Innocence and Carnality by J. Alan Veerkamp

Author:J. Alan Veerkamp [Veerkamp, J. Alan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: steampunk
ISBN: 978-1-64405-193-1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2019-04-23T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

“I MEANT to ask you earlier, how’s the music box coming along?”

It was difficult not to groan out loud at Rother’s question, given my frustration. My mother would have thrown herself into the nearest settee in a dramatic swoon and produced her favorite fan. All the while not touching her back to the cushions. Marisolian men didn’t stoop to such histrionics, so I’m told.

Instead, I merely exhaled. “Awful. I’m tempted to dismantle every gear just to punish the contraption. It looks like everything is in place, but it refuses to behave.”

“How ironic.” The smile on his suave face was audible.

I didn’t rise to his barb. “I’m sure I’m missing something obvious. I know I can repair it. I’ll just need more time.”

“Take all the time you need. The clients will survive in the meantime.”

“Thank you.”

“You have more aptitude for the thing than anyone else here, and if you do the work, I don’t have to spend any money in the process. We both win.”

I appreciated Rother’s lack of pressure over the music box as much as his consideration to encourage my hobby. While he might not have shared in my interest, my ability to tinker made the days easier. Life in the house was improving.

The doctor’s health report had arrived by post the week before, and Rother’s mood elevated. Another layer of tension in the house defused. I didn’t ask for special favors or press the limits of his trust. Leaving him content over the slow evolution of our relationship was more worthwhile. Years as a penniless urchin had forged Rother into a patient man.

Attired in Marisolian couture, arms linked, Rother and I sauntered through the salon, surrounded by a growing population of Delaga House customers. As his polite manner increased each day, his touch made me cringe less, making the game easier to play.

I covered his hand with mine. “Do we have any special guests this evening we need to accommodate?”

“Our whole industry is an exercise in accommodation.”

I found Rother’s point of view oversimplified, but it was how Delaga House appeared on the surface. Request a service, pay a fee, receive a service. The most basic business model. The nuances of what occurred underneath were what made it unique… and unsavory. Keeping the whole exchange in elementary terms dampened my ever-fading revulsion. The more involved I became, the less it repulsed me. Tainted, perhaps?

“Then where will we be starting tonight?” I cast my gaze over the thickening crowd. Staff members circulated, offering refreshments and light conversation. The first stages of courtship negotiations were underway.

“Patience. We don’t rush over to every dignitary. It smacks of desperation. We keep ourselves available yet aloof.”

“And if there’s someone important we need to speak with?”

Rother reached over to smooth my lapel and open my collar wider. Cooler air kissed my exposed burn. I forced myself not to react at his satisfaction.

“We work our way to them. Gradually. And without being obvious.”

I listened in to the overlapping conversations surrounding us. “It’s odd how careful everyone is here.

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