Avalon Revamped (12 page)

“Yes, Arthur. We’ve missed you,” Avalon said, looking as lovely as ever. She wore a deep green gown with full black skirts, trimmed in burgundy. She was the picture of grace, as I had no doubt she would be.

“Apologies all ‘round. Got caught up in something and lost track of time.” I sat next to Avalon, leaning over to give her a quick kiss on the cheek, but she didn’t even smile. Rather, she kept her jaw set and eyes lowered.

Emily, on the other hand, was draped in a very light green, rather like the inside of a pea. It was accented in a much nicer color, the green of the surrounding evergreens adorning everything in sight. Then, in the style that was only Emily, it was also trimmed with the most hideous color, something between yellow and the pea green. Much like urine after eating asparagus.

And…perfect.

“Asparagus,” I said as the waiters placed the first course in front of each of us: five tall asparagus stalks tied together with a red ribbon.

“Lord York,” Lord Bainbridge began, “May I introduce Lord and Lady Ableson of Surrey and Lord and Lady McNairy of Crawley.

“How do you do?” Lady Ableson said. She was well past her prime. Around seventy, I would say. And Lady McNairy, who just nodded toward me, appeared even older than that. Oh, well. I had my fill for a few hours anyway.

“Quite well. It is such a pleasure to make your acquaintance. All of you. What do you make of this grand ship? It is the experience, is it not? Lord Ableson? Did you ever think you’d live to see such a sight?”

“No, sir. I daresay I almost wish I hadn’t. It’s unnatural being so high above life. Unnatural, I say!”

“Forgive my husband. He’s an old fuddy duddy.” Lord Abelson huffed and spurted at this, making his white, bushy mustache bounce. “It is positively splendid, my dear boy. Splendid. Yes, indeed. Did you see London down below? It rather puts much into perspective, don’t you find?”

“Indeed,” Avalon said. “Makes one feel rather small, no?”

“Exactly! When I think of all the people down there. That’s all I could think of as I watched from the side, although I didn’t get too close, mind, for fear of falling over. All those tiny people milling about on the streets below, all hustling about their business. Makes one feel rather insignificant.”

Huh. Didn’t make me feel insignificant at all.

“It did, rather, but at the same time, I felt so very privileged to experience such a thing.”

“Quite right, Miss Bainbridge. Quite right.”

“It’s all rather old now, isn’t it? I mean, we did have the gala over the summer,” Emily said. “We have seen London from above before, haven’t we?” She finished her wine and held up her glass until she attracted the attention of a waiter, who promptly came and refilled it, then topped off the rest of ours.

“It will never get old for me, Aunt. Not at all.”

“Yes, well, Avalon, you have led a rather plain existence before cavorting with Lord York, here. If it wasn’t for me, you two would never have even met. Remember, it was I who invited you on that summer dirigible gala. Me. It’s your fault,” she said, nudging her husband. “Talk about old fuddy duddies. My husband wouldn’t come, and it just wouldn’t do for me to go alone. How scandalous.”

“That’s right. Have some more wine, dear.”

This banter entertained Lady McNairy, from the expression she held, being old enough to be outright weary of High Society pretense. I was with her on that one.

Lady Ableson, however, was not at all amused. “Quite,” she snapped.

Emily did not take the hint from either her husband nor Lady Ableson.

“Speaking of being scandalously alone, did you see that woman boarding alone? She looked altogether commonplace. Well, obviously. I wonder how she got invited to this. Honestly, Lady Pearson gets more altruistic with each passing year. First professors, then writers. The horror. And now country wenches, it appears.”

“As Lady Ableson pointed out, dear aunt, we are all rather common in the larger view. Some of us are fortunate enough to have been born well, but there are others who are good people, even though they are not titled.”

“If you say so,
Miss
Bainbridge. You are, after all, an expert on what’s common.”

Although Avalon likely just had a sip of pig’s blood before she came to dinner, her cheeks flushed red in her anger. I thought she would leap across the table and devour Emily at once. Fortunately, she didn’t, for that would’ve been rather inconvenient, but it was amusing just the same.

