Your feet carried you to your father’s side, eyes trailing up to the man in front of you. His figure was adorned in a ruby red, velvet coat, finished with a black top-hat that his dark sprouts of hair peeled out of. “Well, I hope to have impressed you tonight, Mr. Duvall.” The sentence came out like a rumble from his chest. Mr. Barnum’s eyes then moved to you, his hand tipping his hat.

You clutched your woolen shawl tad bit closer. You were what he really had to look out for. Phineas’ circus was in no means failing, it was just missing something. It needed something behind it, a production, a sponsor. It was lacking in commercial business and your father had the power to change that. It was a known fact that when when the Duvalls were to come visit your area it was your chance to pitch your ideas to the family. More specifically your father; Mr. Duvall. Your family specialized in advertisement. Advertisement that Phineas could very well use.

Despite the frigid temperatures outside, the circus circulated heat quite well, making the tent quite a homely place. Your eyes temporarily landed on the ground, avoiding the circus-man’s raised brow and flattering face. You idly used the tip of your shoe to push around the cracked peanut shells that littered the firm ground.

You supposed the show hadn’t been bad. It was entertaining, but the snacks had been rather stale. Those thoughts had vanished once you saw the man himself appear center ground at the beginning of the show. You were smitten for P.T. Barnum. “And of course, I hope to have impressed you too, Miss Duvall.” The signature charming smile stretched across his lips as he finished tipping his hat to you. “After all, I hear you are the mastermind behind all your father’s endeavors.” It was true. If you liked something enough you could, and had previously, convinced your father to sponsor things.

You and your family were set to stay in town at least a month, you’d let this play out and see if he deserved a sponsor, or your attention.