“Thank you gentlemen, and I have to say the both of you look quite debonair yourself. They both beamed and bowed deeply to me for the compliment.
“Well, are you ready?” Dekker said taking my arm in a rather possessive manner.
“Oh, just a moment, we have to wait for Mrs. Whitby.” I smiled at them knowing that they had not expected her to come along. Dekker’s face dropped.
“Mrs. Whitby?” He questioned, a perplexed look on his face. Horace chuckled at his friend’s expression.
“Surely you didn’t expect Claren to come out with the both of us without a chaperone?” Mrs. Whitby walked into the foyer all smiles wearing a white cloak. She held in her arms what I assumed was a black cloak for me.
“Please allow me.” Dekker said, attempting to take the cloak from Mrs. Whitby.
“No, allow me.” A deep voice said that came from the top of the stairs. Mr. Lowood stood at the top looking down at us. I wondered how long he had been there, watching silently. My companions had suddenly become mute, Dekker’s hand frozen in mid air towards the cloak in Mrs. Whitby’s hands. Mr. Lowood walked down the stairs slowly, looking at the two young men at my side. Without a glance at myself or Mrs. Whitby he claimed the black cloak and put it on me, all the while holding Dekker’s gaze.
“Now I am assured you will take great care with my niece. Her happiness is my one single wish. I trust you gentlemen will take care of her as if she were your own dear sister.” A silence, thick and heavy formed between the three men, Mr. Lowood’s meaning clear. Both Dekker and Horace began speaking at once.
“Yes, of course Mr. Lowood, we want to make her happy as well.”
“You have our word Mr. Lowood, we will be her constant companions.”
“Good. As long as we understand each other gentlemen.” He said and bore his piercing gaze, that I had been subject to so many times before, into them. Satisfied at their submissive response, he turned towards me.
“Enjoy yourself Claren.” He said simply and walked away. Dekker and Horace watched his departure for a full minute with wide eyes. I could tell that they were both awed and upset with my “Uncle”. It took Mrs. Whitby’s businesslike manner to get the party to move along.
“Now gentlemen, we should be on our way.” She said in a boisterous voice. Coming back to themselves, they each took one of my arms on their own.
“Yes, lets.” Horace said. The carriage ride seemed somewhat awkward as if the two wanted to say something to me, but were afraid to because of Mrs. Whitby’s presence. Instead Horace spoke of the facility in which the Ball was being held.
“Now this event center is renowned for being technologically advanced. When it was first built I thought it rather awkward looking, a sore thumb really. It did not match with the rest of the aesthetic of our little city.” He leaned forward in a confident manner as he further explained the event to me.
“You will see the most advanced androids, really artificial humans, serving at this Ball. They will have demonstrations as well after dinner. My favorite are the android animals. You cannot tell them apart from the real thing.”
“I prefer the women robots.” Dekker said salaciously. Horace frowned at him.
“You would. As I was saying Claren, since the majority of the large cats, Bengals and such were wiped out during the Great War, there was a need to educate the public about these lost species. One of my mother’s subsidiary companies has developed these amazing replicas.” Horace was very excited as he told me about the benefits of owning one. I was not sure if he was trying to sell me one or not.
“I look forward to seeing the Jaguarundi. Even though it is only a midsize cat, they are truly beautiful.” He said excited, as I took out my handkerchief.
“Calm yourself man, you don’t want our wings to be sopping wet do you? I am crushing the deuce out of mine as it is.” Dekker said as he shifted uncomfortably. Mrs. Whitby sat in silence the whole way listening to our conversations with a queer little smile on her face.
“I didn’t know that you dealt in robotics Horace. That is truly an interesting field. The amount of advances that have been made, even in the short time since I was a child, is amazing.” I said to Horace.
“Well, I myself don’t deal in robotics. My academic career did not lead me down that path. As you know, I research ancient cultures and societies.”
“Oh no, here we go.” Dekker said blowing a lock of hair out of his eyes and looking out of the carriage window bored.
“As I was saying, once again before my rude friend interrupted, I research and lecture on ancient societies, all aspects of them. From the average home life of your daily laborer to business practices of the rich. Very interesting things we can learn from our ancestors.” I nodded and smiled at him, always being keenly aware of when Dekker felt bested by Horace. He continued speaking on the benefits of owning artificial animals in lieu of real ones until we arrived at the Ball.
The Event Center was very different from all the other buildings that surrounded it. While the majority of the buildings in most cities were fashioned after the Victorian period in human history, ( another wish by the Grand Council), this building was not. There was a grand line of beautiful people waiting to get in to the front of the building. Men and women dressed in white wings and beautiful white clothing trimmed with silver and gold, chatted happily with one another. I felt more than awkward when we were let out of the carriage and rushed to the front of the line directly to the entrance. My black dress and wings made me stick out, but now being brought to the doors by four men in white serving clothes, it was too much.