“Might I have everyone’s attention, please?” The chattering of the crowd quieted down after Blackwolf repeated that a few times. “We will be reaching The Channel within the hour. The moon is overhead now, and the view is real purty. Remember to use your goggles when on the top deck to protect your eyes. If you forgot to bring some, you can check a pair out down at reception where you came in. It’s between an eight to ten hour flight, depending on weather and wind and the like. But unless it’s necessary, I’m not going to touch down until the morning to avoid waking y’all from your sleep, but if you feel a bump in the night, it’s just that we’ve landed. No need to fret none. You will be free to spend the day in the city, but please be back on the boat by five in the afternoon. We’ll be lifting off promptly at six, so we can watch the moon rise over Montmarte. Remember, take it easy tonight. Big day tomorrow, and an even bigger party tomorrow night. Well. I suppose that’s all. All right, then,” he said with an awkward movement of his arms, I gathered to indicate we could continue our dinner uninterrupted. I hoped. “Mercee, and, well, um—Bone appiteet!”

Incroyable.

CONSTANCE

It was my complete pleasure to be seated next to the delightful Baron Vincent Von Rictus Baine. His sweet, yet proper flirtations throughout dinner caused me to lament my fate ever so slightly. Although as handsome as he was considerate, he dined alone. It always baffled me that the most warmhearted, genuine men were often the ones without companionship. If women only could see men for what they truly were, as I did, instead of only what they showed the world.

I promised him a dance later and said I hoped to be seated next to him again for dinner the next night.

“That is my wish, too, sweet lady,” he said, kissing my hand. “Might I be so bold as to ask if you might accompany me in Paris tomorrow for some shopping?”

“You may, Vincent, but I’m afraid I must regretfully decline.” Every single thing inside me wanted to spend the day in the company of this lovely man, but it would be cruel in the end, as I was unable to love for my own sake. It would be unfair and quite heartless to let him believe otherwise. For, unlike so many of my targets, I would never awaken love in a heart that I did not or could not love in return. I was charged with this duty, and I must fulfill my charge for the protection and safety of women now and in the future. Thousands, in the future, really, just as I had protected and avenged thousands in the past.

My heart sighed in disappointment, and I wished things could be different, especially when I saw the light in his eyes flicker and his sandy brown mustache quiver almost imperceptibly. Yet, he did not let his own disappointment show or his kind smile falter.

Besides, if he knew what I truly was…well, there was that as well.

“A dance later, though. Promise?” The last thing I wanted to do was to make this man feel rejected. If he only knew my heart and my duty. Alas, that couldn’t be helped.

“Of course, my dear. It will be my greatest pleasure.” With that, he kissed my hand and took his leave. He would not inquire romantically after me again. No. A true gentleman allowed a lady her choice, respected her boundaries. He did not push or coerce or manipulate. He would not ask again, and it was for the best.

Indeed, it was for the best. I must believe that.

As if for a perfect illustration of his opposite, Willie McFerret laughed alongside Mr. Thomas Chenery, his beautiful wife on his arm. I curtsied and smiled as they passed me on their way out of the dining hall. Willie’s eyes fell on me but a moment and then whisked away. There was not the slightest indication that he knew me. Mr. Chenery, on the other hand, tipped his hat to me. A gentleman, that.

“I must have a pea!” a loud voice behind me demanded. I turned to see Doctor Nesbitt in a prolix appeal with one of the crew members who appeared to be the head butler for this gala. Forceful, although not at all in angry tones, the doctor spoke with pride and charm, every syllable.

“I’m sorry, sir, but we cannot distribute opium to our passengers,” the butler, at least, had the decency to speak in hushed tones.

“I demand it, sir. It’s been a long flight already, and I haven’t been home in weeks, you see. Weeks! Away from my family and university. Forced to perform over the holidays! What-what? I must have a pea, sir, or I shall not lead the stargazing tour tonight, and I shall not tell my tales of adventure and conquest tomorrow night. In fact, I daresay I shan’t do a thing! A pea, sir! It was part of the arrangement. See to it!”

“If we could find a pea for you tonight, sir, would you be able to procure more once in Paris?”

“Nonsense! I’m not paying for my own pea, man! I’m here at the behest of the Pearson’s. Lord Pearson and I are old friends, dear man. I should take this up with him and mention just how very incompetent his staff is. Pay for my own pea. Preposterous!”

While they were strapped in their conversation, I took the opportunity to slip behind the curtain and transform into my bait for the doctor. Claire, the chambermaid. I emerged young, innocent, and ever so perky. “Forgive me, sir. Beggin’ yor pardon, sir,” I said in Claire’s high voice and curtsied.

