King's Roads, but this time its function was much more ordinary.
The coat, as well as both shirts, waistcoat and breeches fitted perfectly. As much as Childermass could see, the sewing was skilful and all in all, no critique could be made to the quality of the clothes. And, what gave the magician the most awkward feeling was that the fabrics were much more expensive than he was used to. They were finer, but not thinner, by no means.
“I think it may even survive a fight with a fairy,” he resumed his old joke.
“Hm?” replied Segundus, obviously having forgotten it. “What do you mean?”
“It’s just when we talked that day of Mrs Lennox visit, I said...”
“Ah, that foolish joke. It wasn’t that funny, you know.”
“I have no wish to fight anyone, especially fairies. Maybe only complicated spells, and only if they are safe,” Childermass felt the need to make a reservation. “So, how do I look?”
Segundus narrowed eyes, evaluating, “Very dignified. Smart and proper.”
“I'm not always proper, though.”
Segundus blushed and closed the distance between them.
"Now I can tug on your lapels to kiss you without being afraid they will fall off,” he said and did just that.
They decided that Vinculus’s fitting should take place in Segundus’s bedroom too, because the other full-height mirrors were in more public places of the Hall, and the magicians didn’t want maids or anyone else of the staff, for that matter, to see more of Vinculus’s body than it was possible during their studies of the King’s Letters (Vinculus himself, however, probably wouldn’t mind it at all.)
They didn’t have to worry about it, though, because once Vinculus saw the new clothes, lying on a chair in a tidy pile, he folded his arms and turned around to leave the room.
“Too clean. Not for people like meself.”
“Try it on, and if it fits, I’ll smudge it with dirt and soot. Deal?” snorted Childermass.
Vinculus screwed his face.
“Or I can knock you down a hill. I may do it anyway if you keep protesting.”
“Look,” Segundus tried, “the colours are so vibrant.” (The coat and breeches were indeed not black but burgundy-red and moss green accordingly.) “I’m sure your wives will love it!”
The vagrant didn’t move an inch, his face even more wry.
“Give me the Reader’s old coat, and I’ll be good,” he finally said and waddled to the door. “Have a nice time doing whatever you’re doing, lovebirds,” he threw over his shoulder and left.
“Loverbi…! I’ll kill him someday, I swear,” Childermass exploded.
Segundus put his hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry about it. Unless it’s written on his skin, no one will believe his words.”
Childermass sighed deeply and removed his new coat.
“I still think these are too fancy.”
“If you are afraid of highwaymen, they won’t see anything under your greatcoat, and you’re still intimidating enough to discourage anyone from robbing you.”
“No, it’s not that… Well, maybe it’s time for me to become respectable. One more duty from my royal master.”
“Oh, talking of ravens,” remembered Segundus. “Emma and Arabella sent you a key fob on this occasion.”
He rooted about in his desk drawers for a minute and took out a small bundle of thin silk paper.
“They only said it was a raven, I haven’t opened it yet.”
Childermass smiled somewhat shyly and unfolded the present. Inside was indeed a raven fob, made of niello metal, with black jewels for the eyes. It was small enough to be invisible from a distance, but from close enough for a comfortable conversation, it definitely made an impression.
“Oh my,” Segundus said. “The ladies definitely have taste.”
“I must write them at least a three-page letter with thanks only,” said Childermass with a wider smile.
“Or we could pay them a visit!” suggested the schoolmaster, and the other magician could see gear wheels of scheduling turn in his lover’s head.
“I think you can find time for it in July.”
“Yes, I can combine this with the research for Strange’s biography, and use this chance to interview Arabella and ask her to show me some letters… I’ll just need to look at the dates...” Segundus said distractedly, carried away with the new plan. He turned around to his desk again (having a second study in his bedroom had proved useful many times when a great idea visited the professor at midnight or during morning preparations) and exclaimed, “Oh, I completely forgot! I have a present for you too.”
This time he spent less time searching, because it was lying on the top of the table under a couple of paper sheets with notes, which fell on the floor when Segundus took the bundle.
