This was a brilliant little story. Written beautifully and just in the style of the actual book. I very much enjoyed it.

This is very well written, though I don't think Norrell would be too happy about someone else using magic in his household.

Childermass is probably one of my favorite characters, partly because he's so mysterious and partly because- as far as I could tell- he's one of the only characters who didn't seem to have any ulterior motives: he wanted magic to be revived for its own sake. He didn't care about being respected or well-known. This story definitely portrays that side of his character.

That definitely sounds like Mr. Norrell.

This is very well written.

I can definitely tell you did your research.

The book did mention that he had once been a sailor. You are doing an excellent job of staying true to the book.

This definitely fits with what little the book describes of Childermass's childhood.

Very well-written. It does help explain some of Childermass's past.

I have found your story by accident, but I'm very glad I did. It was wonderfully written, rich in details and you handled the characters (canon and originals too) quite neatly. I also loved the way you even took the time to insert footnotes, it enhanced the mood superbly.

This was a wonderful chapter! The beginning was a nice look at how Childermass has settled in at Hurtfew after many years, slowly getting used to his position and what it might mean for his life, still captivated by magic, still solitary and independent. I like that you included an explanation of why he leans against things-as in the series-as a precaution against unexpected magic. It was really also a fantastic look at the relationship between Childermass and Norrell, which feels very much like they are in the book, but you've caught a moment where everything between them shifts just a bit. Norrell's understated comment that "this rather changes things" is so perfect. And Childermass' slight disappointment at being dismissed is a reminder that he is still the servant. But it ends with such promise-there will be more tomorrow. Lovely!

I loved this chapter, and your take on how Childermass came to be in Mr Norrell's service. The footnotes were great too.

Another interesting chapter, looking forward to seeing what happens now that Norrell and Childermass have met.

I just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying this story. I love that you're interpreting Childermass based on the cards that Vinculus failed to read. It's clear in the book that the nine card spread in the tavern was his life story, laid out on the table, but it was never told to the reader-Childermass wouldn't and Vinculus couldn't. So I find this exploration of the character and what his life might have been very satisfying. I also really like your writing and the footnotes! I'm looking forward to future chapters.

Superbly written, the amount of detail that you've gone into is brilliant. Looking forward to reading more!