I waved to Melissa and she sashayed over. I asked, "Where did all these people come from?"
She said, "A few wanted to see your airship up close. Another couple offered to bring our bicycles and shopping back in their wagons, but Bevin had arranged the loan of a wagon and horses instead."
"What about the rest?"
"I think that bunch to your left told all their friends we were having a potluck later or maybe that was Darina's suggestion."
"I can't say I'm displeased to see all the people here. It will make my work easier, but I'm a bit surprised."
She replied, "I see you made a dozen new friends as well."
As hostess of this gathering, I went around; introducing myself and seeing that all were enjoying the day. The children were fascinated with Bradan and Sheela was telling them stories. Bevin and Darina made tea sandwiches; a wise decision based on the unexpected number of people. I asked Darina, "How much food did you buy?"
"Once Bevin had a wagon and I saw how much attention we were getting, I went back and got enough bread and meats for a small army. I didn't realise that I needed to buy for a small navy too. You needn't worry as dinner will be a potluck."
I saw Asher and got him to bring another table and chairs out from the sitting room. Some men helped him once they were outside and I asked them to arrange the chairs in the shade provided by the Clover. From my seat, I could see the path into town. It was a busy road today. Some people would stop for just a few minutes before continuing on, while others would find a place to rest their horses and stay for longer.
A carriage driver dropped a sailor off on his way out of town. Captain Plumer walked out to meet him and they came over to me.
The sailor handed the captain a stack of little notes. He handed Reginald a single telegram which he showed me. It read,
Proceed with assignment. I have faith in her.
I addressed the Captain. "I don't know what your orders are, but mine say I need to work."
He sighed. "I need to sort these out before I do anything. For now, nothing has changed between us."
I went to my friends, one at a time as they were scattered around the clearing, and explained the situation. I told them how it was wonderful they had brought so many people here since I wasn't allowed to leave. I asked them to find out about anything strange that happened recently. I stressed that they will not confirm that jeebees really did exist.
I was feeling a bit peckish myself and went up to the galley to see what they had brought back. The first thing I noticed was a tray of strawberries. Bevin had likely bought these just for me. She was that kind of person. I wondered if I could guess who picked out each item based on their personalities. There was a bag filled with vegetables; not the kinds for making salads. Melissa probably chose these with care to get the freshest ones. I saw two dozen eggs near the stove. That would be Sheela's contribution, always thinking ahead as she would be doing breakfast tomorrow. It appeared she had picked out a few good loaves of bread as well. That left Darina. I expected that she took my instructions to avoid low-cost items to heart and found things that we normally couldn't afford. It was difficult to tell as there were so many interesting meats and cheeses in the icebox. I concluded that she had picked out all the meat; looking for the best quality and least fat.
I put the strawberries in a large bowl before beginning my own investigations. If I ever needed something to start a conversation, I could just offer some. It wasn't a surprise that many pleasant talks began that way. As Gerald had taught me, I just teased around the subject and let the people tell their story the way they wanted. Unfortunately, I didn't find out anything of use except that the strawberries were very good. I would have to thank Bevin and ask her where she found them later.
As the sun got low in the sky, Melissa and I went inside my ship to cook dinner. We decided to make a shepard's pie. It was the same ingredients as my stew, just less water. As with any potluck, it was difficult to guess how much to make. We put the water on the stove to boil and opened the window. I interrupted a sailor talking with Bevin, told him what we were making, and asked if the navy was able to contribute to dinner. He assured me they would do their share and ran to his airship.
He returned shortly with a bushel of potatoes, already peeled. I thanked him and Bevin led him to the galley where Melissa and I were preparing to chop onions.
We had about the same number of guests for dinner as lunch. The navy also contributed plates and forks which was gratefully accepted as we had less than two dozen of our own. Most people brought their own place settings as well as a dish to share.
All things considered, I couldn't have planned anything better. Instead of us going all about town talking to people one at a time, they came to us. People wanted to sing, and they wanted to dance, and Bevin wanted to play her concertina, and I was happy. We all sang:
When the law can stop the blades of grass
From growing as they grow,
And when the leaves in summer time
Their verdure dare not show,
Then I will change the colour
I wear in my caubeen,
But till that day I'll stick for aye
To wearing of the green.[viii]
Captain Plumer caught up to me at one point. "Your tutor spun a fine tale about a one-of-a-kind weapon on your ship. I don't know whether to believe him or not."
"So, he changed his mind," I said. "Pray that when we leave, you will still be indecisive." I looked towards the setting sun. "Red skies at night..."
He finished "... sailors delight."
"I love how the setting sun reflects off the airships."
• July 21
"I'm not your boss, just your friend. We'd all be going out today, but four of us are stuck here until the navy tells us otherwise."
Melissa said, "We know that and it isn't fair. We also know you'd rather be with us women than with all those handsome sailors."
