Bicycles & Broomsticks by Elly Blue

Author:Elly Blue [Blue, Elly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Microcosm Publishing LLC
Published: 2022-12-09T09:55:06+00:00

When Mastered, a Graceful Accomplishment

[ A.P. Howell ]

“No library for me today,” Charlotte told Winnie. “I will read about ruins on a less beautiful day.”

“Alas, my grasp of Coptic is not so strong as yours.” Winnie looked skyward, to the vast blueness interspersed with picturesque white clouds, and sighed. “I shall keep to my original schedule.”

Charlotte breathed an inward sigh of relief. She loved Winnie dearly and enjoyed her companionship in almost all things. But as one grew, one acquired secrets and a greater need for privacy. With the canny manipulation of her schedule, it was possible to avoid spurning her friend outright or engaging in difficult conversations.

She felt some regret as Winnie walked away, not merely for losing time with her friend but for her missed studies. Charlotte enjoyed the subject and took heart from Miss Murray’s work within the archeology department. Perhaps she, too, might assist the faculty or publish her own papers.

Until quite recently, Charlotte had planned to find some way to work in the field in Egypt.

She had wondered aloud to Edward, once, if such studies might be of use, since the Order’s symbols were based upon those of ancient Egypt. He had gently disabused her of such notions before she could embarrass herself in front of the others.

Her face burned to think of the conversation now, and she supposed that he was correct to suggest that she ought to become an initiate of higher level mysteries before undertaking such work. Perhaps after additional study—and earning her university degree—she might revisit the idea.

Charlotte mounted her bicycle. It was a rather lovely standard model and she felt quite proud to ride it. She prodded the right pedal and found it remained tight after her repairs the previous week. Though she might not possess the mechanical skills of the fictional Miss Anastasia Welsh, Charlotte took care to bicycle prepared, with extra screws. Maintaining the contraption made it feel more hers, a vehicle she used to travel where she would, rather than a fashionable gift from her father.

The pedal, and the rest of the machine, performed beautifully as Charlotte made her way through the streets of Bloomsbury. Even without the meeting, perhaps this would have been a day best spent outside the library. Although Charlotte would have gladly ridden in rain or sun, she appreciated the good weather. She did not wish to appear at Edward’s door wet, muddy, and bedraggled. Her youth and newness to the Order of the Golden Tyet were cause enough for insecurity without adding personal slovenliness.

Was this, perhaps, the reason Edward had told her to wait before traveling abroad? A magician might do better to think independently about her craft before traveling across the world, with a research agenda set by someone else.

Charlotte parked her bike by Edward’s Marylebone townhouse and took a moment to work upon her presentation. She buttoned her split skirt and did her best to tuck in wisps of hair dislodged during her ride. She was not especially pretty, but had a pleasant enough face that was improved by looking properly put-together.

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