Book Haven: Thursday [7-2-09]

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

Millie was most content to curl up in one of the big chairs and read while she waited for customers. Or for anyone who might be looking for a job.

Comments

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

Miss Elizabeth Bennet found herself at a loss this week. Thursdays were far more orderly when she had class to attend to. Instead, she was going to go into town, and treat herself to some books.

Possibly quite a few, if she were too careful on the matter.

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

Millie smiled at her. "Hello, may I help you?"

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

"I should hope so," Miss Bennet said cheerfully. "You can try to prevent me from spending a great deal of money here. I am not certain if you will be successful."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"Asheth," Millie said with a grin. "Somehow that seems not in my best interest, but I can try if you wish."

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

"I suppose not," she said with a laugh. "I should keep myself to borrowing, from the library, but there's something special to owning a book. One doesn't worry so much about spilling tea, for one."

She glanced around. "This must be a terribly soothing place to work."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"I must admit to loving to own them myself," Millie admitted. "And well, as the owner I do hope it's a soothing place. I try to make sure my employees and customers are happy."

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

"Have you owned this shop long?" Lizzy asked, looking around again. "I would be surprised if there aren't customers who come and spend the day, reading and sipping tea. I confess, I enjoy just being so near to all of these books."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"Oh, a little over two years now," Millie said after considering for a moment. "And well, I wouldn't say all day, but there are a few of the NPCs them who do enjoy tea and reading for a good bit of the day."

She smiled at the other woman. "I'm Millie, by the way."

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

Lizzy offered a hand. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet, pleased to make your acquaintance," she said. "I teach literature at the school, though I'm on a small sabbatical at the moment."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"Please to meet you, Miss Bennet," Millie said with a smile. "And if you're ever looking for a job..."

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

"Oh, no, I believe I ..." Miss Bennet bit her lip, interrupting her automatic polite dissembling. "... Are you seeking employees, in earnest?"

It would be more civil to pretend that she had no interest in the offer, in case it was only offered out of some sense of obligation, but Miss Bennet was too intrigued to be proper.

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"I am, yes," Millie said. "For Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays, actually."

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

Miss Bennet folded her hands in front of herself and stilled very carefully.

"What is it that one should know, in order to apply for a position at this establishment?" she asked. "I would imagine a familiarity with books to be advantageous, but there might be other skills required, as well."

Ones which she might lack, thus necessitating the question.

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

Millie considered. "A pleasant manner and common sense are most important in my mind. I can show you how to work the register and where everything is to set out for the customers. And to my mind you seem to have all that is necessary."

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

Miss Bennet responded with a very proper bow of her head.

"I would be honoured if you were to grant me employ, here," she said. "I've no knowledge of the register, but I would do my utmost to learn as quickly as possible. I'm even available on Mondays."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"Mondays would be wonderful," Millie said cheerfully. "And I can be sure to be here to show you what you need. And should you ever get stuck, I live right above the store."

[clevermsbennet.livejournal.com]

"Mondays," she agreed, offering the woman her hand. "And I thank you kindly. I myself live on Griffin Way, should you need me before then. Or should you like to pop in for tea."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"Oh, that's very nice of you," Millie said, shaking her hand with a smile. "I might do that. And I do look forward to having you start work here."