Prestige, The by Priest Christopher

Author:Priest, Christopher [Priest, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Novel, Magic, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Modern Classics
ISBN: 9780575114968
Google: KAY1AgAAQBAJ
Amazon: 8889993200
Publisher: Gollancz
Published: 1995-01-15T06:00:00+00:00

19th January 1879

We both mourn the loss of the child we never knew. Julia’s grief is so deep, so inner-directed, that she sometimes seems unaware that I am even in the same room with her. I am just as miserable, but I have my work to distract me. This is the only difference between us.

For the last week I have been applying myself to perfecting my magic, trying by intensive application to relaunch myself into my intended profession. To this end:

I have tidied up my workshop, thrown away a lot of junk, repaired and repainted several of the illusions, and generally made the workshop into a businesslike place where I might prepare and rehearse properly.

I have started discreet enquiries through Hesketh Unwin’s office, and through other magic contacts, for an ingénieur to work with me. I need expert assistance. Of this there is no question.

I have set myself a practice schedule, to which I adhere absolutely: two hours every morning, two hours every afternoon, one hour (if time with Julia permits) in every evening. The only breaks I allow myself are when I am actually working.

I have ordered myself and Letitia new costumes, to give the act professional polish.

Finally, I have promised myself to quit the séances as soon as I can afford to do so. Meanwhile, I am taking on as many of them for which the time can be found, because they are my only secure means of making a living. My financial responsibilities are immense. I have the lodgings to pay for, rent to find of the workshop and stable, wages to pay for Nugent and Letitia, and soon for my new ingénieur too … as well as running the household and feeding Julia and myself.

All this to be paid for by the credulous bereaved!

(Tonight, though, another theatrical performance.)

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