11 August 1875, Wednesday
It has been a tumultuous thirty-six hours. Monday, whilst out at
Edenfield Court, I sensed the Half-Dragon, Vee, turning his attention
to Miss Wilhelmina. I sent a telegram and then myself to London as
swiftly as possible. By the time I arrived, Sir Cosmo and Inspector
MacGreggor had already spent a considerable amount of time
investigating Vee's activities. Vee killed a member of the Radicals,
then absorbed the young man's heart and took on his appearance. While
posing as as human, Vee got into a fight with one of the Malloys and a
Malloy boy was killed. Vee then showed up at the Malloy's for the wake
and posed as the young man he had killed-- greatly upsetting the lad's
grandmother.
The ward that I had given to Miss Wilhelmina was triggered when she
went round to visit some of the Radicals who now work at a print shop
and Vee was present in his stolen skin.
Sir Cosmo tracked Vee down and challenged him to swords at dawn. Sir
Cosmo has been working on a plan to stop Vee from pressing his
attentions on Miss Wilhelmina ever since the Cannon Incident two years
ago. During our time travelling through the South China Sea he procured
two matched blades forged from ore recovered from a comet. Based on his
research into dragons and the fae, he decided the cometary metals would
be the most effective against Vee's half-fae, half-dragon powers.
He was right. After a great deal of anxiety over-night we rose and went
to Hempstead Heath where Sir Cosmo and his second, Mr O'Flaherty faced
Vee and his second, John Hollyshoes. There was some debate as to who
would perform the duties of the Marshall. The fairy king sent Franz
Anton Graf von Freihef as a candidate but fortunately, Manfred Berri,
Miss Mitzi's niece, arrived and was willing to serve as Marshall.
The lines were drawn and Sir Cosmo gave Vee the choice of weapons. We
had strict instructions from Sir Cosmo not to intervene. Watching him
battle with Vee and being helpless to affect the outcome was
nerve-wracking. More so for milady, I am certain. Sir Cosmo had a fight
on his hands and Vee got though his guard with several hard strikes,
injuring Sir Cosmo. Fortunately Sir Cosmo's assessment of Vee's powers
and overconfidence was correct. Our nemesis had, unintentionally, bound
himself to a mortal form by taking the heart of Miss Wilhelmina's
friend. He also assumed he would be faster and stronger than Sir Cosmo
and that those advantages would be enough to defeat Miss Wilhelmina's
Champion. It was not. Sir Cosmo proved his skill on the field of battle
and Vee was defeated.
Any concern we had that he might return in some other form was assuaged
by the arrival of the elfin bounty hunter who collected Vee's shade as
proof of death to show his duty completed.
I am sorry that Vee was too far gone to see sense. He had many
opportunities to reform himself but was either unwilling or unable to
take advantage of them. I do not know how long he has been insane; it
may be true that his mixed blood was the source of his insanity. I do
know that he was dangerous to all mortals, both those he professed to
love and those he was indifferent to, as evidenced by the lives he so
casually and callously took these past few weeks.
Sir Cosmo was right. It took a Knight defending a Maiden to best the
Dragon.
~Later~
As if there had not been enough upset today, Mrs Earwig arrived all
fussed over news she had 'heard' from her 'vibrations' in the spirit
world. She apparently sensed the conflict between Sir Cosmo and Vee and
hurried down here as fast as she could. She arrived just as I left the
house on Hampstead Heath (another of Sir Cosmo's properties, one he had
not yet seen fit to mention). The children and I were out riding,
leaving Sir Cosmo to some much needed cosseting from Lady
Cowperthwaite.
Galen is making good progress in learning to ride on his own. Octavia
clung to me like the tiny burr she can be. The twins shared a docile
mare-- with the sensible Robert on the reins. Caroline is a little too
excitable as yet to do more than practice her seat. I am a little far
along to be riding, but the early morning excitement craved an outlet.
