Steam & Sorcery

by Cindy Spencer Pape

  The entire room took on a red sheen as Caroline ground her teeth and clenched her fists to keep from lunging at the man. Instead, she swallowed hard and looked at Tommy, who’d been intently studying the ground. “Please visit us in the nursery now and then, Tommy. Your family misses you.” Ignoring Berry, she turned and marched from the room, the children behind her. It was only when they reached the stairs that she remembered they’d left their shoes behind.

  Like a coward, she sent Johnson to fetch them while she and the children scurried back to the safety of the nursery.

  Merrick sighed when Edwin Berry marched into his study on a rainy afternoon. In the two days the man had been in residence, he’d managed to find innumerable flaws in the household, each of which seemed to require Merrick’s direct involvement. While Merrick avoided as much of the domestic discord as he could, Edwin had no qualms about barging in with his litany of complaints about this unorthodox situation.

  “The governess must go.” The tutor braced both hands on Merrick’s desk and leaned forward, fire blazing in his pale blue eyes. “At once.”

  “What did she do this time, Edwin?” The older man’s fervent dislike of Miss Bristol had been evident from the beginning, and frankly, Merrick was getting tired of it. Why couldn’t the two of them simply do their jobs without involving him? He leaned forward, forcing Edwin back so he no longer loomed.

  “She threatened me with violence.” Edwin shuddered as he obeyed Merrick’s gesture and took a seat in the single armchair facing the desk. “Frankly, I believe the woman is not quite sane. She maintains no control whatsoever among those street urchins you rescued. Honestly, Sir Merrick, there are better places for their sort than in the home of a baronet—and a Knight of the Order at that. I could suggest a respectable orphanage.”

  Merrick rubbed his temples, which were already beginning to ache—something that had never happened before the advent of his new wards. “The children stay, Edwin. And with that comes the necessity of a governess. They are actually far better behaved now than they were before Miss Bristol’s arrival. I see no reason to doubt her capability.”

  “But—they represent a threat to the Order, Sir Merrick.” Edwin’s face pinched as he spat the words. Edwin’s devotion to the Knights was well known, and part of the reason this second son of one Knight and brother to a current leader of the Order was the most sought after tutor for budding members. “It’s all I can do to keep Thomas away from those ruffians and focused on his studies. And that Bristol woman is nosy. It will be impossible to keep the secret from them if you don’t send them away. Perhaps they could retire to Hadrian Hall?”

  Merrick weighed the impact of Edwin’s words, which weren’t without merit. “Tommy’s one consideration for coming here was that the others, his family, so to speak, be kept beside him. I will not go back on my word, and I will not abandon a potential Knight.” He leaned back in his chair and fiddled with the chain of his pocket watch. “Answer me this. In the households of Knights with multiple children—yours for example—are the other children kept in the dark about the Order, or are they raised with the same knowledge as the ones who show true potential?” Since Edwin himself obviously knew about the Order, the question was purely rhetorical.

  “This situation is hardly the same.” Edwin drummed his fingers on one bony knee. “You cannot count on the discretion of a group of street rats.”

  “Gifted street rats, by the by. Nearly all of them.” Merrick stopped toying with the chain and laid his hands flat on the table. “I’m convinced they may all be of use to the Order one of these days. So tell me why Miss Bristol felt the need to threaten violence? I thought you were studiously avoiding one another.”

  “She refused to vacate the ballroom when it was time for Thomas’s fencing lesson. One of those brats had the audacity to reach for one of the weapons. I merely knocked his hand away, and she erupted. Honestly, you’d think I’d maimed the child.”

  The short hairs at the back of Merrick’s neck stood on end. “I see. Edwin, did I not specify when you were hired that there was to be no corporal punishment whatsoever?”

  The tutor shrugged. “Absurd though the idea is, Sir Merrick, you did. And I have found additional lessons to be an adequate deterrent for young Thomas.”

  “And yet you took it upon yourself to lay hands on one of the younger children, one who is not even under your aegis?” Oh, this was not good. No wonder Miss Bristol had threatened to roast the man’s balls. And of course they’d all wanted to use the swords—up until a week or two ago, daily combat had been part of their lives. Merrick could have kicked himself for not realizing they’d be desperate to practice.

