by Grant Eagar
The vine gently wrapped around Henry's wrist as if to shake in agreement.
He took the amber rod and placed it in the girl's hand then the plant wrapped around the other end of the rod. The stick glowed with a soft blue light and the plant glowed as well and slowly the light left the plant and permeated the girl then the vine withered away.
The girl lost consciousness, Henry took her in his arms and held her. “Matilda! Is this you? Are you in here?”
After five minutes the girl slowly opened her eyes and touched her face and softly wept. Several minutes later she dried her eyes and sat up and considered Henry. She quickly stood up and slapped Henry’s face three times. “A plant? Bloody Hell, you put my essence into a plant? What were you thinking? Sure it’s nice to be alive again, but couldn't you think of something better than a plant? I nearly died of want of water and sunlight. You're not fit to raise any plants you have the black thumb of death.” She then considered him for a moment then reached over and gave him a long hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of life; you foolish, foolish, wonderful, glorious, stupid bastard you.”
After they separated Henry rubbed his cheeks and asked, “So what of the girl’s essence which was there before?”
“Some random memories of you and Sophie and a tiny bit of someone else is all that is left. I’m glad you stopped the sexual thing when you did or our relationship would have become quite awkward. I definitely do not think of you in that way. It's hard having romantic feelings for someone whom you plotted their death whenever they forgot to water you.”
That night she returned to the Thomas estate.
CHAPTER 13
Riana
Two days later-
When Sophie entered the great hall she saw the girl playing a piano concerto. Sophie's nose wrinkled, she had so hated the drudgery of practicing for Master Sullivan. He had insisted she play the pieces over and over and over until she had finally achieved perfection. She had not played for over a year now, the tyranny of her mother and the piano master had taken all the joy out of music for her. She approached the girl who continued to play for several stanzas then looking up, her eyes widened and she stopped.
That was lovely Riana, lovely indeed. I was surprised you would be playing since I abhorred playing the piano.” She then glanced at the dress. “That dress is dreadful, it makes my boobs nearly fall out, how can you stand to wear it?”
Riana raised an eyebrow and stared at Sophie for a moment then asked, “What have you been thinking about which puts you in such a stormy mood?”
Sophie held her hands together to keep them from shaking. “I have been thinking of Henry and he always gets me upset. I told him our friendship was over, considering the irresponsible buffoon which he is.” She took a deep breath and offered Rina a wan smile. “Since Henry and I are no longer friend’s maybe you two could ...”
Riana laughed. “This is so fun, I still have some of your memories, I know you, and you’re taking the easy way out. I'll follow your dreams and you’ll continue to do your duty; how droll indeed. Sophie, don't make plans for me or unload your baggage at my feet. Don't do me any favors, you have made choices, live with them. If you want Henry make the choices necessary to have him.”
Sophie reddened. “I-you never appreciate it when someone is doing you a favor. Why is it so hard to just say thank you?”
Riana stood up and held both of Sophie's hands. “Sophie, I’m not you.” She looked down at her dress. “I like showing a little pink flesh to create some interest. I love to play the piano. At present, I have no intentions of settling down and having a family. I simply intend to enjoy life as it comes.” She then hugged Sophie. “I know your pain, but alienating Henry is not going to make it go away.”
A WEEK LATER
Henry rode Sebastian to the Thomas estate. He was greeted by the butler and was led to a chair in the parlor. Instead of Sophie appearing it was Sir Thomas himself. He came and gave a slight bow and sat down in a chair across from Henry.
“Henry, it’s nice of you to visit. Sophie is out and about and should be along presently. Son, there is something I'd like to speak with you about.”
“Actually the reason for my visit is the new girl; I wanted to see how she carries on. Of course I would be happy to speak with you, now what is on your mind Sir?”
