Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles)

by Suzanne Lazear

  “Yes, he’s spoken so highly of you. Especially you and your engineering skills, Hittie. And Hattie … James isn’t here right now but he was asking Vix about you.” Noli couldn’t help but grin. So these were the air pirate sisters.

  “James has?” Hattie’s hand went to her hair.

  Hittie snorted. “Vix says it’s a double wedding. Are you marrying the useless one?”

  Useless? Oh yes; to an air pirate, V would be a bit useless.

  “Yes. Please, come in.” Noli turned to the butler. “It’s fine, Jameson.”

  “Yes, Miss Noli.” He frowned and shuffled off, probably to hide in the kitchen, far from the women and the party. Lucky.

  Noli saw someone creeping up the stairs. “Vix, wait! The fun has arrived.”

  Vix turned, her eyes widening in surprise. “Hittie, Hattie, you’re here!”

  “Thad said you couldn’t go to the stag party because you had to go to some girly affair.” Hittie leaned to the side, catching a glimpse of the soiree in the parlor. “I think I’d rather brave the stag party.”

  “Me too.” Vix leaned against the railing. “How do you stand it, Noli?”

  “At least we’re getting the short version. Usually there are months and months of engagement dinners and teas and dances and calling on people.” Noli wasn’t sorry to miss all that, not to mention all the societal rules that bound engaged couples. “What’s a stag party? I’ve never heard of one.”

  Vix grinned. “It’s where the groom’s friends take him out for a night of manly shenanigans. This one involves Steven and the rest of them.”

  “Oh dear.” Noli laughed at the thought.

  “It’s why I sent Asa and Thad to join them,” Vix told her. “I don’t know your Steven well, but I have a feeling he might need rescuing. Not to mention that Jeff would want Asa and Thad to be there.”

  “Rescuing? It might be good for him,” Hittie snorted.

  “Probably, and Jeff needs a night with his father.” Vix shook her head. “He sure didn’t see that coming.”

  “Is Jeff all right with our father being here?” Noli’s belly dipped. She never thought of the converse side of bringing her father home.

  Vix waved her hand. “He’s fine. Very happy, actually. If anything he feels bad because he’d given up all hope of your father ever being found.”

  “Jeff’s father was missing?” Hattie frowned.

  “It’s a long story, but we found him.” Noli glanced over at the party and sighed. “At any moment my mother’s going to appear and drag us inside. If one more woman gives me vague wedding night advice I think I’m going to scream. Or go hide in the kitchen and eat a lot of cake.”

  At the word cake Vix’s face lit up. “Is there actual cake? All I see are tiny ones. I want a slice … or an entire cake. Why is all the food so small?”

  “Because tiny food is ladylike.” Noli grinned.

  “Um, Noli … ” Vix flushed slightly. “Do you need someone to explain to you what happens on the wedding night? I’m only asking since most society girls have no idea what happens—or what body parts are used.”

  “Or that it’s supposed to be fun,” Hittie tittered.

  “I just don’t want you to be surprised,” Vix finished. “And if you do know, then Hittie should explain it anyway, because her version will have you snorting wine out of your nose.”

  Noli chuckled. “I … I actually know what happens, but I appreciate the offer.”

  “Oh.” Vix’s lips pursed as if keeping in her laugh. “Don’t tell Jeff.”

  “He’s the one who stormed into my room demanding to know if V was marrying me because I was with child.” Noli couldn’t stop laughing.

  Mama walked into the foyer, looking radiant in a rose gown, her chestnut hair curled artfully. “There you are. Why are you all out here? I feel so terrible shorting you of all your parties, Noli dearest, but it’s the best I could do given the time frame.”

  “It’s lovely, Mama. You did a wonderful job. It’s I who am sorry for giving you such short notice. But as you were already throwing a wedding for Vix and Jeff, it made sense for us to be included.”

  Yes, her mother was having a good time playing mother to two grooms and two brides.

  “Oh, Noli … I’m just happy you didn’t elope. I don’t know why that seems to be all the rage right now.” Mama made a face at the notion.

