A Matter of Temperance (The Adventures of Ichabod Temperance Book 1) by Ichabod Temperance Read Free Book Online Page A

Homecoming.
    Persephone
    There is some disagreement amongst the scientists. It would seem that one chemist has ruined the small, precious sample that Mr. Temperance shared with him. His fellow chemists voice their dismay with cruel ridicule.
    Mr. Temperance is actually quite intrigued with what the old fellow has hit upon. In fact, he appears to be thoroughly pleased at the old gentleman’s accidental discovery.
    My American friend quickly fashions himself a simple, but effective, device, using the elderly chemist’s formula.
    I must say, there is a definite element of ingenuity to the prize with which we leave this guild of Apothytical Arts. Although the chemists did not hold great affection for him at first sight, Mr. Temperance is now leaving with many friends and well wishers. I am heartened by this small spot of good fortune.
    “Where to now, Miss Plumtartt, Ma’am?”
    “I require advice and guidance. One of father’s closest confidantes and my own tutor, Sir Arthur Helmsley of Cambridge is the most knowledgeable man of occult studies in England. I bid you deliver us to Charing Cross, that we may secure railed transport to the college, but not before sending a wired telegraph ahead.”
    I am conflicted. Still stinging from my embarrassing experience with Stanley, I am apprehensive about putting my trust into young Mr. Temperance. Yet something about my impetuous companion pulls at my heart. Where Stanley was all disingenuous charm, Mr. Temperance is...simply himself.
    Arriving at Cambridge's train depot, my tutor and mentor, Sir Arthur Helmsley, greets us with relief. However, one look into each other’s eyes conveys the dread weight of our meeting. I am dismayed to find the professor in a terribly agitated state.
    “Something beyond our knowledge, or even comprehension, is developing around us. An evil dew covers our fair land. Your father was in possession of a relic. A scroll of age beyond the time of Man.”
    “A scroll? You don’t mean to say he used the...”
    “Don’t say it! However, yes, that document is real and was entrusted to your father, Professor Plumtartt, for safety and guardianship. It was unthinkable to us who knew him that he would ever use the unclean object.”
    “The state of his laboratory confirms it, I’m afraid.”
    “Do you know where he would keep it locked up?”
    “Hmm, yes, as a matter of fact, I do know a likely hiding spot.”
    “That thing has opened a gate. Evil slides through. The scroll must be used to stop this plague, but I do not know how. The best minds for this sort of thing are in Paris.”
    “Do you mean Stanislaus?”
    “Yes, of course, take the object to de Guaita and have him decipher the dirty thing.”
    “Yes, thank you, Sir Arthur!”
    “Hurry, child, but Persephone?”
    “Yes, Professor?”
    “Be careful.”
    - - -
    Disembarking our train at Elderberry Pond Station, we hire a horse and cart to carry us to Plumtartt Manor. Dusk falls and darkness gathers as we pass through the iron gates of my grief stricken home. It is an ill wind that heralds our arrival. The rising atmospheric signs of a coming storm, add to the already forlorn aspect of the Estate. The long, tree lined drive is lifeless and desolate. It is difficult to believe this was a happy place, not so long ago. The many chimneys of the great estate are cold and unused. Plumtartt Manor has always been so bright and cheery, but now, the empty windows peer at me like sad and accusing eyes.
    “It would sorely comfort me to have a functional firearm, Miss Plumtartt, Ma’am, but it’s nice to have something on hand in any case.”
    “Let us hope that you do not need to test the mettle of your device from the chemists in combat, Mr. Temperance.”
    Mr. Temperance and I enter the melancholy manor through the unlocked front door. I hurriedly light a candle and move swiftly toward the North Wing of the immense house. This is where a hidden cache has traditionally protected our family’s most