We all laughed at that. "I don't recall them fighting for my affections yesterday," I said.
Darina asked, "What do we tell people if they ask why we are here? Yesterday, they didn't care; we were just travellers passing by."
"When in doubt, tell them the truth... but just enough to get by. If anyone asks me, I will reply that 'I am interested in stories of strange things'."
Bevin added, "What do we do with the stories that we hear?"
"You write them down and give them to me. If they ask more, tell them that what I do with them is my business, not yours. It may sound rude, but 'tis truthful."
"Darina and I will make lunch; hopefully not left-overs from last night. I leant the wagon to the navy and gave them a shopping list."
I watched them ride out on their bicycles again. If I had my choice, I would be riding on a horse out to the farms for two hours and then riding back by a different route. Instead, Reginald was going to teach me about Oriental stage fighting.
I went back to the Clover for my first lesson. He said, "There are many aspects of Oriental fighting and European dancing that are similar. I see you looking at me funny, but it's true."
"I was just imagining two guys waltzing together with sabres in their hands."
"When someone comes running towards you with murderous intent, you wouldn't stand in one place would you?"
"To be sure, I will not."
"When on the stage, there is no room to run away either. They wait until their opponent is close and step to one side. If they aren't too heavy, they trip them or give them a push as they go by."
"How does this relate to dancing?"
"You watch your partner, see what he is going to do, and choose the proper counter-move. If he takes a step forwards, you will take a step back. It is all about following his lead. I'm sure you know that already."
"What else?"
"There are similar moves for when they punch or kick each other. They either move out of the way or push the attack to one side."
"I don't recall any dances
involving punches."
"The idea is that on stage, the performers work together, each one performing differently yet in harmony so they do not injure each other. Students in both disciplines get minor bruises while they learn. Would you like to dance?"
"I will save you a spot on my dance card. I believe something interesting is about to happen."
"Can you see into the future?"
"No, but I can see over your shoulder that a person is riding this way."
The man dismounted and walked with his horse across the clearing. He held out five envelopes and asked if any were addressed to me. I pointed at one and he handed me all five. "I told him you were all together, but he insisted on one letter apiece."
I thanked him and offered him a coin, which he refused. I opened the one with my name. It stated:
Mr. Brian McEaneny, Esquire
requests the pleasure of the company of
Miss Fianna Kelly and guest
at the summer dance
to be held tonight at six o'clock in the evening.
Carriages have been arranged
to transport you to the Manor House.
I would not have been surprised if my friends had somehow individually or all together arranged for our invitations. I could imagine them expressing surprise about the dance and acting sorrowful that we had not been invited. It also wouldn't surprise me if an invitation wasn't required.
The messenger asked how many carriages he should send. I figured three would be about right for five women wearing party dresses and their escorts. He nodded like he was expecting that answer although he might have preferred I chosen less carriages and saved him some work. He walked his horse back to the path before riding away.
Reginald said, "Perhaps a relaxing evening without any responsibilities is what you need. I recall that you look stunning in blue."
"I think that I look presentable in blue. However, I've been told that Melissa looks stunning in green and Bevin looks ravishing in red... When did you see me wearing blue?"
"I was at the ball a year ago teaching an Italian woman how to waltz. Unfortunately, her dancing was as poor as her pistol scores. I only noticed you because you never stopped dancing. When the music played, you danced."
"That was the night I was so happy to be alive. I had walked into a nightmare and crawled out the other side. I had dreamt of that ball for months and accepted that it was beyond my reach... and then everything changed."
"What colour will you wear tonight?"
"Let's first see if the navy will allow me time off for good behaviour."
Hopefully, my friends had packed a party dress. I knew that I had brought a few, just because I could and one never knows when something formal will be required. Considering the amount of luggage they had brought, I wouldn't be surprised if their closets at home were near empty. Knowing them, if they hadn't brought nice dresses along, they would not have arranged their invitations.
I was also hoping I could arrange escorts for all of us. I was confident that I could persuade the Royal Navy to release four sailors for the evening to attend a party. That was the easy part since my girlfriends were not being kept inside the clearing and there were plenty of sailors around doing nothing useful that I could tell. The hard part was getting myself and Reginald permission for something that was not required for our work. By the time I reached the Constellation, I had a plan.
Captain Plumer was busy doing whatever captains do when I knocked on his door. Unlike my suite, his room was small and he barely had enough room for his chair and table. I held out my invitation and started, "I have invitations from the squire of these parts to a dance..."
"...and I am a horrible dancer so must refuse."
I smiled and said, "That was not going to be my first or second questions."
"Oh, I am sorry. I just thought you..."
"My first question is if you have four sailors who you can spare and who would not find it a chore to escort and dance with my friends?"
He said, "Consider it possible if not for certain."
"My second question is regarding myself and Reginald. I recall your conditions regarding us needing to go somewhere and you've just said four of your men were available..."
