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42.42% Spinsters by choice: A bridgerton Fanfic! / Chapter 28: And it was a very, very good disguise.

Bab 28: And it was a very, very good disguise.

As Mid afternoon rolled by and despite the cold weather, the streets were packed with people as James walked among them.

He was in disguise, in these parts no one knows he's a lord, he's just a commoner, that's what they know him to be.

He has been doing this for years now and for many reasons, And In a populated slum area of London, he knew better than to dress as fancy as he usually does, he had swapped his finer attire with a cheaper, dirtier one.

James carried whatever he needed in an old leather bag thrown around his shoulder and wore a messenger hat to cloud his features a little, but that didn't stop a certain curly brown haired younger man from recognizing the redhead man he hadn't seen in a long while.

"Big brother Jimmy! Long time no see! I thought you was dead!" Said the younger man.

"Joey boy!" James smiled at his friend and hurried to trap him in a head lock where he proceeded to ruffle the younger man's hair, "Stop! Stop! You're going to ruin my look! I'm trying to see my girl later!" The boy cried out, he was just skinnier and shorter than James so he was easily kept locked around James's arm.

Laughing, "Haha! You have a girl now?" James said releasing the boy, he genuinely though his friend was joking.

Annoyed, Joey started fixing his hair and clothes that James disheveled, "Unlike you some of us have to put real effort to look good in front of ladies! And yes I got me a pretty and sweet girl!" He complained.

"Aww c'mon! You aren't that bad looking, I'm sure if she's sweet she wouldn't care much." James said sniggering.

"I didn't say I was ugly! And she doesn't care but I still want to impress her." Joey replied.

"Fine, I'm sorry, I hope your girl is really going to be impressed with her prince charming." James joked.

Sighing, "You're just an idiot!" Joey replied.

"Oi! Carefully now! I'm older than you! Seriously what's with younger people disrespecting me all the time?!" James questioned.

"Because you act like a fool all the time." Joey replied.

Scoffing, "Whatever you say...blah blah blah." James said.

"You're proving my point." Joey replied with a mischievous grin.

Rolling his eyes, "Anyways, since you're done humiliating me, I'm here to work so don't bother me, unless you're going to be helpful." James said.

Immediately interested, "You have a new order from your Mistress?" Joey asked, "Yes, M'Lady wants to gift a friend of hers some face cream, and she want a suitable packaging or something like that...you get it, right? Rich people's shenanigans.

Anyways, she says If her friend ends up loving this gift, my mistress could start selling the stuff to people and make money although I don't understand why she wants more money, she's particularly drowning in it." James replied.

"Rich folks don't stay rich unless they make more money, anyways What's a cream? I never heard that word before?" Joey asked genuinely confused, "It's some odd sticky liquid, it's kind of thick and solid, rich girls like to put it on their bodies so they can look and smell better, heard it keeps them younger." James explained.

Astonished, "Oh! That sounds like something girls would really be into! Do you think If I can help you this time too, you can get me some of that cream to give to my girl? I don't really have a lot of money to get her something expensive...but something unique like that cream would probably make her happy!

That stupid cousin of hers from Wales came few days ago and gifted her some expensive perfume, she told me about it and she was so happy with that perfume, it pisses me off." Joey said.

"Aww you're jealous?" James said smirking, "Bloody hell I am! He's trying to steal my girl with money! Good thing she's loyal!" Joey replied.

Sniggering, "Did she say she's your girl or you're just talking out of your bum?" James asked.

"She...well..." Joey started blushing, "When i told her I was jealous because of that perfume...She laughed and kissed me...on the lips.

That means she likes me better, right?"

Surprised, James smiled happily, "Atta boy! I'm so proud of you!" he said patting the boy's back.

"SO! I really want to give her something, she chose me over her cousin I should show her how much I love her! but I have no money...please let me help you this time too! It's been a while since you came around here I thought you would never come again, and my job isn't paying me much to spend on gifts!" Joey said adamantly.

