My friends were coming back from their work. If it was one thing I could rely on, it was their appetite. I waited quietly in the sitting room while they ran up to their rooms to freshen up. I smiled when I heard their squeals of delight. I placed my invitation on the table as they came running back with theirs. I asked them who had arranged for this and was not surprised when more than one admitted to it.
The navy hadn't returned with anything to restock our supplies, so lunch was going to be sandwiches again. I had to admit they were very good sandwiches though and thanked Darina and Sheela for their choices. I only hoped I would still be able to get into my evening gown after eating so well.
After lunch, Reginald laid a map of the area over the table so we could compare notes. He drew ovals on it to show where the two airships were and a box around the town. Then he drew lines dividing the outlying regions into quarters.
I asked "Who had South?"
Bevin said, "That was mine. The families said they had heard stories of strange beings with extra arms and legs, but they hadn't seen anything. Like you told us, I assured them it was likely tricks of the light caused by the moon on scarecrows."
Reginald said, "I'm going to mark those with a 'one' for least likely for us to worry about... Who went to the West?"
Darina said, "I talked with several families and a few people walking by. They talked about their neighbours seeing things running around their fields at night. A few days later, those neighbours had vanished, leaving all their possessions and animals behind. They told me the squire promised them that he'd protect them."
I said, "He sounds like a caring man. Mark that area with a 'five'. The jeebees are not known to leave anything behind and may return, but the squire is looking out for them... How about North?"
Melissa said, "My story is the same as Darina's. People said their neighbours saw something with extra arms and legs before disappearing a few days later."
I said, "It gets a 'five' as well. How did you do in the East, Sheela?"
"If it wasn't such a bad thing, I'd say I found the pot-o-gold. One evening the families were there; the next morning all gone. There was nothing of value left behind. It happened like that for a week then stopped."
Reginald said, "Even though it's stopped, that gets a 'ten' for the most dangerous place to be. Maybe the jeebees are walking in circles and I should change the rating for South... Do we have dates on the disappearances?"
Sheela said, "All mine occurred two months ago."
Darina said, "Mine were a month ago."
Melissa said, "Mine were in the same time period as Darina's."
Bevin added, "Since my area had no disappearances, I guess the timing doesn't matter."
"Perhaps the jeebees had plenty of things and just needed more people as they progressed," suggested Reginald.
"For my meagre contribution," I said, "I didn't find out much from the townspeople who were here yesterday. They were all nice and friendly people without a care in the world. They didn't believe in any of the stories which meant I didn't have to tell them any lies... Mark the town with a big nothing. 'Tis also been seen that jeebees don't like going into towns and cities."
Bevin asked, "What do we do now?"
"We get ready for the dance. The carriages will be picking us up in just over an hour. Reginald, please take the ladies next door when they are ready and make proper introductions to their dancing partners." My friends all screamed, jumped up, and ran for the stairs.
Reginald asked, "What was that?"
I said, "That was four women racing for one comfort room. They'll be back shortly and you'll barely recognise them."
"What will I do while you ladies are out?"
"You will be dancing with me. I have reserved a spot or two for you just like I promised."
He replied, "I would be honoured to be your tutor and dance partner tonight. I suggest you get ready too lest your friends outshine you."
"Yes, sir. I believe I have something in blue that you'll appreciate."
I took my blue satin evening gown out of my closet and looked it over. The top looked like a large 'V' including ruffles that went a few inches above my shoulder. From a distance it would appear quite immodest that my neckline and arms were bare. Up close though a beige-coloured gauze blouse with long sleeves was apparent. The skirt section was like an upside-down tulip with overlapping sections that reminded me of their petals. It was not quite ankle-length. I had a pair of boots that were covered with the same bright blue satin. They had white bows in place of laces and fashionable three-inch heels.
After choosing the dress, I was left with the fine touches. I had a hard time deciding what to do with my hair. I debated for a while between leaving it down for comfort or putting it up for appearance. Looking back on it, the choice was obvious. It had to be off my shoulders or get caught in my dress. I decided to braid it and then bring the braid up in a circle on the back of my head. For jewellery, I went simple; small gold hoops on the ears, a simple gold bracelet on my left wrist, and a simple gold necklace with an Irish cross pendant.
My mother and I had spent over an hour at the jewellers to find just the right necklace to go with the pendant. It had to be just the right colour, length, and thickness. Like my blouse, from a distance it was practically invisible. One only saw the pendant lying in the precise spot where a man was most likely to focus his attention. Up close, one could see the chain and that it formed the same 'V' shape as my dress; neither wider nor thinner. That was more by luck than design.
I had no idea when I accepted this job that it would involve so many formal gatherings. I thought I would be in plain dark-coloured dresses with my rifle on my back hunting for jeebees. I shouldn't complain as once I finished getting ready, the rest was enjoyable.
