Strawberry Fields

by Pelaam

  The crack was loud in the sudden silence, and Secundus’s cheek clearly bore the outline of Amaretta’s hand.

  “My brother and I shall work. We shall support our mother. And we will find a way to save you from having to concern yourself about our situation.”

  “A lesser man would punish you for that.” Secundus’s eyes narrowed, and his voice was like ice, but Nicolas was proud of the way Amaretta stared him down.

  “You only care about your own reputation. You forgot mother has a title of her own, and care only how badly it would reflect on you if we became paupers.” Nicolas came to stand beside Amaretta, laying his hand on her shoulder. “You offer us nothing more than the bare minimum, to keep your own face, not because you have a shred of familial love or moral fiber in your body. We’ll take the jobs you find for us, and, as Amaretta says, will work our way out of your debt, and your life.”

  “Such ingratitude.” Secundus shrugged and turned his back. “The house is yours, but you will pay the rent one month from the day you take occupancy. I’ll have a contract drawn by my solicitor. I will not renege on the offer. But thereafter, you will not miss one single payment to me, or Nicolas will be thrown into debtor’s prison. I’ll have a servant collect you to sign the contract, Lady Valentina.”

  “I won’t sign it. I will not allow you to hold Nicolas responsible in that way.” Nicolas’s mother rose to her feet, but Nicolas held up his hand.

  “If the people you’ve recommended as employers fulfil their duty, we will fulfil ours, Uncle. Mother, ensure that is included in any contract you sign. We cannot be accountable for an employer’s failure to pay us as we are due.”

  “Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure the man I have lined up for you to work for will ensure you get everything coming to you, nephew.”

  “I have money enough to have a solicitor of my own present when I sign your contract, Secundus. I’ll be sure to take your advice, Nicolas. We shall return home now, Secundus. I shall contact you with the name of my solicitor, and please contact him when you want me to sign your contract. Come, children.”

  A swell of pride washed over Nicolas as his mother, then sister, their heads held high, swept past Secundus.

  “Do not forget that pride comes before a fall, nephew.” Secundus hissed at Nicolas as he drew level with the corpulent man.

  “It’s also said that the greedy bring ruin to their homes.” Nicolas deliberately looked at Secundus from top to toe before locking his gaze with his uncle. “Good day, sir.”

  Despite the seriousness of their situation, Nicolas’s heart felt a little lighter. Secundus would enjoy having power over them, of that Nicolas was sure. But he would find a way for them to break free of any indebtedness to Secundus.

  Chapter Six

  The next couple of weeks flew by with such speed that it left Nicolas almost giddy as he and Amaretta packed up as much as they could to be put in storage by friends and distant family. He and his mother were now back in town for her to sign the paperwork Secundus wanted, and for Nicolas to check over the accommodation he offered.

  With his mother safely in the office of their solicitor, Nicolas took the keys of the house and boarded a tram which chugged to a stop close to the solicitor’s offices. Nicolas had never used public transport before and it was as eye-opening as it was bone-jolting.

  As the tram made its huffing way along the streets, Nicolas was grateful that he didn’t suffer from sea-sickness, and that he had a handrail to grip tightly. The only respite from the buffeting was at the designated stops which grew more infrequent as the tram headed away from the city center and into its suburbs.

  Thanks to the conductor, Nicolas got off at the stop recommended and took the short walk to bring him to their new home. The area wasn’t as urban as the city center with the buildings crouching so close together. But neither did it feel a particularly welcoming neighborhood.

  When he spotted the house, if it could be called as such, Nicolas’s heart sank. It was much more like a small cottage. Nicolas scowled darkly as he stomped through the front door. There was a set of stairs straight ahead leading up, and a door on the left which led into the downstairs rooms.

  With a deep breath, Nicolas marched through the open door. Only a wooden table and chairs were in the first room. The lace at the window was frayed and yellow with age, and the brown curtains that framed it were thick with dust.

  Another door at the far side of the room opened into a sitting area and a small kitchen. The furniture looked more suited to the rag and bone man’s wagon than for use.

