Bitter Oath (New Atlantis)

by Nhys Glover

  ‘My father’s business dealings. But I have taken time out for my own entertainment and edification. I heard Sir Hugo Mulgrave’s natural collection was well worth seeing, and I am delighted to find it is so. Lord Drumoyne informs me that it is your hard work that has made it the splendid display it is, Miss Mulgrave.’ He smiled at her then, and his perfect white teeth seemed whiter still, against the darkness of his skin.

  She smiled back, flattered despite herself. ‘Thankyou sir, but I simply compiled and collated my grandfather’s work. He was the explorer who turned his detailed eye into knowledge to feed the ignorant.’

  ‘You are too modest, Miss Mulgrave. I know, first-hand, the skill and effort required to bring together such a display. Without you, it would be nothing more than boxes of meaningless paraphernalia.’

  Her cynical heart gave a little jump. A man who understood what it took to compile information in a meaningful way? How rare was that!

  ‘Thank you, my Lord, I am deeply grateful for your appreciation.’ She let herself look deeply into his blue eyes. They reminded her of the description her grandfather had given of the sky over the north western plains of North America – a deep, vibrant blue that went on forever.

  For a long moment, a pregnant pause filled the space, and L’Angley looked startled and a little discomforted. When Drumoyne cleared his throat, Liv looked away quickly, mortified by her own lack of decorum.

  ‘What is your favourite part of the exhibit, Lord L’Angley?’ Augusta asked, filling the painfully long silence.

  ‘Ah, that is easy: The drawings of Sir Mulgrave’s 1750 exploration of the North Western Plains. I was particularly taken by a detailed rendering of the most strange and wonderful earth worm I have ever seen. It is quite enormous, if your grandfather’s dimensions were accurate.’

  ‘Yes, it is considered contentious. Although my grandfather swore that his rendering of the creature was accurate. But because he could not safely preserve the creature to bring it back with him, doubt still exists as to its actual size.’

  ‘Do you know where he found it exactly?’

  ‘No, but I am sure that it would be documented in his Journal.’

  ‘I would like a chance to read that Journal, if that is at all possible. I do a great deal of travelling in the western regions, and I would like the chance to see one of these creatures for myself.’

  Liv exchanged surprised looks with her sister. It was one thing to show a polite interest in specimens on display, it was entirely different matter to want to look more deeply into one, especially one as contentious as the giant earth worm. If he was serious, then it was the most affective compliment to come her way all day.

  ‘That would be possible, sir. However, it would mean journeying to our home in Yorkshire. The Journals are all there, and my grandfather insisted that none of them leave the family under any circumstance. I am sure my father would be only too pleased to invite you to Foxmoor Manor to further your investigations.’ Liv smiled at the darkly handsome man, and was gratified to receive an answering one.

  ‘Miss Mulgrave, I would be honoured to pay a visit to your home in Yorkshire. When would be suitable for you?’

  ‘I will be returning home at the end of the week. How would July suit you? The weather will be at its best by then.’

  ‘Thank you, Miss Mulgrave. You do me an enormous kindness. I will look forward to the occasion with much impatience.’

  With that, the two gentlemen moved off to take in more of the exhibit, leaving the sisters in shocked disarray.

  ‘What will father say?’ Augusta asked in a hushed voice, her pretty face flushed with excitement.

  ‘I am sure he will welcome any gentleman who shows such an interest in grandfather’s work. He may not have been interested in his father’s travels and specimens himself, but he was always proud of his work. And though he would have preferred me to have followed a more ladylike path, he never tried to stop my own interests in the field.’

  ‘Oh, I wish I could be there! Rene L’Angley appears to be a most fascinating companion. But Freddy and I will be going south in July to visit his aunt in Portsmouth.’

  Liv gave a little laugh. ‘Wanting to see more of the exotic Mr L’Angley is just a better alternative to visiting Freddy’s aunt.’

  ‘No, not at all. I saw the way he looked at you. I would love to be a there to watch him court you. He has a better chance than most, I would hazard to guess.’