On our way back to the house, we again passed Mrs Earwig's carriage--
this time on its way out. She called to me, asking if I had heard
anything about my brother. I thought she might have had some sort of
premonition regarding my brother James, but she said her concern was
based solely on reading the morning paper. A flag of rebellion had been
raised in parts of United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia and
James and the Professor he is travelling with were on a list of British
Citizens in the country at the time of the rebellion. Normally, I do
not pry into my brother's affairs for fear of drawing unwanted
attention his way during delicate assignments, however, when I
mentioned my concerns to Mrs Cuthbert she immediately offered to scry
on his Situation.
I gratefully accepted her offer.
She was able to locate James. From what she showed me, he is working on
escorting a young princess, her mother, and his hapless Professor to
safety. James' disguise was flawless-- if I had come upon him unawares
I doubt I would have recognized him myself. The Professor is another
matter all together...
I must have faith that James' considerable wit and skill will win him
through to safety. There is nothing I can do for him at this remote
distance that would not chance bringing unwanted attention to his small
party.
I received a Telegram from Mother asking if I had any news of James. I
could not tell her what Mrs Cuthbert had shown me, but I did remind her
of James' well-known ability to land on his feet regardless of the
situation.
After the early morning and the repeated shocks to my system I am
taking the rest of the day to put my feet up and take advantage of my
Delicate Condition to get some rest.
12 August 1875, Thursday
Today was a delightful change from yesterday's horrors. Mail had come
to the Charles Street house for Mr O'Flaherty whilst we were on our
adventures in the South China Sea. I took the opportunity to deliver it
to him and make plans to attend Nigel Graham's latest play. The show
“Molly Sparrow, Queen of the Pirates” opened while we were away, and I
am determined to see it as soon as is feasible. Mr O'Flaherty shares my
taste for such Entertainment and he and I have agreed to attend
Tomorrow's Performance. I must see if any of the others wish to join us.
I spent part of the evening reviewing diaries I had kept as a girl.
Mother left them here for me the last time she was in London.
Apparently she stumbled across them during spring cleaning and decided
they were safer here than where my sisters (one in particular comes to
mind) might be tempted to read them. What an 'everyday' sort of life I
lived back then! Though it is true that not every girl is schooled in
Latin by her father, or indulged in her love of languages and books at
an early age. I went through quite a period where I was obess deeply interested
in Greek Mythology. I am surprised that I didn't learn Greek as a girl.
I suppose even my tolerant father had to draw the line I was to become
a 'suitable' wife someday.
13 August 1875, Friday
There was much chasing about after Mysterious Clockwork today. Mrs
Cuthbert and I helped determine that the clocks that were losing time
had been powered by a bit of energy from the maker. Miss Wilhelmina had
shown us the tiny Rimbaldi jewels that were used in the clock's works.
Through judicious application of a history spell we confirmed that a
woman calling herself the Donna Talesa Carillo de Mendoza y Pimeiel,
Contessa de Priego had called upon at least two owners of these special
clocks and had attempted to to steal the bit of energy from the clocks.
In one case she succeeded with one clock but was interrupted before she
could collect on the second clock and in one instance the clock's store
of energy had already been depleted before she could get to it.
It seems that Sir Cosmo, Miss Wilhelmina, Galen, and George all have
the affinity for Atlantean Machines (of which the Rimbaldi jewels are a
variant) and that affinity makes them vulnerable. All of them had had a
bit of their life-force drained when Miss Wilhelmina brought 'broken'
clocks back to the house. The Rimbaldi jewels somehow tapped into that
affinity to recharge themselves. The amount of energy involved was
tiny, and Mrs Cuthbert and I later figured out how to use our own
magical energy to recharge one of these mysterious clocks without
tiring ourselves. I do not think that such small amounts pose a threat
to any of the above-named-- however, should they come in contact with
larger versions of the clocks or the jewels that power them there could
be some danger to their health and well being.
