by Grant Eagar
Henry and Sophie
A Steampunk Romance, Volume 1
Grant Eagar
Published by Grant Eagar, 2019.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 Grant Eagar
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact:
[email protected]
You can also visit Grant at https://granteagar.blogspot.com/
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
CHAPTER 1 | The Tailor Shop
CHAPTER 2 | The Manor
CHAPTER 3 | A Marriage Proposal of Sorts
CHAPTER 4 | Matilda
CHAPTER 5 | A Night at the Theater
CHAPTER 6 | A Flight of Fancy
CHAPTER 7 | The Life of the Party
CHAPTER 8 | The Fight Continues
CHAPTER 9 | The Wedding Dress
CHAPTER 10 | Fun at the Magic Show
CHAPTER 11 | Henry in the Jail House
CHAPTER 12 | The Girl with no Light in her Eyes
CHAPTER 13 | Riana
CHAPTER 14 | Length of Time
CHAPTER 15 | A Walk through Time
CHAPTER 16 | A Disguise
CHAPTER 17 | The Ball
CHAPTER 18 | Bait
CHAPTER 19 | The Taking of Sophie
CHAPTER 20 | Henry and Riana to the Rescue
CHAPTER 21 | Henry and Goliath
CHAPTER 22 | A Refusal of Marriage, Priscilla
CHAPTER 23 | Conclusion
Angelica the Barbarian: Mountain Witch
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About the Author
I would like to dedicate this novel to my wife Rebecca Valdez Eagar. The love of my life, my best friend, partner in tribulation, and the mother of my children.
CHAPTER 1
The Tailor Shop
In the fitting room Henry David adjusted his position on the pad which he knelt upon. He had been on the floor for twenty minutes, taking in Sophie’s new summer dress. Her latest beau, Lieutenant Hammond, followed the proceedings with a scowl on his face.
She whispered to Henry, “If you’d concentrate on my dress rather than my figure the fitting would go much faster.” He reddened and made a grunt with a mouth full of pins. She turned, forcing him to reposition himself on the mat. “Honestly the real reason I’m here is regarding your inventions. I’ve played them up a bit to impress the Lieutenant. I hope you don’t mind.”
Henry, a thatch haired boy with blue-gray eyes, offered a few expletives through his mouthful of pins.
She glanced at Hammond, an officer in the British Army in his late twenties. “Hammond my dear, do you remember what I said about Henry, not only is he a fine tailor, but he’s also agreed to show us one of his inventions. Won’t you Henry?”
The eighteen-year-old tailor was preoccupied with several young ladies who waited for a fitting. Angelica, a dark haired girl with chestnut eyes walked up to the front of the line and said, “Since I’m five times as pretty as the rest of you uglies, I should be next.” There was soon hair pulling and a fight ensued.
Henry watched them with interest before noticing Sophie and Hammond staring at him expectantly. He spit out the pins and said, “Ah yes my inventions. I do occasionally try my hand at tinkering. Nothing much to speak of or I must confess nothing much to speak of that actually works. In this tinkering business there’s quite a bit of trial and error.” He smiled at Angelica who had started the ruckus and who was lying on the floor on her stomach with two girls sitting on top of her, one with a handful of her hair and another swatting her behind. She waved at him and he waved in return.
Sophie, an auburn haired girl with emerald-green eyes a year older than Henry, offered him an encouraging smile and repeated with affectation, “Not only is Henry a great inventor, but he’ll demonstrate one of his inventions right now, won't you Henry.”
The corners of his mouth turned up and he furtively stuck Sophie with a straight pin in the behind. She winced and gave him a severe look.
He offered her a look of wide eyed innocence then stood up.
Hammond said, “That will be excellent, I'm dying to see what your young inventor has come up with. You’ve praised him so highly that I canceled several important engagements to see what he has to offer.”
Henry glanced at the paisley cotton gown and said, “I think the dress is ready for the seamstress. Go ahead and give it to Madam Whipple, she'll have the girls finish it. They should have it ready for you by tomorrow. When you’re done, I'll have something to show you. I’m a bit concerned that the lieutenant canceled his appointment on my behalf. I’m afraid he is going to be disappointed.”
“Don’t worry about the lieutenant; we’ll be happy to see whatever you have. We look forward to seeing your work,” said Sophie. She headed for a screen to change behind.
Henry went into a back room of the tailor shop. A room he had been allowed to use for his inventions, and glanced at a dozen inventions on several shelves. None of them had worked out well; some had in fact been major disasters. He looked at the remains of a steam-powered bicycle, then at a large patch in the ceiling where the cycle’s boiler had exploded and launched into the Thames River. He picked up a pair of shoes and examined them; he had built the shoes with internal heaters for the winter time. Luckily the associated burns they caused his feet were only mild ones.
He grimaced when he noticed an apparatus designed to assist in the tightening of ladies corsets; after two days in jail he finally was able to convince the magistrate he was not a degenerate.
