“Help me with what?” Vix returned with a cup in her hand, which she gave to Noli.
“I appreciate it.” Noli took a tentative gulp of water, wishing it were cooler.
“Why do you never say
thank you?”
Vix leaned against the door frame. “Is it because those words mean something to them?”
Nodding, she took another gulp of water. “I’ll help you with the legions of female relations who will spend all of Thanksgiving arguing if we should serve quail or pheasant at your wedding.”
A look of sheer and utter terror crossed Vix’s face. “We’re not getting married
at
Thanksgiving, are we?”
“I don’t think even Grandmamma can plan a wedding that quickly,” Noli joked as she finished her water. “Though she might try.”
“Noli, since you’re feeling a little better, could you
please
explain what’s going on here? I don’t understand— about you having magic, about that man calling you a sprite, about our neighbor being Fae.” Jeff squeezed her knee.
“Must I?” She looked away, stomach churning at the idea of talking about everything.
“Would you like me to leave?” Vix added.
Noli shook her head. “It’s the idea of telling the story that bothers me—not you hearing it.” She lay back down in the hammock, clutching the pot of mint. “In order for it to all make sense, I have to start at the very beginning. The day I regret will all my being. That was the day where everything changed. I’d finally managed to fix Father’s old Hestin Dervish Pixy and V and I took it out for a test flight … ”
“No, stop Miss Gregory, stop,” Noli screamed as Miss Gregory poured cold water over her face again and again, not stopping for more than a second. Her lungs burned and she gasped and sputtered for breath.
“Noli, Noli, calm down,” Jeff soothed, rubbing a damp cloth over her forehead. “You’re not at school; you’re safe on the ship with me.”
Noli felt torn between the two events, not knowing which was real. “Stop,” she sobbed.
“We’ve docked in Chicago to refuel,” Vix said from the doorway. “Are you certain we shouldn’t find a doctor … or other help?”
Noli just wanted Miss Gregory to stop. If she didn’t get a good breath in soon she’d suffocate. Her lungs screamed for air.
“Other help?” Jeff stroked her face. “Shhh, everything is going to be just fine, Noli.”
“It’s a bit of a coincidence she fell ill immediately after that Brogan fellow threatened her. I swear I saw his hands …do something. Honestly, Jeff, I think maybe, especially after hearing Noli’s entire tale, we should stop doing business with them.”
Noli’s breathing eased, but she shivered … and thirst parched her throat.
“You think he did this?” Jeff asked.
“You heard what he did to his own family,” Vix replied. “And he kept talking about her being out of her element—I’m certain we’re missing something here.”
“If it were as simple as finding Steven, perhaps. Those two always have been the best of friends. But I wouldn’t know where to even start to look for him. I wouldn’t trust anyone else—not even, no
especially
, Kevighn.” Jeff sighed, head in his hands. “I can’t believe our neighbors are
faeries.
”
“I miss V,” Noli squeaked. She remembered a little now, and she’d left Kevighn’s role out of the story as much as she could.
Jeff stroked Noli’s cheek and even that gesture hurt. “You’re too warm.”
“I’m
cold
,” Noli shivered, wincing at the pain it caused. “May I have another blanket?”
“We should get a doctor before it’s too late.” Vix pressed a cup of water in Noli’s hand. “Here, drink this.” She helped Noli take sips of water.
“We need to get her to Boston—they’ll know what to do,” Jeff insisted. “Perhaps someone can pick up some broth for her. She hasn’t eaten much.”
Noli didn’t feel like eating, but it took too much effort to tell them that. She closed her eyes again, praying she didn’t have more nightmares about Miss Gregory—or Queen Tiana.
“Are you sure, Jeff?” Vix’s voice broke.
“I’m sure. We should send Winky to get her a new plant, both hers have died and she sleeps better with one in her arms.” He stroked Noli’s hair. “Just go back to sleep, Noli. We’ll get you to Boston soon.”
Noli nodded and drifted off to sleep.
Noli ran through the wildwood, a legion of pink croquet mallets on her heels. Breena and Nissa, the high queen’s handmaidens, lobbed purple and gold cannon balls at her, laughing at Noli’s attempts at escape.
“I just want to go home,” Noli sobbed as she tripped over a root and sprawled on the ground of the wildwood, croquet mallets marching closer. “I just want to go home.”
“Noli, you’re dreaming again.” Jeff shook her. “Vix, did you summon a motorcab?”
“Are you certain this is a good idea?” Vix asked, trepidation lurking in her voice.