“Mr. Bitwater, we are so glad to see you this evening. This must be Miss Lowood, a pleasure to meet you Miss.”All four men spoke in unison and bowed. The entire line of party goers had become quiet and were watching the spectacle. I felt my blood turn warm and heat my face.
Horace looked towards me and smiled conspiratorially.
“They are androids Claren, aren’t they wonderful?” I nodded somewhat woodenly as Horace took my arm to lead me forward. I noticed that Dekker was trailing behind with Mrs. Whitby.
“It is custom that I, we, me with my guests get to enter first, for a look around before any other guests. This of course is my first year ever to do this.” He said excitedly into my ear. I felt him spit on my earlobe. I forced my hand to stay at my side, even though I wanted to wipe away the wetness.
“I’ve never had any friends to come with. This is a very exciting night for me Claren. Thank you so much for coming.” I nodded and smiled and could not help feel queenly and shy at the same time as we were ushered into the building while the rest of the party goers had to remain outside.
Horace showed us around the facility that when not in use for this yearly ball, doubled as a museum and technology center. He whisked us through the interactive displays and new product areas. We lingered at the animal area where several new species had been duplicated into robotic form. Dekker tried to hide his joy when we came to the display of robotic females. You could not tell that they were made of synthetic material.
“Of course this would be your favorite display Dekker.” Horace said in agitation and moved me forward to look at other exhibits. The food warming in the next room was awaking my hunger and I was feeling a bit guilty about having all the other people wait outside while we leisurely strolled through the facility.
“Well of course it is my friend! How can any real female compare to these ladies? They don’t eat, sleep or cry. They don’t ask you to buy them things. Plus they keep house!” Dekker said smiling at one of the female robots that smiled back at him in invitation. Horace shook his head.
“You truly belong in the Mesozoic era Dekker. Come along Claren, let’s see what scrumptious food they have served up for tonight.” Dekker said his goodbye to his robot friend and caught up with us, clasping my arm.
“What I mean to say, is that no one compares except Claren.” I smiled seeing right through him. Mrs. Whitby coughed awkwardly
as she trailed along behind us.
After Horace was satisfied we had seen all the demonstrations, booths, robots and tasted every appetizer, he gave the word to the male robots to let the waiting guests in. The room was instantly flooded with white robed people with wings. Again I was aware that I stood out. People looked at me up and down with scorn. I imagined they thought that I was the reason they were being held up outside in the cold. To Horace and Dekker they came up and spoke with fake charm wanting to befriend them, knowing their families were of prominence. Some people inquired as to my identity but brushed it off politely, thinking me not worthy to maintain a dialogue with.
“Lowood you say?” An older man with a bright white mustache asked me after we were introduced.
“Yes, my uncle is Fredrick Lowood.” He nodded and squinted his eyes at me.
“I see no resemblance at all I am afraid. Your uncle is a bit of a recluse, not much of a joiner. No one knows how he made his fortune.” He combed his white mustache down with his fingers absent mindedly. Dekker looked at the man incredulously and pulled me away from him.
“Never mind all that silly business. Who cares about your Uncle not being a joiner? Or where his fortune came from?” He stated loudly and pulled me in to the ball room where we could dance. Horace caught up with us and showed Mrs. Whitby where she could sit as we danced.
Dekker had just put his arms around me to begin the dance when we both looked over at Horace standing to our left with a disappointed look on his face.
“I thought you said I could have first dance Dekker. I won fair and square.” Dekker looked at me exasperated.
“Alright you big baby, I always honor bets I lose.” He took my hand roughly and slapped it into Horace’s hand. Horace smiled brightly with his large teeth and bowed to him. As Horace whirled me around the dance floor, I spied Dekker sitting next to Mrs. Whitby gloomily.
“He always honors bets he loses? Pshaw. He was about to take you around the dance floor first.”
“What was that all about Horace?” I asked my dancing partner.
“Please Claren, not now I am concentrating.” He looked down at our feet and seemed to be counting out the steps.
“Horace! You have been taking lessons.” He smiled then lost his rhythm stepping on me in the process. He dropped his hands from mine to stare down at my feet.
“I do apologize! Did I hurt you?” Horace asked and stopped in the middle of the dance floor. I could see Dekker laughing.
“No,” I said taking his hands again and continued dancing. “You didn’t hurt me. But you have been taking lessons haven’t you?” He nodded shyly.
“I wanted to be a better dance partner for you, so I wouldn’t embarrass you, but I am afraid no amount of lessons will prevent that.”
“Horace, please don’t worry about it. I’m alright. Now, what was all that about a wager and Dekker losing?” Horace blushed clear up to his glasses.
“Oh, we both wanted first dance with you tonight so we placed a friendly wager. I’ve have been known to gamble once or twice, without my mother’s knowledge of course.” He added in a low voice.
The song ended and Horace brought me back to a chair by Mrs. Whitby’s side.
“Isn’t it my turn now?” Dekker asked pouting as I sat down.