“You should stop giving me presents all the time, while I haven’t given you anything yet,” Childermass sighed, picking up the paper.
“Don’t worry, I just love making gifts. Ask Mr Honeyfoot! And counting all the books you’ve brought to the Starecross library...”
“It’s my job,” Childermass waved the point away.
“Well, then you are the best present I could ever be given.”
Few people had seen Childermass blush, and Segundus didn’t see it this time either, because he was pulled close and kissed with passion.
“Oh, it’s a neckcloth,” Childermass said after they caught their breath a couple of minutes later. “I think we can take turns wearing it. It will only be fair,” he responded to Segundus shaking his head and swiftly tied it around the professor’s neck.
“Clever fingers,” Segundus said meaningfully, making Childermass snort, and touched his unclothed neck with his lips.
They put the old Childermass's clothes into his trunk in his bedroom (Starecross was his home now, no matter how long he was away) - spare the coat so Vinculus could use it (they were sure, though, that he wouldn't), and went to the library for tea and more scholarly conversation.
It was too early for sitting at the fireplace, so they settled at the table next to the window. It overlooked the garden - apple trees not in bloom already, but vividly green, flowers not contained in flower beds, so their magical effect was stronger - and it was a pleasant view.
Charles brought cups and teapot, and made them tea, putting the spoons of sugar into Segundus's cup and none into Childermass's, and left after the magicians said their thanks. After that, Segundus swapped the cups with a sigh.
"I don't know why everyone keeps thinking I love sweet tea," he said, blowing away steam.
"Because you are sweet," Childermass replied, and the schoolmaster rolled his eyes.
"Should I add some sherry?" he waved at the small bottle.
"Ah, no. I'm tired enough."
"We haven't done that much," Segundus raised his brow. "And to be honest, I had plans for you tonight."
"I think I have enough energy for that," Childermass smirked.
They sat in silence for some time, carefully sipping hot liquid.
"I think I've put on some weight," Segundus said vacantly.
"No, you have not. Well, maybe a little. And it would do you good anyway."
"If Mrs Lennox wasn't so distracted by the state of your clothes, she would definitely make me have a new waistcoat sewn."
"Oh, admit you just want one!"
Segundus replied with only a huff.
After more tea and another five minutes of warm, affectionate silence (none of them were exactly in the mood for discussions, partially due to the weather being so warm and generally nice), Childermass took a deep breath and spoke seemingly out of nowhere.
"Sometimes I find myself thinking that I don't quite realize that what happened one and a half years ago actually happened. I understand that it has always been planned to be this way (you don't have to agree with me, but it's what I believe in), and all my life before was just leading up to the Restoration, to me becoming the Reader, and (and in this I believe the most strongly, even if it may not seem as important to some) to being with you," Childermass reached with his hand to Segundus's slim fingers, the crisp fabric of the cuff rough to his wrist. "But yet, I still can't wrap my mind around it. I'm constantly surprised by magic, by my new duty, by you, as if I live in a world where magic has never existed before, but now it does."
Segundus was sitting silent, keeping his gaze full of awe and love fixed on Childermass.
"Yes, I do believe as well that it is some kind of destiny," he finally said when Childermass was lost in his thoughts for some time. "And the Book is quite strong evidence in favour of the Raven King's scheming, if I may say it this way," he smiled slyly.
"Always a scholar, you!" laughed Childermass. "I would take liberty to presume that he would not mind such wording."
"Well, and my point is, these new clothes, provided to me because I am a magician now, somehow mark this beginning of a new life, even though it started two years ago."
"It does feel like it," Segundus agreed.
"Oh," Childermass remembered. "I wanted to talk to you about a symbol I think I deciphered. Even two of them, actually," he reached to his inner pocket to take his memorandum book out, but it wasn't there, because he left it in the old coat. He groaned and brought a piece of paper and a pencil from one of the desks.
"Here," he drew a primitive raven and a circle with a dash underneath. "I'm absolutely sure that the raven means the King."
"Uh-huh."
"And this looks like a mirror to me."
"Oh, indeed!"
And carried away with this discussion they finally started, they talked until it was sunset and time for those Segundus's other plans.