Chapter 5 The Factory Owner

The morning after Benjamin Blackwood's visit, Sebastian departed earlier than usual for Tidemere. His mission was twofold: to gather more information about Benjamin and to purchase suitable accessories for Ariel to wear with Ruth's daughter's gown to the afternoon gathering.

Don't leave the cottage until I return," he instructed Ariel firmly. "We can't risk you making cultural mistakes without supervision."

Once Sebastian had gone, Ruth busied herself with household chores while Ariel practiced walking in the slightly heeled shoes that Ruth had provided. The shoes were challenging yet another human invention that seemed designed for discomfort rather than practicality but Ariel was determined to master them before the social event.

After an hour of pacing the small cottage, however, Ariel grew restless. The day was bright and inviting, the sea breeze carrying familiar scents through the open windows. She approached Ruth, who was hanging laundry to dry in the garden.

Might I walk down to the beach?" Ariel asked. "Just for a short while. I promise not to speak to anyone."

Ruth looked uncertain. "Sebastian was quite clear about you staying here..."

I'll be careful," Ariel promised. "

I just... I miss the water." This, at least, was entirely truthful. The pearl pendant around her neck had been recharged two nights ago under the moonlight, but she hadn't transformed back into her mermaid form since her arrival. Sebastian had deemed it too risky.

Ruth's expression softened. "I understand. The sea calls to some of us." She glanced at the position of the sun. "Sebastian won't return for at least two hours. A short walk might do you good, but stay on the path to the beach. Don't venture into town alone."

Gratefully, Ariel embraced the older woman another human custom she was growing to appreciate and set off down the cliff path. The narrow trail wound its way to a small, secluded cove where Ruth had said she gathered sea herbs for her cooking.

The descent was steep in places, requiring Ariel's full attention. Perhaps that was why, when the path forked, she didn't notice until she had walked for several minutes that the sound of waves was growing fainter rather than louder. Looking around, Ariel realized she had taken a wrong turn. Instead of heading toward the beach, she was now approaching what appeared to be the outskirts of Tidemere itself.

She should turn back, she knew. Sebastian would be furious if he discovered she had ventured into town alone. But curiosity always her defining trait, even beneath the waves pushed her forward. Just a quick look at the human settlement, she told herself. She wouldn't speak to anyone.

The path widened into a proper road, and soon Ariel found herself walking along the edge of town. Small cottages gave way to larger buildings constructed of stone and wood, their purposes mysterious to her. People moved about their business, paying her little attention other than the occasional curious glance at her unaccompanied state.

A rhythmic thumping sound caught her attention, accompanied by a whirring noise unlike anything she had heard before. Following the sound, Ariel came upon a large rectangular building with tall, narrow windows. Black smoke poured from a chimney at one end, and the noise emanated from within its walls.

Curious about the factory, miss?"

Ariel startled at the voice beside her. A young boy, perhaps twelve years old, stood watching her with amusement.

Factory?" she repeated, testing the unfamiliar word.

Aye, Mr. Harrington's textile factory. Biggest employer in Tidemere, aside from the fishing boats." The boy pointed to the building. "My sister works there, ten hours a day, six days a week."

What's a textile?" Ariel asked before remembering her promise not to speak to anyone.

The boy gave her an odd look. You know, cloth. Fabric. For making clothes and such."

Oh!" Ariel touched the sleeve of her dress. Like this?"

Exactly, miss. They spin the thread, weave the cloth, dye it too, all inside there."

Ariel's curiosity intensified. In Oceania, fabrics were harvested from special sea plants or traded from other underwater kingdoms. The concept of manufacturing cloth was entirely new.

Could i see inside?" she asked impulsively.

The boy shrugged. "Don't see why not. They give tours sometimes to important folk. The workers' entrance is around back, but the main doors are there." He pointed to a set of double doors at the front of the building.

Thanking the boy with a smile, Ariel approached the entrance. Her common sense told her to turn back Sebastian would return soon, and Ruth would worry but the opportunity to learn about this mysterious human process was too tempting.

Before she could reconsider, Ariel pushed open one of the heavy doors and stepped inside.

The interior was unlike anything she had imagined. The cavernous space was filled with enormous machines, their metal components moving in complex patterns. The noise was deafening clanking, whirring, thumping sounds that made her wince. The air was thick with floating particles that caught in her throat, causing her to cough.

Most striking were the people dozens of them, mostly women and girls, standing at the machines with expressions of grim concentration. Their faces were pale, their clothing simple and stained with colored dyes. Some of the younger girls looked no older than the boy outside.

