Lackluster Lothario

Clockwork Nessie, Part 10

“I’ll take my chances. Very well, then. After tea, I’d like you to row me to the island.” I wanted to find the mysterious lab my father had mentioned in his note.

“Yes, Miss. Be glad to.”

Once home, I tore from the carriage, and threw open the front door. As I approached the stairs, I heard my mother’s voice in the parlor where she entertained callers.

“She should be home soon. She went to the shore to collect a few marine specimens. She is her father’s daughter, but these excursions are really more of a hobby.”

I tiptoed along the wall to the open doorway to discern the identity of her visitor without being pressed upon to join them.

Blazes! Sir John Munroe sat taking tea with my mother. He had been a frequent caller since Papa’s passing, and had begun dropping hints we might be a perfect match. I had done my best to dissuade him, but my mother undermined my assertions. John was pleasant enough, but dull. His most serious character flaw, however, was his refusal to appreciate that a woman could be interested in science. I knew he and my parents had always assumed more domestic pursuits would crowd out my so-called hobby, and endeavored at every opportunity to distract me with such.

(To Be Continued)