Sir Thomas looked at Henry gravely. “Sophie said this was an accident, that it was not your intention to create another girl. I however count this as divine providence of the most glorious, wondrous nature.” He hesitated for a moment then continued. “Sophie had a twin who passed away as a young child. I feel this is a second chance to have Riana back with us.”
Henry looked at him in shock. “Sophie had a twin? How remarkable. This doesn’t make sense, how could that affect my experiment?”
Sir Thomas smiled. “Life is not all science; you have to allow for serendipity, for miracles.” He then arose. “We had named her Riana and even established a trust fund for her. We had never got around to dissolving it; the memory of losing her was just too painful. When I mentioned her name she felt having a new name would be a fresh start for her life so she has agreed to take upon her the name of Riana as well. I don't know where this poor soul came from, but I'm thankful to have her as my daughter.”
Henry considered him for a moment then said, “With all due respect sir, this is not your long lost daughter, she was a prostitute who has been given a new lease on life. I'm sure she’s willing to do anything to please you in exchange for this.” He then gestured at the opulence of the room. “Her former name was Matilda, please don't make her into something she’s not, but rather ... but rather understand and love her for what she is while encouraging her to be her best self.”
The gentleman scowled. “That tale was a bit fanciful was it? Matilda ... that is a fine name. Changing it will take some getting used to though. I feel your advice is sound and I’ll discuss it with my wife and Riana – ah Matilda. Whatever, I'll let her choose the name she is comfortable with.”
Henry stood and looked at him directly. “Sir, the Colonel wanted me to speak with you regarding a matter of honor. If by chance unpleasant, painful, embarrassing issues arise because of her past; issues which would make her unwelcome. I’ll accept responsibility for her and she can come and live with the Colonel and myself.”
A tear came to the gentleman’s eye and he wiped it away. “We lost her once; we'll never give her up again. We'll make this work.” He then ushered Henry into a large room with tile floors and exquisite paintings on the walls. The girl sat at a desk drawing a picture which she covered upon Henry entering the room.
“You know one another; I'll give you some time I'll be in my study in case you need me.” He then walked down a hallway.
The girl wore one of Sophie's gowns, maroon with purple flowers with a white lace bodice. “Hello Soph-Matilda, excuse me. How are you today?”
She gave him a small smile and said, “Fine enough, I'm still a bit lost, the whole world seems to be asking who I am, what I am. I have my own memories along with a few of yours and many of Sophie’s those are slowly leaving me. I am struggling a bit, I wonder what is real. What are just someone else’s memories?” She showed him the picture she had drawn of herself as an ivy under the window in his workshop.
“I still have Sophie's ability to draw and play the piano as well as shoot and ... perhaps she would not want me to share those other abilities. I found if I practice the piano her memories of playing it do not leave me. The same is true of drawing, my abilities stay if I use them.”
“I miss having your help with my inventions ... I-I mentioned to Sir Thomas your name is Matilda, not Riana. I hope I did not speak out of turn, I ah just think it’s good to hold onto who you were; the good and the bad.”
She said, “I so want to get away from who I was?”
“Who were you, but a girl who struggled to survive in a hell hole of poverty? You do have a new chance, grasp it, but don't fo
rget the good your old life held.”
“Henry, I'm not Matilda, well I'm not completely Matilda, that was my old life. “I like the name Riana, do you mind calling me that?”
“I understand, I feel Riana is a lovely name.” He then stood and regarded her for a moment then circled her a few times staring intently at her. “Riana please arise, I would like to perform a few tests. They may appear a bit peculiar, but indulge me if you will.”
She rose and winked at him. “You’re always peculiar, why should today be any different and why should I be surprised.”
“The sooner those memories of Sophie leave you the better, now please take my hand and take a few dancing steps, one, two, three, one, two, three there you go.” She gracefully danced about. “Now may I dance with you?” She nodded and they stepped around about the room. He would spin her to the right then to the left.
She offered him a warm smile. “One memory of my old life was when I was in the asylum and delirious, I remember you reading to me. In all the darkness and pain you gave me great comfort. Thank you so much.”