"Hmm, I'm in a bit if a rush so I can use an extra head to help." James replied.

Joey smiled big, "Then tell me what you need already!"

"I'm not sure...I mean it's a cream so a glass container would probably not fit, M'Lady actually uses glass jars and bottles to keep the cream, she says it's rather difficult to use or put such thick liquid in glass container, and the Glass does become too dirty once you fill it with cream, not to mention glass is easy to break and she broke few almost injuring herself.

Wood won't work either because it gets wet and smelly...

Basically what I need is a box rather than a bottle, and it has to be made of a durable material that's easy to clean and refill.

Also it has to look presentable enough to be gifted at the same time." James explained, "I tried looking somewhere fancier but all they have is these elaborate and useless boxes that aren't fit to store something half liquid half solid...they look fit to be gifted even for a Queen but I know my mistress wouldn't like them, she prefers quality over beauty anyways." He added sighing.

"OH MY GOD!" Joey gasped, "I know what you need and where you can get it!" He said enthusiastically.

"You do?" James asked.

"Yes! What you need brother is one of them Tin boxes with the removable covers! They're like these cans made of thin Steel and they put anything in them, from food to oil and guess what?

They're quite sturdy, No leaking well unless you punch a hole in'em and no trouble cleaning! We can get you some, you can take them to your Mistress and if she likes them and wants to use them more often, I know a friend who works in this factory on Southwark park road that makes these things.

he can try talking to the gentleman who owns the factory, maybe this man becomes interested in talking with your Mistress, and they could do one of those business deals together!

I can just see how much money a deal like that would make! You must tell your lady that I came up with the idea! So you and I could become rich!

Oh my god if this all goes well, I would be able to afford marrying my girl!" Joey said, his mouth was watering just imagining how much profit his idea could bring.

James was highly impressed with Joey's idea, he grabbed the young man by his shoulder, "You my friend, is a genius...I'm going to make sure that M'lady hears of your idea and rewards you for it!

But for now let's go get some of those boxes so I can show them to M'Lady, she needs them before this Saturday, I got to hurry! I'm not trying to get fired any time soon." James replied.

Excited, "Alrighty then! Follow me big brother!" Joey said leading the way.

...Meanwhile...

A carriage sat waiting in The alleyway nearest to madam Delacroix's shop, Safa was inside with Wolfgang and Denver sitting in his lap as Clara exited the carriage and went to the shop.

Clara herself was in a disguise of her own as Safa lent her one of her old but still quite beautiful dresses, a pair of shoes and gloves with a hat that she wore to seem of higher class than what she was.

Safa had felt bad that the other modiste quitted on them, so she dressed Clara up in her things to cheer her up, she even gave her few pieces of jewelry to wear and asked Wolfgang to do the girl's hair, so he styled Clara's dark brown hair into a high ponytail and tied it with a green ribbon.

And since Safa had promised Clara a fun time with the modiste for today, she decided to take the girl and Wolfgang, even Denver too to go and meet The modiste everyone is talking about.

However, They had agreed before they left, that Safa remains inside the carriage and so does Wolfgang since he is a man, it would be a bit odd for him to barge into a modiste's shop in broad daylight when it's crawling with Ladies.

And with no other servants present since Safa has given them a day off, Clara volunteer to speak with the famous modiste, however she was still wearing the things Safa gave her which Made her decide to pretend to be a rich young Lady to avoid suspicion.

But despite looking rich, Clara didn't feel it, She was anxious, she didn't want to go inside a modiste shop when many wealthy women were there, she was afraid she would turn herself into a joke, but she gathered her courage and went inside anyways.

After all, all she needs to do is convince the modiste to come with her to the carriage so she can speak in person with Safa.

When she opened the door, there was already a small group of Mamas with their daughters, some chosing fabric while others gossiped, and one was already in front of the mirror with Genevieve Delacroix right behind her showing her how certain fabrics would look on her.

But as soon as Clara stepped inside, everyone just stopped what they were doing and stared at her, especially at her hair and jewelry.

