His Clockwork Canary

CHAPTER 15

Simon couldn’t decide which thrilled him more: Willie’s reaction to his Thera-Steam-Atic Brace or his insistence that they wed. Although he assumed she would be amenable to anything that would accelerate her healing, he did not think she would adjust so easily to the brace. Nor did he expect such praise for his mechanical creation. His chest had swelled with pride. An adrenaline rush had rendered him dizzy. A preposterous, overblown reaction to her professing him brilliant. But by God, it had felt good.

Building one therapeutic brace for one woman paled in comparison with building a fuel-efficient monorail system for an entire city and yet it had felt equally important. Was this how his father had felt when fitting Leo with his artificial parts? Was this why he hadn’t bragged to the press or dragged Leo off to some scientific exhibition? Were Leo’s ability to adapt and Amelia’s undying gratitude satisfaction enough?

“I shall miss this city,” Willie said as their hansom cab rolled over the cobblestone of High Street.

“We must return at some point,” Simon said. “A leisure trip as opposed to business.”

She smiled but looked away and Simon knew she did not believe that they would be together long enough to enjoy a future holiday. Although she’d agreed to marry him, her lack of faith in a long and successful union was monstrously clear. Aside from the concerns she’d stated, she did not believe their marriage would be legal and binding. She assumed, the moment it was known she was a Freak, they would be no more than illicit lovers in the eyes of society as well as the British government. Which might have been the case, except Simon was of the mind that every law had a loophole, and he was confident he’d determined two whilst perusing assorted resources he’d found at a library within a few blocks of Squire’s Inn.

The British law that pertained to legal religious marriages of Vics and Freaks had never been enforced in Scotland. Hence if they married in Scotland . . . Loophole number one.

“The coachman missed our turn,” Willie said as they rolled past Cockburn Road.

“No, he didn’t.”

“But Waverley Station—”

“We’re not taking the train. And we’re not leaving for Canterbury until tomorrow morning.”

“But—”

“It’s dusk and I have other plans for the evening.”

Although her eyes were shielded behind the deep amber–tinted spectacles she’d insisted upon wearing, Simon knew her rainbow gaze was narrowed. “Where are we going, Simon?”

“To the nearest skytown.” Loophole number two. Transient pleasure meccas floating above major cities and therefore “above the law,” skytowns welcomed Freaks, Mods, and Vics with open gangways. He anticipated little difficulty in locating a certified clergyman, or, hell, even one of those love gurus, to perform a civil wedding ceremony between a Freak and a Vic. By night’s end, Miss Goodenough would be a Darcy.

For better, for worse.

• • •

Willie held silent as Simon escorted her onto the compact steam-powered dirigible that would transport them from the lush fields of Arthur’s Seat to the pleasure mecca floating amongst the stars. Her mind, however, raced aplenty.

Her Thera-Steam-Atic Brace was packed safely away and stowed with their luggage; thus, she found it difficult to manipulate the buckle of the seat harness. Between her weak arm and the thick gloves she’d donned against the frigid weather, the task proved impossible. In her mind, she swore most vigorously. Her pride warred with gratitude as Simon completed the task for her, initiating another stream of colorful mental curses.

Rather than consoling her, Simon passed the grungy pilot several banknotes. “Make haste, good man.” He then settled next to Willie on the cramped bench, wrapping his arm about her as the air transport lunged forward and picked up speed, rolling across the grass, bouncing toward a precipice, lifting and lifting, until the vehicle at last took flight.

Willie let out a breath she wasn’t aware she’d been holding. It wasn’t as if she were unaccustomed to flying. But this night vibrated with a plethora of unknowns.

“As luck would have it,” Simon said close to her ear, “a skytown hovers just past the northern boundaries of the city. This won’t take long.”

She merely nodded, keeping her gaze lowered as she tried to tame her riotous emotions. Simon intended for them to wed this very evening. He had not said specifically as such, but she was a savvy sort and he was none too subtle. She had not anticipated this moment so soon. “This moment is long overdue,” she could imagine him saying. However, it would not be as she had imagined her dream ceremony. No family. No pretty bustled gown with yards of silk and lace.

Upon leaving Squire’s Inn, Willie had bundled up in her normal boyish layers, including her oversized duster, three colorful scarves, and the man-sized, cashmere-lined gloves given to her by Simon. Even her floppy newsboy cap was firmly in place. With the exception of her fair, tanning-agent-free complexion, Willie looked much as she had every day of the past ten years. Only she didn’t feel the same. Beneath the mannish ensemble beat the heart of a woman on the verge of what should be the most memorable and beautiful event of her life.