~Later~
All of the excitement with the clocks did not derail us from our
planned Entertainment. The show was Splendid-- even if I did have to
poke Mr O'Flaherty with my fan a few times. He insisted on pointing out
the differences between our experiences (which Nigel had certainly used
as inspiration) and the play itself. Fong was frightening as Wu (though
not as frightening as the real man). He even shaved his head! The young
woman playing Molly had an exceedingly good voice and strong stage
presence. I would not be surprised if roles started being written for
her. Our party was a goodly one and included the Cowperthwaites,
Woosters, Cuthberts, and MacGregors.
We all crowded backstage after the show. I gave Nigel and Fong the
flowers I had brought as well as a cheque to help fund the next
production. One of the things I greatly enjoy about the change in my
financial circumstances over the past few years is the ability to
support the endeavours of my friends. Mrs Frazer may see it a frivolous
waste but Fong, Nigel, and their assorted creative efforts are very
dear to me. If I can support their continued success then I am well
pleased.
14 August 1875, Saturday
The Big Day. Miss Wilhelmina is to attend her first Salon this evening
and Come Out in to Society. Mrs Frazer and Miss Pinker have both worked
very hard to prepare her for this day. She is a trifle young to be
out-- but her unusual status as an Inventor in her own right makes
treating her as a child in social situations more and more untenable.
The children and I took a peek at Our Girl once she was dressed and
ready for her party. She certainly has grown up. She looked lovely in
her dress-- though I can't tell yet if she is taking after her round
and plump mother or her tall, wiry father. If she is anything like my
sisters, her final growth should be apparent soon.
Seeing her all dressed up for the party caused a bit of an ache for my
own lost girlhood, along with a dose of anxiety for the trials my own
daughter will face when she comes of age. I love my husband dearly and
would not change a thing about our marriage or family, but I went into
this marriage with my eyes wide open. My daughter will likely never
have the experience of coming out in society, and while I don't think
that experience did much for me, having social connexions and being
Someone of Consequence has advantages beyond the merely social. Indeed,
Octavia's strange parents (a divorcee and a footman) will likely be her
burden to bear all her life. All I can do for her is try to limit the
number of scandals we are caught up in (no easy task given our real
Occupations) and continue to amass such wealth as I am able to give her
a suitable endowment of her own when she is of age. Money is the
closest thing to freedom that a Woman can have, and changes in the law
in my own lifetime have made it more possible for a woman to control
her own fortune.
Mulling over my daughter’s future brings me back to Wilhelmina. Going
back to my Greek mythology, it seems that Tykhe, goddess of Fortune has
been profligate with gifts for a girl who started life on the streets.
Luck has been with her, allowing her to overcome the obstacles to
acceptance in Society (such as her her irregular birth and connexion
with a crime lord). She has found in Sir Cosmo and his circle of
friends people who will not hold those things against her.
In my study of Greek mythology, Nemesis was dispatched to punish not
only wrong-doers, but also, with those who had received an
over-abundance of gifts from Tykhe. I cannot help but worry that a girl
of Wilhelmina's situation will draw the wrong kind of attention from
the wrong kind of people. For if there is one virtue that escapes her,
it is that of humility. She is more intelligent than most, more wealthy
than most, and is rapidly growing into a beautiful young woman. Such a
situation is a near-perfect set-up for the rise of hubris-- and in the
Greek tragedies, that never never ends well.
There is little I can do but pray for her safe passage into adulthood.
Mrs Frazer has noticed that the relationship between Howard and Miss
Wilhelmina seems to have changed character. Howard is an example of the
right kind of people paying her attentions However, it was little over
a year ago that Miss Wilhelmina made it clear that she had no interest
in Howard other than as a friend. She was unconsciously cruel in her
rejection of his suit. However, I know from my own experience that
young women (and even older ladies who should know better) are not
always cognisant of the pain they inflict on their admirers. I still
cringe when I think of how I led poor Simon on during the League's
Assignment in France five years ago. Fortunately, that situation seems
to have worked out for the best. Simon and Helen are a most congenial
match and I am honoured to call both of them friend.