Clara's face went red, she froze in place completely petrified from the way they looked at her.

One Mama gasped and said, "Aren't you a pretty little thing!"

Another mama asked, "What is your name! What family are you from?"

"I umm...I...well..." Clara freaked out.

Some of the daughters glared at Clara, displease that their Mamas were praising her.

Genevieve noticed how terrified and out of place Clara seemed, she smiled at the customer she was helping and said, "Give me a moment, I'll be back." Then she approached Clara.

"You are a new face, I believe we never met." Genevieve said kindly, "Oh...yes...well I'm not f-from around...here." Clara replied shaking a little.

Still smiling, Genevieve held Clara's hands in hers, "Then I hope you're feeling at home here in Mayfair.

Now, Don't he shy, tell me what you're looking for?" She asked.

"Umm...well, I was hoping you would come talk to someone for me, She's my friend but she is Even much more shy than me, she is waiting for you outside...in a carriage...nearby." Clara replied nervously.

Surprised, "Is there no chance your friend would come into my shop?" Genevieve asked.

"No...well actually... it's a difficult situation to explain, please I hope you could be understanding." Clara replied.

Nodding, "Don't worry then, I'll come with you, just give me a minute, once I finish with my current customers and I'll join you outside." Genevieve said reassuringly before she went back to the girl she left waiting by the mirror.

Clara was now back to standing alone by the door, the Mamas started asking her more questions she couldn't respond to in coherent word due to her severe anxiety, while the daughters continued to glare at her fiercely.


PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
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Fun fact: Disguise is one of the most frequently used tools by writers to allow character and plot to develop with bigger freedom, to hear and learn things they are usually not able to do, to invent new identities, create mood, adventure and laughter.

next chapter

Bab 29: A good friend will always stab you in the front.

Penelope Bridgerton, formally known as Penelope Featherington, was having a walk together with her sisters, Prudence and Philippa.

The three newly Mothers, were enjoying a much deserved sisters time with each other as their mother decided to take care of their children for today, so the three girls can feel normal for a little while.

"Should we go see if the modiste has anything new?" Philippa asked, "I was about to suggest the same thing actually!" Penelope said.

"Why not, she's on our way... might as well visit her shop." Prudence replied.

"You know! We should do this more often! Go on walks just us three! No mama no babies!" Philippa said giggling, "Oh god yes! I cannot believe I made it so far, who knew children are this much annoying, Ugh!" Prudence replied.

Penelope smiled, "Well I personally find it really enjoyable so far...motherhood I mean." She said.

Rolling her eyes, "Says the esteemed author herself! You always have someone looking out for your child when you write, so you have more breaks from those little troublemakers than what we do." Prudence replied.

"What did you expect, her son is future Lord Featherington, of course he has more people looking after him!" Philippa said, "You two are exaggerating." Penelope replied chuckling.

"Well not as much as they are exaggerating!" Prudence said pointing at two people.

Penelope and Philippa turned Their heads to see something unexpected unfolding just steps outside madam Delacroix's shop.

A well-built dirty blonde haired man was carrying a Tan woman in a green dress over his right shoulder while his left hand carried a cane, the tan woman was cursing and swearing at the man, punching his back trying to free herself but she wasn't successful.

"BLOODY HELL UNHAND ME NOW YOU MAD MAN! DO YOU WISH TO DIE!"

"You can kill me later my lady, I'm not letting you wiggle out of this!" The man said and as soon as he reached madam Delacroix's door, he opened it and went inside with the woman still punching at him.

The whole street was watching, and Penelope watched as the same man exited the shop, now all by himself.

But few moments after he did, a group of surprised and somewhat frightened Mamas and daughters left the modiste shop in a hurry.

"Oh my! I wonder what happened there!" Prudence said almost laughing.

But Penelope was worried, for some reason she felt the need to do something so she hurried towards the shop, her sister saw her rush and rushed to go with her.

...Few moments ago...