Glancing about he found Matilda, his plant, which sat on the window sill. The plant had beautiful blue and yellow flowers and vines hanging over the edge of a terracotta pot. “Matilda, I suppose you'll have to do. I’ll show you off if you promise to behave yourself.” He poured a little water into the pot then hefted the plant and gently massaged the leaves and hummed to it. After being pricked by a thorn he sucked on his finger and said, “I’m sorry I haven’t watered you for a while I’ve been distracted.” He walked up to the front of the tailor shop and there stood Sophie and Hammond with expectant looks on their faces.
Henry took a deep breath and thought; here goes nothing; I hope to goodness Matilda behaves herself this time. “Here Sophie take this plant, the blue flowers match your eyes and your dress.”
Sophie’s eyes widened and she gave him a questioning look. She hesitantly took the pot in her hands. “This is lovely, how nice of you. I however had thought your invention would be something a bit more ... mechanical?”
Hammond raised an eyebrow. “A flower is your invention? This is the extent of the Henry David’s genius? I came all the way down her to see a violet? How is this going to help us with the war? You expect our airships to drop plants on Count Von-Friedrich and his troops? I canceled my appointments to see a flower?”
“Just be patient my dear fellow. You’ll soon see the value of my invention. I feel a plant can have a calming influence on a person.” He gently stroked the leaves of the plant. “Matilda, don’t take what he said personally, he doesn’t know you.” Turning to Sophie he added, “Hold the plant close to your dress, she likes bright colors. Gently stoke her leaves and she’ll bond with you.”
“She?” asked Sophie as she held the plant near her waist. She beamed as the flowers changed color. “How e
xtraordinary, the flowers perfectly match the color pattern in my dress.”
“Just wait and relax, there is more to come, “said Henry. The vine slowly grew and wrapped about her arm as it moved sprouting flowers which matched the color of her skin tone then as the tendrils reached her sleeve the flowers once again matched the dress.
Hammond's eyes widened in surprise and he leaned closer to get a better look. “Henry this is amazing, I've never seen anything like this before; I must have this plant.”
Henry offered a wan smile, “Thank you, but Matilda stays with me.”
The vines wrapped around Sophie’s waist and she gave Henry an uncertain look. “Henry, this plant is becoming quite affectionate. Do you think it would be a good time to put the vines back in the pot now that things are going well? I think the plant has gotten big enough.” She had to keep pushing tendrils away which attempted to enter her bodice.
Henry preoccupied with examining the color variations of the flowers asked, “What was that Sophie? Oh, she’s getting quite big. Matilda that will do, you can relax now. That is enough growing. Let’s put your vines back in the pot.” He glanced up at Sophie and added, “she’s curious and likes to do a bit of exploring.” Sophie gently removed the tendrils.
Hammond grabbed the pot and pulled it away from Sophie. “I think a plant like this belongs in the hands of the government. It’s too dangerous for a boy who is a simple tailor; now give me the wretched thing.” The tendrils now grew through his jacket. There was a ripping sound as his vest was being pulled apart. Hammond ripped the vines out of his clothes and threw the plant onto the ground, smashing the pot. He sneered. “Well your plant won’t bother anyone again. Some inventor you are. The creator of a perverse plant; how extraordinary indeed. I think it’s my duty to take this retched thing away as a precaution.” He stepped forward to grab the plant.
Sophie stepped in front of him, folded her arms, and narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t need to do that. Please wait up front while I speak with Henry for a moment. This is none of your concern.”
Hammond colored then finally regained his composure, He said, “Sophie, I think we’ve wasted enough time here.” He turned and walked to the front of the shop and spoke loudly with Mister Badger, the owner of the shop. “Do you realize the boy’s plant attacked me? He’s a menace to the community. Creating a plant which attacks your customers? I must insist you sack him.”
Henry knelt and felt the twitching leaves. He picked up the root ball, a small section of vine, and the soil, stuffing them all in a leather case. The boy collected the remaining vines, leaves, and the pot shards, which he put into a trash bin. He glanced at Sophie and said, “A most remarkable plant destroyed: all to entertain your officer. Are you satisfied?”
Sophie ran her fingers through his hair then placed her hand on Henry's shoulder. “Henry, I'm deeply sorry. I didn’t know things would turn out so... well there was the issue with the bicycle and the winter shoes, and the umbrella and the baby carriage and the corset machine, but you know I’m fond of you. “I know it’ll only be a matter of time before you have an invention which works out. I’m confident you’ll be a huge success.”
He sighed. “I'm sorry: to you she must just be a plant, but to me she’s much more. I so wanted to impress you with Matilda.”
“You did impress me; I've never seen anything like this before, your plant truly is a wonder.” She squeezed his shoulder and turned to go. She glanced at Hammond, who glowered at them from another room. “I better leave before he blows a gasket.” She waved at Hammond before leaning over and kissing Henry on the cheek so Hammond could see. She dashed from the room, whispered something to Mister Badger, offered Hammond her arm, and gave Henry a wink before they left.
He touched his cheek and smiled at the departing girl. Sophie, it always is an adventure with you isn’t it?
He held the leather case with the remnants of the plant and whispered, “Matilda hold on, it’ll be alright. I’ll find a better place to plant you: a place where you can grow in peace.” He then shoved the leather case into his satchel.