  ‘Court?’ Liv laughed a little too loudly this time, completely taken off guard by her sister’s observation. ‘I think not. Unless he wishes to court a two foot long earth worm.’

  ‘Mark my words, sister dearest, that man has fallen under your spell. Any interest shown in that worm is simply an excuse to see more of you. An offer before the end of summer, I would say. How would you feel about moving to the Americas?’

  ‘Don’t be a ninny, Gussie, it is not like that at all.’

  But, as her sister laughed at her discomfort, Liv had to think more seriously about her suggestion. What if Rene L’Angley was interested in her hand, what would her feelings be on the matter? He was certainly the nearest thing to the perfect man, for her, she had ever met. But it was early days yet. He might have some disgusting habits and debts up to his ears. He might only show an interest in her for her dowry. Many before him had been thus encouraged to pursue her for that prize.

  She hoped not. It would be devastating to find such a perfect specimen had feet of clay.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Spring 2334 New Atlantis, GAIAN CONFEDERACY

  Rene stepped back into Start Point eagerly. With a quick greeting to Anders, he hurried from the cavern, intent on researching Sir Hugo Mulgrave more fully. The line of data mentioning his exhibit at the National Museum in 1810 had necessitated a visit to that time. But it had been meant simply as a fishing expedition. He hadn’t expected it to net him these kinds of results. But, within a few days, he’d been able to verify that the Ser Moolgraaff the Obejwe had referred to was, indeed, Sir Hugo Mulgrave. And that his drawing perfectly matched the description of the legendary creature his Midew had spoken of with such awe.

  Now he had the year of the expedition, and with some more sleuthing, he would have the details of Mulgrave’s journey. If he couldn’t locate the ship, the date and harbour he arrived in, then he would visit Foxmoor Manor and read the journal of his journey for himself.

  The thought of seeing Livianna Mulgrave again was tempting enough for its own sake. Very tempting.

  With a light-hearted laugh at the uncharacteristic direction his imagination was taking him, he entered the lift and waited the several seconds it took to transfer him to the surface. As he began striding along toward the moving pathway, which transported citizens out through the different precincts of the city, he took special notice of the pristine, colourful gardens and classical architecture that surrounded him. He had been gone only a few days, and yet this place seemed different somehow. Better. With a start, he realised the optimism that had been warring with his life-long pessimism, over the last few year, was finally winning.

  He had found the trail that would take him to the legendary giant earth worm. And once found, he would be able to Retrieve live specimens for his experiments. These new developments weighted the scales heavily toward the positive. For the first time in his exceptionally long life, he felt they might just be able to save their beleaguered planet.

  When he had finally been given the go ahead to experiment with Retrieval, not long after the Retrievers brought back the 150 women and children from Poland, he had started Retrieving fast reproducing specimens, to see whether the enforced sterility time travel wrought on humanity was evident in other species. Over a series of months, he had been able to Retrieve and reproduce life forms from single celled organisms right up to small mammals, such as mice. The genetic codes had remained intact and the lifespan seemed unaffected by the journey.

  The news had excited the government and scientists eve
rywhere. Others had joined his new branch of the Retrieval Program and a special research facility had been set up next to the Retriever’s headquarters. Naturalists from all fields were lining up for training, so they could become part of the new program.

  So now he was certain, if he could find samples of the living worms, he would be able to bring them back alive and capable of reproducing. He would also bring back samples of their soil habitat and replicate it in New Atlantis, to see exactly how these creatures worked their magic. If research on the giant Palouse earthworm (Driloleirus americanus) was accurate, then the creature’s ability to burrow deep into the soil was the key. They could burrow right down to the water tables, and then come back up to the topsoil, to evacuate their moist faeces. This would provide the much needed moisture arid soils required for regeneration.