As Clara was in the shop speaking with Genevieve, Wolfgang started glaring at Safa, "What is wrong with you?!" He asked.

"Who?! Me?! You are the one glaring daggers at me!" Safa replied.

"Seriously?! Do you really plan to let that poor anxiety riddled girl ridicule herself because you don't want to be seen by the Ton?!" Wolfgang said.

Rolling her eyes, "We already agreed on this!" Safa replied.

"I was hoping since you Asked for your cane, that you would actually go into the shop yourself!" Wolfgang said eyeing the walking stick by Safa's side.

Surprised, "I thought you do not want me to be walking!" Safa asked, "I was going to make an exception today if you had went into the shop with Clara!" He replied.

Scoffing, "Do you ever stick to one opinion! Goodness you are so annoying today! Look how silent Denver is, your negativity is affecting the poor puppy." She said pointing at Denver who was oddly quite.

By now, Wolfgang has had enough.

He grabbed the dog and went outside the carriage, "Where are you going?!" Safa asked.

But he ignored her, and as soon as he exited the carriage he gave Denver to the confused driver who was so taken by surprise he didn't protest having a dog shoved into his embrace.

Once he secured the dog, Wolfgang got back into the carriage and without warning, grabbed Safa's cane, "Hey! What do you think you are doing! Give it back!" Safa nearly shouted at him.

But Wolfgang didn't care, despite having one hand occupied, he reached for Safa and grabbed her from the waist.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR GODDAMN MIND WOLFGANG?!" Safa cried out as Wolfgang pulled her out of the carriage and threw her over his shoulder like she weights nothing.

"You are going into that shop whether you like it or not!" Wolfgang replied and started walking towards the shop.

Safa began punching him repeatedly, "YOU! TURN BACK NOW! LET ME GO!"

"I suggest you start calming down my Lady."

"BLOODY HELL UNHAND ME NOW YOU MAD MAN! DO YOU WISH TO DIE!"

"You can kill me later my lady, I'm not letting you wiggle out of this!" Wolfgang said and pushed the shop's door open.

Clara was mortified, she saw and heard everything through the glass, she gasped alongside the Mamas and daughters that were standing behind her, even Genevieve was standing with them now watching, and when Wolfgang opened the door, Clara looked at him with wide eyes.

"Wolfgang what are you doing?!" Clara asked.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, ladies." Wolfgang replied before he put Safa back on her feet, "I'm sorry to you too my lady, but you need to understand I'm doing this for you." He added handing Safa her cane.

Safa wasn't screaming anymore but she was glaring with big open eyes, she felt a deep urge to beat the shit out of the man for what he has just done but she managed to hold back, and she turned to look away from Wolfgang as she said.

"Out of my sight, I do not wish to see you at the moment."

Although he was hurt by the fact that she was angry at him, Wolfgang acknowledged this was his fault so he put on a brave face and said, "I understand, I'll be by the carriage Until you're done my Lady." He said and then turned with a smile to look at Genevieve, "Forgive the commotion I just caused, I wish you a lovely day." He said before he left the shop.

Once her manservant was gone, "We will be back later!" One Mama said before she dragged her daughter with her, and right after every other Mama dragged her girls leaving only Safa, Clara and Genevieve standing inside the shop.

"Safa, are you alright? Why did Wolfgang bring you here?!" Clara asked, she was afraid Safa might faint again just like what happened with lady Danbury.

But to her surprise, Safa was now much calmer as she curiously eyed the inside of the shop, and its owner.

"Is she the friend you wanted me to speak to?" Genevieve asked to which Clara nodded to.

Sighing, "So you are madam Delacroix?" Safa asked.

"Yes..."

"I apologize for that man's actions...I see that we scared your customers away."

Genevieve nodded, "Well hopefully they'll be back later." She said, "By the way... you don't seem shy at all." She added with a smile.

"And you are unusually calm, I would have expected that you would ask us to leave after the mess we just caused." Safa replied.

Chuckling lightly, "To be honest...I was feeling bored you just saved me, i enjoy my work, but I usually always get the same type of customers." Genevieve said.