This would not be a traditional wedding, which logically was to be expected given her extraordinary circumstances. And true, they had initially planned to elope all those years ago, which would have entailed a quick and simple ceremony. Still, she harbored fanciful thoughts of silk, lace, and flowers.

“You’re shivering.” Simon huddled closer, holding her tighter, assuming she was cold.

Again she said nothing, just snuggled into his embrace. She was not shivering so much as trembling. Excitement. Anxiety. Anticipation. Numerous afflictions rattled her senses.

Willie gazed ahead through the transparent shield that afforded protection from the forceful winds. Given her enhanced night vision, she easily spotted their destination in the not-so-far distance.

Though insanely popular, skytowns were considered an eyesore and outrage amongst polite society. By their very nature they courted scandal and trouble, and as a way of avoiding hassle by ALE (Air Law Enforcement), they rarely hovered in one place for more than a couple of days. Composed of four to five airships with connecting gangways, skytowns were interchangeable and mobile.

And highly decadent.

Gambling halls, opium dens, brothels. Coffeehouses featured outlawed folk and rock music inspired by twentieth-century Mods and served liquor and weed on the side. Transformation centers afforded visitors the chance to live out a night’s fetish or fantasy via elaborate temporary makeovers. Merchants and artisans peddled wares of the Love Generation—bongs, herbs, incense, flower patches, bell-bottoms, peasant dresses, and love beads. Simon had been correct in saying anything could be bought in Skytown. Anything was possible and anything went.

One would think such freedom would spur much trouble, but for the most part, brutal violence was rare on these fleets of fancy. Even though Willie had always boarded a skytown in disguise, she never felt more at ease then when navigating the aerial bazaars that flew under the Peace Rebel flag. Even though she was half-Vic, there was something about the circle with a stick and two legs—the sign of “peace”—that soothed and invigorated Willie’s soul.

Some things were worth fighting for.

She stole a glance at Simon, pondered the kindness he’d shown her over the last few days, and reflected on his charm and affections at the onset of their youthful affair. Perhaps she’d given up on him and their love far too easily. She knew not what to make of this second chance, could not yet see her way around a biracial union . . . or Strangelove’s threat. But, by damn, she would at least rise to the challenge. She would live in the moment and tackle the future day by day. She would manage.

Willie’s pulse raced as their air transport drifted toward the massive dirigibles joined and silhouetted against the darkened sky. All manner of lighting twinkled in the airships’ windows and the decks were awash in the soft glow of moonlight and assorted illuminated carnival rides. Although she knew much of the nocturnal activities on board to be bawdy, this moment Willie viewed the spectacle as delightfully romantic. Her heart danced and her stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation.

Was this how a Vic or Mod woman, a normal woman, felt on her way to a conventional church? On the way to her wedding? “Are you sure about this?” she asked as their air dinghy docked.

“Think of it as Gretna Green,” Simon said. “In the air.” He tipped the transport captain and issued orders regarding the delivery of their luggage.

Willie took a calming breath as Simon lifted her upon a swinging gangway and guided her toward the sounds of rollicking fun.

Dressed in the flamboyant threads of a hippie, a professional long-haired greeter approached as they crossed to the deck of a magnificent airship advertised as the Love Bug. Willie glanced heavenward, smiling at the ship’s attached bally. The steam-air balloon was painted a rainbow of bright swirling colors. Psychedelic, her mother would say. Cool.

“Welcome to Skytown,” the greeter said. “Name’s Woodstock, but you can call me Bear.”

Simon raised a brow at that and Amelia sniffed. She knew that scent. “Bear” was stoned. He was also American. She knew not why, but young Americans seemed most drawn to the “Peace, man” and “free love” messages of the Mods.

“Right, then. Bear,” Simon said. “Anyone on this dirigible perform marriages?”

“Not this dig, but two digs over, the Flying Flower. Reverend Karma. Hitches anyone who declares their love.” He looked from Simon to Willie and smirked. “Though this might be a first.”

Willie realized then that Bear saw her as a man. Although her objective for a decade, it was the last thing she wanted this eve. Irritated, she swept off her cap and shoved her hair out of her face. “I’m a woman.”

“My mistake,” Bear said. “And a pretty one at that. Dig the shades, by the way.”

Willie was tempted to dispense with her tinted spectacles as well, but it had been jolting enough confessing her gender, never mind her race. “Where would I find the transformation center?” she asked Bear.

“Why would you want to go there?” Simon asked.

“I’d rather look like a bride than a groom,” she answered honestly.

“I don’t care—”

“I do.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“Bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony,” she said.

