Awkward questions, special order tin, a Proposal of Mutual Benefit
“So, Isaac,” said Mr. Bringhouse as I came back into the tin shop after my lesson with Rachel, “what is thy report from the visit to Dr. Sharp?”
“Auspicious, Mr. Bringhouse,” I answered, putting to good use one of my vocabulary words learned just that day, “most auspicious.”
He smiled and his eyebrows rose up. “You have work orders, then?”
I shook my head. “Not as yet. But in time. In preparation, he has asked me to deliver his letter to Master Jefferson.”
“His letter?”
“Yes, sir. A letter of invitation for a gentleman’s grooming, at Dr. Sharp’s expense.”
Mr. Bringhouse pulled at the bushy hair above his ears. “And how will this invitation lead to work orders?”
“Both are powerful men,” I said. “Bring them together a
