Avalon Revisited by O. M. Grey Read Free Book Online

challenge at all to seduce. Rather, the challenge would be to keep her at bay without offending her. Such thoughts entered my mind out of habit, as my interest in Emily or Hazel had abandoned ship the moment I saw Avalon. My attention turned fully to her. My Catherine.
    “It is quite, wouldn’t you say so Miss Avalon?”
    “Quite.” Avalon’s blatant disregard of polite conversation or high society in any form was evident. The dirigible alone held her interest.
    I continued, “I had only seen these contraptions from afar, which were impressive enough, but I am quite without words to describe this experience. And we haven’t even lifted off the ground yet!”
    Emily Bainbridge was certainly not without words, for she chimed right in, tightening her grip on my arm. “I was entirely taken in by the luxury of the thing. That ballroom on the lower deck was simply magnificent; as fine as any I’ve had the pleasure of dancing in. Oh, Arthur, you must save a dance for me.” She tugged on my arm playfully, trying to pry my attention away from the goddess before me.
    “But of course, Lady Bainbridge,” I replied, not taking my eyes off Avalon. I hoped by using her formal title, she’d take the hint and back off a little. She did not. Instead she squeezed my arm against her breast and laid her head on my shoulder momentarily before continuing:
    “How do they ever get such a ship in the air? Did you know that this is the finest airship in London? I’m quite surprised they allow commoners on it at all!”

    “Many commoners, as you call them, are fine people,” Avalon interjected at last. “They are hardworking, decent people, Aunt. You would do well to remember that.”
    This one had spunk.
    “Indeed,” I replied. I felt Emily’s grip on my arm tighten, so I changed the subject. “Miss Avalon, do tell me about your unusual name. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone named Avalon.”
    Avalon didn’t turn away from looking out over the side of the ship, far in the distance. Her hands were clasped properly in front, grasping a small, gold reticule. She behaved as I’ve often felt, just barely able to stomach such pointless small talk. She wasn’t here to socialize or flirt or boast about riches. She was different. She was here for the dirigible. She was here for the experience. She cared more about the brass cogs that powered this ship than of all the gold of the crown.
    “Well, sir, isn’t it obvious? My father was obsessed with the Arthurian Legend. No, actually, obsessed would be an understatement. Nevertheless, it’s as simple as that. It is unusual, but it’s certainly better than being called Morgana or Guinevere!”
    What a delightful lady!
    “We have something in common, dear lady.”
    She finally turned to face me, slightly intrigued.
    “My father, too, was obsessed, as you say, with the Arthurian Legend. It is why he called me Arthur.” I didn’t mention that his intention had been for me to be Arthur II of England. That I alone had been meant to bring the dream of Avalon back to Britain. And here instead, Avalon came to me.
    For the first time in as long as I could remember, I wanted to forget the past forever. Forget about my father. Forget about the centuries of decadence. Forget about the dream of Arthur’s Avalon and focus on the reality of my new-found Avalon. Forget all the ways of seduction I had learned, and just be with this woman. Just listen to her talk. Get lost in her thoughts. Something about this woman captivated me, and I couldn’t explain it. Some deep connection. Something more than lust, although that, too, was present. It was a feeling that I had felt before, centuries ago.
    “Yes, Arthur. That, too, is obvious and not all that uncommon. Many people enjoy the tales of Arthur and his knights.”
    She wasn’t going to give me an inch.

     

Chapter 4
     
    A horrible grinding sound filled the air, causing all the attendees to look towards the control room at once. Lady