Chapter 53: Fancy Dress Part 3
"She's going to change the world, Baroness, with or without you. Wouldn't it be so much more satisfying to be part of it?"
"And I suppose that young man...."
"He's going to help her. He is strong, loving, a gentleman. He'd lay down his life for her."
The Baroness sighed and dropped her head.
"I was young once." She lifted her head and squared her shoulders. "I'd better go be properly introduced."
Cal watched as the Baroness walked across the dance floor, couples sweeping out of her path. She reached Pentam and Crysabel. Pentam bowed over her hand. The Baroness touched Crysabel's cheek and said something which sent a bolt of joy across the girl's face and left Pentam looking dazed.
"I see it isn't just engines you fix." Captain Cully sat down beside Cal.
"Engines are easier, they don't break your heart."
"There now, don't be crying, it's unseemly for an Engineer First Class."
"I'm done crying."
"Well then, it's time for me to claim that dance." The Captain pulled her to her feet. The music and the workings of her mind sent her across the floor. For the moment, nothing else mattered.
***
The evening was winding down and Cal had filled the pile of sketchbooks. She carried them over to where Pentam and Crysabel sat hand in hand. The Baroness watching with a smile.
"Good evening." Cal bowed to them. "I have work to do tomorrow, so I will be off." She put the stack of sketchbooks on the table. "You may find these a good way to begin conversations." Cal turned and left the Baroness looking through the books.
In the hotel room, Cal rolled up Crysabel's portrait, then made sure everything else was packed and ready.
In the morning, the hotel buzzed with activity as the guests from the luxury ship got ready to return to the ship.
Cal found the team in the lounge.
"You sure about staying?" Dr. Franklyn looked at Lahdin and Dan.
"It will only be until the next ship. I will be back in time to help ready the presentation."
"Should be an interesting one for a change." Prof. Orthin chuckled. "This will make them sit up and take notice." He pointed at Pentam. "Going to make your reputation."
"I didn't do much."
"Don't be so modest. Those photographs along with Cal's drawings will change the way people record expeditions. Wouldn't be surprised if they don't put them in a book."
"Most of my journals will return with the samples. I will have something for Lord Carroway later." She put a pile of papers on the table. "I'll give these to you now, to show off on the voyage home."
"Safe travels, and I will see you in the city, sooner or later." Cal left before she could choke up. Sir Shillingsworth met her at the door.
"Remember I said I wasn't going to be an engineer?" Cal's mouth quirked. "I don't plan to just run the engines. I'm going to build them."
"I'd expect nothing less." Her father kissed her forehead. "I'm going to miss you."
"I will miss you too, Father. Take care of yourself and I'll see you when we get back to Anglia."
"I'll be at home, waiting for you. I'm going to pass the mantle to Pentam and work on writing my memoirs."
Cal hugged him, then went looking for Crysabel.
"I thought you'd be hard at work by now." Crysabel hugged Cal tight enough to drive the breath out of her. "Thank you, come and visit."
"I will."
"Young lady." The Baroness moved in front of Cal. "I believe I will take your advice." She looked over at Crysabel. "I hope you don't take too long to return, I can't imagine how much fun it would be to have an Engineer First Class as a maid of honour." The twinkle in the Baroness' eyes let Cal know where the girl got it from.
"I will make every attempt to be there."
Cal walked out of the hotel. Joliu waited beside her bag. She climbed into the cart and he set off for the Peregrine.
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