Once Elliot had washed and dressed, he went outside to greet Flora as usual.
This time, he had specifically told the old butler not to prepare the garden again.
First, it cost a great deal. Although the gold pounds saved would not go toward relief, knowing how extravagant the garden was still left him somewhat uncomfortable.
Second-he no longer had such a pressing need for a space where they could be alone.
He and Flora could discuss things in dreams. For instance, they had actually already settled the details of this meeting in the Dream Ruins.
Flora would talk about the Mourning Poetry Society's progress in distributing Holy Communion, then "inadvertently" mention the Harbor District residents' urgent need for medical aid.
Elliot would, of course, show his charitable side, picking up the topic to test the old butler's reaction-for example, by offering to fund the establishment of a hospital.
He did not expect a few words to get a hospital built, but with this sort of thing, he had to leave some room for compromise. The most likely outcome was securing a donation of medical supplies.
With those supplies, he would have a legitimate reason to get involved, and could naturally make contact with or learn about the Circle of Vitas associated with the hospital.
That was also why he wanted to order a Difference Engine: to give himself a reason to contact the Troy Society.
As for minor matters like getting a larger bed and preparing supplies for dream exploration, he only had to give the word, and someone would naturally arrange everything.
As long as his requests were not too outlandish, they would not arouse suspicion.
Flora soon arrived. Elliot welcomed her inside and began exchanging pleasantries according to their earlier plan.
They sat down together in the