  Again, Edwin shrugged. “As I said, I just knocked his hand away from the epee. The boy could have done himself or one of the others far greater damage if he’d gotten his hands on the weapon.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, Edwin.” With a sigh, Merrick recounted the story behind his discovery of the children and his unexpected guardianship, including his unorthodox vow that none of them would be hit.

  Edwin listened, his thin lips drawn into a disapproving frown. “I see. Very well, I will refrain from physical contact. Still, you must really find a more appropriate governess.”

  “We shall see.” Dorothy would have his head in a basket if he tried. “Meanwhile, I implore you to make an effort to either get along or avoid them. It is not unreasonable for children to play in the ballroom on a rainy day.”

  “I suppose not.” It was a huge concession from Edwin, and Merrick knew it was the best he was going to get. “However, you must make her aware that some things, such as swords, are entirely off limits.”

  “On the contrary, Edwin. I’ve just told you these children lived on the streets fighting vampyres. I wish you to include each of them in your sparring matches. I think you’ll find it very rewarding.”

  Edwin glared. “Fine. If I must, I shall include the two younger boys in the lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They may be delivered to the ballroom, properly clad, at eleven.”

  “And the girls.” Merrick suppressed a grin at the other man’s horror. Ah, his suffragist aunt would be proud of him now.

  “No.” The single syllable was clipped and firm. “Absolutely not.”

  A cough from the doorway indicated Dorothy’s presence. “Let him go, Merrick, he’d only hamper their skills. I’ll tutor the girls myself. We shall have the ballroom and the epees on Mondays and Wednesdays, then. Capital.” With a triumphant smile, she strode into the room and waved away the tutor. “Run along, now, Edwin. My nephew and I have business to discuss.”

  “Lord, what a toad.” When Edwin fled, Dorothy lowered herself into his vacated chair and rolled her eyes. “I suppose you’ve begun inquiries into Tommy’s parentage? His father was almost certainly a Knight.”

  “Of course.” The power was most frequently passed down from father to son, though a few historical incidences of ‘new’ families had occurred. Well, there was also the fact that some daughters were clearly gifted as well, though the Order tried to claim otherwise, much to Dorothy’s disgust. The Knights’ distrust of gifted females went way, way back, to the original Morgan le Fay. Everyone in England knew how much trouble that woman had caused—even if most of them believed it was all no more than a legend. “I suspect Malcolm Devere. I know he was sowing his wild oats in London some sixteen years ago, and the look around the eyes is about right.”

  Dorothy nodded. “I think you may be correct. You should call on old Sir Andrew as soon as possible. Rumor has it his health is precarious.” The Deveres, like the Hadrians, were among the direct descendants of King Arthur’s Knights, the founding members of the Order. Sir Andrew had outlived his only son, and the baronetcy was expected to become extinct upon the old man’s death. While a bastard child couldn’t inherit the title, Sir Andrew might be able to acknowledge Tommy and at least leave the boy his family fortunes, which weren’t inconsiderable.

  Merrick made a not
e on his desk blotter. “I will, as soon as I can find time to run up to Oxfordshire. Meanwhile, why do I suspect you wanted more from me than fencing lessons for the girls?”

  “Because you know me so well, of course.” She smiled brightly. “I also want Winifred and Caroline to join us for supper. She’s the same age as Tommy, so should be treated accordingly.”

  Ah. That had been one of Edwin’s stipulations earlier in the day. Now that he’d ascertained Tommy’s manners were acceptable, Edwin had decided that tutor and pupil would join Merrick and Dorothy for meals. Merrick considered a moment, but knew there was no point in arguing with his aunt over whether girls and boys should be dealt with on an equal basis. He preferred to keep his anatomy intact. “You’re correct, of course. I find no objection to that.” Except for his personal reluctance to be anywhere near the elusively attractive governess. “If Miss Bristol doesn’t mind, and if someone else can be found to keep Piers, Jamie and Nell under control, then by all means, invite them.”