All Noli wanted was to not be caught by the croquet mallets.
“Up you go, Noli,” Jeff lifted her. “I’m taking you to Mother; she’ll know what to do.”
“And if she doesn’t?” Vix goaded.
Noli leaned her head against Jeff’s chest, her eyes closed.
“She’s our mother; she always knows what to do,” Jeff replied.
Noli felt herself being moved as they talked about her. Again. They were going to Mama. Would she see V as well? It would be nice to see that fussy old bodger. A drink would also be welcome. Her throat felt made of sandpaper and she sweltered in that dress.
For a long time Vix and Jeff stayed silent, but she was no longer being chased by mallets or purple cannon balls, so she leaned into Jeff, enjoying the respite.
“We’re on the way to Grandfather’s,” Jeff whispered, stroking her hair over and over. “Vix, everything will be fine—they’ll love you.”
“I’m worried more about her,” Vix muttered.
A few moments later Noli heard Vix suck in a sharp breath. “Is this your house?”
“Grandfather’s house, not ours,” Jeff replied. “Noli, we’re here. Let’s find Mother.”
Noli’s eyes fluttered open, they felt so heavy, so she let them close again. Cold air hit her face. Ah, that felt divine on her overheated skin.
There was a rapping sound and Noli realized someone knocked on a door. Her eyes cracked. Jeff seemed to be holding her as Vix knocked.
The door opened. “May I help you?” an old voice creaked.
“Jameson? Is that you?” Jeff asked. “It’s me, Jeffrey Braddock, Edwina’s son. I need to speak with Mother—or Grandfather, quickly, it’s Noli, she’s ill.”
She was ill? Was that why she fell as if her skin burned with a million steam engines? Perhaps she could have a nice cool bath.
“Please, let me in Jameson,” Jeff pleaded. “We need a doctor.”
“Jameson, who’s at the door, is that the Parkingtons?” a female voice called.
“Mother … Mama, it’s me,” Jeff called.
Noli tried to sit up at the sound of her mother’s voice.
“Easy, Noli,” Jeff soothed. “We’ll have you in a proper bed soon.”
“Jeffery?” Warm air gushed from somewhere, not nearly as pleasant as the cold air. “What are you doing here?” Mama made a noise of alarm. “What’s wrong with Noli?”
“I don’t know.” His voice broke. “We were coming to visit you for Thanksgiving. Noli fell ill on the way. I … I think Grandfather needs to send for the doctor.”
“Noli, my poor girl. Come in. Jeff, it’s been far too long.” Their mother ushered them in and Noli felt the cold air leave her, replaced by hot air, so stifling it made her whimper. “Jeff, help me get her upstairs. Jameson, get Father and send Ellen up. Oh, hello, who are you?”
“Mother, if I might present Victoria Adler, of Kentucky. She and I have recently become engaged. We were coming to visit you, in part so that I might introduce you to her.” Jeff moved as he spoke, Noli with him. “Vix, this is my mother, Edwina Braddock.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Braddock, Jeff and Noli speak so highly of you,” Vix replied as polite as could be.
“Why Jeffrey, you’ve gotten engaged?” Their mother’s voice swelled with pride. “My word, I wasn’t expecting that. Victoria, we’ll talk. Jeff, let’s put Noli in the nursery. We freshened it up for your little cousins, but they didn’t come at the last moment.”
Noli felt her mother’s hand on her forehead.
“You don’t think it’s influenza, do you?” Mama’s voice tinged with worry.
“I don’t think so—no one on the ship has fallen ill but Noli, and Jeff’s barely left her side,” Vix replied.
She felt herself being laid down on a bed. Ah, that was it. Now, if someone would open the window.
Mama repositioned her on the bed, helping her to get comfortable. “Is she still in her corset?” Outrage colored Mama’s voice. “How many days has she been in her corset? Truly, Jeff? Off with you, now. Why don’t you and your young lady help your Grandfather summon a doctor? Ellen,” she bellowed. “Noli, sweetheart we’re going to get you into something more comfortable. Ellen! I need your help.
Mama.” Noli’s eyes flickered open to make sure it was her mother and not a figment of her imagination. Or a croquet mallet.
“I’m right here.” Her mother began to undress her. “Ellen!”
“Mama, I don’t feel good.” Heavy, Noli’s eyes closed. It hurt to form words.
I don’t feel good either,
the sprite whined.