Suddenly, The shop door opened again, The three ladies turned to be met with Penelope and her two sisters standing by the door.

"Genevieve is everything alright?!" Penelope asked immediately.

"Penelope! I mean Mrs Bridgerton!" Genevieve said surprised to see her friend.

Surprised as well, "Penelope? As in the Featherington girl?" Safa asked, "Isn't she Mister Colin Bridergton's Wife?!" Clara whispered in Safa's ear.

Penelope was suddenly feeling embarrassed, she barged into the shop without much thinking.

"Umm, yes?" Penelope said.

Clara almost squealed, "Oh my god! It's lady whistledown!...I...read your column!...oh my god!...I didn't think I would freak out this much upon meeting her!" She said giggling nervously.

Rolling her eyes, "Ugh, great another whistledown enthusiast...you know pen, Phillipa and I will head to the ice cream shop, once you're done with whatever this is, come join us!" Prudence said and dragged a reluctant Philippa away with her.

When she saw her sisters leave, "Maybe I should leave as well...I do not know for sure what made me come here, I guess I saw a lady in distress and thought I could help, but you seem fine so...heh." Penelope said chuckling nervously.

"Thank you for your concern, that was just some silly dispute with my servant...he is like a brother to me honestly, he was just helping me do something I would not have done on my own." Safa replied sighing.

"Why did it take a man to carry you on his shoulder for you to come into my shop?" Genevieve asked.

"I suppose I owe you an explanation." Safa replied then she turned to look at Clara, "Go, have a look around and see what you like while I talk for a bit with the ladies." She said.

Happy, Clara nodded with a smile and began checking the fabrics on display.

...Few minutes later...

Astonished, "So you are the woman who did the gun salute alongside lady Struat's nephew!" Penelope said.

The three ladies all sat together, talking among each other while Clara busied herself searching for what she wanted.

"When I read about the gun salute, I thought to myself only an exceptional woman would do such a thing! Did you know that everyone is talking about it? You and the Struats are celebrities at this point." Genevieve said smiling

"Huh funny, People barley knew of the Struats and now everyone is curious?" Safa replied.

"But why did you do the gun salute?" Genevieve asked.

"I just did what lady Struat did once for my family, when they died." Safa replied, "And before you start giving me words of sympathy, worry not it was long ago, no need to comfort me." She added

Nodding, "I see..." Genevieve said, "To be honest, had my husband not been the one the one to inform me about the gun salute, I would have had a hard time believing it actually happened, it was such a bold and poetic gesture." Penelope stated.

"By the way, why did you not publish my name? I assume your husband told you about me, did he not?" Safa asked Penelope.

"Colin did not tell me everything, he just mentioned you as a family friend to the Struats, he also asked me to be as vague as possible about the whole situation, he was worried about his friend even though it seemed like Mister Kainz did not care about what I wrote." Penelope replied.

"Huh, I see...well it all worked well in the end." Safa said.

"I may not know the reason why you wish to hide from the Ton, but I understand you.

I was just like you once, hiding in the shadows Until I found my place in the light, and I hope you find your place soon enough just like I did, Miss Vega." Penelope replied with a sweet smile.

Smiling back, "Thank you...you are as kind as I imagined you to be, however I am doubtful, I cannot see myself fit anywhere in this country...

I know I am not the only woman living my kind of struggles, but I just feel like hiding is the safest option." Safa said.

"Well I think you're wrong, I have no doubt that you will find your place soon, however for now, let's find you the perfect fabric to make you that gown, because I see your friend has already made her choice which means you're next." Genevieve said as she pointed at Clara who excitedly checked a Royal blue fabric with silver pattern.

"There is no escape then." Safa stood-up reluctantly.


PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
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Fun fact: When it comes to making dyed fabrics and textiles, China has led the way as one of the first places in history to starting dyeing textiles, that was around 5000 years ago! They used natural dyes from insects and plants to produce vividly colour silks and linens.

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