by Grant Eagar
THE FOLLOWING EVENING Henry left the tailor shop and swung into the saddle of his horse Sebastian and set off for the Thomas estate. He had a knot in the pit of his stomach as he rode.
Why does she toy with me? He then thought of her smile and those wondrous emerald green eyes and his heart pained him. Sophie, you pernicious fairy can't you just leave me be?
By the time Henry had entered the lane on the Thomas estate he was ready to turn tail and head for home. He could not think of a single positive outcome of the party. He however had promised to attend the gala and it pained him to disappoint her. There were many fine carriages full of ladies and gentlemen along with wagon loads of officers. Their finery made him feel ill at ease.
He dismounted and tied his horse up. He was approached by a gentleman who handed him his horse’s reins. “Boy, be a good chap and take my horse. Rub him down and give him some oats and just a little water, I've ridden him hard.” He flipped Henry a silver coin and strode away.
Henry narrowed his eyes then considered the horse and the coin in his hand. He glanced at his clothes. I guess I do look like a groomsman having just come from the shop. The animal was lathered and breathing heavily. He glanced about and noticed the groomsmen were overwhelmed. He considered the animal again and said, “Someone had better take care you.” He removed the saddle and rubbed the horse down then led it to a trough. He ended up caring for half a dozen more animals before he went inside. He jingled his pocket full of coins. Taking care of these beasts is much easier and more lucrative than facing the fine prigs inside.
He joined the line of guests being presented and awkwardly stepped through the entryway and noticed Sophie and Hammond. They stood side by side greeting guests. When it was his turn he offered a polite bow and smiled at the pair. “Good evening Sophie, thank you for the invitation.”
Hammond turned to Sophie. “Is there a reason you invited him?”
She shot the officer a dark look and forced a playful smile. “Don’t be rude, he's a close family friend and of course he’s an inventor, which is what this event is all about. Now please show some civility.” She curtsied and offered Henry her hand. He attempted to shake it, but she raised her eyebrows and lifted her hand to his lips and he bent and pretended to bite the supple hand then finally kissed it. Her eyes shone. There was a harrumph from Hammond and she gave Henry a mischievous grin.
He went inside and noticed there were many more guests than the help required to serve them. He heard several angry women scolding a maid who was in tears. He picked up a towel and a platter then asked the women what they were drinking. After they had given him their orders, the maid whispered a thank you. He went into the kitchen and told the butler he was there to help; and asked him what needed to be done.
He was put to work serving drinks and snacks. He watched the other servers and followed suit the best he could. He was awkward at first, but soon got into the spirit of the thing. He realized once the crowd established him as a servant they acted like he did not exist. They would extend their glasses if they needed a refill or pluck a sausage off the tray if it was within easy reach.
Later Henry stood between two stooped, grey-haired gentlemen. The taller of the two with a thick mustache said, “I heard the country is rife with turncoats sympathetic to Count Von-Friedrich. They’re frightened by this new super weapon Goliath and feel surrendering will be the way to minimize bloodshed. Von-Friedrich's spies are everywhere so we don't know who we can trust.” He then gave Henry a wary glance and raising a suspicious eyebrow. “The war ministry has horribly botched the conflict; I daresay we'll soon have to call up new recruits if we’re going to survive this war.”
The other gentlemen, a shorter balding man said, “Why send new recruits to the front? They'll just be incinerated by this Goliath monster.”
“What is this super weapon everyone speaks of?” asked Henry leaning closer to hear.
The two men glanced at him like he had stepped out of thin air; or at least stepped out of his place. There were several throat clearings and severe looks then they turned their backs to him.
After getting a fresh tray of drinks Henry felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around he was face to face with Angelica. She gave him a stoic look. “So it’s you. I thought so, but Mama said you were just a common boy who was part of the serving staff. She said if you see one you’ve seen them all so I decided to come over and find out for myself.” She then eyed the tray in his hands. “So you are a servant now? Have you given up your position at the shop?”
Henry gave a slight bow and said, “Pleasing others is not such a terrible thing. It can be quite enjoyable to provide others a measure of comfort and hospitality. As far as being a common boy ... I'm guilty as charged.”
She gave him a critical look. “You are holding the tray all wrong and the way you stand is not becoming to a servant. Who hired you after all?”
Henry offered her a wan smile. “Actually I volunteered; they appeared to be a bit short handed.”
“You just grabbed a tray and started helping out? Well someone should harness you in to keep you from running amuck.”
He grinned and said, “No one has been able to rein me in yet; and running amuck is my specialty.”
“I should have been the one to try,” said Angelica with a wistful look. “Is there a way we could ever be friends again?”
From across the room there came the voice of a woman. “Look smart boy, stop accosting the young lady and come and refill my glass.”
Henry turned to Angelica and said, “Pardon me, duty calls.” He stepped up to the lady and with Angelica’s eyes on him attempted to fill the woman's wine glass. He shook so hard he ended up spilling the dark red wine all over her bodice. He removed the towel from his shoulder and dabbed at the wine in the woman’s bosom.
She shrieked and pummeled him with her fan.