“Kind of square,” Bear said. “But hey, whatever the lady says should go.”

Simon shot the longhair a lethal look, then turned back to Willie. “I’m not keen on letting you out of my sight. Not in this wild territory. Not after—”

“I can take care of myself, Simon. I’ve been doing so a very long time.” She reached out and grasped his hand. “Do not deny me this pleasure.”

He met her gaze and Willie felt the force of his passion to her toes. The intensity shook her soul.

“Meanwhile back at the ranch . . .” Bear shoved his hair behind his pierced ears, then eyed Simon with a disapproving frown. “Listen, dude, in Skytown, everyone’s equal. Mods, Vics, Freaks, Orientals, blacks, fairies, men, women. Playin’ the heavy ain’t cool. Let the chick do her thing and meet up with you later.”

Simon held her gaze, her hand. “The Flying Flower in one hour.”

“Two,” Willie amended.

Frowning, he pressed a kiss to her palm. “I’ll be waiting.”

• • •

The hardest thing about letting Willie go was having faith that she’d show up at the appointed rendezvous. That she wouldn’t stand him up. Again. That she wouldn’t give over to doubts and fears and flee. Again.

Simon spent the next two hours wrestling with dread whilst making arrangements for his wedding. By God, he’d thought more than once, I’m getting married.

His mother would be horrified that she hadn’t been invited. Although he couldn’t imagine a staunch Old Worlder like Anne Darcy ever setting a pristine boot on a skytown deck. Nor could he imagine her reaction to the news that he’d married a Freak. Jules and Amelia would be accepting of Willie. This Simon knew in his heart. But his mother? It did not settle well, knowing intolerance existed within his family. Like many people, Anne Darcy feared what she did not understand.

Simon thought about Willie’s mission to educate the skeptical world regarding her race. He could not dismiss the importance of her contribution to “the cause” and wondered briefly how he could support her efforts whilst keeping her safe. It didn’t help that, whilst bracing for the evening with a snifter of brandy, he’d overheard other patrons discussing reported skirmishes between Freak Fighters and International ALE over the Atlantic Ocean. How long until those skirmishes reached shore?

Downing the brandy, Simon left the cannabis-hazed bar and immersed himself in the here and now. He tracked down Reverend Karma, bought a ring, secured overnight lodgings, and tried to transform the opulent, harem-looking room into a tasteful honeymoon suite. Simon had always enjoyed lavishing attention upon women, sweeping them off their feet with gifts and special outings, showering them with compliments, flowers, and champagne. He rarely questioned himself when it came to romance and yet on this night he questioned everything.

Blast.

By the time Simon returned to Karma’s Chapel of Love, he was quite miserably a nervous wreck. He stood next to the reverend as the seconds ticked by. He combed his fingers through his hair in an effort to tame the perpetual wildness, checked the time, then smoothed the lapels of his burgundy velvet frock coat. He stared down at his shiny boots, willing his toe to stop tapping; then he glanced at the musicians who would double as “witnesses.” A long-haired guitarist sat cross-legged on a plump velvet pillow playing a love song Simon did not recognize. A slight young woman wearing a billowy peasant gown and a flowery wreath upon her head looked blissfully serene as she rang her finger bells.

Simon envied their calm.

“Natural to be anxious,” Reverend Karma said when Simon glanced at his pocket watch for the umpteenth time.

“She’s ten minutes late.”

“Also natural. Chicks tend to lose track of time when preparing for their nuptials. Chill out, my friend.”

Simon eyed the Nehru-suited preacher man with his long, wiry hair and layers of wooden love beads, and, again, second-guessed himself. “You’re quite certain this will be legal.”

The old man spread his arms wide and looked serenely skyward. “To anyone who truly matters. Yes.”

Mmm. Simon checked his watch again, surprised when Woodstock-you-can-call-me-Bear peeked in through a flowered archway.

“Dude,” Bear said. “Your lady wants a word.”

So Willie hadn’t jumped ship. That was something, although Simon still sensed a problem. He followed Bear out of the chapel and into a dimly lit reception area . . . and nearly tripped over his feet at the vision of loveliness stirring up the petal and herb rushes as she paced the flower-strewn floor.

“Blew my mind too,” Bear said in a low voice. “Saw her comin’ out of Fuddrucker’s Fantasy Farm and thought, Whoa. Some dog’s gonna jump this fox before she ever gets to her man. So I walked her over but then . . .” He dragged a hand over his scraggly beard. “Don’t freak, dude, but I think she got cold feet.”

“Thank you for ensuring her safety.”