Reginald and I had chosen the first carriage while the others paired off into the remaining two. I let him know how much I disliked riding backwards. He started to sit across from me, but I motioned to the open space on my left. There was room for both of us to ride facing forwards. I had no idea where we were going. It appeared to me that the carriages were giving us a tour of the town along the way. Perhaps they had instructions stating not to arrive before a certain time.
The squire met us at the door and I did the introductions for everyone. He was an obese man with glasses and a receding hairline. His suit, on the other hand, looked expensive and tailor-made for him. Reginald and I stayed by the door talking pleasantly with him until the next group of people arrived. I felt overdressed compared to them. I thought about how it was only a year ago that I couldn't afford a nice party dress either.
It didn't seem much like a dance as most of the people just stood around sipping their drinks. I was getting the feeling that they attended because they were told to be here, not because they had any desire to attend. I had to admit to myself that I was not really here to dance either. This was just another opportunity for me to talk with people.
Reginald took my hand and led me to the dance floor. I noticed four familiar couples follow us after a minute. The sailors must have been waiting for us. Hopefully, the rest of the people would be dancing soon.
Reginald said, "You look distracted. Are you paying attention to the dance or just shuffling your feet?"
I said, "I'm sorry. There is much on my mind tonight."
"I see. Right now, I'd like you to concentrate on what I am doing lest I step on your feet. I am going to improvise for a while."
I kept my head up and watched his steps from the corner of my eyes. I was tempted to look down, but didn't. When he expected something from me, I could tell by the way he moved. It felt like we were on a stage performing moves that we had practiced earlier. I was beginning to anticipate what he was going to do next and enjoy the dance.
We returned to our little area of the wall and Reginald left me to refresh our drinks. The squire took the opportunity to approach me and ask me to dance. It would be poor manners to refuse our host. I wanted to talk with h
im as privately as possible anyway. Gerald had compared his lessons to dancing. Perhaps it was time for a bit of verbal confrontation on the dance floor.
I was taught to let the man lead the conversation as well as the dance so I let him speak first. "You dance well," he said.
I didn't know how to redirect the conversation into missing people given that as a starting point, so I just thanked him and returned the compliment. As the dance went on I decided to be bold and broach the subject. "The villagers are confident you will protect them. How do you defend against something that attacks in the night and leaves nothing behind?"
He talked to me like one would a child. "You needn't worry about monsters in the night. We have the problem under control." He said it with such sincerity, I could almost believe him. I was certain that I knew more about jeebees than he did, and if they were still around, he would be lucky to protect himself.
When the dance ended, Reginald was waiting for me with a full glass of something cool. I asked him, "Of all the women here, except myself, who would you say is most beautiful."
"Since you removed yourself from consideration, I'd say that Bevin is the most attractive woman here tonight. Her long blond hair flows as she dances. Her bright red dress enhances her figure, hair, and complexion. She has such life to her; see how she enjoys the dance and becomes a part of it."
"I agree that she loves to dance. I wonder why the squire didn't ask her to dance instead of me?"
"I could only guess that he is intimidated. He is not that good of a dancer. You, on the other hand, were paying attention. I was watching you two dance and was amazed at how well you matched his steps even when he made mistakes."
The squire approached us and addressed Reginald, "You are a fine instructor. We must negotiate for lessons one day..." He resumed, "As for you Miss Kelly, I have heard that you are also an excellent singer. Perhaps you would give us the pleasure of a song?"
I wondered what to sing. It was difficult to decide between something simple or something challenging. One song came to mind. I hadn't sung it for months, but the words were easily remembered. It was originally an unremarkable hymn that would get chosen a few times a year. Then someone changed the music and brought out the nuances that had been hidden by the more sedate melody. It was now a reel that challenged both dancer and singer.
I asked Reginald, "Can you step-dance?"
"Of course I can. Why do you ask."
"I want to sing 'The Fourth Day'[ix] and would like you to be the moon to my sun."
I told the band that I wouldn't be needing them and then had Reginald stand to my left. I worried about staying on key, and I worried that I would forget some of the words, and I worried that we wouldn't keep time with each other. We started on the count of three. Everything came together and I was singing without thinking. The words came to me when I needed them. I think the band joined me after the second verse, but I'm not sure that was where the music came from. I was also not sure if I held the final note for just two seconds or the full six seconds it deserved.
My friends started clapping and were shortly joined by others. I was hoping the squire enjoyed it. I curtsied and we were instantly surrounded by people wanting to talk with us. I noticed the squire in a far corner talking with a few men.
The band resumed playing waltzes and Reginald escorted me back for more punch. He said quietly, "We have proven you can dance and we have proven you can sing. I think we should leave before we have to prove that we can fight."
"I don't understand."
"I don't believe the squire can hold his whiskey."
I said, "Did I do something to offend?"
"I recall Gerald mentioning your lack of subtlety; something about you never doing anything halfway, though those were not the words he used."
"I still don't understand."
"I suggested you outshine your friends, not our host."
I thought for a moment. "Etiquette demands we thank our host and ask him to summon our carriages."
He replied, "Allow me, your humble tutor, to see to that task while you get your friends and their escorts outside."