Sophie ran up and stepped in between the combatants and yelled, “Stop! Stop! Madam, obviously you are unaware of the proper treatment of servants. I take it you have no servants of your own?”
The woman's eyes widened and she turned an even darker shade of red. “That is outrageous, we have a full serving staff.”
“Then you should be familiar with proper form; now hold still while he dabs you. I’m certain having him dab your bosom is as awkward for him as it is for you.” She then walked away to rejoin Hammond.
The woman scowled and held still with immense gravity all the while giving Henry thunderous looks. Henry, red-faced attempted to dab at the woman’s breasts without appearing to be a reprobate.
After he had finished, Angelica took the bottle of wine and demonstrated the proper method of serving. When the bottle was empty she turned to Henry “You never answered my question.”
“And what question were you referring to?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Just forget it! I didn’t want to renew our friendship anyway.” She then turned to leave.
“It is a shame someone so lovely can be so hateful,” Henry said to her back then turned and strode into the kitchen and procured a tray of cheeses. These looked much safer than wine pouring.
His arm was caught by Sophie. “So what did you say to that young lady to make her leave the room in such a huff?”
At this point Henry was a bit nettled. “You and the Captain make quite the handsome couple, what did you say about him preparing to give you an offer? Will we be hearing an announcement this evening of your engagement? Obviously it will be when I am present, preferably right in my face.”
Sophie reddened. “That information is none of your concern. You of all people are aware of my situation. I don’t appreciate your snide remarks.” She then reached for the tray of cheeses. “I never asked for your help, why don’t you just go and join the others.”
Henry held fast to the tray and a bit cowed at this point said, “I’m sorry Sophie that was uncalled for... I regard you as a close friend and this service is what a friend would perform, don’t shame me by trea
ting me like a casual acquaintance.”
Sophie released the tray and sighed then with a pained expression she squeezed his arm and said, “Let’s just get through this night, shall we?” She then strode away.
He resumed serving. How was I able to make two girls mad at me in all the space of just five minutes? Somehow having the girls mad at me is much less complicated than the alternative. Love is what is complicated not hostility.
A few minutes later Sophie yelled to the crowd, “Come into the hall! I would like to invite everyone to dance. We've hired a superb band for the occasion and we must put them to work.” The musicians struck up a waltz while Sophie and Hammond led the dance across the floor. They were soon followed by a dozen other couples.
Henry continued to serve and he glanced at Sophie who had a broad smile on her face. When their eyes met she glowered at him then looked away.
While he continued to serve the guests, a middle aged lady approached him with a tray of flowers and pinned a white carnation over his heart. “What is this for?” he asked.
“Just a token of our appreciation for your service to our country,” she said as she slipped through the crowd.
He glanced at her back as she disappeared into the throng then he went back to work.
Angelica touched his shoulder. “Henry, I’ve been watching you and the level of carnage you’re creating is deplorable. I think it’s high time you put down the platter or what I refer to as your instrument of destruction and find a girl to dance with.”
He sighed, laid the platter on a table and scanned the room. “Where is there a foolish young lady who can put up with a cockscomb such as me? They all look so lovely and innocent.”
Angelica grabbed his arm and led him into the dance. “I feel it’s my duty to keep a rascal such as you away from the young and the innocent.”
Henry touched his cheek where the bruise had been. “You’re young, but no one would hint at you being of the innocent variety.”
“And did you not negotiate with papa for the amount required to be rid of you?”
He raised an eyebrow. “And the reason you’re dancing with me; considering you know me so well? Your father will think his money wasted.”
She said, “Call this community service or intrigue. You are a paradox of sorts.”
They danced a waltz. Henry relaxed and concentrated on the waltz and the task of not stepping on her feet. He complemented Angelica on her dress and she on his dancing ability.
He asked, “So did you hide the thousand pounds in your corset or did you return it to the earl? You know everyone now considers me to be a gold digger of the lowest sort.”
She adjusted her corset, gave him a mischievous smile and asked, “What would be a gold digger of the highest sort? The location of the money is of no concern to you so don't get any notion of exploring for it.” Her face darkened and she raised an eyebrow, “someone didn't happen to offer you a generous donation to your work recently did they?”
“Yes, I’m fortunate enough to occasionally receive donations towards my work, unfortunately what was initially given as a free gift soon becomes an investment with strings attached. Your conscience is not bothering you is it? I would be willing to accept a donation if one is being freely offered.”
Her eyes narrowed. “That is not the point of my question. Did someone recently make a donation of say five hundred pounds?”
“Yes, I was fortunate enough to receive such a donation.”
“And who pray tell was this generous donor?”
“She was -
They were bumped into by Sophie and Hammond. Sophie offered a look of innocence. “Pardon me,” she said with a mischievous smile. “Henry, you should pay better attention. Dancing is not for the faint of heart; I must inform you the band is playing a waltz, not a dirge. I suggest you step it up a bit.” She and Hammond then waltzed away.
