Rebel Magisters (Rebel Mechanics #2)(21)

“Meanwhile, we’ll see what we can stir up here in the city,” Philip said. “Some of our friends may have other friends, and so forth.”

“But be careful,” Geoffrey said. “We have to be absolutely certain who we can trust. One word to the authorities, and we’re all doomed.”





Chapter Six


In Which

We Create a Symbol




“What we need is a symbol like that red ribbon the Mechanics wear,” Philip said. “Once someone’s been vetted and sworn an oath, they get the insignia, and then we’ll know who’s truly a part of the group.”

“What do you suggest?” Henry asked.

Philip fished around in his pockets and came up with a small key, the sort that might be used to open a jewelry box. “It’s a symbol of how sealed our lips have to be.”

“We all carry keys,” Geoffrey said with a wry smile. “That doesn’t narrow it down much.”

“If you will forgive me, Miss Newton,” Philip said, and he pulled the new blue ribbon out of my hair. With his pocket knife, he cut a small section off it and tied it to the key. “And there, we have a symbol. But I think what we should do is get multiple keys that fit a particular box, and that’s the test for which keys are genuine, as a further security measure.”

“I know a good locksmith who can take care of that,” Geoffrey said.

Philip stuck the rest of his ribbon in his pocket. “I’ll buy you a new ribbon, Miss Newton, but I like the color of this one, so if you don’t mind, I’ll keep it to make the first batch of keys.”

“I think it’s appropriate that this will have a link to her,” Henry said. “Verity has been so instrumental. Now, do you want to stay for the rest of the party, or are you ready to go?”

“I need to have a word with Lizzie,” I said.

“Take your time,” Philip said, his gaze seeking out Emma. I wondered if I should play chaperone here, but I didn’t think he was likely to do anything untoward.

I found Lizzie near the refreshment table. “I did have one other idea,” I said as I approached her. I took my article out of my purse and handed it to her. “I wrote this about taking a collection to fund the cause. I know most of your members have no money, but little bits can add up, and it might make them feel less beholden to the magisters.”

“I’ll pass it to the editor and see if he’ll consider it.” She put it in her pocket, then looked up at me. “I hope you weren’t offended by our response tonight. This is a whole new way of thinking for us. I know it took a lot for Alec to even consider asking for help. Bringing in magisters as partners, well, that’s a big leap for an anti-magister movement.”

“I’m sure they understand.”

With a smile, she leaned closer to me. “Now, I need to know what you did to Colin. He’s been quite addled since the last time he saw you. I mean, more addled than usual.”

“Addled, how?” I asked.

“He came from meeting you in the park the other day with his head in the clouds and stars in his eyes. He was spouting terrible poetry and making up songs. He sang about golden hair, so I knew he hadn’t suddenly developed an affection for you—and he wouldn’t do that to Alec.”

“Oh dear,” I said. “It was Flora—Lady Flora, my pupil. Henry’s niece. She was with me when I met him in the park, so we couldn’t talk, and she’s been the same way since then, only without the poetry, as far as I know. There has been a great deal of very dramatic piano playing, however.”

“Are you quite sure? Colin swooning over a magister girl? That seems unlike him.”

“I suppose it’s possible that he encountered some other young lady, which would make all of Flora’s sighing even more tragic, but I can attest that their eyes locked in a way that reminded me of the worst sort of novel.”

“I won’t tell him that your charge is equally enamored of him.”

“I won’t tell her about him, either. With any luck, it will blow over.”

“He’ll get over it soon enough. He always does. The next pretty face to come along will distract him. Or the next interesting machine. If not, we’ll have to arrange for them to spend more time together. I’m sure that would get both of them over it.”

“Very likely,” I said with a laugh. “She’d bore him with talk of ballgowns, and she’d find him rather coarse.”

She reached over to take my hand. “I’ve missed this, Verity. I know it’s hard for you to believe, but I really did consider you a friend. Can we be friends again?”

I studied her for a long moment, uncertain. She’d hurt me, no doubt about it. I’d felt abused and betrayed by her deception. But at the same time, I was glad I’d become a part of her cause. Would that have happened if they hadn’t lured me in the way they had? It wasn’t as though I had so many friends I could afford to discard one. I had my network, but I didn’t know their names and couldn’t talk openly to any of them. There was Henry, but that relationship was fraught with complications. “We could try starting again,” I said at last. “I don’t think it will ever be the same because I’m not the same person I was then, but I would like to be friends.”