Mr. Parnorsham is one of those characters who is around a lot in Senta and the Steel Dragon.  He is proprietor of the pfennig store and as such can play an important role in the town and in the story– providing information to the characters and the reader, and his store is a great spot for different characters to meet and interact.

I based Mr. Parnorsham’s name on Mr. Haversham of Little Lord Fauntleroy.  Although the two characters have little in common, I liked the sounds and wanted that British feel.  Here Mr. Parnorsham shows off his pistol to Yuah and Terrence– a pistol that he gets to use in book 3, The Drache Girl.

They stood quietly while Mr. Parnorsham finished trading with all the lizzies in the store, though just as he returned to them, the bell above the door rang and another group entered.

“So what may I do you for today, lady and gentleman?”

“I would like two number four needles and a one spool of thread each of azure, beryl, cerulean, cobalt, and ultramarine.”

Mr. Parnorsham pulled a small envelope from below the counter.

“The needles come three to a package now, but it’s the same price that we used to charge for two.”  He walked to the notions counter and returned a moment later, setting the thread next to the package of needles.  “Here you go—five spools of blue thread.”

Yuah squinted her eyes and examined the thread, sure that Mr. Parnorsham was either trying to cheat her or make fun of her, but the thread was all of the correct shades.

“Anything else?”

“Not for me, but I’m sure that Mr. Dechantagne is in need of a few things.”

“Captain?”

“I need a tin of shaving powder, whatever kind you think best, and a bottle of Brill-Hair.”

“Very good, sir.”  Mr. Parnorsham returned with the items.  “Anything else?”

“I also want two jars of Major Frisbie’s green tomato chutney.”

Mr. Parnorsham paused.  “Are you sure?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, it’s just that your sister doesn’t purchase it.  I understand that Mrs. Colbshallow is the official condimentarian, if you will.”

“My sister isn’t here to purchase it.  I am.”

“Of course, sir.  No disrespect implied.”  Mr. Parnorsham retrieved two jars of the chutney from a small stack just inside his large front windowpane.  “That will be twenty five p for the lady and let’s see… two marks seventy.”

“That’s roadside robbery,” said Terrence, sounding disgusted.

“Now that hurts, Captain.”  And Yuah noted that Mr. Parnorsham did indeed look as though his feelings were hurt.  “You know the cost of shipping products all the way from Brechalon.  If anyone knows, you should.”

“Yes, he knows,” said Yuah.  “Don’t mind him.  He’s just in a mood because of all the lizzies here and at his home.”

“Mmm.  Oh!”  Recognition suddenly rolled across the shopkeeper’s face.  “Well, yes I see… of course.  You know, I could do without their scaly faces myself.  I keep thinking they’re going to open up those great mouths and bite me, like Mrs. Gompers.”

“I have just the thing for you,” said Yuah, and reaching into Terrence’s pocket, she pulled out the large nickel-plated revolver and made as if to hand it to Mr. Parnorsham.

“Hey,” said Terrence.  “That’s a family heirloom.”

“Oh, pish posh.  You bought that in Brech before we set sail on the Minotaur.  And you’ve got at least two more just like it.”

“Oh, that’s a fine weapon,” said Mr. Parnorsham, making no move to take it.  “Too much gun for me though.”

He reached under the counter and pulled out a small black pistol.  He pressed a button on the side and a clip full of bullets dropped from the handle.  After pulling back the action to empty the chamber, he held out the weapon for Terrence.

“What do you think of that, Captain?”

Terrence held out his hand and the shopkeeper placed the pistol in it.  He ran his fingers over the smooth lines and sharp edges of the black steel.

“Automatic?  Never cared for them myself.  What is it—a Tycho Mather C-21?”

“Mather 17,” said Mr. Parnorsham proudly.  “Freedonian naval officer’s sidearm.”

“7.65 millimeter?”

“That’s right.”

“How do you get ammunition for it?”

“I have two boxes.  More than enough for me.  I shot off six rounds to try it out and a dozen more when the lizzies attacked.  The rest I’m saving for robbers.”

Terrence handed back the pistol, and then reached out to find his own still in Yuah’s hand.  He took it and put it back into the pocket of his greatcoat.  He took Yuah’s arm and gently pulled in the direction of the front door.  She quickly grabbed their packages from the counter.