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

Bainbridge tightened her grasp on my arm, and I didn’t think it could get any tighter. If I had circulation, she would have cut it off.
    To the right of the control room, situated at the far end of the deck behind some velvet cords making it clear that passengers were to keep out, three huge toothed metal wheels were turning.
    The teeth of each fitting perfectly with the next. The largest gear, twice the height of Thomas, disappeared into the wooden floor, causing me to believe there were many more such gears and machinery beneath the deck. Steam escaped from below and wafted up between the turning cogs, hiding them from view momentarily. The grinding subsided as the gears got up to speed, and now a more gentle whirring sound took its place.
    “Thank goodness,” Lady Bainbridge sighed with a dramatic gesture to her chest, as if checking to see if her heart was still beating. “I thought we would be forced to bear that horrendous sound throughout the gala. How is one to dance with such a racket?”
    “Indeed,” Avalon said in a tone that mirrored my hidden reaction to Emily’s inane comment, then turned back towards the edge of the deck. As she did, I caught a glimpse of a small mechanism affixed to her ear. It was mostly covered by her delicate, sable curls, but the wind caught her hair just enough for me to see it momentarily. It had similar gears as the ship but was very small, as the entire tiny thing sat on top of her ear, held there by a singular hinged arm that hooked over the top ridge. I couldn’t imagine what it was. I certainly must begin paying closer attention to this modern technology, for things are changing far too quickly these days.
    “I think we shall be lifting off soon,” I said with most of my attention towards Avalon’s unique beauty. “Wouldn’t you say Lady Bainbridge?” She didn’t correct my formality but rather loosened her grip on my arm.
    “And it is about time, too,” Emily said coldly. “If you would please excuse me Lord York, Avalon. I do think I see Lord Grimshaw over there, and my husband will be quite cross with me when I return home if I were not to socialize with his favorite investor.”
    “Of course, Lady Bainbridge. As always, it’s been a pleasure,” I said, kissing her hand.
    “Quite.” She didn’t curtsy. Instead, she whipped her skirts around and strode scornfully away.
    I imagined Emily was the kind of woman that took cruelty much easier than disregard. Still, not irreparable damage, I’d surmise.
    “Do save me that dance,” I said to her, amused, as she walked away. She didn’t turn back.
    Now I was alone with Avalon, which was exactly where I wanted to be. We stood for several moments in silence. She obviously didn’t have the same need as her Aunt to fill every moment with prattle. A good sign. I looked over the side with her, taking in the entire experience of standing next to the woman who was so much like my Catherine, and at the same time so little like her.
    All the ropes that were holding the ship steady and near the ground were tied off to large stakes hammered into the ground. More like logs, really. By each of the stakes stood men with hatchets, awaiting orders. These men were not dressed in the fancy double-breasted, gold-buttoned brown coat uniform of the ticket taker, however. These men were working class, dressed in dungarees and boots. Well disciplined, though. For each man did not budge, and they all stood in the exact same stance. Feet shoulder width apart. Hatchet held across the torso at the exact angle as the rest. They stood perfectly still, not even their bushy mustaches twitched.
    “May I have your attention, please,” a strong voice said from the direction of the control room. It was the captain yelling through a speaking-trumpet. His goggles were now over his eyes. “My name is Captain McAdams, and we will be lifting off shortly. I do need five volunteers to help us with lift off. Five men, preferably.”
    He didn’t wait