Frankenstein's Fair Lady

by Anitra Lynn McLeod

  Frankenstein’s Fair Lady

  (M/M Paranormal Steampunkish Romance)

  by Anitra Lynn McLeod

  Copyright 2019 by Anitra Lynn McLeod

  License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This novel is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  About This Book

  He wasn’t supposed to fall in love with his own creation…

  Innocent yet curious, necromancer Victor Frankenstein has overcome his father’s twisted legacy and made a place for himself reanimating departed pets. Despite the laws against resurrecting humans, Frankenstein uses his magical ability to restore life to a handsome young man.

  Unfortunately, his creature is a wanted criminal and soon so is Frankenstein. Desperate, he turns to his good friend, Adelaide de Tourmaline, who agrees to help—at a price. Adelaide wants to transform his creature into a woman to trick those in high society who have snubbed her.

  Training the intriguing Loren to pass as a woman puts Frankenstein in close contact, stirring feelings he has no idea how to manage. Torn between letting his creature go and keeping him near, Frankenstein tries to remain detached but discovers too late there is no logic to love. When his desire to protect his creature overshadows his own survival instinct, Frankenstein puts both their lives on the line. Will they survive an even deeper transformation or fall victim to the powerful forces of nature?

  This M/M paranormal steampunkish mashup of Frankenstein and My Fair Lady contains a dashing necromancer, a crossdressing criminal, and plenty of magic and mayhem before a surprising HEA. 29,000 words or 116 pages.

  Chapter One

  “You’re certain you want the creature put down?” What a dreary discussion to have on a rare sunny London day.

  “Aye.” Mayhew nodded in the deliberate way of the truly reluctant but forcefully determined. “He just sits there, not eating, not sleeping, just staring into the fire.”

  “I told you the spell might not take due to the time delay.” Frankenstein had wanted to help the stalwart dockworker through his grief but feared all he’d done was make a bad situation worse.

  “I had to try.” A lone tear slipped from the corner of the gruff man’s eye. He wiped it away with a hand so thick with callouses it was as if he wore a protective glove. “I know you did your best.”

  Frankenstein reached for his purse of coin. He felt doubly bad. He had done his best but because of his spell, Mayhew couldn’t even take the beast to Madame de Tourmaline to have him mummified.

  “No, no,” Mayhew said when he spied the purse. “I not be asking for the payment back.” Mayhew tightened his cap to his balding head while pride lifted his chin. “You said it might not hold. I had another week with him but it’s time to let the good boy go.”

  At the phrase good boy, Chipper wagged his tail half-heartedly. Some of the old dog was still in there but not enough to reanimate him to his former glory.

  “If you’re certain.”

  “Aye.”

  “Then let us find a suitable place to release him.” With the help of his butler, Frankenstein slipped on his coat, his gloves, and his fashionable top hat. “I’ll be back shortly.”

  “Very good, sir.” Clerval returned to the vestibule, shutting the door behind him.

  “Come.” Frankenstein lifted his hand to the street. “We will walk until we find a suitable place.” He turned to Mayhew. “Unless you have a particular place in mind?”

  “Never gave it a thought.”

  “Think on it now.” Frankenstein didn’t mind the wait as the sun warmed deep into his black clothing, stripping even the remotest chill from his bones. Spring came slowly this year, but at least it came.

  Mayhew let out a long sigh.

  “The park?” Frankenstein asked by way of a suggestion.

  “Oh, aye.” Mayhew’s face brightened. “There’s a spot there he likes, by the pond.”

  “Very good.” Frankenstein set off that direction then slowed his steps to match those of his companion. Why rush when this would be the last walk for the man and his poor creature?

  They strode in silence. Mayhew kept his gaze on his pet while Frankenstein found himself examining the surprising volume of people. Clearly, the bright day had called them out of doors. Had Mayhew not come by, Frankenstein never would have looked up from his experiments. A windowless lab afforded him privacy but also kept the state of the world from his attention.

  To give him more time to come to terms, Frankenstein took the long way around the park to the pond, but all too soon, the time had come.

  “Is this acceptable?” Frankenstein stopped where a cluster of trees stood sentinel next to the still waters of the pond.

  “Aye.” Mayhew released Chipper from the leash. “You have always been such a good boy.”

  Chipper wagged his tail but his eyes held no joy.

  Never again would Frankenstein allow himself to be talked into going against his scientific instincts. He’d known he couldn’t reanimate the dog into what he’d been, but he’d allowed Mayhew’s crushing pain to sway him to act when his gut said no. He certainly wouldn’t allow emotions to influence him again.

  “I suggest you turn away.” Frankenstein readied the releasing spell.

  “I need to make sure he’s gone.”

  “Mayhew—”

  “I want to watch.”

  “You don’t.” Frankenstein refused to hurt this man a second time. “Trust me.”

  “But—”

  “No.”

  A hard light came into Mayhew’s eyes. Frankenstein wanted to match that look and knew he could, but he refused to engage in a juvenile staring contest. Instead, he dug deep into his compassion.