  He remembered the moment he had seen the drawing in the glass display case, just as it had been described to him by his Midew. The exaltation he had felt had been hard to contain, and had morphed into determination when he was introduced to the pretty granddaughters of Mulgrave. Determination became aggression, as he sought to gain access to Mulgrave’s personal journal of the expedition. His behaviour had bordered on impolite, for that society, but he hadn’t cared. If he couldn’t track down the ship, port and date of Mulgrave’s arrival in Canada in 1750, he would have to read the journals to get the information. And he would do almost anything to get what he wanted.

  The idea of going to Yorkshire to see Livianna Mulgrave again left him strangely breathless. It wasn’t that there was anything outstanding about her appearance. She looked like every other prissy miss of the time, her golden blonde hair tortured into ridiculous ringlets, her body wrapped in yards of washed out fabric that did nothing for her pale, slightly freckled skin. At least the Regency era had done away with the corsets and other dire torturous pieces of female apparel. And they wore no makeup, which was another blessing.

  But for all Livianna’s average appearance, there had been something about her that had drawn his eye, even before she was pointed out to him as Mulgrave’s curator. It might have been the soft laughter he’d heard coming from that corner of the quiet room. Or the pleasing blush her cheeks seemed prone to. Or could it be the liquid brown eyes that reminded him of a fawn’s. Whatever it was, he had been drawn to meet her.

  Then, when he realised that she was no typical ninny of that time, but an intelligent, articulate and educated woman, his interest had increased. And when she had looked deeply into his eyes, it was as if she saw right into his soul. It had been disconcerting, that in-depth scrutiny. But oddly rewarding. And he still carried that image of her in his mind, popping up at odd moments when his preoccupation with his research waned for a moment.

  He half hoped the computers would not be able to locate information on Mulgrave’s journey. Seeing her again would be a bonus.

  With light steps, he strode along the moving walkway toward the new research facility. And just as he left that path and started walking along between the Retriever’s buildings, he heard someone call his name.

  Rene stopped and looked around. Coming toward him at a graceful jog, was Jane NewSW, her glorious hair blowing behind her like a bright copper cloud. He smiled.

  ‘Rene, how did it go? Have you found your mythical worm?’ she asked with a gasp, as she reached his side. Her perfect, porcelain skin was flushed with exertion, and the flecks of gold in her green eyes sparkled with interest.

  ‘Not mythical, anymore. It is now safely within the realm of legend. I have found my white explorer, and I have seen his drawing of the giant earthworm. It is everything I had hoped for, and more. His granddaughter has given me permission to read his journals, if I cannot find a record of his journey by other means.’

  Jane tipped her head to one side and studied him closely. ‘What’s different about you? You’ve got a lightness about you I’ve never seen before. And your walls are down.’

  ‘My walls?’ He had to laugh. Jane was the closest thing to a friend he now had in New Atlantis, but she still seemed like a very young girl to him, at times. But he had been right about her being his Midew. And he had become her pet, just as he had been pet to so many medicine women in the past.

  Jane had been the one at his side when he underwent his ninth transition, early than planned. Her assurances that he had the strength of will to make it, had given him the confidence to see it through. With everything opening up for him at the time, he’d been terrified by the thought of cutting his lifespan short, if the transition had failed. But her optimism and strength had been just what he needed. And now he had his youth back, and all the energy he needed to carry his plans to fruition.

  ‘Yes, your walls. And don’t look at me so innocently. You know what I mean. You intentionally keep people at a distance. Your colleagues see you are superior and unfriendly, but I know you aren’t either. You’ve just got thicker and higher walls than most of the Old Timers. I thought it was because you were so old, but now I’m not so sure. You suddenly seem to be as young as this new, drop-dead-gorgeous body of yours.’ Her expressive eyebrows wiggled suggestively at him.

  He laughed again, feeling every bit as young as she observed him to be. ‘Watch it, kiddo, or I will be duelling your Bonded for you! Drop-dead-gorgeous, indeed. Who came up with such a saying?’

  She nudged him in the shoulder with her fist and she pulled a funny face. ‘No duelling with Julio. I have enough trouble with his jealousy as it is. I tell him you’re just a friend, but he still gets pretty damn prickly.’