Doctor Nesbitt doffed his helmet to greet me, and the goggles straddling it fell off. He scrambled to pick them up and dropped his pipe in the process, breaking it two.

"Drat!" he cursed, collecting those pieces and the fallen goggles. After pocketing the pipe pieces and putting the goggles back on his hat—all thumbs and lanky limbs, that man was—he turned back composed and proper like none of that had just happened.

The three of us, had all watched this show of grace, astounded. I, or rather Claire, continued, “I couldn’t help but overhear, sir, but I might be of some assistance in this matter. M’lord brings opium with ‘im, sir, and I’m sure I can get a pea from ‘im, sir. ‘E’s a kind man, sir. A good man.”

The crewman shrugged, and the butler cleared his throat. “I don’t remember you in my staff, Miss. What is your name?”

“Weishart, sir. Claire Weishart. I’m a replacement, sir. Last minute, I’m afraid. M’lord offered me when he heard you was short one, sir.” There was always someone who couldn't show up, and by offering an opening, they usually filled in the rest of the information. I was not disappointed.

“Ah, you must be replacing Miss Kennedy. Yes, very good.” The butler turned to Doctor Nesbitt, who had his hands on his hips and commenced in tapping his toe, but the expression on his face was perfectly pleasant and patient. Eyebrows raised expectantly. “Follow her, Professor. She shall find something for you, sir. Please do let me know if you aren’t satisfied, sir, and we will get you sorted.”

“I should think so, dear man! Very good. Very good. Splendid, in fact. Yes. Oh, yes, indeed!” he said eyeing me as if I was a tasty strawberry tart or chocolate biscuit. “Lead on, dear girl! I’m right behind you. Oooooh, and what a sweet—”

“Yes, sir,” I said, interrupting him with a quick curtsey. “This way, sir.” I led him down to the cabin level, and his eyes never left my bustle. He didn't speak on the trip down to my cabin, except to exclaim, "Oh! Oh! Oh!" during a short burst of rustling clothes.

I did not turn around.

Once outside my door, I said, “It’s best if you wait down the hall, sir. It wouldn’t be good for M’Lord to find us in his room togeva, sir. No, sir.”

He twirled the edges of his straight black mustache, then pushed a stray, stringy strand of long, black hair off his face before laying a finger along his nose and winking at me, slow and deliberate, as if we shared a secret.

I already knew his secret, all right.

Once he was down the hall and around the corner, I slipped in my chamber and pulled a pea from my case. Perfectly prepared, as always, a reminder that research was always necessary.

After I rejoined Nesbitt, I dropped the pea in his palm.

“Thank you, sweet girl. You are quite young, aren’t you? Nary eighteen, I’d wager.”

“That’s right, sir. I’m seventeen, sir. I was lucky to get this job, I was. Well, you’ve got yor pea now, sir. I got to get back to work.”

“No. Please,” he whined. “You’ve been so kind as to help me in this. Please, just come out on deck with me for a few minutes and smoke it with me. Just a few puffs is all. You’ll have a much better time working if you do.”

“No, sir. I really shouldn’t, sir. It could be my job, sir.”

“Nonsense. I’ll talk to your employer if it comes to that, which I’m sure it won’t. Go on then, you’ll love it. Or is this a bit too grown up for you?” First clue, he didn’t respect the word no.

“A’course not, sir!” Well played, inserting an insult that a young girl would try to disprove.

“Besides, you wouldn’t leave me all alone now, would you?”

Playing on sympathy. “Well, sir. Just a few minutes, sir?”

“Of course, just a few. You can leave whenever you like. I promise.”

Unsolicited promise. Always a sure sign manipulation was underway.

“Nofink improper, sir?”

“Improper? Blimey! No! I am a gentleman, dear lady. A gentleman, I say.”

“Of course, sir. Forgive me, sir. I didn’t mean no disrespect, sir.”

“Come now. I bet we will see the moon over the water below. See how lucky we are to have met one another? You would be stuck below deck if it wasn’t for me. That’s right.” Establishing debt. “I bet not many of those working the ship will get to see the sights. Stick with me, Miss, and I’ll show you all sorts of wonders.”

The moon shone bright over the water so far below. It made the channel a black void beneath us, but it was beautiful just the same. The light of the moon caught waves as they moved. A funnel of candlelight cast on the otherwise blackness of it all. A single sliver of iridescent magic reflected in the abyss.