  “When I release the spell, all the time that has passed from his true death to this one will strike his body in an instant.”

  Mayhew cringed.

  “He will hold there for a moment and then turn to dust.” The phenomena intrigued Frankenstein as a scientist, but he could not imagine witnessing the event transpiring to a beloved creature. “Hold to the memories you have of him as your faithful companion.”

  “Aye.” Mayhew turned away, wiping at his face with the back of his hand.

  Frankenstein lifted his hand, conjuring the opposing elemental forces. Once he had amassed sufficient energy, he cast a small blue ball at Chipper. The dog’s eyes went wide. He rose up and caught the power sphere in his mouth.

  Frankenstein smiled despite himself. There really was quite a bit of Chipper inside. Time washed over the dog, who, right before he collapsed into dust, seemed to smile and flash joy in his eyes for the last time. With that small show of approval, Frankenstein knew he’d done right by both man and beast.

  “It is done.”

  Mayhew nodded and walked away.

  Frankenstein stayed, watching the wind take the dust away until nothing remained at all.

  “Goodbye, Chipper. May you never run out of balls to catch in the hereafter.”

  With the sad business over, Frankenstein took the long way home. A dozen experiments awaited his attention, but nothing so pressing he couldn’t enjoy a rare warm day. With
Bodkin’s sky scrubbers, the soot and smoke that so plagued the city had mercifully vanished. If only they could do something about the dung-littered streets. Ah, well. Some young inventor was certainly at work on such an idea.

  Frankenstein had turned his magical hand to the issue but reanimated horses, even those freshly revived, had the horrible habit of emitting vile gas even though they didn’t eat. No other species had the same problem, or at least none that Frankenstein had had occasion to resurrect. Bodkin’s scrubbers could consume the foul gas but only when it reached a level well above the highest buildings. Between having to contend with the muck of manure or endure a cloud of foul flatulents, the populace had chosen the devil they knew. Besides, an entire industry had formed around scooping up the leavings and taking them far from the heart of the city.

  Frankenstein had suggested Bodkin create a creature that would eat the leavings, but Bodkin could not get over the idea of anything living to eat the excrement of another.

  “It’s bad enough your work allows dead creatures to live again.” Bodkin had puffed himself up in order to appear taller than his five-foot frame would allow. “But to create a creature that lives by such a repulsive means? No. I will not be party to such a despicable thing.”

  Frankenstein had not pointed out the man’s hypocrisy for if a creature could be created to eat the excrement of industry, why not of transportation? Instead, he’d quickly lost interest in the entire issue and turned his talents elsewhere. He made excellent money reanimating recently deceased pets for mourning owners. He also briefly returned life to those who had met a tragic end so that they could tell their tale of woe to the local constable. However, he only did just enough of each activity to maintain his household so he could engage in more…intriguing experiments.

  When tea time drew near, Frankenstein turned toward home. Cook had made the most delightful savory sandwiches yesterday. The flavors had so intrigued him he’d asked the woman to make more for today. Anticipation caused his belly to rumble.

  Clerval met him at the door, the expression on his dour face quelling Frankenstein’s hunger instantly.

  “Is something wrong?” Frankenstein handed over his hat.

  “Wrong, sir? No, sir. Madam De Tourmaline awaits you in the parlor.”

  “Have you offered her tea?”

  “She refuses all refreshments.”

  “Ah. She has come on a mission, then.” Frankenstein handed over his gloves and overcoat.

  “Should I tell her to come again another day?”

  “I shall see her.” Frankenstein ensured his black hair remained smooth against his skull. “Do bring in tea for me. Actually, make it for two.” Adelaide wouldn’t want any but Cook would put extra sandwiches on the tray. “Also, add a setting for dinner.”

  “Anything else, sir?”

  “Do we have any more of that merlot from the Violet Vineyard?”

  “I believe so.”

  “Bring out a bottle of that. No, two.” Frankenstein had a feeling this would be a two bottle dinner if not more. Proprieties be dammed but when Adelaide had a burr in her bonnet, she craved alcohol the way others craved sweets. It had been a good long while since he’d had a night of drinking, especially with such a talkative companion.

  “Very good, sir.” Clerval hung up his master’s clothing then hurried down the main hall while Frankenstein stepped into the parlor. Half a dozen sofas and easy chairs made a rough circle while a writing desk stood attention near the window. Tables and screens could be moved around to provide privacy in larger groups but he wouldn’t need either today.

  Adelaide de Tourmaline had settled herself right in the center of the largest couch. Her brash red hair would have flowed down to her knees were she standing, but she’d coiled the strands into a long rope, which settled beside her like an exotic pet snake. Her eyes flashed blue today, showing her mood. Much like her last name, Madam de Tourmaline’s eyes turned a variety of colors from pale to dark, but the exact shade always reflected her mood. Her dress, a vision in gleaming yellow, almost outshone her hair but nothing could ever outshine her personality.