  “I have an inkling,” Vix muttered to Hittie.

  Mama put her hand to Noli’s forehead. “Are you feeling poorly? I do worry about you. If you’re not strong enough to go to France straight away, you can stay here with me until you’re better.”

  “I’m fine, Mama,” she gently brushed off. “Oh, these are Vix’s friends, Hittie and Hattie. This is my mother, Edwina Braddock.”

  Her mother smiled. “Oh, hello. Welcome.” She frowned. “Victoria, you also look a bit pale. It’s all right; you two can go to bed after we open presents. After all, you need your sleep for tomorrow. Come along, ladies.” Picking up her skirts, she sailed into the parlor.

  Hattie looked at Vix. “I think after the presents we should sneak away and invade the stag party.”

  Now that sounded fun.

  “I know where there are some hoverboards,” Noli replied. She knew Vix didn’t care about it being illegal for women to hoverboard. Hittie and Hattie probably didn’t care either.

  “Hoverboard in dresses?” Hittie’s eyebrows rose. “Also, it’s snowing.”

  “I do everything you do while in a dress and a corset, from fixing engines to hoverboarding.” Noli shrugged, not understanding what the fuss was about. “I’ve never hoverboarded in snow. It might be fun.”

  “Or cold.” Hittie shook her head.

  “But James is there,” Hattie added. “And Jeff … ”

  “Ladies.” Mama appeared the doorway, wearing a stern expression.

  “We better go. I know that tone,” Noli said. “But after … I’m curious as to what they’re up to.” Hopefully manly shenanigans didn’t mean joy house.

  Vix nodded. “Yes, we should go.”

  In a flurry of laughter, the four of them piled into the parlor.

  Steven sat in the tall, ornate wooden chair, frozen. He was surrounded by men in suits and top hats, most of them somehow related to Noli. Jeff sat next to him, in an equally tall chair. They had drinks in their hands. On the table in front of them was a woman performing acrobatics while only wearing a corset and bloomers.

  Well, he thought they were acrobatics.

  In the background, other women swung on swings, or plied men with drinks and then danced with them. All around them, men drank, gambled, and smoked cigars, filling the room with a smoky halo.

  “V isn’t watching the show,” James tattled. “Drink, drink, drink.”

  With a sigh, Steven took a drink of his whiskey. It seemed as if they’d been here forever. Somehow this entire night had turned into some sort of drinking game. Jeff called it a “stag party.” Was it called such because the man of honor felt like a hunted deer?

  Certainly the theme seemed to be let’s embarrass Steven.

  Could they leave already?

  “Jeff, Jeff.” A very large dark man in an ill-fitting suit came over to the table, a ruffian in an eye-patch and equally ill-fitting suit with him. They looked vaguely familiar.

  “Asa, Thad.” Jeff looked over and grinned. “You’re here!” He drained his glass and stood.

  “The Captain told us. Would’ve been here sooner, but we didn’t realize there was a dress code,” the one in the eye patch said. “Also, Asa had a little trouble getting in.”

  Ah, this would be Jeff’s crew.

  “Oh, is this one Noli’s?” The dark one eyed him. “I’m Asa. You’re Steven, I presume?”

  Steven nodded, unsure if things had just gotten better or w
orse. “Yes, I am.”

  The other one, the one with the eye patch, stood there gaping at the woman on the table as she put her feet over her head.

  “Oh, friends of yours, Jeff? I think we need more liquor,” Mr. Braddock cheered. He was a bit tipsy … so were Noli’s grandfathers, for that matter.

  Asa scooted closer to them. “The Captain, Noli, Hittie, and Hattie tried to come rescue you a short while ago, but they couldn’t get in. I’ve never seen the Captain in a dress before. Hittie and Hattie either.” He laughed.

  “Noli was here?” Steven wasn’t sure if he should be pleased or scandalized.

  “Noli shouldn’t be here, not with Father, Grandpa, and Grandfather present.” Jeff shook his head. “Actually, none of them should be here, since my father and grandfathers wouldn’t understand, though normally I’d find it quite amusing.”

