Of Steel and Steam

by Pauline Creeden et al.

  Edward frowned. “I have a meeting with the Head of the School. My family may be providing an endowment to Melody.” He shrugged, not happy to be doing the work of his family, though he’d often said that it was the price he paid for his freedom without elaborating. She’d learned more on her trip to Britain.

  “After dinner why don’t I show you what my students have done in the experiment building and we can talk then?” The building was usually empty shortly after dinner as students were required to remain in their dormitories after dark unless they had special permission from a member of the staff to be out. She was eager to show him the magical intercom system—to be used sparingly—and see if it offered any insight into their shared dilemma.

  “I’d be delighted to join you,” he said. “I’ve already seen that Melody is differently equipped than the Academy in London. I suspect it’s because such conveniences as you have here would be considered frivolities there, but I’d like to discuss our shared teaching experiences.”

  They reached the dining hall and conversation quieted as Leo opened the door for them and the din of conversation from students and staff washed over them. Edward arched an eyebrow at Leo, who elbowed him in the ribs. Whatever was going on between them, Henry chose not to ask. Not in such a crowded room anyway. She led them to the staff and guest line, where they got marginally better food, and everyone loaded up platters with roast meat, vegetables, and a slice of pie, before finding an empty table, already set with a bowl of rolls and fresh butter.

  “Must be a perk to being in America.” Edward waved his fork over the food. “When I was at the academy in London we certainly didn’t eat like this.” He glanced across the room at the students.

  “They receive a cake instead of pie. That’s reserved for us. And I believe we receive better cuts of meat, but maybe there’s something to it. It’d be difficult to find the land for cattle and hogs in the middle of London. And I’m sure the mill is probably a lot closer too. I don’t recall seeing anything of the sort during my visit.” She dove into her food, realizing she’d probably revealed too much about the workings of a kitchen to be an eccentric scientist.

  “You have a point,” Edward replied as he slathered butter onto a slice of thick hearty wheat bread. “I’m sure that’s a factor. Perhaps we should think about locating our Academies outside of cities going forward.” He turned thoughtful and much to her relief, everyone began eating.

  That evening Henry arrived in the experiment room before anyone else. Her students had gone back to their rooms, several of them grumbling about a test to be given the next day. A part of her wished that she was a part of the group, studying for a test, worrying that it might affect her position within the Musimagium. She’d missed out on all of that, and while she understood why, she desired badly to have had that shared experience. A light tap on the door announced Leo’s arrival.

  She pressed her hands to the table and drew deep breaths, bemused at the thought that his appearance could discombobulate her so. They’d been working together for months on this experiment, and though their work had hit a wall, it was still no less vital. She turned to the door, still dressed as Henry.

  “Oh, you are here. I thought I was early.” Leo shut the door behind him. “Edward is jealous that he’ll have to get a tour tomorrow, and I’ll see this place first. London likes to think that it’s alone among the academies with its area dedicated to the sciences. And granted, ours is bigger, but yours appears to be no less useful.” He paused next to her at the table, his fingers mere inches from hers.

  “I like to work when the students are gone,” she replied. A glance at their hands gave her the strangest yearning to reach over and simply touch his fingers with hers. As if lightning, or some kind of magic passed between them, the sensation pulled at her.

  “You called out to me during the fire, didn’t you?” He spoke softly, as if he wasn’t quite sure they were alone.

  “You heard?” Was that breathy hopefulness in her voice? She feared she sounded like a heroine out of a Jane Austen novel, and she’d never twist herself in knots over a man. Never mind one as handsome and smart as Leo.

  “I did and I feared something horrible had happened to you.” He reached for her and trailed his finger over her cheek. Without any windows in the building—science liked to create broken glass—no one could see unless they entered in the front door, and she, as no doubt he also did, listened carefully in case they were disturbed. “You did it, whether you realized it or not. You sent a message across the Atlantic. A fearsome one.” He let his hand fall to his side.

  “We’ll have to add that to our calculations,” she replied in an attempt to keep her mind focused on science. “Perhaps the emotion behind the message aided in sending it. But that may not be helpful for general correspondence that needs to be sent a long distance.” She turned and stepped away from the table to get the notebook she kept on her desk there.

  Leo grabbed her arm. “Wait. Henry. You’ve changed your appearance.” His fingers tightened around her upper arm. “The last time I held your arm like this you were so frail. I feared I’d break you in two.”

  She gasped. “I was sick,” she said.

  “No. You’ve gained strength.”

  She stared at where his arm touched hers. Even with the layers of her coat and shirt between their skin, his fingers burned like a brand. “As I said, I was sick. I’m sorry you had to witness me in that state.”

  “I’m not.”

  Her gaze flew to his.

  “I thought I was going mad.”

  “Mad?” she replied. “What do you mean?”

  “Edward told me I needed to meet this American scientist because our work was so similar. He thought we might be able to share theories. Collaborate.” Leo released her with a burst of laughter. “He must have thought I’d lost my mind, because all I could talk about was the wonderful Henry Smythe and how brilliant he was.” He whirled to face her. “And when I got your message of the fire. I feared I’d never see you again. Never get to tell you…” His words trailed into silence.