Doctor Nesbitt dug in his trouser pockets, very deep and rather toward the center. “I know I have my pipe somewhere. Oh!” he said with a suggestive lilt. “No. That’s not my pipe, but we might be needing that soon enough. Yes, indeed!”

Uncomfortable, I said, “Perhaps I had best just get back down below, sir.”

“Nonsense! Here it is, see?” He pulled out a long, thin pipe about the length of his hand from his coat’s pit. Its center was bamboo, and on either end was oxidized black metal, decorated with gold leaves. One end had the bowl and the other a golden mouthpiece. It was the finest opium pipe I had ever seen. “Got this in Japan last year. Great place, Japan. Loads of spinners there. Oh! Yes, indeed! Petit! Just like you, lovely. Just like you.” He dropped the pea in the onyx bowl and lit it. After breathing in deep, coaxing the pea to life, he passed it to me.

“I’m not sure, sir. Not while I’m working.”

“Go on, then. Just a puff. You’ll love it.”

“I really shouldn’t, sir.”

“Ah! Go on!” he insisted. Clear indication of a dangerous man, one that discounts a woman’s comfort level and refuses to honor the word no, which this man had done at least four times in just the past few minutes alone. He used most people’s, especially women’s, fear of being rude against them. Coercion, it was called.

So, not to be rude and slight this important man, just as a good working-class chambermaid would be afraid to do, I took a quick puff and inhaled, then coughed.

“That’s a girl,” he laughed.

Handing the pipe back to him, I shivered. “It’s right cold up here, it is, and I’m just in me uniform, sir. I had best get below before I catch my death.”

“Just a few minutes more, my dear,”—five times—“then I must prepare for my lecture and tour tonight. Come here.” He leaned against the wall, legs spread to match my height, and gathered me up in his arms, pulling me under his coat. “You’re really quite fetching, you know. I’d like very much to see you again.”

“Really, sir? A doctor and Oxford professor wants to make my acquaintance? You’re putting me on, aren’t ya? You just think I’m a tart, that’s all! You’re having a laugh at me expense.”

He didn’t try to hide his erection, rather he pressed it into my hip.

“Not at all, dear girl. Just the opposite. You’re real. A hard worker, I can tell. You’re loyal, too. All the girls I meet are just in admiration of my intellect or adventures, but you are just nice to me as a man. That’s rare.”

“I don’t know, sir. You have a family and all. I heard you say as much down below. What would yor wife say, sir?”

He sighed. “Oh, my wife. Yes. Well. Unfortunate business, that. It was one of those arranged marriages, I’m afraid. Here I am, only thirty-two, and I’ll never know love. Not real love. Cursed, I am. Doomed, even. She’s never loved me, you see. I haven’t felt the love of a woman in years.”

I looked up at him and tears filled his eyes. He met my gaze and amplified the piteous look.

Brilliant performance, as always.

“That’s terrible, sir. I don’t have much of a chance either, sir. Being a house maid and all. Many of us end up childless and without husbands. It’s a lonely life, I hear. But it’s a good job, sir. I ain’t like the fine ladies here on this ship, sir. I ain’t got much to offer a man. No dowry to speak of. Nothin’ like that.”

“Nothing to offer a man? Oh, dear girl! That is nonsense, indeed. You have everything to offer a man! Your beauty and kindness and innocence.” He kissed my forehead and then rested his cheek against it. “Might we just show ourselves enough kindness to give ourselves the chance of loving? Even if for tonight. Just let me love you tonight.” With those last words, he pulled back to lock eyes with men, then bent down to kiss me, but I pulled back.

Surprisingly, he let me.

“Not tonight, sir. No. I’ll lose me job, sir.”

“Then meet me in London, after we’re back.”

“All right,” I said, smiling up at him. “You mean it, sir? You think we could love each other?”

“If only for a few minutes, my dear. For everything is fleeting, isn’t it? Nothing lasts in this cold world, but I know we can love, dear girl. Yet, I want more than a few moments with you. I desire a real love, the kind that lasts forever. A proper courtship. We could have that, couldn’t we? Stranger things happen at sea, or in our case, over the sea. Isn’t that right, my lovely?”

“Oh, sir! You can’t be serious, sir! It would be so scandalous to take a maid for a wife, sir.”

“We’ll just see about that.”

“Do ya really think I’m so special, sir?”