He blushed and said, “It was an honor to serve you. I’m glad I was able to ease your pain.”
When they stopped dancing Henry heard applause. “Well done Henry and Riana. You two make a charming couple and dance very well indeed. So Henry, what are you up to today?” asked Sophie.
Henry cautiously smiled at her, “I've been banished from the tailor shop given I cause too much havoc. I decided to come here and cause a bit of mischief. You have arrived just in time.” He turned to Riana. “Thank you for the dance please be seated.” He then approached Sophie. “Now would you be willing to dance with me? It’s just for scientific discovery.”
She raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Scientific discovery? I’ve had my fill of your scientific discoveries to last a lifetime.”
“Just be patient and please do as I say.” They danced, “I'm comparing your coordination with Riana's”
After they had danced a bit Sophie asked, “So how do we compare?”
He gave her a mischievous grin, I really don't care, I just enjoy dancing with you. It’s wonderful to see you’re not mad at me anymore.”
She playfully pinched him. “I'm still a tiny bit angry, but I missed you, it’s always hard to be mad at you for very long; now truthfully tell me what this is all about.”
He stopped dancing then walked over and sat down on a couch next to Riana. Sophie sat on the opposite side of him. He glanced at Riana and said, “As expected, Riana steps best to the left and you Sophie to the right. Now if you could hold perfectly still, I want to listen to the beatings of your hearts.” He put his head to Riana's chest then Sophie's then back to Riana then back to Sophie's.
Riana asked, “What is this back and forth thing, what are you getting at?”
Henry grinned and said, “I’m just enjoying being close to you.” After a punch from both girls he said, “I have one more test for each of you. He picked up two apples from a basket and tossed them to the girls. Sophie caught the apple with the right hand and Riana with the left.
“Now will you finally get to the point?” asked Sophie.
“As I suspected, when you take a picture it’s like looking into a mirror, what you see is not an exact reproduction of the person. It’s their opposite.” He then stood and approached a full length mirror. “Come over and look into the mirror. I'll start with you Sophie; look at yourself in the mirror. Now Riana, you stand next to the reflection. See they are identical.” The girls switched places several times.
“My god they are identical,” said Sophie. “So my heart is on the left side and hers is on the right side. I am right handed and she is left handed. My mole is on my right cheek and Riana’s on her left cheek. ”
CHAPTER 14
Length of Time
Location: Count Von-Friedrich’s headquarters – Occupied France.
The spy massaged the hat he held in his hands. “I-I’ve been discovered by the English defense league. I had to reveal myself in order to capture Henry David’s flying machine which unfortunately crashed.”
“Captain Johnson, well I guess your name is now simply Wanted Traitor Johnson. So did the boy build another flying ship?” asked Count Von-Friedrich leaning back in his chair and picking his teeth with the blade of a golden dagger.
“There’s talk he’s working on a second ship. Let us hope he can finish this one in time for us to make use of it.”
The count scowled and said, “If it’s uncertain whether the lad will provide England with a ship and he has no weapons to provide for us, what interest is he? It appears to me he's been used as a decoy. Have you been toying with me again? I wouldn’t want to put you back in the box.”
Johnson blanched. “There was the bit about his relationship with this girl, the daughter of Sir Thomas. Sophie is her name. She hovers about the boy; I suspect she's part of the English Civil Defense League. She appears to be keeping an eye peeled just in case he comes up with something useful. Even though she is out of the poor sap’s league; he's infatuated with her.”
The count regarded him coldly then his lips parted into a smile. “Johnson, the next time you return I want you to have something useful to share, rather than tales of your failures. If we aren’t able to make use of the boy, at the very least kill him so the English will not benefit from his genius.”
“Sir, when I return you’ll be pleased with my accomplishments, consider the boy as good as dead.”