"You are very good at negotiation. I seem to have no choice but to agree or renege on what I previously offered."
"I am merely asking for what was freely given."
"Next time I am told to detain a charming woman; I will be careful what I offer lest I find myself married."
I laughed. "I doubt you'd find such a fate that unbearable. You've already answered the third question, although I would have worded it in such a way that you asked it of me."
"Let's find escorts for your friends. I currently feel like I've lost control, so you must choose them."
He had all his men stand in a single line without telling them why. All I saw were well-groomed men in uniform. I had no idea how to choose. I decided to be practical. We were going to a party and that meant they had better be able to dance.
I said, "Anyone who cannot waltz, take one step back." It was pure luck that all but four stepped back. "Congratulations gentlemen, you are qualified to escort my four girlfriends to a dance this evening. This is by volunteer only. Would any of you four prefer to remain here?"
I was not surprised by their replies. I addressed Captain Plumer. "I know your men aren't paid much, but flowers would be nice."
"You are correct on both counts. I will make sure you and your friends are not disappointed."
I walked back to my ship wondering what he meant and how best to surprise my friends when they likely were expecting the invitations. I decided placing the envelopes on their pillows would be the most fun.
I was bored. I wanted to do something. I needed to do something. I saw the rifles on my wall and thought about target practice. I could take out my frustrations that way. I sent Bradan to the far end of the clearing with three targets while I went over to the Constellation.
I addressed the sailor on watch at the entrance. "I need a range safety officer so I can practice with my rifle. Is there anyone qualified among your crew?"
He said, "That's required training for all of us. Tell me what you want to do and I'll make sure no-one is hurt."
I pointed to where Bradan had set up the targets and where I wanted to stand. He suggested changes and we moved around to better locations. He checked my rifle and I managed one shot before everyone came running. The sailor had me hand him my rifle and stand at parade rest.
The Captain asked me, "What are you shooting at?"
I slid my goggles up and pointed to the targets in the distance. "Do you see those three targets?"
"Yes," he said.
"Do you see the red dot in the centre of the middle target?"
"No, I don't"
"That was what I was shooting at."
"Why is one of my men holding your rifle?"
"This man volunteered to be my range safety officer."
"Next time he volunteers; he needs to inform the rest of the crew... You say you hit the bulls-eye from here? How far away is that?"
"Bradan figured it at 325 yards. It's a light wind from behind me, but nothing difficult."
"Can you repeat that on another target?"
I looked to the sailor. He said, "The firing line is not clear."
The Captain ordered everyone behind me, I was given approval and I shot the bulls-eye of the left target. I ejected the spent shell and waited. I heard the men talking softly, but I didn't catch any words.
I handed the sailor my rifle again and said, "There's one more pristine target. Does anyone need practice?"
One man spoke up. "I'd like to try."
I motioned to let him take my place, but my safety officer said, "You have to use a rifle you are familiar with, Colin. That target is too far away for you to borrow hers."
He replied, "I'll be back in a minute then."
The Captain looked at me funny. "There is s
omething you didn't or couldn't tell me, isn't there?"
I said, "The subject didn't come up. Last year about this time I placed third overall at the International Firearms Tournament."
He said, "Now some things make sense. We don't loan out airships to women who knit very well. What is your speciality?"
"I shoot at targets ranging from 200 to 1200 yards."
"Can you hit a bulls-eye at 1200 yards?"
"Not often, but with that rifle I can hit the black area of the target every time."
Colin returned with his rifle. It was a Winchester repeating rifle. I considered it a good rifle, but too inconsistent for target shooting. The safety officer checked that mine was safe and handed it back to me before inspecting his. I joined the men standing in the safe area and removed the telescope from my rifle so I could see the targets better.
His first shot was high and to the left. I let him know as I doubted he could tell. He went down on one knee for the second shot. That one was better; just below the bulls-eye. He handed his rifle to the officer and said, "I know when to quit. It's all yours."
I put the telescope back on my rifle and had the officer check it. He told me I had it on loose and passed it back. I reconnected it and he approved. Another shot and another bulls-eye. I yelled at Bradan to bring the targets back while I handed my rifle to the officer and collected my spent brass. They looked good enough to be reloaded and reused.
I had originally thought that firing 20 cartridges would be a good amount to relieve the boredom. I had over 100 in my suite and I was hoping I wouldn't need that many on this trip. After firing those three, it felt like I would just be trying to impress the sailors. I could always get in more practice when this assignment was over.
I spent some time showing the men my rifle and what made it so wonderful; all under the watchful eye of my safety officer. I told them that even though it could be used in battles, it excelled at the target range. The Captain looked at me when I mentioned battles. I figured if he wanted to talk about them, he could ask me himself.
Fianna Kelly Versus the Jeebees: A Collection of Steampunk Stories Page 17