  “I’m not brilliant,” Henry replied when Leo didn’t speak. “Just trying to finish my father’s work. He thought his ideas were silly, that magic couldn’t be used in that way.”

  “Except it is.” Leo pointed to a box next to the door. “Your Academy has put it into use. It has a very specific spell, nothing that you’d find in any of the books I think, keyed into it. I suspect now, seeing that, and I hope to talk to your administrators about it, under the guise of bringing it to London, of course, someone had to craft it completely new. And I believe that you and I, working together, can do it.”

  “My students are smarter than I am,” she protested.

  “You are applying magic in real life. They’re applying it in books. That’s two totally different things, Henry Smythe.” He strode toward her again, this time with purpose. “And I may be the fool that Edward thinks I am, though not in the same way. But all I’ve thought about since your visit was to bring you back to London and make you my wife. You’re so smart and beautiful and—”

  “I won’t stay at home in pretty dresses and look good on your arm at parties,” Henry cut off her words, knowing that indeed, she was turning into some sort of simpering female who wanted only to be looked at with desire by a man—this man. “Henry will not be packed in a trunk like a folly.”

  Leo laughed and swept her into his arms. “Of course not. You cannot imagine my surprise, and my relief, once I learned that you were a woman in disguise. And I kept your secret. Not even Edward knows. He thinks I’ve taken a fancy to the young lads, for all my praise of Henry.” Leo laughed again. “There’s no reason why Henry cannot continue his research alongside me. And when we’re at home, I shall discuss scientific theories with my wife Henrietta.”

  “Oh,” she gasped. “That’s different.”

  “I’ve grown rather fond of you. More than fond. I’ve despaired of finding a woman as interested in the scie
nces as myself. Like you, I would not be happy with a simpering wife who only cares for gowns and balls. Professors aren’t really brought into that part of society anyway. I’d relegated myself to being a bachelor. Until I met you. Please, Henrietta, will you make me the happiest man in the world and consent to being my wife and moving to London with me.”

  She stared at him, not quite sure what to say. Moving to London would be a stretch for her, but she’d loved it there. And right now she had nothing holding her down, except for this position. “Can I finish out the semester first? I don’t think it would be fair to Melody for giving me such a chance if I just walked away with a handsome man who sought my hand.”

  “So you think I’m handsome?” A mischievous grin crossed his face.

  “I do. And yes, if I can finish out the semester here and honor my commitment, then I will gladly join you in London, as your wife and as your equal.”

  “Then I am happy.” He cupped her chin and kissed her. The tender brush of his mouth against hers startled her with its gentleness and the warmth it created. She wrapped her arms around his neck, sighing as their bodies fit together. The kiss deepened.

  The door opened.

  “Am I interrupting something?” Edward asked.

  Chapter 10

  Hattie jumped out of Leo’s arms, a heated blush spreading over her cheeks. “Edward,” she gasped. “I thought you had a meeting with the Dean or someone?”

  Edward strode forward, dressed to impress with his expertly shined boots and his velvet coat. The door closed behind him. “It finished early. I was hoping to get a tour of the building and see your experiments. Leo has spoken very highly of your work, and I’m intrigued from the letters that you’ve sent.” He glanced at Leo.

  “It’s not what it looks like,” Leo said, moving closer to Hattie and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. He pulled her against him, as if to shield her from Edward’s confusion.

  “If I’m not mistaken, you and Henry were kissing. Far be it from me to cast aspersions on your character. There are several ladies back home who are pining for Professor Calshire’s hand.” Edward turned to her. “He’s quite the catch you know. They’ll be broken hearted to hear that he has an affinity for his own sex.”

  “He doesn’t.” Hattie stepped forward with a regretful glance at Leo, but she had to do this on her own. Her hair was cut short, so there was no dramatic unwinding a braid, and she certainly wouldn’t unbind herself here. “My name is Henrietta Smythe. I’m the daughter of a lowly telegraph worker who happened to have magical ability, but none of the musical to accompany it. My father taught me as his son. I was a gangly child and never properly developed into my womanhood.” She glanced down at her chest.

  “Well, I’d say Leo is quite enamored with it as it is.” Edward went to his friend and clapped him on his shoulder. “It makes so much sense now, my friend. You should have said something. How long have you known?”

  “Henry—” He stopped and looked at her, as if wondering how to address her now that everyone in the room knew the truth.

  “Hattie,” she confirmed. “Leo cared for me when I became ill. My housekeeper and friend Alva assisted, but when she had to take care of her husband in the evenings, it’s my understanding that Leo stayed by my side. I don’t know for sure, because I struggled with a fever and don’t remember much of it.”

  “Hattie,” he emphasized the name, “is right. I saw her in her night dress, fully clothed of course, perfectly modest for one in her situation, but it was obvious she was no young man. I wanted to respect her wishes, so I didn’t tell anyone.”