I seem to have digressed a bit...
I volunteered to help Violet, Daru, and Chi with the children the
evening whilst the rest of the household attends the Salon. The
children and I are planning a tea party and our own 'salon' to start
after the revellers depart.
15 August 1875, Sunday
All went well last night. I had a lovely time with the children. Though
we all fell asleep in Galen's nursery waiting for the dancers to come
home. I have a bit of a crick in my neck this morning-- but it is
nothing that a turn about the yard with my husband wouldn't work out.
He and Mrs Wooster have developed a special set of exercises those of
us in a Delicate Condition can use to maintain our conditioning without
risking Our Passengers. Lady Cowperthwaite, Mrs Frazer and I have
offered our suggestions for adjustment based on our previous experience.
Mr Salmalin reported no difficulties in watching over Miss Moriarty
last night. The biggest surprise was that Sir Ichabod managed to
smuggle Howard in to the Salon as one of the Eligible Young Men his
sister asked that he bring. Howard got three dances with Miss Moriarty
and several with other ladies of our party. He was, to Mr Salmalin's
eye, well-mannered and Icky had gone to some trouble to provide Howard
with a suit that looked well on him. Miss Moriarty found more that one
Technically Inclined male with whom to pass the time. I will have to
get the rest of the story from Mrs Frazer later today. For now I am
letting the regular chaperones take the day off after all their hard
work and am accompanying Miss Moriarty to the Library she sponsored.
She wishes to do some research on the Mysterious Clocks and has her own
key to the building. We shall spend a quiet afternoon engaged in
hunting down further information on the topic.
16 August 1875, Monday
As yesterday was quiet, so today was busy.
I received a letter from the Admiralty informing me that I was to
present myself at a ceremony on 26 August to receive recognition for my
efforts in the South China Sea. Word spread quickly through the League
that all of the Ladies had received letters, along with instructions to
attend on a certain tailor to have special clothing fitted for the
event. The letter said that we may visit the tailor today or tomorrow.
I have a long list of errands for today and may have to put the fitting
off until tomorrow. I am not terribly excited about getting new clothes
from a new tailor in my current Condition as I am firmly into the last
few months and should, by rights, be entering Confinement. Fortunately,
our set does not seem to hold with that notion. Unfortunately, it means
that I am seen in public well past the time one normally would be. At
least I am not too awkward yet.
~Later~
I visited the Lord High Warlock's office, the Order of Saint Jerome,
and our Employer. I told them all about the woman passing herself off
as a Contessa and her strange involvement with the Clocks. I also asked
Our Employer if he had any word on James-- and told him what Mrs
Cuthbert had seen. There is no further word on my brother, but
sometimes in these situations no news is good news.
I will continue to pray for his safe return.
With so many meetings around London, I did not get to the tailor's
today. Must go tomorrow.
17 August 1875, Tuesday
Today I had only one errand out. I was fitted for my uniform for the
Awards Presentation at the end of August. We received the very sobering
news that Sir Ephraim pleaded guilty to all charges “to spare the court
the time and expense of a trial”. On one hand, it is a relief not to
wonder if Sir Ephraim will be found guilty, on the other, we are still
waiting to find out what his sentence will be. The crimes he has plead
out to include at least one hanging offence, but who knows what is
going on behind the scenes.
As far as I was concerned, he was not charged with one of the most
heinous crimes we uncovered in our time in South China sea-- that of
abandoning the twin boys of Lieutenant Turner to the care of an orphan
asylum in Madras rather than keeping his solemn word that he would take
care of them. Both boys did survive to adulthood but they were
separated at a young age (to the point that the Lieutenant Turner
serving with us did not know he had a brother until we met said brother
serving “Will Smith of Portsmouth” on the Yau Ying. Hopefully the two
young men will be able to establish some sort of family feeling going
forward, but their situation makes it doubtful.