  “Adelaide. What a wonderful surprise.” Frankenstein bowed to her then kissed the back of her proffered hand. “What brings you to my—”

  She didn’t wait for him to finish. “I’ve just come from Marmingdales and that wretched Simone—you know, the one who thinks she the most fascinating woman in the world? Well, she apparently told Mrs. Diminni that pet mummification was out.”

  “Out?”

  “Of vogue.”

  “Oh?”

  “Oh, yes.” Adelaide nodded vigorously. “Can you believe her audacity?”

  Frankenstein opened his mouth to answer but Adelaide continued on unabated.

  “Do not for a moment think this doesn’t concern you because she also insisted reanimated pets would soon be as forbidden as reanimated people!”

  Frankenstein settled across from her, nodding and murmuring at the appropriate places in her narrative. Despite the bad news, he didn’t overly concern himself with the topic. Many crusaders had taken up the cry to have all magic suppressed. None had ever succeeded. People wanted what magic could give them. Having clear skies mattered more than the fact that the skies were cleaned by magical beasts. Having a chance to keep a beloved pet around allowed them to put off their grieving for a time or even indefinitely.

  When Clerval brought in tea, Frankenstein fixed Adelaide a cup that she took but didn’t sip. Nothing could interrupt her tirade. Nodding, listening, and giving her what appeared to be his full attention, he devoured the plate of delectable sandwiches.

  “Honestly, that woman.” Adelaide placed her untouched tea back on the tray. “She has always had it in for me, ever since I bested her in our rivalry for Parrish Tourmaline.” Adelaide closed her eyes and nodded her head, “May he rest in peace.”

  “May he rest in peace,” Frankenstein echoed. Being a widow afforded Adelaide freedoms that an unwed woman could never enjoy.

  She went on about Simone and the renewed drive to change the magic laws all through tea time and then beyond. Frankenstein continued to respond in the appropriate places. When Clerval rang the dinner bell, Adelaide took the first full breath in hours, allowing Frankenstein to ask his first full question in hours.

  “What do you propose we do?” Frankenstein stood, offering out his arm.

  Smiling, Adelaide rose to her feet and slipped her arm in his. “I’m so glad you’ve asked.”

  Frankenstein laughed.

  “What?” Adelaide demanded as they moved down the main hall toward the dining room.

  “I knew you had already made a plan.”

  “But of course. I would not have bothered you otherwise.”

  “So, what shall we do?” In the future, he would start by asking for her proposal. Perhaps then he could bypass the tirade.

  “We are going to show her how wrong she is.”

  “About pet mummification?”

  “About human resurrection.”

  Shocked, Frankenstein came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the hallway. “Human resurrection?”

  “Yes. Human resurrection.”

  Chapter Two

  Once he recovered from his astonishment, Frankenstein patted Adelaide’s hand and continued toward the dining room.

  “My dear, as much as I admire your brazen spirit, I have no desire to be at cross purposes with the Resurrection Ministry.” The department had only been in existence for two decades, but one of the very first laws they’d set down governed the reanimation of humans. “Bringing a pet or a beast of burden back is one thing, but—”

  “I know, I know. Humans are different. Or so they say.” Adelaide leveled her gaze, narrowing her eyes. “But I ask you, who has seen the science? Who has seen these reports of menace and murder?”

  Before Frankenstein could answer, Adelaide answered her own questions.

  “None, I tell you. None.” She lifted her delicate hand, extending one
finger in what could only be called a most dramatic fashion. “Not one person has ever seen these reports and, of course, we are all forbidden from seeing for ourselves.”

  “They could hardly allow magicians to practice upon human beings.”

  “Who knows what the truth really is?”

  Knowing an argument was forthcoming and utterly pointless, Frankenstein kept his mouth firmly closed.

  “Oh, I know that look.” Adelaide allowed him to seat her at the dining table. “You think I’m mad.”

  “Quite.” He settled at the head of the table and placed his napkin in his lap. “But you do have a most charming form of the disease.”

  “Do not tease me, not when my very reputation is at stake.”

  “How does your reputation hinge upon Simone’s opinion?” Frankenstein truly wished to know.

  “Oh, you don’t care about your reputation so how can I ever make you understand about mine?”

  “I care.” Frankenstein lifted his wine glass and sipped. “Not much, but still, I do care.”

  Adelaide rolled her eyes and fussed with her coil of hair while mumbling obscenities under her breath.

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing.” She met his gaze once she’d comported herself. “If you will not help me to protect my reputation, then perhaps the promise of money will compel you.”

  “How much money?”

  “Ah. There is the man I know and love.”

  “You do not love me.”

  “Perhaps not, but I adore your mind.” Adelaide grinned. “And I must admit that I had not thought money would compel you.”

  “I quite like money.” Frankenstein lifted his hand as if to encompass his estate. “It takes quite a lot of it to run this place.”

  “How much?”

  “To run my estate?”

  “No, you charmer. How much to buy you as my champion?”

  “I will not put a price tag on my own head.” He also wouldn’t act as her champion regardless of the circumstances, but no matter. She couldn’t possibly offer him enough money to sway him to the role.