  “We should have gone to Mathias’ Place.” James shook his head. “Wait, did you say Hattie was here?”

  “Yes, she and Hittie came for the festivities. Said they wouldn’t miss it.” Thad’s eye remained riveted on the girl on the table.

  “I’ll make sure they’re invited to the ceremony,” Jeff replied. “I think I might even be able to ensure you’re seated next to each other at supper.”

  His father returned with more drinks and passed them out. Noli’s grandfather gave everyone cigars.

  Jeff clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re doing fine, Darrow. We might just make a man of you yet.”

  Steven tried not to sigh as he glanced at the girl on the table. “Could we try something else? Gambling perhaps? Though James is lousy at cards.”

  Anything to get away from … this.

  “Am not.” James scowled.

  “Yes, you are.” Steven stood, the room swimming a

  little. Already he’d had too much to drink. He had a feeling that was the point.

  “Where are you all going?” Mr. Braddock asked.

  Jeff raised his glass. “We’re going to visit Lady Luck.”

  Mr. Braddock tipped his head. “Enjoy.”

  Not likely. Steven wished he was with Noli. Instead, he allowed Jeff to put a new drink in his hand and lead him off.

  He wasn’t sure what time it was when they piled back into a motorcab and returned to Noli’s grandfather’s house, reeking of alcohol and cigar smoke. At some point it had started to snow. Steven’s head pounded as they walked inside, knocking snow off their shoes, and hanging up their hats.

  “I hope you had a good time, son.” Mr. Braddock clapped Steven on the shoulder. “I’m glad Noli has a nice chap like you to take care of her.” He went up the stairs.

  Jeff snorted from behind them. “I think Noli takes care of you.”

  “She does,” he and James agreed in unison.

  Everyone went upstairs to bed. Steven waited until all was quiet then snuck down the hall to Noli’s room, a parcel in his hand. A light glimmered under the door.

  “Noli?” he whispered, cracking open the door. She was in the window seat, asleep, Great Expectations on her lap. “Oh, Noli, you’ll catch cold.” He put her book and his parcel down, scooped her up, and tucked her into bed, pulling the covers up under her chin.

  “V?” Her eyes fluttered open. She grimaced. “What do you smell like?”

  “Cigars and whiskey.” He sighed.

  “Oh. So you went to—”

  He held up a hand. “Not a joy house, but it was some sort of … gentleman’s club. Like Mathias’ only with gambling and mortals.”

  “And you didn’t have to bring a kitten?” Noli sat up.

  “No. No kittens.” He couldn’t help but smile. “I heard that you tried to rescue us. Didn’t you have a party here?”

  She made a face. “Yes, I now have more linens than I know what to do with. It was a present party, where all of Mama and Grandmamma’s friends gave us advice and things for our new households. It’s Vix I really felt sorry for.”

  “It sounds dreadful.” Steven picked up the parcel. “I know it’s not Christmas yet. But I got something for you.”

  “You didn’t have to get me anything. Though I do have something for you as well.” She opened the gift.

  Steven sat down next to her. “I thought that we could read this together and discuss it, like we used to. It’s not Machiavelli, though I still want you to read that.”

  “The Art of War, by Sun Tzu?” She traced the cover with her finger, then flipped it open to a random page. “Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can? I can’t wait to read this with you. I appreciate it.” Noli leaned in and kissed him. “I have something for you as well.” She went to the dresser and pulled out a small box. Her cheeks pinked as she handed it to him and sat back down.

  “What’s this?” He opened the box and inside was a set of very fancy gold cuff links.

  “They were Papa’s, from when he married my mother. She’d had them put away for me to give to whomever I

  married.” Her cheeks remained pink. “My father said it was all right, that he’d be pleased for you to have them. I … I don’t have anything else for you other than a kiss.”

  “That’s all I need, and the cuff links are splendid.” He tucked them in his pocket. It was such a thoughtful gift. “Now, about that kiss … ” Fumbling in his other pocket, he pulled out a bit of mistletoe. “I’ve wanted to kiss you under the mistletoe for some time.”

  “Have you?” Her eyes danced. “There’s a kissing ball downstairs. Everyone’s asleep.”