Can I help you, miss?" A stern voice cut through the mechanical din.

Ariel turned to find a middle aged man watching her with suspicious eyes. His clothing was finer than the workers, his posture authoritative.

I. I was curious about how textiles are made," she answered truthfully.

The man frowned. "This isn't a public exhibition. Are you representing a buyer? Or perhaps you're one of the social reformers?" His tone suggested neither option would be welcome.

No, I'm just..." Ariel faltered, unsure how to explain herself.

She's with me, Alexander." Benjamin Blackwood's voice came from behind her, causing Ariel to whirl around in surprise.

Benjamin stood in the doorway, looking as polished and confident as he had the previous evening. He smiled at Ariel's obvious confusion. "I was on my way to discuss business with Mr. Harrington when I spotted a familiar face entering his establishment. What a pleasant coincidence."

Alexander Harrington for that was clearly who the stern man was relaxed slightly at Benjamin's intervention. "You know this young lady, Blackwood?"

Indeed. Miss Ariel is my guest for this afternoon's gathering at Tidemere Bay." Benjamin moved to Ariel's side, not quite touching her but standing close enough to imply a connection. She's new to our kingdom, recently arrived under... unusual circumstances."

Alexander's expression shifted from suspicion to curiosity. "I see. Well, any friend of Benjamin's is welcome." He offered Ariel a stiff bow. Alexander Harrington, owner and operator of Tidemere Textiles, at your service."

I'm pleased to meet you," Ariel replied with the small curtsy Ruth had taught her. "Your factory is fascinating. I've never seen anything like it."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. You've never seen a textile mill before? Where exactly are you from, Miss Ariel?"

Before she could formulate a response, Benjamin intercepted smoothly. "Miss Ariel suffered an injury during her journey here that has affected her memory. She's rediscovering many things about the world."

How unfortunate," Alexander said, though his tone suggested more interest than sympathy. "Well, since you're here, would you care for a proper tour of the facility?"

Ariel nodded eagerly. "Yes, please. If it's not too much trouble."

Not at all." Alexander gestured for her to follow him deeper into the factory. "Benjamin, will you join us, or shall we proceed with our meeting afterward?"

By all means, let's show Miss Ariel the wonders of modern industry first," Benjamin replied, his eyes never leaving Ariel's face, as though her reactions were of particular interest to him.

Alexander led them through the factory floor, explaining each step of the textile making process with evident pride. He described how raw cotton and wool arrived at the factory, how it was cleaned and prepared, spun into thread, woven into cloth, and finally dyed and finished.

Each worker specializes in one specific task," Alexander explained as they passed a row of young women operating large mechanical looms. "This creates efficiency. One person performing the same action repeatedly becomes exceptionally skilled and quick at that particular task."

Ariel watched the women's faces as they worked. Their expressions were blank, their movements mechanical. In Oceania, craftspeople sang while they worked, took breaks to chat with friends, and proudly showed off their completed items.

Don't they get tired of doing the same thing all day?" she asked.

Alexander seemed surprised by the question. "That's the point of industrial efficiency, Miss Ariel. The human mind is freed from having to think about variations. The body develops muscle memory for the task."

But doesn't it become... boring?" Ariel persisted.

A slight frown crossed Alexander's face. These people are employed, Miss Ariel. They receive fair wages for honest work. Before this factory opened, many of them would have been destitute or forced to leave Tidemere to seek employment elsewhere."

I mean no criticism," Ariel assured him quickly. "I'm simply trying to understand."

They continued through a section where enormous vats of dye created vivid blues, reds, and yellows. Ariel couldn't help but admire the colors, which reminded her of the coral reefs of Oceania.

The dye process is our specialty," Alexander said, his voice warming as he noticed her interest. "We've developed techniques that produce more colorfast fabrics than any other mill in the kingdom. Our blues, in particular, are renowned."

They're beautiful," Ariel agreed sincerely. "In my... home, we value vibrant colors highly."

Alexander's expression softened slightly, the first genuine emotion he had displayed. "Few visitors appreciate the artistry involved in industrial processes. Most see only the machinery and profit calculations."

There's beauty in creation of any kind," Ariel said. "Whether it's made by hand or by these fascinating machines."

Benjamin, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the tour, suddenly spoke up. "Textile production has transformed our kingdom, Miss Ariel. Twenty years ago, a simple dress like yours would have cost three months' wages for the average person. Now, thanks to men like Alexander, clothing is accessible to all classes."

Progress benefits everyone," Alexander agreed. "Though there are always those who resist change."

