2021-07-21 3:05:49 ¶ ●

# Of course I can keep a secret, Mr. Smirke

Written for @jonahmagnusweek

Day 2 - Community

Jonah Magnus is very interested in joining a community formed around Robert Smirke. He isn’t accepting any new members but that’s just a minor inconvenience Jonah can work with.

Read on AO3

…

“Barnabas are you certain it is alright for me just come like that? Without a proper invitation? Have you discussed with at least someone that it won’t be an issue?”

“You worry yourself way too much, Jonah. It is fine, trust me. How many times do I need to say it?”

Jonah sighs as his dear friend pushes his concerns aside yet again. But how could he not be a bit worried? He has been in a London for just a few months and even though he feels like he learnt in that time more about manners and society than in his whole life before he is still somewhat uncertain by his own place within said society. Unlike Barnabas, he doesn’t have years of practice to act so nonchalantly, demanding things as if he was somehow entitled to them.

Things like becoming member of one more or less secret gentlemen gathering. As unofficial the community around promising young architect Robert Smirke tries to be there is many rumors everywhere trying to determine what is the purpose of it and what are they discussing there?

Fortunately for Jonah his dearest friend was a member of it. Unfortunately said friend could not be less interested in anything happening during any of their meetings. Whenever Jonah asks him about what they were talking about Barnabas only shrugs because he never pays attention. He is member just because it seemed to be appropriate for man of his position and possession. That is also most likely why he was even invited to participate in the first place because – with all respects for his friend – it certainly could not be because of his wits. And if he was not losing so much money gambling there with other members he would be probably already kicked out.

“It will be delightful having you there, Jonah. You wouldn’t believe how boring the talks of most of the members are,” Barnabas says and Jonah only politely smiles. He cannot wait to engage in exactly those discussions that his friend describes as boring.

His dear friend Barnabas Bennett is – well – quite interesting person. He usually manages to be quite entertaining company for he seems to know everyone’s secrets and loves nothing more than sharing them with him. Also he is very fond of Jonah and very kindly offered him to stay at his place for unspecified amount of time. Unfortunately he can also be incredibly ignorant sometimes. There is only so much time Jonah can stand talking about art, poetry and music – which are the only subjects of any substance Barnabas has any knowledge about.

They arrive to a reasonably large house. Reasonably for this part of city; anywhere else it would be considered quite big. Jonah’s nervousness grows every second and he adjusts his collar even though there is not anything wrong with it. He would love to ask Barnabas for a hundredth time how exactly he looks but he is already raising his hand to a knocker. Upon knocking young gentleman opens with a frown on his face.

“Mr. Bennett, you are late. As always.”

“What can I say I am a busy man,” Barnabas waves his hand even though only thing he has been busy with today was interrupting Jonah’s reading by complaining about how this morning his eggs were a bit overcooked and by trying to get him to help planning his next travel abroad.

“And this is?” the man glances towards Jonah who has a bit of a hard time to hold smile on his face. He glances to Barnabas who for once remembers there is some etiquette to be followed.

“Mr. Smirke let me introduce you to my dear friend, Jonah Magnus. I brought him here today with me for he has expressed an interest to join our little gatherings.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Jonah offers his hand. Smirke hesitates before shaking it for the shortest amount of time which politeness requires.

“I would like to say likewise but I am sorry for I am about to disappoint you,” Despite his words there is no sign of regret in his words; only annoyance which is at least much more than on Jonah aimed at Barnabas towards whom Smirke turns. “As you should know Mr. Bennett we are currently neither looking for nor even considering accepting any new members.”

Jonah should have immediately known that as always by: ‘it is fine Jonah no need to worry,’ Barnabas meant: ‘I have no idea that if it is really all right but I intent to argue until it is.’

“I don’t see what the problem is Mr. Smirke, it is just a one person.”

“The problem Mr. Bennett, and if you bothered to pay attention for once you would know, is that matter we are discussing is too delicate and sensitive to just present them to anyone. Not to mention that their nature is also quite complex and complicated. Last thing we need is to trying explain it all to someone new and risk one more tongue to getting lose.” Jonah hangs desperately on every word painfully aware how close yet so far he is. There is million questions in his head and he would love nothing more than to start asking. However there is no point; it’s not as if he had the power to force people to answer him.

“But I can guarantee that there won’t be any issues with that. I give you my word that Jonah is one of the best educated and intelligent gentlemen I know. You do not need to worry about his ability to comprehend nor doubt his ability to be discreet.”

“Yes, well, apologies Mr. Bennett but I would have to hold some value to your word first so I could take it as an assurance for anything.”

“I do not like what you are suggesting. Also as I said before-…” Jonah puts a hand on his friend shoulder. Last thing he needs is for that fool to start a proposing duels or something similarly unreasonable. Besides he has learnt to have certain amount of distrust in his friend’s promises and so he has been doing a bit of research and preparation in case something like this happened.

“It is alright Barnabas[m1] I would hate to intrude. Please trust that was never my intention and I will leave immediately since my presence is not welcomed,” he turns towards Smirke who seems to be grateful enough just for holding Barnabas back. He has at least a polite smile on his face now. It is a good start. “Though I must admit it is really shame for I have wished to make an acquaintance with you for some time as I admire your work greatly Mr. Smirke.”

“You do?” there is mixture of curiosity and distrust in architect’s voice. Probably because Barnabas asks with surprise the same question. Jonah puts on his best excited expression.

“Of course! I have seen your work in Brightling Park, great use of classical style indeed. But of course the most impressive design of yours is at least in my humble opinion the Covent Garden Opera House. It is so unique I do not think I have seen any other Greek Doric building in London. I would love to learn more about your work! I have heard you have been commissioned to do a design for Castle for Earl Somers. Is it true or just rumors? Have you started planning yet?”

“Yes I indeed am about to start working on Eastnor Castle. You really seem to know a lot about my career.”

“Yes as I said I am a fan of your work but… oh apologies I’ve probably gotten way too excited. You are surely busy man Mr. Smirke and you have better things to do than discuss all your great accomplishments with me. Plus you have your club meeting right now. I would hate to be keeping you.”

“But Jonah…” Barnabas whines and Jonah smiles at him apologetically though he pays him almost no attention. By corner of his eye he catches glimpse of Smirke carefully measuring him with a thoughtful expression. There is hesitation. But there is also a great deal of interest.

“I will see you later Barnabas.” Jonah turns around but he does not make more than one step before he is stopped.

“Wait… Mr. Magnus, right? Perhaps I might have been a bit too abrupt with the rejection. I am trying to keep the number low but I think that our… let us say community of gentlemen could use more men like you. I cannot promise you anything but I think there is no harm letting you participate at least this once.”

“I am very honored. It would be my utmost pleasure”

Robert Smirke opens him the door and leads Jonah in walking by his side leaving Barnabas one step behind. Jonah has hard time to keep only moderately enough excited face because he cannot believe that few well prepared compliments and charming smile is really all he needed to turn the situation in his favor.

“Also… I suppose you can keep a secret? As I said certain things we discuss might be quite delicate.”

“Of course, any secret is safe with me.”

…

Special thanks to @infinity-and-luck for sharing their architecture knowledge with me.