  Retracing his steps Nicolas bounded up the stairs. On the next floor were two small bedrooms and what passed for a bathroom. Looking at the beds, Nicolas grimaced. He’d make sure his uncle arranged for the cottage to be cleaned, and fresh furnishing provided before any contract to rent there was signed.

  A set of narrow stairs behind the door next to the bathroom led into attic space, although another bed had been moved in there. The room would have to do for Nicolas unless he wanted to sleep in the kitchen.

  “So much for our suitable accommodation.” There was no way Nicolas was going to allow his mother and sister to live in such a hovel. “I’m going straight back to Uncle and letting him know this is somewhere I wouldn’t give to the poorest servant in which to live. Not unless he cleans and furnishes it.”

  With another jolting ride to fuel his already simmering anger, Nicolas was ready to tell Secundus to keep his house. However, a brief discussion with their solicitor ensured he was ready to stand his ground for them.

  A couple of hours later, contract signed with an addendum that Secundus would clean, decorate, and furnish the house, Lady Valentina left with the solicitor while Nicolas faced his uncle.

  “You drive a hard bargain, nephew.” Secundus looked up from his desk. “I expected you would clean and furnish the house yourselves.”

  “As it is, the place is uninhabitable. I will ensure our solicitor examines the place before we set foot inside it.” Nicolas met Secundus’s glare without flinching.

  “I’m not a believer in charity.” Secundus voice dropped in timbre and took on a cold edge. “My brother had the same opportunity as I, greater in fact. That he chose to squander and fritter away so much of his inheritance does not make me my brother’s, or in this case my brother’s dependents’, keeper. I shall naturally assist. I wouldn’t see family members in the poor house. After all, there is our good name to consider. Nor would I expect your mother, Mrs. Broadberry, to be reduced to taking on work.”

  “Lady Valentina. Please remember her title, Uncle.”

  “It’s a foreign title, worthless as I understand, but as you wish.” Secundus sniffed loudly. “The same, however, cannot be said of either you or your sister. You may have the house, cleaned, decorated, and furnished, but I will expect my rent, and you, Nicolas, along with Amaretta, will work to earn it. If you work hard and you’re industrious with your earnings, you will eventually work your way out of your current situation.”

  While his face remained impassive, inwardly Nicolas seethed. Now he understood why his father had so few dealings with his brother. There was no family love in Secundus Broadberry. His smug expression was almost enough to make Nicolas punch him on the chin, but he had his mother and sister to consider.

  If he and Amaretta had to work, then so be it. But he’d make damned certain to find an alternative way to live. A way that didn’t involve being in any way beholden to his uncle, Secundus.

  “I’m sure we’re very grateful to you, Uncle.” Nicolas kept his voice level.

  Secundus steepled his fingers and rested his chin on them, all the while peering closely at Nicolas.

  “I’ll find something on my own if need be.” The last thing Nicolas wanted was to feel he owed Secundus anything.

  “Now, don’t be hasty. Your sister mentioned you have skill in, shall we say, a mechanical way?” Secundus smirked, tapping his finger against his chin then pursing his lips as if study
ing a new species of insect.

  “Oh, please, sir, let us be blunt. I have skills as a tinker. Good skills.” Nicolas knew Amaretta wouldn’t have mentioned anything about his more special skills.

  “Yes. So she said.” The sudden edge to Secundus’s tone instantly sent a cold frisson down Nicolas’s spine. “There may be something—or should that be someone—who can make use of such a … talent.”

  There was no mistaking Secundus’s disdain, but there was also a calculating look in his uncle’s eyes. Nicolas was quite certain his uncle had someone very specific in mind and had doubtless been there since Amaretta’s revelation. Not that it mattered. Nicolas knew he needed to work, and an opportunity to work in the field he so enjoyed was to be grasped with both hands.

  “If you think so, then I’d be pleased to make their acquaintance.” Nicolas gave a stiff bow and Secundus inclined his head slowly.

  “Yes. I think you’d do very well. I shall contact him and arrange a meeting. Of course, whether he takes you on is entirely down to your own merits. I shall also speak to those I think suitable for Amaretta. They will be more amenable to my recommendation.”

