“Master Hawking,” he said, approaching a handsome young man with a mirthful laugh.
“Ah, Archie,” the man said, clapping Archibald on the shoulder. “There you are. And who is this?”
“This is Miss Scarlette Rossetti. Miss Rossetti, may I introduce Master Arthur Hawking and his wife, Violet,” Archie said, motioning to the dark-haired woman beside him.
Master Hawking, much like Master Boatswain, was a renowned inventor. In fact, if I remembered correctly, Master and Missus Hawking worked with airships.
“Pleased to meet you,” I said, dropping into a curtsey.
Missus Hawking smiled nicely. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Rossetti. I’m an admirer of your father’s work. Is he here?”
“No, Missus Hawking. He’ll arrive in the morning.”
“Good, good,” Master Hawking said. “Well, it looks like Old Horace will have a full house by Christmas.”
“So many minds,” Violet said, scanning around the room.
“And one new, brilliant mind to add to our company,” Archie added, motioning to me.
“Oh, indeed, indeed. Master Boatswain spoke of your invention at our gathering,” Master Hawking said. “However did you master such intricate devices, Miss Rossetti?”
“It was nothing, really. I studied an advertisement.”
At that, both Arthur and Violet Hawking laughed.
“She is most definitely one of us,” Violet said.
“One of you?” I asked.
“A thinker,” Violet answered, tapping her head.
“And a tinker,” Arthur added with a merry chuckle.
I smiled at Missus Hawking. She had such wide, beautiful brown eyes, and she exuded wisdom. It filled me with pride that someone like her could see something in a slip of a girl like me.
Mister Edwards rang the bell, calling us all for dinner.
We headed inside. Tonight, I was seated by Archie.
We settled in to eat a sumptuous feast of roasted pheasant, quail, beef, truffles, roasted root vegetables in rich sauce, and more. The table was heaped with food, and there were now more than three dozen in our party. I recognized many of the people from the meeting earlier today, including Mistress Quickly who sat beside Master Montgomery. The pair spoke in low tones.
“I’m sorry if you felt awkward earlier today,” Archie told me.
“I did, but only because I stumbled into something a bit above my head, I believe.”
“Yes and no. As Master Rossetti’s daughter and Earl Walpole’s niece, it only fits you have a place in the discussion and take part in our…group. It is for your uncle and father to decide of course, but my grandfather suggested it to the other members.”
I cast a glance down the table at Master Boatswain who was sitting beside my uncle. The pair were locked in deep conversation.
“And?”
“Well,” Archie said with a grin. “My grandfather’s word has considerable weight.”
“I suppose I would know better what to think if I knew what, exactly, this group concerned itself with.”
Archie pulled off the pin he wore on his lapel and handed it to me. “The care of this realm, and stewardship of her future.”
“Weighty, but less than specific,” I said with a grin.
“You’re right.”
“I’m guessing you can’t tell me more.”
“Sadly.”
“Then I suppose I will have to be settled for now. If all else fails, at least I know I have a position waiting for me in the village at the Two Sisters.”
Archie chuckled. “Miss Lizzie sang your praises. They both did.”
“That was kind of them.”
“And true. I’d love for you to come work with me on a project when we return to London.”
“What kind of project?”
“Well, a version of your mechanical device…but life-sized.”
“Life-sized? A true automaton?”
Archie nodded.
“I must ask my father, but I don’t see why he’d oppose.”
Archie nodded happily. “Then let’s have a toast, Miss Rossetti,” he said, lifting his cup.
“And what are we toasting?”
“Hmm,” Archie mused. “Gnomes. To clockwork gnomes. And to the future.”
I chuckled. “To clockwork gnomes and the future,” I said, clicking my cup against his.
Filled with merry conversation, the evening passed quickly. The group lingered at dinner. I was surprised when the grandfather clock chimed ten. I yawned tiredly. I had been awake since before dawn. It was starting to catch up with me.
“My grandfather…” Archie whispered. “I need to take him upstairs. It’s far too late for him, though the others look like they’ll be at it for hours. You look like you could use some sleep as well. I’ll see you in the morning?”
I nodded and rose. “Goodnight, Archie.”
“Goodnight, Scarlette.”
Archie discreetly took my hand, gave it a soft squeeze, then left me. I worked my way through the room until I found Uncle Horace.
“Uncle,” I said, catching him between conversation partners, “I’ll retire for the night.”
“Goodness, Scarlette. I’ve quite neglected you today, I’m afraid. But I see you found a conversation partner,” he added, looking back at Archie.
“So I have.”
“Well done,” Uncle Horace whispered. “Well done, my girl. Now, go and get your rest. We’ll see your father here tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait! Goodnight, Uncle,” I said, kissing him on the cheek then slipping back upstairs once more.
My heart beating merrily, I removed the lovely gown and slipped into a nightdress. I slid into bed, closing my eyes for the night, happy thoughts of Archie and my future dancing through my mind. But as I drifted off to sleep, the wind rattled my window. And I could swear, for just a moment, I heard a voice amongst the flurries calling, “Come buy. Come buy.”
Chapter 7: What to my Wondering Eyes Should Appear?
I woke the next morning just as the sun was rising. I dashed out of bed and quickly began to get ready for the day. This would be the last morning I could visit Lizzie and Laura at the shop. I wanted to get there the moment they opened. It was cold that morning. I went to the window to discover it had snowed overnight. The grounds surrounding Strawberry Hill were covered in a thick blanket of snow. The sunrise cast a pinkish glow on the powdery flakes making them shimmer with rosy, incandescent light.
Pulling on my boots, I rushed downstairs only to find Mister Edwards waiting in the foyer, my red cloak in his hand.
“Miss Rossetti,” he said softly as he held out my wrap. “The maid brought your cloak downstairs. I warmed it by the fire for you so it would be ready for you.”
“Have I become so predictable?”
He chuckled. “Yes. Do keep in mind your father will be here by tea time.”
I grinned at Mister Edwards. “No one will miss me before then.”
“Save young Master Boatswain,” he said with a wink.
“Well, I suppose it is good to be missed at times.”
“Yes, indeed. Be careful, Miss Rossetti. There is a heavy chill in the air this morning.”
“Thank you,” I said then pulled my cloak around me and headed out the door.
The icy winter air snatched my breath away when I stepped outside. I headed down the drive, surprised to find the snow was halfway up my shins. I was suddenly very glad Laura and Lizzie lived in town. It was too cold for them to be out in weather like this.
Rushing, I made my way down the lane and into the woods. But I slowed as I went, surprised to see the merchant tents had been erected in the woods once more. Everything was tranquil, but a trail of smoke rose up from their fire. I didn’t know where the merchants had gone, but clearly, they were back.