Rail-Laid Plans by Daniel Schinhofen

Author:Daniel Schinhofen [Schinhofen, Daniel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty

Doc sat on the porch, waiting for his guests. He was in a full wool suit the way society demanded, but with his gift to do magic the way the dryads could, he was perfectly comfortable. He watched Petal and Rosa moving through the gardens, checking the plants. Both had agreed to prepare the rest of the grounds so, when Radley got his next assistant, it would be easy to convert the land from wilderness to gardens.

The first vehicle coming his way got Doc to stand. It was a hansom cab, meaning he could see the pair being driven his way. He smiled brightly and waved at them; when the driver pulled up underneath the awning, Doc stepped off the porch to open the door.

“Ladies, welcome.”

“We’re glad to see you back, Doc,” Onyx beamed. She was the first out, followed by her dryad, Wita. “How long are you staying?”

“Hopefully for a few days after Fiala gives birth. That’ll all depend on if the church hears that I’m here and recalls their inquisitor.”

Onyx shivered at the last word. “That man is steeped in evil, Doc. I did not like him.”

“I would’ve been shocked if it’d been any other way,” Doc said, giving her a hug before also giving Wita one. He flipped the driver a coin. “If you’d like to have a meal, sir, the other drivers will be fed around back with the staff.”

“Considering the payment, I’ll stay,” the driver laughed. “Just made my daily quota.”

Doc led Wita and Onyx onto the porch, and as he did, Sonya opened the front door. “Oh, good, our guests are arriving. Come in, Onyx, Wita. It’s so good to see you again.”

“You, too, Sonya.” Onyx’s smile was even bigger when she hugged the dwarf. “I missed you.”

“Come on. We can catch up while Doc meets the others.”

Doc took his seat again, waiting for the next carriage to arrive. After a bit, it finally rolled down the drive, and he got up to greet his guests. He didn’t open the door, as the dwarven guards did that. “Iona and Alaric, it’s good to see you both again.”

“Thank you, Shaman,” Alaric said. “It is our honor to represent the clan for tonight’s dinner.”

“My friend is watching over our child,” Iona beamed. “I will never be able to thank you enough for helping me have another, Doc.”

“Your smile is all the thanks I need, Iona. It’s cooler inside, and we have some lightly chilled drinks. It seems dryads can make frost; when applied to a jug, it cools the beverage.”

“Oh, how wonderful,” Iona said as she took her husband’s arm.

“Welcome to our home,” Ayla said, coming out the door. “Please, this way.”

“Ayla, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Iona smiled. “How was the trip?”

The conversation cut off when the doors shut. Doc took his seat to wait for the next person or couple to arrive. A carriage with a guard and footman was next.

“Holyday, it’s a pleasure to be invited out,” Homer Tarbo said as he stepped out.

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