“Give Claren some time to rest Dekker. This is the first time she has had the chance to sit down since we came here you know.” Dekker nodded in defeat.
“All right then, I’ll take this time to inform our Claren as to the unique personalities of each person here, beginning with Smarmee Magee.” He said pointing at a rather tall fellow that was bumbling around the dance floor.
“Claren, do not listen to him. That is not that fellow’s name.” Horace said with a worried look on his face. Dekker just laughed as he looked out on to the crowded dance floor. I was about to give him a good natured reprimand as he laughed, but his laughter was abruptly cut short that ended up sounding like a strangled chortle. I felt Dekker’s whole posture change and grow tense as he stared at something in the crowd. I followed his gaze to see the crowd of white winged dancers moving out of the way of a figure in black that towered over all of the dancers. A figure with large black wings. I heard my own gasp echoed by Mrs. Whitby.
Etrigan!
He strode purposely through the crowd as they parted in front of him. His eyes intent on me, I felt my legs become weak. He looked angry but controlled. He walked right up to me and extended his hand as his wings, which were partly pulled in, moved slightly.
“Claren.” Was all he had to say for me to take his hand and get up immediately as if he was my puppeteer. He put his hand on the small of my back and whirled me on to the dance floor. I looked up at only his face as everything around me became a white blur. I knew they were staring at us, some knowing who I was, and all wondering who Etrigan was. He said nothing to me for the whole song but gazed into my eyes with his dark blue ones. His movements were fluid, graceful and second nature as he led me around the dance floor, I following his lead with ease. Something inside of me clicked, I felt as though I knew Etrigan better than I had ever known anyone before, and he, me. Everything he said to me was as though his heart was speaking directly to me, no games, intrigues or deception. Etrigan was honest and bold and knew what he wanted. What I could not understand is why he wanted to be here, why he chose to show himself in this manner.
Unless he though…?
The song ended and he guided me outside for air, him holding on to my arm tightly.
“I thought you said you didn’t fancy them. You said you were not going to see them anymore Claren.” He said in a rather loud voice, as other party goers watched and listened.
“I said they were not going to come to the house any more Etrigan, but they had invited me to this ball last month. I did not deceive you.” I said in a low voice.
“Why are you here with them, and why were they staring daggers at me the whole time I danced with you?”
“They invited me Etrigan. They are friends, nothing more. I am sorry if I upset you.” He looked at me intently wanting to desperately believe me. I could see he was hurt. I placed my hand on his cheek.
He came out in public for me, yes protected at this place, on this night because it was a masquerade, but it wasn’t a masquerade for him and he still came.
“I’m sorry Etrigan. Please do not be upset with me. I will be more clear in the future if that is your wish.” Etrigan removed my hand from his face and looked away.
“You are not my prisoner Claren and I cannot treat you like one.” We were silent as he tried to control his thoughts. I could see the conflict in his eyes as he blurted out his thoughts.
“I followed you here. I watched you from the glass dome above. I only wanted to see you while you were out, and with whom. But as I watched you dance, talk and laugh I grew...something…I...” He was stumbling reaching for his words.
“It made me feel sad not to be by your side. I wanted to be the one to make you laugh.” Just then Mrs. Whitby came outside in a frantic fashion. She curtsied to Etrigan and addressed us.
“Young Master, it’s nice to finally see you. Word has gone out that there was someone who was not invited to tonight’s festivities. It is causing quite a stir. I can only imagine that they meant you. I do beg your pardon, but you should leave Master Lowood.” Etrigan looked at Mrs. Whitby with a curious expression on his face. He was surprised that she knew who he was and was not afraid of him.
“Please Etrigan, go home and I will follow shortly. We can talk more then.” I looked back at the patio doors and saw Horace and Dekker preparing to come out to the patio.
“All right. I will go.” He said in a depressed tone. Horace and Dekker came through the patio doors calling out to us.
“You there! Stop, where are you going?” Etrigan leapt over the balcony and flew off. I leaned over to look down and watch him fly away, his black wings blending into the night.
Horace and Dekker raced to the balc
ony and peered over.
“What the deuce? Where did that fellow go?” Horace said sounding every bit as Dekker did.
“Watch it old man, your mother might hear you.” Dekker said as he scanned the grounds below us for any sign of the intruder.
“Where did he go?” Horace reiterated.
“Calm down man, it’s not that high of a jump. Fifteen, twenty feet tops? And look at all that shrubbery down there. Chap probably landed in those bushes and cracked his silly skull open.” Dekker said casually.
“That’s not the point! He got away.” Horace said facing Dekker, then me.
“Claren who was that?”
“Ah…that…” I started, not really knowing what to say. Mrs. Whitby put my cloak on over my wings.
“Gentlemen this night air is not good for the young Miss. We should be getting home now. I am sure the Master would want her home early.” Mrs. Whitby took me back inside the ballroom and down to the front doors calling our carriage. Dekker and Horace chased after us.
His Black Wings Page 18