  “Sally is doing fine with the horde—and her next-oldest sister has applied to become an assistant nursery maid. I think it would behoove us to accept her.”

  His staff was growing like a bread mold. Merrick ought to have been terrified, but instead he nodded. “As you wish. If you’ll please inform Miss Bristol?” With that, he turned back to his ledgers and waited until his aunt had left the room.

  Chapter Six

  Miss Bristol marched into his study shortly before dinner, clad in another of her hideous frocks, this one more or less designed for evening, in a rather dingy slate blue. Her feathers appeared to be so distinctly ruffled as to be virtually upright. Merrick was unsurprised. He’d been expecting her for the last two days, but after Edwin’s visit, he knew for a fact she’d be coming to him today.

  “I want that man gone,” she said without preamble after seating herself in the chair in front of his desk. “His abuse of the children is intolerable. Thanks to your Mr. Berry, Jamie, who already has a broken left arm, is unable to use any of the fingers on his right hand this evening.”

  “What?” Now she’d caught him by surprise. Berry’s tirade this afternoon hadn’t included any injuries. Surely Jamie hadn’t cut himself on a practice sword.

  “The man bashed his hand with that ridiculous walking stick and nearly broke several of Jamie’s knuckles. They’re all swollen and bruised.”

  “Son of a bitch.” Merrick looked up and winced. “Your pardon, Miss Bristol. Should I send someone for the surgeon?”

  She shook her head, ignoring his outburst with a wave of her hand. “They’re not broken, only bruised. I will be honest with you, however. Next time that man strikes a child, he’ll find someone else can hit as well. And I’ll use something heavier than a walking stick.”

  “So noted, Miss Bristol. I’ve already informed Mr. Berry that it isn’t to happen again. While he disagrees with your methods of child rearing, he has conceded to my wishes on the matter.” Merrick suppressed a smile. Underneath her mousy clothing, the governess was a spirited woman—something he rather wished he hadn’t noticed, along with her enticing scent or the lovely curves she tried to hide beneath her ugly gowns. He was still convinced there was something mystical about her. Although she seemed unaware of any particular talents, Merrick would still swear she was gifted in some way or another. Was she hiding something, or did she truly not know?

  “Thank you, Sir Merrick. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go fetch Wink for supper.” She bustled away without waiting for his approval.

  Merrick rubbed his temples again then walked over to a bookshelf. The press of a hidden button rolled back a carved panel, revealing the felt-lined recess. He chose a decanter, popped two chunks of ice from the clockwork freezer bucket into a tumbler and poured himself a drink. Had it really been less than two weeks ago that his home had been a quiet, well-run sanctuary?

  Caroline would have much rather stayed upstairs and supervised the nursery supper than be forced to sit across from Mr. Berry. Since there were only six of them, Dorothy had opted for one of the smaller family dining rooms. To her discomfort, Caroline was seated at Sir Merrick’s right. Rather than alternate genders in the seating arrangement, each pupil had been placed beside his or her teacher, meaning Dorothy, at the foot of the table, was flanked by Tommy and Wink.

  “So, have you heard of any more vampyres working together?” Wink hadn’t seen her ersatz guardian in days, so her question was natural, though Caroline winced at the outraged expression on Berry’s face.

  “We do not discuss such things in public.” He glared at Wink before turning to Sir Merrick. “I told you this wasn’t appropriate.”

  “A quiet family dinner is hardly public.” Dorothy looked down her nose at the tutor, making Caroline want to cheer. “And the existence of the undead isn’t a state secret. Winifred has a valid question, Merrick. I too would like to hear the answer.”

  Sir Merrick sighed. “I’ve made inquiries. A few other…acquaintances have reported similar sightings. It’s most troublesome.”

  His expression was so grim Caroline nearly reached her hand over to his to comfort him. Instead, she diverted the motion and lifted her wine glass to her lips. When his dark eyes caught hers, her hand shook, nearly splashing burgundy on the pristine tablecloth.

  She cleared her throat and prayed she wasn’t blushing. “If the weather is fine tomorrow, I’d thought to visit the Zoological Gardens at Regent’s Park. You said, Sir Merrick, that there is a carriage we can use for outings?”