He watched them dance away with a feeling of angst then turned his attention back to Angelica. Her eyes narrowed and she stiffened. “So she is the one who has so bewitched you. It’s all over your face. It’s clear now she owns you. She spends the evening with an officer because you’re so beneath her and she has you serve her guests. What a pathetic puppy you’ve become.”
“I’m not taken with Sophie; we’re just friends. She didn’t ask me to help out; I did so because she needed it. That’s what friends do. And if you must know I have no romantic notions regarding her at present.”
“Henry, I have the advantage of looking at your face when she came by. You are definitely infatuated. What a fool you are, you could’ve had me all to yourself and instead you prefer to play second fiddle ... or is it third or fourth fiddle? I can see you're just her plaything. I wish you two joy.” At this the dance ended and she turned to leave.
He grabbed her wrist and held it. “Seriously Angelica, you wish to leave after saying that? What kind of monster are you? My relationship with Sophie is no concern of yours.”
She considered him for a moment. “You want to know what kind of monster I am. I’m the kind of monster which tells the truth and doesn’t play with the feelings of other people, just the opposite of the kind of monster you are.” She then pulled her hand free and strode away.
Henry danced with several other young ladies he had met at the shop and after three more songs there was the ringing of a small bell. Sophie's father, Sir Thomas, put the bell down and said, “Gather around everyone, I'd like to welcome you all.” After the crowd approached him he continued, “You probably wonder why we requested your presence. We’ve invited several of the country's noted scientists here to honor them and to celebrate their achievements. They are also here to present their findings.” He then gestured to a group of scientists, “esteemed ladies and gentlemen will you please come forward and take your places alongside me.” Several men and women walked up and stood next to Sir Thomas. They all had fine looks and were well pleased with themselves.
Henry, who had gone back to serving, was in the middle of refilling a ladies wine goblet when Sophie yelled, “Henry get up here! You’re not going to get out of doing your duty.”
He handed the woman the bottle and was as so startled he tripped on his way up to the stand. He quickly walked up and stood next to Sophie - red faced.
Sophie grinned. “That's better Henry; I can’t have you spend the whole of the evening in incognito.” Speaking loudly she added, “This is Henry David our seventh inventor who has been hiding amongst the serving staff. He was in incognito. Is this not a good joke hiding a scientist in such a manner?” There was widespread applause.
“You a scientist, I thought you were the serving boy?” said a woman in a mink shall. “No wonder you were such a disaster at serving. I hope you are better at inventing than at helping.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you madam, but unfortunately I’m not good at either,” said Henry.
Sophie offered a broad smile and squeezed Henry's shoulder. “As you know scientists can be a bit unorthodox and peculiar.” She then gestured to her father, “Sir Thomas, I’ll turn the time over to you.”
He proceeded to offer a speech. While he spoke Henry glanced around and noticed all the other scientists had white carnations as well. He felt kind of special being singled out and a little ashamed at not being a true inventor. Why did Sophie invite me to this? I’m no inventor, at least no inventor when compared to these wonders. After the speech, Sir Thomas turned to the minister of war. “Now if you’d be so kind as to share with us the condition of the war. I'm sure everyone is greatly interested in the state of things.”
A small gentleman with a top hat stepped forward. He removed his hat and stepped onto a box then held his hat in his hands and with deep solemnity said, “We recently have suffered great losses. As you are aware France and Germany have been taken over by Count Von-Friedrich. He has deployed a super weapon which generates lightening and he directs the destructive power at our troops and our air ships with heavy casualties. The reason we’re
here tonight is we have been seeking possible solutions to this dilemma. The enemy is truly at our borders; camped in Dunkerque France to be exact. They’re building barges that will transport several Goliaths to the island. I have been informed by the royal science society that they’ve come up with a solution to the super weapon problem.”
A gentleman in the crowd asked, “If I may be so bold, what precisely is the purpose of this war? I know we at present are concerned about our sovereignty, but why should we come to the aid of Europe. I say let them fend for themselves and bring our boys home.”
Another gentleman nodded and added. “Have we not spent millions on the war, I daresay it all is a pathetic waste of men and resources.”
A tall man with a gray mustache said, “I would suggest a partnership with the count. I say if we can’t beat him, join him.”
The war minister’s face turned red and his eyes narrowed. He turned to Sir Thomas and asked, “What possessed you to invite these traitors? Do they not know the dire situation we’re in? What we need is solutions to defeat Count Von-Friedrich’s super weapon, not rhetoric of surrender. Rather than arguing about how we arrived at this precarious situation we’re here to present a solution.”
One of the scientists stepped forward with a manuscript in her hand. “That is enough arguing, what I have here is the solution to the supper weapon. We have devised a plan to stop this menace once and for all. First thing we need to do is to-”
Just then the lights went out, all the lights except for the carnations, which the scientists wore, which glowed in the dark. Henry covered his carnation with his hand.
There were several shots fired and people screamed. Hammond’ yelled “Long live Count Von-Friedrich! This is what happens to all who fight against the Count and his glorious cause.”
When the lights came back on again several of the scientists lay dead on the tile floor and the manuscript was gone. Hammond and the three men who had spoken out against the war were gone as well as was the lady who pinned the carnations onto the scientists.