Her mother brushed her hair away from her face. “Hold on, Noli. Just hold on. We’re going to get the doctor. Everything’s going to be just fine.”
All Noli wanted was a drink of water and a nap in a tree. When she opened her mouth the words didn’t emerge. But her mother would figure it out. Mama always knew exactly what she needed when she fell ill. This time would be no exception.
James and Steven trudged through the snow to Dr. Heinz’s house. Rahel rode on Steven’s back; it was faster than her walking through the ever-present muddy slush.
“Are we there yet?” Rahel asked. Again.
“Not yet,” Steven replied, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice. Again.
James pointed to the horizon. “Look, I think it’s up ahead. Rahel, let’s race.”
“Yessss!” Her squeal hurt Steven’s ears as he set her down. Doll clutched in her arms, she raced James down the mucky road.
They beat Steven to the house. James was already knocking on the door when he trudged up the front steps, legs freezing.
The door opened and Bridgid poked her head out. “Yes?”
“Oh, Bridgid, look who we found?” James’ voice went singsong.
“Bridgid, Bridgid!” Rahel flew past James and wrapped her arms around the young housekeeper’s legs.
“Rahel. Oh, Rahel
.
Dr. Heinz, come quickly,” she shouted as she hugged Rahel tightly right there in the doorway. “Come in.” She ushered all of them inside. “Dr. Heinz,” she called.
Tasty smells from the kitchen made his belly rumble. Dr. Heinz appeared looking much like the last time with his leather apron over his clothes and magnifying goggles on his head.
“Popi!” Rahel flung herself at her father.
He caught her and swung her into his arms. “Rahel, oh, my Rahel.” Sobs of joy leaked from his lips. For several moments he just held his daughter, murmuring her name over and over. Bridgid bustled off to get everyone tea.
“Thank you so much,” Dr. Heinz told them, still clutching his daughter. “I cannot express how grateful I am.”
“It was our pleasure.” Steven couldn’t help but smile at the man’s happiness, though
thank yous
always made him uncomfortable.
“You have the automaton?” James asked.
“James,” Steven hissed as he elbowed his rude little brother.
James shot him a wounded look as he rubbed his side. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Please, be my guest for Thanksgiving, I insist.” Dr. Heinz gave his daughter a kiss. “We’ll have a feast indeed. Yes, your automaton is ready. Tomorrow, you can be off.”
“We would be honored to share your Thanksgiving meal,” Steven replied. A hot meal and a real bed sounded splendid. However, he wouldn’t truly relax until the automaton had been delivered and the quest declared completed. “Oh, I finished your book.”
Dr. Heinz smiled. “And what did you think of Machiavelli?”
“It was interesting to learn more about his philosophies.” Even if he didn’t agree with most of them. Things such as
it is much more secure to be feared than to be loved
seemed far more his mother and uncle’s philosophy than his own.
Rahel frowned at them, lower lip jutting out in a pout. “You’re leaving?”
Steven nodded. “Tomorrow. We have to get the present back to our mother—”
“In time for her birthday,” James added, ignoring Steven’s hard look at both the lie and the interruption.
Rahel clutched her dollies tight. “When will you find Noli?”
At least she was safe with Jeff. Wait, perhaps he should dream search for her, at least he could talk to her, make sure she was all right. He could smack himself for not thinking of it sooner. Yes, he’d dream search for her tonight.
“Soon.” Steven felt lighter at the thought. “I’ll find Noli very soon.”
“I can’t believe we’re going to a bawdy house with an automaton,” Steven muttered as James led him back into Mathias’ burlesque hall.
“I’m sure there’s a naughty joke in there some place.” James opened the door. At least this time his coat didn’t squirm with a fluffy cat.
Steven lugged the blanket wrapped child-sized form inside the lobby, his brother tossing the doorman coins and elbowing past him. Neither felt like playing games. Also, he hadn’t been able to find Noli last night when he dream searched for her and that made worry ball in the pit of his stomach. Either she’d stayed up all night or something was wrong.
The same dark-haired woman in the same scanty red outfit sauntered over to them. “I thought I told you to be properly dressed next time,” she sniffed, wiggling her hips for emphasis. Her eyes lingered on Steven’s bruised face.
“Sorry.” James gave her a disarming grin. “We’re here to see Mathias.”
What they needed to know was the location of the closest portal back to the Otherworld. The quest wasn’t over until the item had been delivered—which meant they could be harassed by
helpers
until then. He still hadn’t forgotten the gunmen over Deseret—or Igan and his friends.