Fri, May 18 2012
"Passepartout!" Jules called, his mind had peered ahead to a conveyer styled system that would ease the newly built ships into the water.
Emma giggled at Verne's boyish enthusiasm, as Jean ran quickly ahead. Jules rushed to meet him and ideas spewed forth a mile a minute in his wake.
"You see the slope of the land it's perfect. And the belts and steam-powered stocking trolleys with self-dumping bins ......" Jules rattled faster and faster.
"Perhaps, we should be going back for your sketch pad...." Jean answered.
"It does seem a bit complicated. Something concrete would be needed." Emma formulated. "Zane will be fine with anything I suggest, but Jest charges like a mad bull at the thought of change....."
Passepartout shot a puzzled look towards her. Then Jules took a deep breath and complied.
"Yes, to the Aurora. Fogg has afforded us plenty of time until our next meeting." Verne responded.
"Pardon me Mr. Pederson, but the Emmeline Hopewell that I know does not need to marry anyone." Rebecca spouted. "It seems to me she is doing quite well on her own."
"Just what I need, another uppity female." Jest grumbled incoherently.
"I assure you Captain Pederson, I am here in advisory capacity, and not that of a would be suitor." Phileas responded.
"I suppose you're only interested in women whose names begin with Mi-Lad-Ee." Pederson snorted.
"What I am interested in is the disappearances of men working in this shipyard." Fogg soundly rebuked.
"It always seems to happen at night. If we weren't so far from the Pacific, I'd suspect they'd been Shang-hai'd." Jest answered. "If there are any ships needin' crews I haven't heard tell of `em."
"You've been more than helpful." Phileas restrained.
"Maybe I get a little angry. But, when Emmeline started spouting that nonsense about Sultans, harem women and flying dirig--dirig –dirig-a bubbles. I told them she needed put in the sanitarium, but Cora-Belle's brother Abe he wouldn't have any part of it." Pederson explained.
"Well, um yes..." Fogg sputtered, as Rebecca stifled a giggle.
"I think a trip into town might be in order." Rebecca suggested. "Would you be so kind, cousin?" She extended her arm to Phileas, for the benefit of Pederson's witness.
As Jules ran quickly ahead to his quarters, Emma stopped to run her hand gently across the Aurora's bow in a tender caress. She hesitated there for a moment, with her breath held and eyes closed. Jean kissed her forehead and her eyes fluttered open
"She is truly beautiful, and as much a part of you as any child of the flesh could ever be." Emma whispered. "You nurture her and she gives you so much. I may envy this, but I know I must join in this love or be forever bitter."
He kissed her deeply then replied. "But, what of the shipyards? All of this, is it not being part of you, as well?"
"Clarence provided ships for my father. The marriage was to build an empire." She explained. "It is my duty, my responsibility. I was a pawn in a man's game of chess that backfired. Now the queen truly has the power, and in a man's world that is a sin beyond redemption."
Passepartout chuckled, as she gingerly tugged his hand walking backwards to face him. Her feet backed toe to heel, all the way to the workshop door. She held his fingers to her lips and kissed them sweetly.
"He may be busy sketching for a very long time." She whispered.
A horse-drawn cart filled with milk-tins and wrapped cheeses clicked and clacked down the brick- tiled street. Secreted whispers buzzed all around as the new-comers made their way into the main street filled with brick and white-washed shops. Rebecca spotted Cora, and left to follow her. Phileas however followed the sailors to the nearest tavern. Figuring where ale flows freely so does conversation.
"So what'll it be?" The barkeep demanded.
Phileas glanced about the room quickly, and replied. "Beer, of course." Beside him sat a rather surly looking fellow, with thick, muscular arms festooned with tattoos. "And another for my friend here" he added.
The man grunted, nodded then tapped an enormous ornately carved scrimshaw pipe against the bar, spilling old tobacco onto the floor. He refilled it, tapped it down and struck a match with a quick flicking motion up the side of Fogg's trousers. A thud resounded as two large mugs filled with froth topped honey-colored brew were placed in front of them. Phileas nostrils flared slightly as if something intriguing had been noticed. He took first a sip, then a long drink of the draft.
"Extraordinary!" Fogg interjected "Rich flavour, most definitely a pilsner but more subtle than a German and more bite than Belgian. Lovely balance of hops to malt....."
"Like it?" The barkeep asked. "Don't be tellin' no-one, but it came in today from St. Louis. Most of these men have family In Milwaukee, and they're partial to the Plank Road variety."
"Any more of it, about?" Phileas inquired.
"I've a full case in the back." Responded the barkeep.
"Sold!" Fogg answered. "I'll send my man round for it later."
Rebecca watched as Cora gathered wildflowers and carefully plaited them into a necklace. Her footsteps traced the elderly woman's path to the cemetery. Cora placed the flowers around a grave marker, then kissed her fingertips and pressed them against the stone. When Cora stood back up, she noticed Rebecca.
"It's all right dear. Abe always did like the company of a beautiful woman." Cora called.
"I didn't mean to intrude. I only wanted to ask you some questions..." Miss Fogg answered.
Cora clasped Rebecca's hand and patted it. "He was one of the good ones. Men like that are hard to find."
"Well I have been far luckier than, Diogenes." Rebecca answered. "Yes, your companions..... They do seem more understanding than most." Cora replied. " I think your cousin is only dishonest with himself, not others. There is much pain, there...."
"You are truly an insightful woman." Rebecca responded.
"I won't take credit for that. Emma and I have had many long conversations over tea." Cora smiled.
...To Be Continued...
End of Chapter Two
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 2 (Adult)