  “Us sneaking downstairs is asking to be caught.” Steven held the mistletoe over them with one hand, then pulled her to him with the other. Their lips met and he kissed her gently, so happy that after all those years of loving her from the shadows, that he could now share his dreams with her without reservation. All this he poured into his kiss. He broke it off, heart beating quickly. If he continued …

  Instead, he kissed her forehead. There’d be time for everything else later. “Merry Christmas, Noli. I love you.”

  “Merry Christmas, V. I love you too.” She grinned.

  “Good night.”

  Uncertain times were coming. They had a staff to assemble, a queen to defeat, and a future queen to raise. He was grateful to have Noli at his side.

  Thirty-One

  Wedding Bells

  “Noli, dearest, it’s time.” Mama came into her room and straightened her veil, which was attached to a coronet of hothouse flowers. “You look beautiful. My baby girl is all grown up and getting married.” Her fingers ran gently down Noli’s cheek. “I hope this is enough for you—”

  “Mama, I didn’t want a giant society wedding, or a season, or any of that,” Noli replied honestly. “All I really wanted was to have a wedding with my family … and Papa to walk me down the aisle.” She sniffed, trying to keep back the tears. She never thought she’d be the kind of girl to get weepy at her wedding.

  Mama gave her a kiss on the cheek and smoothed her hair. “Thank you for never giving up on your father. You have no idea how happy I am to have him back. Oh, that dress is so beautiful on you.”

  “I love it, Mama.” Noli turned to look at herself. “You outdid yourself on the design.” The dress wasn’t poufy, nor was it a bustle gown, yet it had some body to it. It was made of white silk, swathed with white and gold brocade. The back was a swirl of ruffles that fanned out like a mermaid’s tail, creating a small train. The brocade bodice laced up like a corset. Missy Sassafras would never approve—but Jo would. So would Miri … and Charlotte.

  Mama beamed. “I just knew you would. It suits you perfectly.”

  She had never realized her mother had actually finished a wedding gown and a complete trousseau, and had them packed away, ready and waiting, along with other trifles and family trinkets.

  “You and Papa are staying in Boston?” Noli asked. H
er mother’s dress was beautiful as well, as red as Christmas, with a slight gold accent around the neckline.

  “Yes, he’s going into business with my father for now.” Mama beamed and picked up the bouquet of roses off the dresser. “There you are. You really do love Steven, don’t you?” She handed her the flowers. “You always have. He’s so young—and has so many responsibilities with his father gone. But … ” A smile crossed her lips. “You two always have been able to accomplish anything when you worked together. I hope you remember that. Marriage is work for both parties. It takes patience, love, and compromise.”

  “It does, doesn’t it?” Noli sniffed her bouquet of flowers. “I do love him. So much. I’m not marrying for duty; I’m marrying for love.”

  V made her a better person, and she’d like to think she did the same for him.

  “I know, dearest, I know. Oh, before I forget.” Mama opened a little pouch that had been hanging around her wrist. “Here.” She fastened a necklace around Noli’s neck. “Your grandmamma gave this to me when I married your father. It had been hers, then it was mine, and now … and now it’s yours—it can be your something old and something blue.”

  “Oh, Mama.” Noli’s eyes teared up in gratitude as her hand went to the rather large sapphire and diamond pendant. She remembered her mother wearing it for fancy occasions before her father had disappeared.

  Her mother’s finger tapped her lips. “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and you have a penny in your shoe?”

  “I do, Mama.” A penny slid around in the bottom of her borrowed slippers. It was rather uncomfortable. “Are we ready?” All this fussing made her fidget.

  “Yes.” A sad look filled her mother’s eyes. “Oh, I’ll miss you. But now you have your chance to go to a university and see new and exciting places, just like you’ve always wanted.”

  If she only knew.

  “I’ll miss you as well, Mama.” She’d miss her so much, but …

  “It’s a pity you must bring Elise with you. Are you certain you don’t wish for me to care for her for a while so you can enjoy being a newlywed?” her mother offered. “I wouldn’t mind.”