  “Of course.” He nodded crisply then gazed down at his roast pheasant. “That sounds like a perfectly reasonable educational venture. Perhaps, Edwin, you and Tom may wish to escort them?”

  “I think not.” The tutor’s nose wrinkled and twitched, once again reminding Caroline of a badger. “If Thomas is to be ready for university in two, or even three years’ time, then he must apply himself to his classical education.”

  Tommy’s face, which had lit up at the prospect, fell. “Yes, Mr. Berry.”

  Caroline’s fingers twitched to pick up her knife and hurl it at him, but she simply said, “That’s too bad. Perhaps another time.”

  “So tell us Miss Bristol, where were you educated?” Berry lifted one thin lip into a sneer. “Boarding school, one would hope?”

  “No, actually I was educated at home, by a succession of governesses and tutors, like many young women.” She turned her face away from him and toward her employer. “Which reminds me, Nell’s musical talent far exceeds my own. Perhaps a vocal instructor can be arranged once a week? And if you’ve any advanced texts on engineering, may we borrow those? Wink has quite outstripped those in the schoolroom.”

  “Of course. The library is at your disposal—provided you can keep them from eating and reading simultaneously. Peppermint sticks leave quite a mess.”

  “Shouldn’t the girl be learning more feminine skills? Watercolors, perhaps, or embroidery?” Berry sniffed. “Nothing good can come of allowing women into the masculine professions.”

  Caroline was slightly shocked to realize the snort she’d heard hadn’t come from her, but from Dorothy. “One more remark like that at my table, Edwin, and you’re out on your ear. I know you’re the best the Order has to offer, but you’ll keep a civil tongue in your head, and you will not indoctrinate Merrick’s wards with your ridiculous views.”

  “Aunt!”

  “Miss Hadrian!”

  Both men shouted at once.

  Dorothy shook her head. “Give it up, gentlemen. It’s absurd to imagine the children can keep secrets from one another as well as from an astute governess. Winifred, Caroline, you should know that Merrick and Edwin are both employed by the Crown, working for a secret organization that deals with criminals of both mortal and supernatural natures. Tommy, having the innate abilities required, is being groomed to join that organization when he’s older. I trust I can count on both of you to insure that this information remains private, correct?”

 
; “Of course.” Caroline couldn’t say she was truly shocked. From bits she’d learned about how Merrick had come to take in the children, she’d assumed something of the sort.

  Wink nodded. “I won’t say a word—neither will the others. Pardon me saying so, Miss Dorothy, but in Wapping, you learn to keep your mouth closed. You’ve no worries on that score, not from us.”

  “I didn’t think so,” Sir Merrick said. “But well put, Winifred. So shall your trip to the zoo provide any ideas for more of your clockwork pets? Does our household require a lion, or perhaps even a griffin or dragon to go with your remarkable watchdog?”

  Wink laughed, once again looking and sounding like a normal young girl. “Would you like a pet for Christmas, Sir Merrick? I can quite see you with a panther in a dark, oil-rubbed bronze.”

  “Excellent choice, dear.” Dorothy beamed at the girl. “Now what for Miss Caro, do you think? A kitten? A Pekinese?”

  Caroline blushed and darted a dagger glance at Mr. Berry. “Since we are working on embroidery as well as other skills, I think I’d prefer a nice handkerchief, thank you.”

  The footmen cleared the table of their dishes and set what appeared to be a large rotating epergne in the center of the table, full of fruit, nuts and cheeses. With a tap of his white-gloved finger, the head footman set the mechanism in motion. Slowly, the wheel-like device rotated, with various compartments raising and lowering in an intricate dance to offer their contents to each diner in turn.

  Caroline watched, mesmerized, while each of the others made their selections, Sir Merrick accepting some sliced apples and a firm cheddar, while Dorothy opted for Stilton and pears. Each time one of the dishes was touched, the mechanism halted, allowing everyone time to serve themselves. Wink was almost too fascinated to bother with the delicacies, though eventually she felt the need to test it. Soon a small pile of nuts and fruit decorated her plate.