  “Thank you, Uncle.” Nicolas hated to say the words—they almost stuck in his throat.

  “Either I or your prospective employer will be in touch soon. Good day, Nicolas.”

  He’d been dismissed, and Nicolas knew it. Fixing an insincere smile on his lips, Nicolas gave a short bow.

  “Thank you, Uncle. I trust I’ll hear from you, or your contact, in due course.”

  Secundus didn’t bother to look up from his desk, and Nicolas stomped out without another word. On the steps of the house, Nicolas breathed deeply. As much as he disliked the grey, misty air of the city, he wanted to rid his lungs of the musty air of Secundus’s home.

  His heart sank to think of leaving the clean air of the country behind him, but Nicolas vowed that it would be for as short a space of time as he could manage.

  Chapter Seven

  To Nicolas’s surprise, Secundus proved true to his word. Within a week, the cottage was clean and refurbished, and Amaretta had started as a milliner’s assistant. Not that she was particularly enamored of the position, since it involved assisting with the creation of hat designs. A talent she frequently bemoaned she lacked.

  Nicolas himself had endured another bone-jerking journey via tram into the city center to present himself to one Rufus Melbeck, the man that Secundus had assured Nicolas, via letter, would prove to be the ideal employer for him.

  Although Nicolas had to wonder at his uncle’s confidence, he needed to work, and would do all in his power to secure employment. Checking the address on his uncle’s letter, Nicolas marched down the street, checking the numbers of the buildings as he passed them by.

  Finally, he reached his destination. The premises Nicolas stopped at boasted a well-polished brass plate emblazoned with the name Strawberry Fields, as well as other companies, and was situated in an affluent enough part of the city. However, Nicolas felt an odd thrill as he pulled on the doorbell.

  If Nicolas had been pushed to describe the sensation, he’d have said it was partway between a shudder of revulsion and a thrill of anticipation. Whether it was the consequence of an inner voice, or merely a fanciful notion, Nicolas couldn’t say. But his instincts were usually correct.

  Those to whom he took an instant dislike eventually showed their true colors, but where he trusted someone, Nicolas had yet to be let down. He waited impatiently as a moment ticked by, wondering what could cause such a delay.

  The door opened, and a thin woman, with a face etched deeply with frown lines, peered around it and glared at Nicolas as if he had no place to be there. Nicolas stood tall and drew a deep breath.

  “I’m Mr. Nicolas Broadberry, I have an appointment to see Mr. Melbeck.”

  “Captain Melbeck. Yes, I believe you have. Follow me and be sure to close the door securely behind you.” The woman’s glare intensified at Nicolas’s slip of the tongue, then she turned her back on him, heading deeper inside.

  It wasn’t a request, but an instruction. However, Nicolas obeyed and followed the woman. His journey included a long walk through to the back of the premises, then up several flights of stairs until Nicolas was certain he must surely emerge on the rooftop.

  “Wait here. I’ll announce you.” The woman tapped on the door in front of them and then disappeared inside. A minute or two later, just as Nicolas was about to turn and walk away, convinced it was all some practical joke by his uncle, the door opened, and the woman stepped aside. “Mr. Nicolas Broadberry to see you, Captain Melbeck.”

  “Ah, excellent. Do show him in, Miss Speckle.”

  With great care, Nicolas skirted past Miss Speckle and into the office.

  “Your uncle told me much about you. Come in.” Captain Melbeck indicated with a wave of his hand for Miss Speckle to leave and the door closed behind Nicolas with a loud, ominous click.

  The room held only a large desk, behind which sat Captain Melbeck. He was blessed with thick mutton-chops, the same steely-grey as his hair, a long, thin face with sharp features, and eyes, as dark and cunning as a rat’s. He rose from his seat as Nicolas stopped before the desk.

  Despite the man’s respectable appearance of an emerald-green velvet jacket, cream ruffled shirt, and tweed trousers, there was an air of roguishness about him that Nicolas felt. Nothing about his appearance backed up Nicolas’s feeling, but it was enough to keep Nicolas on his guard.

