#((her mother was the lead in a troupe of burlesque dancers who probably caught a lot of heat for their performances))

[theheadlessgroom]

@beatingheart-bride

"I'm sensing a pattern here," Colin smiled from behind his glass, he and Callahan having gained a newfound respect for their brother's mother-in-law as they listened to her account of her youth; Randall, once he'd come down from his shock, was sensing something of a pattern as well-August's choice in words, calling his wife an "angel" when she came to his aid, reminded him of how he looked upon Emily as such when they met that first day at the haberdashery.

Randall smiled as he glanced back at his wife, taking her hand in return as he looked back to his grandmother, asking, "Ho-How long did you stay in burlesque? A-After you met Grandpa, I-I mean."

"Not very long," she admitted. "We had a good turnout to our performances, but there was also a lot of pressure to shut us down, and eventually, we had to give in. The protests were getting much more...brazen, you could say, got pretty rowdy. August started walking me to and from work, just to make sure I was safe-I appreciated it, though I think I would've been just fine had anyone been bold enough to get physical." She used to keep a small knife in the bodice of her outfit, and she knew perfectly well how to use it.

"So, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and so, our little troupe parted ways," she shrugged. "Some went up to New York in the hopes of striking it big onstage up there, some stayed in town, settled down like I did. Some actually turned and join the protesters, a way of cleaning up their image, which broke my heart-they were such nice girls, and they enjoyed their work! It was a shame to see them be so embarrassed about their past."

"So...what did you do afterwards, then?" Wilhelm asked.

"Mmm, a number of odd jobs," Josephine answered as she forked herself another bite of pancakes. "I worked as a librarian for quite a while, before I eventually got into working at the fabric shop: I carried rolls of fabric, stocked the shelves with balls of yarn and spools of thread, that sort of thing. I knew my way around a needle and thread, I used to mend mine and the other girls' outfits, but working at the shop inspired me to get into more than just stitching and darning. It's how I got interested in making quilts and afghans-by the time June was born, I'd gotten pretty good at it. I'm glad to hear my grandson's followed in my footsteps, so to speak-I look forward to seeing more of your handiwork, Randall."

At this, Randall brightened with a shy smile, rather touched to hear this-maybe there was some hope for being accepted by his family after all!

"I still don't know what burlesque means," Lon pouted from his chair, having still gotten no explanation-all he picked up was that his grandmother had been a dancer, a bit like his mama. Trying to hide her amused smile, June chuckled, "We'll...tell you later, dearest."