  Edward shook his head. “Amazing. I’d had my guesses, my concerns. But there are so many sickly young boys that don’t get the basic learning that her story was completely plausible. I’m glad you found happiness, my friend. I’ve known Henry a long time and when I introduced you, I’d believed you enough alike to become friends. Now I see that it’s more.”

  “Thank you,” Hattie said. “I meant no embarrassment to anyone.”

  “Whether you are Harry or Henrietta, that doesn’t change how I feel about your science,” Edward said. “And I wish both of my friends all the happiness in the world. Let’s take a look at this and see what we can bring back to those stuffy old men back in London. Your Dean promised to show me how your intercom system works.”

  In her element, Hattie explained the different areas of the room, how the classes were divided up, and then they continued the work she’d been doing.

  A year later

  Henry ducked into the small building not far from school where a young man trusted by both Edward and Leo to keep secrets, nodded to him as he went to the room in the back with a small name plate of H. Smythe on the door. As one of the partners in Smythe & Calshire, he frequently wrote letters to their American counterparts in deploying new communications technology. Though the range was still limited, albeit increased from the initial work that Leo and his students had done. With the application of technology from Melody, as well as a tweak the magical spells they now could communicate all the way across London and were slowly working it out into the countryside.

  Mrs. Calshire, though Hattie still wasn’t used to the title, though they’d been married now nearly six months, emerged from the office, dressed in a smart blue day dress and sturdy boots. A bonnet covered her hair, though it was growing out. “I’ll be at the university for my wives’ salon. Then I’ll be meeting Leo for dinner. Please feel free to lock up at your convenience. The young man lived in the rooms on the second floor, a youngest son who had much better prospects with them, than he did in the Musimagium proper.

  “Thank you. Enjoy your evening.”

  “I shall. And thank you.” She stepped out, no longer feeling as if she were playing a part when she dressed as a woman. She received greetings as she crossed the campus, from students and instructors alike. Henry Smythe no longer taught, preferring to work alone in furthering the art of magical communication. He did occasionally attend the campus’ building, at Leo’s invitation, for experiments, and when Henry wasn’t there, often the professor’s wife would accompany him, which made her a bit of an oddity on campus. However that had brought together her wives’ salon, which was growing and becoming more well-known, as more professors’ wives wanted to learn about the sciences and their husbands’ works.

  The Dean, with enthusiastic backing from his wife, had offered a meeting room in the administration building. Hattie entered in time to see the tea being poured and the Dean’s wife already there.

  “Hattie, you’re early. I’m so glad.” The Dean’s wife approached her. They clasped gloved hands. “My husband is thinking of starting an orientation of sort for the wives of new professors. So many of them come from the country and seem uncomfortable at best among company here in the city. He thought since you were from America, perhaps you wouldn’t scare the young dears so much as I or some of the others, and maybe you could talk to them about the duties of a Professor’s wife, especially considering that you’ve set the bar.”

  “What did you have in mind?” Hattie walked with Elena to the head table where she and a few other ladies sat. She poured herself a cup of tea, then sat.

  “Mostly an informal meeting. Perhaps showing them around at events or introducing them to people. I know you’re busy with the work that you and your husband are doing.” Elena paused. “I’m so glad you and Mr. Calshire decided to remain in London. It’s so nice to have a wife be open about following her husband’s pursuits.”

  Hattie didn’t bother with correcting Elena since she had it mostly right. “I’d be happy to do so. I remember how lonely it was when I first arrived. Not every wife has a husband as grand as my Leo to show her around and introduce her to people.”

  The door opened and a stall statuesque woman entered. She paused, as if not sure she were in the right room.

  “Excuse me,” Hattie said, then stood to meet her. “Mrs. Overhill, I’m so glad you could make it.” She extended
her hands to the woman who clasped them gratefully.

  “Please, call me Dorthea. I’m excited to be invited. A wives’ salon. Truly I’m overjoyed that such a thing exists.”

  Hattie led her to the head table and introduced her to Elena. Perhaps she already was working on the position that they’d just been discussing. “And you’ll be talking about some of the common principles of mathematics?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell us, how did your interest in mathematics begin?” Elena asked. “I find this all so fascinating.”

  Dorthea began slowly, then as she realized she had a rapt audience, spoke until the rest of the women arrived.

  Hattie went to the front of the room and thanked everyone for being there, then introduced Dorthea and ceded the floor to her. She listened raptly and then staff brought in finger sandwiches for snacks. The meeting ended and classes had ended for the day, so Hattie went to Leo’s office. His assistant smiled when he saw her and let her know that he was in the experiment hall.

  She found her husband bent over the table studying some crystals that they’d tuned to various spells. He didn’t glance up from his work until she stopped beside him and made a suggestion about placement.

  “Hattie. You’re here. Wonderful. I think we got it.” He stepped back from the table. “Using the spell work that was done in Melody, we tweaked it, created more of a seeking spell. As in the message needs to seek out the receiver. Since this is meant to replace telegraph, I’ve cued the crystal with a receiving mode. I was just about to take this one home with us. That should be a sufficient test. If you listen tomorrow and we have the students send a message to you. And then you can send the message back? That would delight them, I’d think.”