  “Captain Rufus Melbeck, at your service.” Melbeck stuck out his hand.

  “Nicolas Broadberry at yours, sir.”

  Melbeck’s firm, bony-handed grip was almost strong enough to make Nicolas wince, but instead he smiled, certain this was some kind of test.

  The smile Nicolas received in return was as calculating as it was chilling. Melbeck might dress as a gentleman, but no gentleman of Nicolas’s acquaintance would have metal teeth.

  “Captain, you say? How interesting. My uncle made no mention of your being in the navy.”

  “That’ll be because I’m not a naval captain, my boy. Do sit down.”

  “Not a naval man?” Nicolas shook his head. “I don’t understand.”

  “I have my own ship.” Melbeck’s smile turned feral. “But enough of me. Let’s talk about you. Mr. Secundus Broadberry mentioned your skill as a tinker. Is this true?”

  “That I am a tinker, or that I am skilled?” Although Nicolas only meant the question to be jovial, Melbeck’s expression turned thunderous, then he quickly schooled his features so that his smirk was back in place.

  “Yes, indeed. Your uncle mentioned your … whimsical nature. Are you a skilled tinker? One who can do more than make mere toys and trinkets?”

  “Yes, I imagine that he would. Yes, I am skilled.” Nicolas drew a deep breath, wondering what was coming next, but Melbeck smiled broadly, and clapped his hands.

  “Excellent. I have need of such a man. I am engaged, you may say, in the Christian business of caring for the poor and homeless. Those with no future here, and who must look elsewhere.”

  “Elsewhere? You mean the colonies?” Nicolas wasn’t sure he wanted to be on a ship for an extended length of time.

  “Beyond even the colonies. My ship the Strawberry Fields takes them from here to the New Eden space station. My ship sails neither the seas, nor the skies, but through the very ether of space itself.”

  “Space? Your ship travels through the ether?” The concept of space travel wasn’t entirely unknown to Nicolas, but not something he’d really been fascinated by. His gift didn’t lie in that direction. At least, not until now.

  “Aye, through the emptiness between the stars, my boy. Of course, we don’t travel that far. I’m sure if we ventured out further than the space station we’d encounter all kinds of unimaginable creatures. Thankfully, none have bothered us on our many journeys.”

  “What use would I be? I know nothing of such ships or travel.” Despite his words, Nicolas
’s curiosity was piqued.

  “I make use of mechanicals aboard my ship. Naturally, the costs of transporting these unfortunates are substantial. I get subsidies from generous sponsors, and to keep my costs as low as possible use mechanicals to keep the engines supplied with fuel. Unlike flesh and blood men, they don’t need rest, food, or water. But they do require maintenance.”

  “So, you want me to … to service them? Make sure they’re all working to their best capacity?”

  “That’s right.” Melbeck nodded. “Of course, you will need to accompany me on my next trip. I need you to look at the mechanicals while they’re working, see what’s happening with them, and make sure they’re fully operational. Naturally, while my ship is in dock the mechanicals aren’t working, so it’s pointless looking at them. Your uncle said you were an honest man, of courage and principles, just the kind of man I need to make sure I’m not being tricked by those with less scruples. He assured me you were looking for work of this kind. Well? Are you game?”

  A sinking feeling that, at least on this occasion, his uncle had outsmarted him washed over Nicolas. He was too honest to deny he needed the work, and he had no intentions of appearing to be a coward either before Melbeck, or his uncle.

  The New Eden space colony was well known to Nicolas, at least by reputation. Many people travelled there looking for excitement and adventure, or to start their lives anew. Nicolas would do the same and embrace a new challenge.

  “Very well, sir. I accept the job.” Nicolas held out his hand. “I will travel with you, observe how your mechanicals are working, and do whatever is necessary to ensure they are at optimum working capacity.”

  “Well done, my boy. Excellent.” Melbeck clasped Nicolas’s hand tightly. “Naturally you shall be paid for your time aboard the Strawberry Fields, and I shall furnish you with food and board while you travel with us. Now, let us talk payments.”