Magnificent Devices 01 - Lady of Devices

she given up hope of developing differently than unpleasant reality suggested. The release of that last hope had been painful, contributing directly to her reluctance to be made a show of during the Season.
    And speaking of unpleasant reality ...
    “Sit down, Claire. How did you enjoy your classes today?”
    Was this a trick question, set to trap the unwary? “Very well, Mama.”
    “So much so that you stayed late?”
    She and Gorse had indeed taken a somewhat circuitous route home in order to practice right turns, but not enough to cause alarm. “I’m sorry, Mama?”
    “I have just had a tube from Madame du Barry informing me that you did not appear for your appointment at four o’clock.”
    Madame du Barry. Madame du ... oh. “But the fittings aren’t until tomorrow.”
    For the second time that day, she was pinned in place by an unrelenting blue gaze. “They were today.” A narrow brass mailing tube stood on the table, obviously fresh from the vacuum delivery system that snaked beneath London like a veritable Medusa of communication. Lady St. Ives tapped the rolled-up sheet of paper that had come inside it against the palm of her hand. “Do you have any idea how much effort I put into securing your appointment with her? Do you know how sought-after she is? Why, your appointment followed directly after that of Princess Beatrice. Princess Beatrice , Claire!”
    “I’m so sorry, Mama. I honestly thought it was tomorrow.” How could she think about something as mundane as a dress fitting when the day had been such a disaster? A tube from Professor Grünwald could only be a matter of time. She should really be going about in a smock and boots. Think of the wear and tear she might save the stylish efforts of people like Madame du Barry.
    “As it is, we will barely be able to get another fitting before your graduation, and I shudder to think what I will do if she decides to stop work on your presentation gown. Honestly, dear, is it so difficult to keep important things in mind? You are such a twitterpate sometimes—I really wonder if your education at St. Cecelia’s is having any effect at all.”
    “I’m getting top marks in French and German,” Claire offered meekly.
    “That will serve you well should you need to direct a staff in those languages. But in order to have a staff, you must have a home of your own. To have a home of your own, you must attract a husband of wealth and standing. And in order to attract a husband, you must yourself be attractive. How can you do that if you miss appointments with your modiste?”
    Claire hoped her future happiness did not depend solely on a designer’s skill with tapes and drapery. “I would hope the man I marry would be attracted to my mind, not the efforts of my dressmaker.”
    “Don’t be impertinent. I am quite serious.” That, sadly, was true. “You know Papa frowns when you talk like a Wit.” But Papa was not here. He had been spending long hours in the House of Lords, arguing with people about investing in the combustion engine. She supposed gentlemen had to spend their time doing something, but goodness, how foolish.
    Mama was speaking again. “... are your dance lessons progressing?”
    “The dance master is pleased.” Perhaps she could make her smile after all. “Twelve new variations of the mazurka are the rage this Season, and we have all learned them.”
    “I am happy to hear it. At least I will not have to worry on that account. In the last report I had from your headmistress, she said you actually attain something akin to grace in the ballroom. Perhaps your debut will be a success after all.”
    Claire gave the expected reply. “I hope so, Mama.”
    The mother’s helper nosed through the open door, its busy brushes cleaning up particles of dirt and dust from both the polished hardwood and the Turkish rug. The size of a loaf of bread and made of gleaming brass, its tiny engine ran on the kinetick energy produced by its perpetual motion. What a help such a device would have been this afternoon.
    “Claire, pay attention. I will do all I can to present you to the best society, but it is your charm, your wit, your—” Lady St. Ives seemed to change her mind about the next word. “—your ability to make yourself attractive to eligible partners that will determine your success.”
    Oh happy thought. “Yes, Mama.”
    “On that subject, we have no time to lose. We shall begin holding intimate parties for select guests, as a kind