HENRY’S GRANDFATHER, Colonel Scott, had taken up the practice of patrolling the farm with his shotgun accompanied by several large hounds. He had hired twenty workers to assist Henry in the construction of his new airship as well as several armed men to guard the barn where Henry kept his inventions. Henry’s greatest defense though, was a clockwork duck which he created to keep the population of bugs down around the farm. Not only had the duck thinned out the spiders, but it also kept the hounds hiding in the pen, the cats on the roof and no one dared venture outside for fear of being followed by a quacking, squeaking nightmare.
The day of his first flight arrived; the ship was moved into a hay field next to the barn. Henry glanced at the airship he had completed. He felt it was a vast improvement over the other airships he had worked on. Not only would the ship make tea and biscuits, but it also provided protection from the elements. The vessel wasn’t fast nor was it quiet, but once up in the sky it could stay aloft for hours on end.
He gripped a handle which he cranked to wind up the mechanism. He then poured a small batch of blue energy into one container then filled a tank with turpentine which he used to heat the boiler. The large boiler soon produced enough steam to power the sails. They slowly beat, pulling the vessel aloft against its tie downs. The wings were much larger than other flying machines beating at a tenth of their bumble bee type frequency. Finally the ship was ready to take to the air.
Henry’s grandfather came out and performed his final inspection of the ship. “Henry, your airship looks sufficiently airworthy. You've done quite well, it isn’t a beauty, no teak wood and such, but it appears to have exceptional lift and the cannon you have mounted should be devastating to the enemy forces.”
Henry heard the sound of a girl’s laughter and turning around there stood Sophie. She covered her mouth with her hand, seeing the look of disappointment on his face. She attempted to keep from laughing again. She approached Henry. “I feel you’ve outdone yourself, though the ship does resemble a mess of flying sheets.”
Henry gave her a wounded expression. “Sophie, are you implying the project I’ve been working on looks like an assortment of mismatched bed linen?”
“Not exactly mismatched, I think the mess matches beautifully though the sheets do appear to be running amuck. Clothes lines are a fine invention,” said Sophie with a playful poke. “I think you did a very good job, if the vessel doesn’t get off the ground at the very least you can dry all the bedding in the house.”
Henry rolled his
eyes. “No one appreciates my genius; such is the life of an inventor.” He put on some goggles, a leather helmet, and strapped a parachute to his back. “I intend to fly over the fighting and report troop movements. I feel this will be a great demonstration of my support for the war against Count-Von-Friedrich. I may even fire a few volleys at the enemy just for good measure.”
Sophie raised an eyebrow. “Troop movements? As slow as this contraption moves you'll be a flying target. You're a civilian; you can't go willy-nilly wandering about the conflict playing with your toy.” She gave the ship an appraising look then rolled her eyes. “It may have some use however, if the ship can stay aloft as long as you say it can. I daresay the ship interests me enough to join you on your maiden flight; after all someone must keep you from killing yourself.”
Henry glanced at his grandfather, “Sir, what do you think, should I take her along with me? It would be great to have some company on my first flight.”
The Colonel shook his head. “If any harm comes to his daughter, Sir Thomas will have our heads. I think you've about used up his good will. I suggest taking a few precautionary flights and when the bugs are worked out you'll be free to go joy riding with the ladies.”
Sophie's face reddened and she looked like she tried to eat a bitter turnip. “J-joy riding with the ladies? I'm not some precious china doll who sits and waves at the fly boys as they fly off on their adventures.” Sophie grabbed a helmet, goggles, and a parachute then strode past Henry shoving him to the side and climbed into the ship.
Henry glanced after her and shrugged. “I suppose you can go, though I thought my last invention grounded our friendship forever. I don't know whether our relationship can take another blow.” He looked at her narrow eyes and raised his hands in defeat. “Okay, okay come along by all means, but I must warn you that you enter the ship at your own peril. I would've thought you had learned your lesson by now.”
