Summer 1882
Flying somewhere over Europe
That sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Flying over Europe. And yet I’ve seen so much over the last few weeks that flying over Europe is the least of it. Curious how we can become accustomed to the extraordinary so quickly.
We rousted ourselves around the ungodly hour of about 11 am to breakfast with Monsieur Boujoulais who was a gracious host despite have just returned home, having almost no staff there, and having a generous portion of the house brunt to a crisp. While I certainly understand the need Meren’s group had to keep the other guards from disturbing their work, amongst several with their level of power I can’t imagine they couldn’t find an alternative to fire. It has a mind of its own and will spread if not watched. They couldn’t have had any idea that the house would end up in the former owner’s hands, so perhaps they just didn’t consider damaging the building as hurting anyone but the weekly wizards.
But fire is still fire. It’s dangerous and gets out of control faster than anyone ever imagines. Well, I wasn’t there so I suppose I have no business judging, have I?
In any case, after breakfast Cal called the carriage and the creepy clockwork driver and we left Paris quietly enough. I have to wonder what the Empress is up to this morning. I shall not back down on my dislike of Monsieur Duruy. I can certainly understand his feelings considering what has just happened, and even his personal rudeness doesn’t bother me in particular. What does bother me is the feeling that he is ambitious for a return of the power of the Weekly Wizards.
I am digressing today, aren’t I? I think Cal and I were both still rather fatigued, of mind if not body and the ride was quiet. I watched the City of Lights pass by, and then enjoyed the countryside as we rode though, although with the speed of the carriage it’s a lot like taking a train, with no time to truly settle one’s eyes on anything and get a good look.
I have spent a great deal of time out of America, and I still find it slightly startling when I see blatant use of Arcane magics. What screaming there would be if anyone saw a carriage going that fast back home. Well, perhaps not in New Orleans.
So we returned to the estate in good time, and Charles was as delightful as I’d found him before, and comfortable in his farmer’s clothes again. Perhaps I’ll throw Cal over for him. Cal is occasionally frighteningly lacking in sense of humor. I’m quite certain that the problem is not that my teasing is too subtle.
If you ever get your hands on this somehow, dear, life is not THAT serious, I promise! Or at the very least I’m not. And I don’t really plan to throw you over for Charles.
Not very seriously, anyway.
Meaghan was strutting around the place looking quite smug and pleased with herself. It’s possible I’m being unfair and seeing what I expect to, but so what? A time may come when I need to get along with her, but that day has not come yet and I can be as unfair as I like. Pepe was still interested in coming with us back to Egypt in hopes of seeing his relation, so we have company on our long ride over the continent.
After so much happened last night, I was glad to get some time to wander outdoors alone while Cal made whatever landowner arrangements he had to make. If he really intends to ask Mrs. Parker to allow him to become part of the AGELESS group, he’ll be living in Florida for a while, so I suppose there are arrangements to be made. I’m sure Charles can handle things, even with Meaghan feeling full of a new sense of authority.
We waited until full dark to bring the dirigible back out and return it to its full size. We’ve been in France for a few days now. I’m sure Cal’s people got good notes about it. I wonder how long it might take them to replicate it? I’m all for taking on a project for the challenge, but what ARE they going to do with a Dirigible once they create it?
Anyway, Charles gave us a lovely goodbye and Meaghan an awkward but sincere one and we were off. I’ve had a nice chat with Pepe and now he’s dozing while Cal steers this great behemoth back to Egypt.
It’s my hope we’ll be headed back to Florida shortly after we get back. It’s been an exciting time in Egypt, but I’m ready for a bit of home and comfort and quiet before heading out again on whatever mission the AGELESS group may take on next. Of course there’ll be a trip to England soon, so I may not get as much rest as I’d like.
I’ll have to talk to my dressmaker sooner rather than later. Call me petty (and you’d probably be right) but if I have to meet Cal’s parents I want to absolutely knock them over. I can play the cultured lady with the best of them, filthy colonist or not. Although I have to admit as poorly as I think of these people now, I’ll think even worse of them if I’m suddenly acceptable because the Queen of England took two seconds out of her day to notice me.
I have studied a great deal of history. I know how nobility thinks, and the more minor the more they cling to whatever nobility they have. Intellectually, I understand the behavior perfectly. That said, I’m an American, and my studies have only enforced my belief that nobles are nothing special. Wealth and education will elevate anyone, titled or not.
Cal tells me we will be landing shortly, and so for today, this must be the end.
