Chapter Text
Back length from the nape to the natural waist, front length to the side of hip, the blade or front of the arm, the height under the arm, chest, waist. One by one, Billy had marked each measurement with a pencil on lengths of paper tape. Cornelius had stood patiently as he took the measurements but commented that it seemed a bit elaborate for a new shirt. He could see through Billy’s lies so easily, and it didn’t take a genius to realise that his birthday was soon and that he liked fine clothes.
Billy wasn’t a master tailor yet, but he would be one day. He was confident enough now to draft the waistcoat pattern directly onto the fabric, after practising for years on calico. He had saved for weeks to afford the wool, far finer than what he would buy for himself. Now he sat on top of his worktable, putting together the measurements into a shape in chalk knowing that it would fit his lover perfectly.