  He threw his arm over her shoulder and drew her in so he could drop a kiss onto the top of her bright head. ‘No duelling, I promise. I know your heart belongs to that flashy Brazilian. I would not have a hope of winning you away from him, no matter how ‘drop-dead-gorgeous’ I am. I think it’s my preoccupation with bugs and worms that puts you off.’

  Her arm had come around his waist and, for a moment, she held him close. Then she stepped away and looked up into his eyes. ‘So now that the flirting is done with, it’s time for sharing. Tell me about the worm hunt and what has put that twinkle in your eye.’

  They began to walk along the path toward his research centre. ‘It was all so easy. I Jumped to a few days before the exhibit opened at the new British Museum and made the acquaintance of a suitable Lord at the gaming tables, where I lost a small fortune. The man was so impressed with my losing streak, and my fake pedigree, that he invited me to stay at his club for a few days, and proceeded to introduce me to suitably influential people. My tragic French background didn’t go astray. They hate Napoleon and the Revolution, so émigrés from that violent time are taken under their proverbial wing. Especially if they were wise enough to get out of the country with their fortunes intact.

  ‘Drumoyne accompanied me to the exhibit and I made quick work of finding just what I was looking for. The worm was beautiful! Don’t laugh you scamp! Worms can be beautiful, if they can regenerate the land. The man was even more useful when he introduced me to Mulgrave’s granddaughters. Livianna, the spinster granddaughter, was the curator of her grandfather’s collection. She invited me to Yorkshire to read his journals, so I can go in search of the creatures for myself.’

  ‘You’re talking like them, Frenchie. How long were you there?’

  His mind went blank for a moment. How long had he been gone? It felt like years. But it had only been a little under a week. ‘It’s these clothes and hair. You feel obliged to be verbose and delicate when wearing them.’

  She looked at him again, letting her eyes give him the once over. ‘It suits you. Although, I think I’d have preferred you in buckskins and paint. Did you ever go on the warpath in any of those Indian lifetimes?’

  ‘I made a point of always being a slave, so I wasn’t recruited into the warrior ranks. I had no desire to die in-situ. Or kill someone who might prove historically significant.’

  ‘It seems funny to think of Indians having slaves. They always seemed such free sp
irits in the movies.’

  ‘They were, and slavery was nothing like it was in the southern states of the US. I was part of the family, in much the same way as a guard dog or horse would be. They looked after me because I was valuable.’

  ‘And you never married an Indian Princess?’

  ‘No. Though there were times when it was encouraged, especially when they wanted to adopt me into the tribe so that I could fight with them. But I claimed I had no interest in women, or men for that matter, so I was able to stay…’

  ‘Behind your wall,’ she interrupted. ‘Which brings me back to why the wall is coming down. I can feel it. What’s changed, other than finding the trail of your magical worm?’

  Her ability to see beneath the surface was a gift she shared with the many Midew he had known. At this moment, he found her ability disconcerting and unwanted.

  ‘I have no walls, Janey. More than that I cannot tell you…’

  ‘Tell me about the granddaughter. You called her a spinster. Does that mean she was old and thin, with a horsey face and spectacles?’

  He laughed as he headed through the glass doors of the Regeneration Centre, and continued on down the corridor toward his laboratory, with Jane in tow. ‘Not old, not thin, and no glasses.’

  ‘Pretty?’

  ‘Yes. But more importantly, intelligent.’

  ‘Ah… what colour were her eyes?’

  ‘Brown, why?’

  ‘Hmmm…. Interesting.’

  ‘What is interesting? That I know the colour of her eyes? I am an expert observer, please remember.’

  ‘What colour are Cara’s eyes?’

  He frowned and tried to picture Jac’s Bonded. She had white-blonde hair and golden skin, so it stood to reason her eyes were blue or grey, but he couldn’t say for sure.

  ‘How about that biologist on your team… Clarrice is it?’

  ‘Yes, Clarrice. No, I have no idea what colour her eyes are. So I am not as observant as I claim to be, is that what you are intimating?’