They passed a section where several children were crawling beneath massive looms, collecting stray threads and debris. One girl, who couldn't have been more than eight years old, caught Ariel's eye briefly before ducking her head back to her work.

The children seem so young," Ariel observed, unable to keep concern from her voice.

Alexander's expression closed again. "They earn wages that help support their families. The alternative would be begging or worse." He checked his pocket watch. "I should return to my office. There are papers to review before our meeting, Benjamin."

Of course," Benjamin replied smoothly. "Perhaps Miss Ariel would like to wait in the showroom where we display our finished products? It's considerably more comfortable than the factory floor."

Alexander nodded and led them to a well-appointed room at the front of the building. Unlike the noisy, dusty factory space, this room was quiet and elegant, with bolts of colorful fabric arranged attractively on shelves and tables.

Please make yourself comfortable, Miss Ariel," Alexander said, gesturing to a chair. "Benjamin and I shouldn't be more than half an hour. Then perhaps you would both do me the honor of joining me for lunch? I have many questions about your impressions of our humble kingdom."

That's very kind," Ariel began, but Benjamin interrupted.

Unfortunately, we have a prior engagement. My carriage will be collecting Miss Ariel soon for the gathering at Tidemere Bay." He turned to Ariel with a pointed look. "In fact, shouldn't you be preparing? I believe your brother was quite concerned about your whereabouts when I passed him in town earlier."

Ariel's eyes widened. Sebastian was back and looking for her. "Yes, of course. I should return immediately."

A shame," Alexander said, and Ariel was surprised to detect genuine disappointment in his voice. "Perhaps another time, then."

I would like that," Ariel replied truthfully. Despite the uncomfortable aspects of the factory, she found Alexander intriguing a serious man dedicated to his vision, so different from Benjamin's smooth charm.

I'll escort Miss Ariel back to Widow Marlowe's cottage," Benjamin offered, "then return for our meeting."

Alexander bowed formally to Ariel. "It was a pleasure, Miss Ariel. Your fresh perspective is refreshing. Most young ladies of my acquaintance show little interest in industry or commerce."

The pleasure was mine," Ariel replied. Thank you for sharing your work with me."

As Benjamin led her from the factory, his hand lightly guiding her elbow, Ariel glanced back at the imposing building. The rhythmic thumping of the machines continued unabated, and black smoke still poured from the chimney. She wondered about the lives of the pale faced workers inside so different from the life she had known beneath the waves.

You've made quite an impression on Alexander," Benjamin remarked as they walked back toward Ruth's cottage. "He's not easily charmed. Most consider him severe and humorless."

He seems passionate about his work," Ariel replied diplomatically.

Benjamin chuckled. "That's a charitable way of putting it. Alexander lives for his factory. Some say he even sleeps there."

Is he... of noble birth?" Ariel asked, remembering her mission.

Alexander?" Benjamin laughed outright. "Hardly. His father was a minor merchant who scraped together enough capital to open a small weaving shop. Alexander transformed it into the operation you just saw through determination and a complete absence of anything resembling a personal life." He studied her curiously. "Why do you ask? Are you particularly interested in matters of lineage?"

Ariel blushed, realizing her mistake. "I'm simply trying to understand how your society works."

"How fascinating." Benjamin's eyes gleamed with interest. "Most people are born knowing exactly where they stand in the hierarchy of things. Your... memory loss... has given you a unique perspective." He paused at a crossroads. Ruth's cottage is just up that path. My business with Alexander cannot wait much longer, so I'll leave you here. My carriage will collect you at midday for the gathering."

Thank you for your assistance," Ariel said, genuinely grateful for his timely intervention at the factory.

Benjamin took her hand and raised it to his lips, just as he had the previous evening. "Until this afternoon, Miss Ariel. I'm very much looking forward to showing you Tidemere Bay Estates. Perhaps we might even find something there to spark your memory."

As she watched him stride back toward the factory, Ariel couldn't help feeling that Benjamin Blackwood saw more than he revealed. Whether that was dangerous to her mission or potentially helpful remained to be seen.

She turned and hurried up the path toward Ruth's cottage, mentally preparing for Sebastian's inevitable lecture about wandering off alone. Her morning adventure had yielded valuable insights into human society and introduced her to Alexander Harrington, a man as dedicated to his vision as Benjamin was to his, though in a decidedly different way.

With the afternoon's gathering still ahead, Ariel wondered what other types of humans she would encounter in her quest to find a noble husband. The human world was proving far more complex than her lessons in Oceania had suggested filled with conflicts, contradictions, and unexpected moments of connection.