Sir Ephraim's situation does have a tragic side. He leaves a son by his
second marriage. Sir Ephraim has asked Inspector and Mrs MacGreggor to
act as Aaron's guardian. They have pulled him out of Eton and he is
staying with Helen out in the country-- with Simon coming into town as
needed.
We will have to wait to find Sir Ephraim's fate. I just wish his son
was not a casualty of his father's choices.
19 August 1875, Thursday
Herr Lindin of the Carpanian embassy came to the house today to brief
Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite (and their staff) on the events they
will be attending.
20 August 1875. Friday
Sir Ephraim received two sentences today. The first was 20 years hard
labour and the second was to be hung by the neck until dead. It has
been my experience that there is usually little time wasted in carrying
out such a sentence. It would not surprise me if he was hanged on
Monday. Poor Aaron, to have his father come to such an end. I am very
glad that he is with Helen. She is a compassionate soul.
22 August 1875, Sunday
Church was unremarkable. I prayed for my brother's safety. I still have
had no word on his situation and have resisted the urge to ask Mrs
Cuthbert to check on him daily. I do not want to draw the wrong type of
attention to him. I also prayed for Sir Ephraim and his son. I remember
when my own dear husband lived under the weight of possible
imprisonment and death for his past association with the Hand of Kali.
The intense joy the day Sir Cosmo presented us with the papers
pardoning him remains with me to this day.
23 August 1875, Monday
Sir Ephraim's sentence was suspended! He has been assigned to serve his
sentence under Admiral Naismith in the South China Sea. The suspension
means that the sentence can be imposed at any time. It appears that the
government does not want to lose his services, but will be keeping him
on a short leash from hereafter.
In household news, the staff (including myself and Mr Salmalin) have
started packing for Carpania. Mostly at this stage it involves finding
all of the clothing and equipment so we can clean and mend in advance
of packing.
Lady Cowperthwaite has suffered through a plethora of dress fittings
over the past few weeks. In addition to the 'special clothes' for the
Award presentation she needs new dresses for the two weeks of
festivities leading up to the wedding. Apparently, Lord Greyminster is
twelfth in line for the throne of Carpania thus Lady Cowperthwaite has
some expectations to live up to.
24 August 1875, Tuesday
Inspector MacGreggor came over for tea this afternoon to consult me
about the “Contessa” and the emerald she used to draw the energy out of
the clocks. I tried to answer him as best I could, but obviously
further research is required.
I wrote a letter to the Comte and Comtess Brabant. I know that he has
an affinity for Time and it is possible that the “Contessa” is working
in an area he has a special knowledge of. In my letter, I mentioned
both that the clockmaker concerned lives in Carpania and that the
League will be there on social business starting 4 September.
25 August 1875, Wednesday
In the early afternoon I took a carriage to the offices of the Lord
High Warlock to do further research on the “Contessa”. I also got
permission to take a set of the spell-binding manacles on this
assignment.
The LHW did not have any information on the lady calling herself the
Contessa but they said they would send me any information they did find.
26 August 1875, Thursday
I am now an honorary Captain in the Royal Navy along with Lady
Cowperthwaite, Mrs Frazer, and Mrs MacGreggor. Mrs Wooster is an
honorary Colonel in the Marines and Miss Moriarty is an honorary
Lieutenant in the Signal Corps.
27 August 1875, Friday
Today the men were presented with medals. They were awarded “Victory in
the Bay of Bengal” medals. I was very excited that my own dear Mr
Salmalin was included. It is the first public recognition of his
contribution and I was so very proud.
1 September 1875, Wednesday
I received word from Mr Willoughby at last! My brother and his charges
have made it safely to the embassy at Konigsburg. He did not have (or
could not give me) any more news but it is a Great Relief to know that
he is safe.
We leave in two days. The household is nearly packed.
Proceed to Potential
international incident
Return to Miss Whitnell's Diary Index
Contents this page copyright 2009 by Kristin Fontaine. All Rights Reserved.