Isabella meets Lewis

Dr Jekyll had received a letter from a gentleman of small fortune in Lancashire, which he had been trying not to think about for some days.

The writer was an enthusiast in science and began with great compliments about the Society, saying he believed firmly in the potential science had to do good in the world and greatly admired what Dr Jekyll was trying to do. So far, so good.

He had a daughter living in London who he said took "a great interest in new scientific developments", and proposed that she should come to study with them, and that he would contribute £100 towards the Society's funds to help them continue their valuable work.

Dr Jekyll had written a polite response amounting to Yes to the money and No to the daughter, pleading lack of space. But this, it appeared, would not do; his correspondent insisted on both or neither. He added that the young lady would be lodging elsewhere, and not sleeping in the house. Dr Jekyll paused at this. It was undeniable that not having to find a room for another person would make a difference, given the number of people staying at the moment - the extra room could be kept free for the next emergency who might turn up. More importantly, he thought, in that case she needn't see anything that needed to be kept private.**

''Might be too much for her delicate nerves,'' said a small, sarcastic voice at the back of his mind.

''Be quiet, you. Anyway, it's an opportunity to spread scientific awareness - that's what the Society was started for.''

''She probably knows nothing about it at all. Just wants to be in the fashion. You've been giggled at by enough of those now to know what you're in for. Admit it, it's got nothing to do with scientific awareness and everything to do with a hundred pounds.''

After a brief and curiously vicious argument with himself, Dr Jekyll wrote to agree to the girl coming, and spent the next day trying to forget about it.

* * *

One week later, Miss Isabella Walker was standing looking up at the gorgeous Palladian porch of the Society for Arcane Sciences.

"Fine place, eh, Bell?" her father said at her elbow.

She nodded.

"Are you going to let that put you off?"

"No." Miss Walker tried to put her hat on straighter.

"Good girl." He knocked at the door and waited.

Jekyll1886: Dr. Weir had used the past week wisely, getting to know not only some of the Lodgers at the Society but also the layout of the building itself. Right now, he was in the foyer, admiring the magnificent view of the great hall once again. He felt confident today; things were settling in nicely. The waistcoat he wore was of deep azure, the color of blue cineraria flowers, with a bit of gold thread for contrast. He reached in and took out his pocket-watch, checking the time. Just then, there came a knock. As this was a timeline in which no one else happened to be nearby, he put away his timepiece and answered the door himself. "Good day," he greeted amiably, hazel-green gaze taking in the pair which stood before him. "May I help you?"

Obtained From
Introduction, Miss Isabella Walker