Rebel Magisters (Rebel Mechanics #2)(28)

I’d hoped the maid hadn’t seen it, but she bent to pick it up. She straightened and held the token by its ribbon, staring at it quizzically. “Ah, now that would explain why ye’re so self-sufficient and don’t like others waitin’ on ye.”

I couldn’t tell if she meant that as a compliment or if she was implying that I’d wanted to unpack for myself because I had something to hide. A million responses flooded through my mind, ranging from threats to denial. Perhaps sensing my terror, she winked at me. “Oh, don’t ye worry none, ye have nothin’ to fear from me. I have one like it that I brought with me when I was hired for this job only just this week.”

All my breath rushed out in a great whoosh of relief. “You’re the local contact Lizzie set me up with? You could have said something before you gave me the vapors!”

She grinned. “And where’s the fun in that?”

“You aren’t related to Colin, by any chance, are you?” The sense of humor was certainly familiar.

“We’re cousins of some sort. I’ve never tried to draw the family tree. I just know that my mother is somehow related to his father. And yes, I know that some things run in the family. I was lucky to get the wit and flair for the dramatic without the ginger hair and freckles.”

“So if I uncover something I need to pass to the Mechanics, I give it to you?”

“Aye. ’Twill be a challenge right under the nose of his nibs, and that’s what makes it fun.”

“I’m sure I can count on your discretion.”

“I’ve got as much to lose as you do. If it’s your word against mine, you could throw me to the wolves.”

“You don’t have to worry about me.”

I gave up fighting her about unpacking for me, since that gave her an excuse to stay and chat. She told me stories about Colin as a child that had me shaking with laughter. When she’d finished getting my room set just so, she surveyed her work with her hands on her hips and gave a nod of satisfaction. “There, just like home. Now, if you need me, pull the bell over there.” I followed her gesture to a cord hanging on the wall over the bed. “My name’s Mary, and I’ll be taking care of you and the children. That Lady Flora’s going to keep me hopping, isn’t she?”

“Very likely, but if she gives you any trouble, let me know. Her uncle won’t stand for it.”

“He’s the one who’s helping? I take it he’s the young one. Rather handsome, if ye like them scholarly. And if you can abide magisters.”

“Yes, that’s the one,” I said, refraining from comment about how handsome Henry might or might not be. “He’s not bad for a magister. You can trust him.”

“Good to know. Well, I’d best be off. Plenty of work to do. Lovely chatting with you, miss. Shall I bring up some tea? We’re letting the guests rest this afternoon, so a formal tea won’t be served, but I can bring refreshments to your room. Dinner for the adults and Lady Flora will be at eight, but we’ll serve supper in the nursery for you and the younger two at half-past six. And then if you’re up to it, the Mechanics are having a gathering tonight. You and your Lord Henry are invited.” She transitioned so smoothly into the invitation that it took me a moment to realize what she’d said.

“Tonight?”

“Yes, miss. Don’t worry, it wasn’t planned in your honor. The timing was merely convenient. But we’d love to have you there, you and his lordship.”

“I’ll have to speak to him. I’d also need to figure out how to get out of here and how to get there.”

“I can help you with that, miss. Now, would you be wantin’ some tea?”

“Yes, some tea would be lovely, thank you,” I said. “Perhaps in an hour or so? I need to look in on the children and make sure they’re doing their lessons, and if I get a chance to speak to Lord Henry, I can let you know then about the gathering.”

“Very good, miss,” she said, bobbing a quick curtsy. She gave me a wink over her shoulder as she left the room.

I took a moment to adjust my hair before going to check on Olive. She was lying on her back in the middle of a huge canopy bed. “It’s a princess room!” she said.

“Just the thing for a princess,” I replied. “Now, I want you to read that book I gave you on the history of Boston, before dinner. We’ll talk about it then and plan what we want to see.”

She dutifully got out her book and rolled onto her stomach to read, her chin resting on her fists. “I want to see everything,” she declared.

“We have a week, so perhaps we shall,” I said. “Now I’d better check on your brother.”

I found Rollo examining every inch of his room, playing with the magical lights, and looking out the window. “I can’t tell if this house has a central heating system,” he said. “I don’t find any ductwork. Could they really still be using fireplaces?”

“I have no idea. That might be something to ask your grandfather.”

He flopped onto the bed. “What did you think of the airship, Miss Newton?”

“I found it to be a much easier journey than I’ve experienced on a train. Though I do like looking at the scenery from train windows. It’s odd only seeing rooftops.”