It wasn't difficult to collect my friends; where they went so followed the sailors. Reginald sauntered out and said, "It seems other arrangements have been made for us."
I asked, "Can you explain that?"
He said, "Watch the skies and you'll see."
I saw ten yellow lights arranged in a circle. The circle closed in to become an oval. I noticed another oval in the sky. One by one, orange lines connected the lights. It was like watching fireworks. We couldn't resist making the funny noises of awe that we make for those. Then the spaces between the lines filled in. It was a huge orange light in the sky. It was shaped like an airship; my airship.
I looked over at Reginald who was watching me and smiling. "Your Dutch friends didn't have time to finish wiring them into the generator... I was saving it for a surprise. I hope you like it."
"I love it! This is wonderful! I have my own sunset."
The Clover touched down on the lawn in front of us and we all ran to get in. Captain Plumer was at the door and greeted us as we entered.
Everyone else grabbed a seat as the Clover lifted off the ground. I walked towards the stairs and said, "I'd like to see what the lights look like from the inside."
I didn't need to climb more than halfway up to see what had been done. I could see long tubes strung down the ribs from stem to stern. The light filled the space between them making it look as if the entire envelope was glowing a bright orange. The scientists were probably thinking they needed more light to work inside; missing out on how beautiful it would look.
The Captain had walked up next to me. "Ahoy Captain, what brings you here tonight?" I asked.
"Do you mean 'here' as in next to you or 'here' as in aboard the Clover?"
"I surely mean the latter one. I believed the last time we spoke about my airship; I would not be flying in her anytime soon."
"Tonight, she is flying under my command. You are a passenger, not a crew member. I must admit that she flies smoother than the Constellation."
"I told Reginald before we left home that someone was just waiting for me to do something stupid before taking the Clover away."
"You didn't think we were constantly watching and our idea of stupid was you taking her out of the hangar, right?"
"That's right... Did I do something stupid tonight?"
"Not that I know about."
"Why are you escorting us back to the clearing in my airship then?"
"To be honest, I have had two lieutenants studying your cannon all evening. I wanted to know what makes it worth fighting over. Your pilots talked me into this surprise once we were airborne."
With the orange lights, I could clearly see two sailors admiring the gauges of the railway gun; being careful not to touch any of its controls.
I asked the Captain, "What do we do now?"
He raised his voice, "First, I get my lieutenants away from your cannon and down below to assist in landing." They ran by us as if chased by wild animals.
"And next?"
"You and your lady friends get your beauty sleep while my men and I put up the hammocks again.
"You are avoiding the issue. Even with all those telegrams you received, you don't know what to do with the Clover, do you? I am fairly sure I will be done here tomorrow and then you'll have to make a decision to let us fly home or make us walk."
"Actually, those telegrams do not help me one bit as each one contradicts the others. One Admiral directs me to deliver your airship to him; another wants the cannon stripped out and sent. All of them stress the secrecy of the matter."
"Now you have seen it, what do you think?"
"What you have her makes for great target shooting. Why one would want to shoot targets that are miles away, I have no idea."
"To be sure, your Admirals did not tell you that the cannon was built to fire mortars and successfully defended the Clover again
st pirates with them."
"That does change my opinion of its worth."
"I was afraid it would, but 'tis the truth."
I turned back to the sitting room and took a second look. "Weren't you paired up differently when we set out tonight?"
Darina said, "Yes, we were. We thought it would be more interesting to change dance partners every few dances. The men agreed as long as no-one was left out."
The dark-haired one added, "They are all good dancers. It's not every day I can say I danced with four lovely ladies and did not step on one delicate toe."
I looked at Bevin. "That one's a charmer. You might want to hold onto him a while."
I addressed the Captain, "These really are perfect gentlemen. Are all your men like them?"
He laughed, "No, the rest of my crew don't know how to dance with a broom, much less a woman. You saw how they backed away when asked."
• July 22
Sunday is the day of rest and I had no plans for today... until a messenger arrived with an invitation. It stated:
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Burdon
requests the pleasure of the company of
Miss Fianna Kelly and guest
for a friendly game of croquet
to be held today at eleven o'clock.
205 Dorsey Avenue
I said, "I guess you ladies are not invited to play. I still don't know what is going on, but I am taking Bradan along. Perhaps he'll notice something we missed."
Bevin said, "That's okay. We will ride into town for noon prayer services."
I looked to Reginald and he said, "I think you should attend this one without me. I am not good at lawn sports."
Since I would need an escort to leave the clearing, I went to our neighbours to talk with Captain Plumer. "I have another invitation. By our agreement, I require an escort. Can you play croquet?"
"You have given me another conundrum. My instinct tells me to refuse your request, but I can think of no valid reason for that."
"Wonderful! We're taking the wagon this time so Bradan can come along. I'd prefer it if you could wear something less like a uniform... Bradan and I will be ready in an hour."
Fianna Kelly Versus the Jeebees: A Collection of Steampunk Stories Page 18