(no subject)

[missmarybennet]

According to Mr. Lowell, the sketches in a naturalist’s notebook should be more about accuracy than artistic merit. It is, he explained, about seeing the world as it is rather than a romanticized version of it. Mary had pointed out that his sketches were both accurate and reasonably artistic (he’d been drawing a rabbit that they spotted by the pond). He’d said it was just the result of a lot of practice.

That had made sense to Mary, so she’s practicing, her own notebook on the table before her. She’s brought a model to the bar with her; one that is much slower and more easily portable than a rabbit. The largish caterpillar is sitting on a square of stiff parchment, eating its way through a scattering of leaves.

Pencil in hand, Mary is attempting to render it as accurately as possible. While simultaneously keeping one wary eye on it.

Just in case it decides to charge.

Botherable.

Comments

[onceaviking]

"Of course. And if you feel safe here, I believe that not worrying them is the right thing to do," he agrees. "Do you have a large family?"

[missmarybennet]

Mary nods.

"Rather large. I live with my mother and father and four sisters."

"It does get rather loud and chaotic when everyone is home. I confess, I've come to value being able to escape to Milliways some days."

[onceaviking]

"I can imagine," he says, smiling a little. "I have an older brother and two younger sisters as well. It can get loud as you say."

[missmarybennet]

"I've occasionally wondered if having some brothers in the mix might not have in fact had a quieting influence."

Granted, boys can be boisterous, but there's a different level of chaos that comes from having a whole house of girls.

"Are any of your siblings traveling with you?"

[onceaviking]

"No, it is just me," he says. "The benefit of being the younger brother. No name, but not as many obligations either."