Silas’s hand came down on hers. “Not necessary,” he said firmly, pulling her hand away. “This unit’s usage is fully covered by other sources.”
She blinked. “Oh. Well. Then, I must thank you. Much appreciated.”
The machine hissed itself into silence as she rose. “We must tell Gen. She will be so relieved.”
“Indeed,” he nodded, watching her efficiently shut down his Personal Cog Exchange.
Dorothea had no idea that her actions with that system had just raised a thousand questions in Silas’s mind. Nor could she know that he’d caught a glimpse of her steampass.
What the devil’s forge was aRenslowdoing down in the Undercroft?
Chapter Four
While relief was uppermost in Dorothea’s mind, another worry began to nag at her. She and Gen would need somewhere to stay for the night. Her original plan had included a walk through the Undercroft, and locating a suitable inn. She knew there were more than a few available, since business was brisk and required the attendance of those from other levels on a regular basis.
Now, however, she had an additional responsibility, and couldn’t just grab a room for herself anywhere convenient. It would have to be a family unit, where children were welcomed.
Much as she hated to do so, she had nowhere else to turn.
“Mr Gray,” she began. “I am loath to further trespass on your time, but Gen’s mother won’t be arriving until the morning, so she and I will need a place to stay tonight. Could you recommend somewhere not too far from the Depot, where children are welcomed? I’m afraid I had not planned for this eventuality, so I’m somewhat at a loss.”
He smiled. “Why don’t you go and tell Gen that all is well, first? Put her mind at rest. Then we’ll work out something practical for you both.”
“I appreciate it, thank you.”Relieved, Dorothea smiled back and left the room, returning to Gen, who was laughing.
“Nelson is so funny,” she giggled. “He says Thim thinks I’m his favourite person, but he won’t tell me how he knows, because Thim doesn’t speak.”
Cooooo.
Clearly the tickerkins had done a great job of entertaining Gen, and Dorothea felt a little weight lift from her shoulders.
“Well, you’ll be happy to know that your Mama will be here in the morning to collect you.”
Gen’s eyes widened. “Oh, Miss Thea, really?”
“Yes, really.”
Gen jumped up and ran to Dorothea, throwing herself against her legs and wrapping her arms around as much of her as she could reach.
The muffled thank-yous were accompanied by a few sniffles, and Dorothea bent down, extracting Gen from her skirts. “Come now, sweetheart. My skirt makes a terrible handkerchief, you know.” She pulled one from a pocket. “Here, use this to dry these tears.”
“Thank you,” mumbled Gen, blowing her nose energetically into the fine linen. “I’m just so happy.” She held out the rather soggy bundle to Dorothea.
“Why don’t you keep it, Gen, as a little keepsake from our adventures.”
Silas strolled in and leaned against the doorjamb. “Well now, Miss Gen. I see Miss Thea has given you the happy news about your Mama.”
“Yes, sir, she has. Isn’t it wonderful? Mama is coming to get me after all. I haven’t lost her.”
“Of course you haven’t.” He straightened and went to the child, going down on one knee in front of her. “Mothers are very good at finding their children, even when it seems impossible.”
“How do they do that?”
Dorothea hid her smile at Silas’s somewhat bewildered expression.
“I think there are some special magnets in here,” he said gently, touching Gen’s curls. “And they send out signals between a mother and child.”
“Ohhh,” breathed Gen. “I never knew...”