Henry glanced at Mister Badger who scowled at him and shook his head. Henry returned to his workbench and with his head down picked up a handful of tools and put them into a bag. The store owner approached him. “No need to do that, though Hammond did want me to sack you. Miss Sophie reminded me if I sacked you, she’d take her business elsewhere. I’d much rather have her as a customer than some pompous ass. Now if you truly desire to keep your job, I suggest a bit more encouragement to the lady customers. They have come here to see you after all.” He slapped Henry on the back and strode away.
Henry sighed, he was excited at the prospect of being sacked, but his inventions would not pay for themselves; they called to him night and day. He made his way into the waiting room of the tailor shop and forced a smile for the three nobleman’s daughters who still waited there. “I'm sorry for making you wait. Angelica, I think you’re next.”
Angelica joined him and they walked to the dress racks, she asked, “So Henry, do you make it a point to be kissed by all your customers? I think that girl was taken with you.”
He offered a wan smile and asked, “Did you not notice her beau? She tried to make him jealous. She’s just an old friend if you must know.” He took her hand, removed the satin glove and kissed her wrist. She blushed. “This is how I kiss those I adore.” He led her into the display area and showed her the latest dresses. While she considered which gown to purchase he said, “Angelica, you are a magnificent creature, truly a beauty. If I was not a poor tailor, I’d be tempted to ask your father for your hand.”
She beamed. “I might surprise you; I do have quite a bit of influence over my papa after all. He’s not the tiger you imagine; I usually get my way when push comes to shove. So are you making a formal proposal?”
Henry noticed the serious look on her face and went pale; I need to work on my lines. The ladies are starting to take me seriously. He quickly took a muslin dress off a hanger. “Yes, I’m proposing you purchase this lovely garment.” He placed the dress next to her. “I daresay this dress would look charming on your elegant figure.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Several friends have gently hinted that I shouldn’t wear a dress with a bustle, there is too much involved in the upkeep and sitting down is a chore. Also, given my backside is considered large by some, I shouldn’t over emphasize it.”
He offered a bright smile and said, “You must be listening to lazy girls, just remember they loll about rather than sitting up like fine ladies. With a proper corset on it’s a simple matter to sit with a bustle.” He then winked at her. “You’re not a mere girl, but”—he made a fist for dramatic effect—“you’re a woman. Women do what is necessary to exhibit a certain gravity which only a bustle can provide. And regarding your magnificent arse; your perfection is not an appropriate topic for polite company.”
Two hours later the tailor left the shop. He stopped in front of a great cathedral, crossed himself and said a silent prayer. Oh god, forgive me for the lies and exaggerations I’ve said today in order to sell clothes and protect me from the wrath to come.
ON THE WAY HOME, HENRY decided to stop at the small rooming house where his mother lived. He entered through the back stairs going up three flights to her apartment where he was confronted by a huge tabby cat. “Good evening Simon, I hope you’ve been watching the place and staying out of trouble.” He unwrapped a piece of fish and as the tabby beast ate he reached down to pet the cat and heard a warning hiss and thought better of it. “You’ll warm to me yet, you grumpy ole beastie.” He then entered the rundown tenement with walls covered with soot from a coal stove.
His mother approached him and said, “My long lost son has finally returned; it’s good to see you haven’t completely forgotten your ole mum.”
After embracing her he smiled and asked, “Long lost son? I visited you last week. So how is the Belle of London? How went the penny opera today? Is your new sho
w making any money?”
She scowled. “At least one of us is making some coin; I’ll have you know there is no money to be made in burlesque.”
He kissed her forehead and they both sat at a small rickety table for tea and biscuits. He offered a wan smile. “So between the horse track and the bar tab, your money is all spent? It used to be your gentlemen friends would keep you in liquor and gambling money.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I’m not the temptress I was ten years ago. Time is less than kind to show girls.” Her eyes then brightened. “Of course once you make it big with your inventions I’ll never have to work again. How did the demonstration go today?”
He raised an eyebrow. “You were aware of my demonstration? To be honest the exhibition was a bit of a disaster. How did you hear about it?”
“A mother has the right to know of her son’s business. I have my sources. They would be of little use to me if I told you who they were.” She poured some tea and offered him a biscuit. “There is always next time, wasn’t it the light bulb guy who tried thousands of times before he got a bulb which worked? Just keep trying and soon we’ll be moving into a fine apartment with oil heat.”
Henry squeezed her hand. “I understand Mum, now were you able to pay your rent for the loft?”
She looked away. “I told Mister Fish you'd pay the rest, I didn’t have enough to completely cover the room.”
Henry sighed. “I understand your situation, but if I spend all my money on rent there’ll be none for inventions, I don’t have money for both. We’re either going to bet on my inventions or the ponies, we can’t afford to bet on both of them. Why don’t you move back into the manor with the Colonel then you'd have no financial worries at all.”
Her eyes flashed and she colored. “Let’s not talk about him at present; you know I've vowed to never set foot in my father’s home again.” After taking another sip of tea she gave him a mischievous smile and asked, “Is there any hope of landing one of those nobleman’s daughters which fill your shop day after day. I see the way they smile at you; if you could catch one of them you'd be set.”