Bear looked at Simon’s proffered hand as though it were a stick of dynamite. Instead of clasping palms, he raised two fingers. “Peace, man. And good luck.”

The stoner slipped away and Simon moved toward the woman in white. She’d had her hair color restored to its natural, vibrant red. Curled and fashioned into a soft updo, the stylish hairstyle accentuated her long neck and exquisite bone structure. The gown, with its corseted bodice and voluminous skirts, was somehow sensual and angelic at the same time. Simon had never seen a more beautiful bride. He knew not if she’d made this spectacular transformation for him or for herself. What he knew was that she’d made a solid and courageous decision to shed her male persona. It was an extraordinary step.

Simon was grappling for a worthy compliment when she whirled to face him, her expression troubled if not tortured.

“I apologize for the delay, but I had a most difficult time settling on a gown. It has been a long time since I’ve dallied over fripperies.”

“I’m glad you dallied,” Simon said, mouth dry. “You look stunning, Wilhelmina.” He found it difficult to think of her as Willie when she looked so utterly feminine, and even though she’d returned her hair to her natural hue, Mina did not fit either. Mina had been a young girl. The angel before him was all woman.

“I thought the long lace sleeves to be most brilliant as they disguise my bandages, but do you think the décolletage too revealing?”

Simon admired her slender neck, her smooth, pale skin, and the swell of her small but exquisite breasts. He quirked an appreciative smile. “I think it perfect.”

“The skirts? Too frilly?”

“You look like a princess.” He angled his head. “Except perhaps for the tinted spectacles.”

“I did purchase new corneatacts, as I’m not yet ready to reveal my race to the masses, but for tonight, I’d prefer no illusions.”

“I appreciate that.” He reached up and slid off the glasses, smiled into her rainbow eyes. “I’m entranced. Truly.”

She glanced away, blew out a nervous breath.

Interesting that whilst shedding her mannish clothes, she’d also been stripped of her brazen confidence. “What troubles you?”

“The vows.”

“Pardon?”

“I don’t practice any one faith.”

He thought about Reverend Karma and his love beads. “Trust me. The ceremony won’t be religious as much as spiritual.”

“Still, we shouldn’t promise things we do not mean.”

To love and cherish? Honor and obey? He didn’t ask which part, because he didn’t want to broach a subject that might veer them off course. In truth, he wasn’t all too keen on pledging his love when, this moment, he wasn’t sure love entered into it. Passion, yes. Gratitude, yes. Affection, yes. Bone-deep love? As in delirious, all-consuming, I’ll-die-if-I-can’t-have-you-forever-and-always love?

Perhaps that notion, that happy illusion, was reserved for the naive. For the very young. He had felt it once—for Mina. But life’s experiences had molded him into a more pragmatic man. He was wary in matters of the heart. Particularly when they pertained to Wilhelmina Goodenough. “I’ll tell the reverend to keep it simple.”

She narrowed her mesmerizing eyes. “I do not wish to be difficult, but I feel compelled, to be fair, to reiterate the obvious. Life with a Freak will not be easy.”

Simon nodded. “In the same spirit of goodwill, might I say, life with a Darcy will not be a walk in the proverbial park.”

She blinked.

“More than thirty years ago, my distant cousin Briscoe Darcy, the Time Voyager, jumped dimensions in his time machine. As you well know, that journey had dire repercussions. Whilst half the world damns Briscoe and any family associated with him, the other half views us, all of us, each and every Darcy, no matter if we ever met the man, as a ticket to . . . something more. Something extraordinary. As if every Darcy ever born possesses the knowledge or the ability to time travel at any moment. As such we are often scrutinized and sometimes hunted. Definitely ill judged.” Simon framed his intended’s lovely face and swept a gentle kiss over her subtly tinted lips. “Let us be curiosities together.”

“You make an intriguing case.”

“I can upon occasion be most persuasive.” If she still balked, he would be forced to play dirty. To threaten her job at the Informer by cutting all ties with her and thereby robbing her of the sensational story she’d been assigned to report. He did not wish to go that course, but he would. He refused to go through life wondering how she fared, worrying about her safety and finances, obsessing on whether she’d fallen prey to another man’s charms. Although he might not love her, dammit to hell, she was in his blood.

She glanced over his shoulder at the flowered archway leading into the Chapel of Love. Rustic and whimsical. “I fear I have overdressed for the occasion. What was I thinking?”

Blessed acquiescence.

Simon smiled. “That you wanted to look like a bride.” He smoothed his thumbs over her cheeks. “Although I can’t promise you a storybook wedding, I promise you an unforgettable night.”

She quirked a teasing grin. “I’ll settle for spectacular.”

Kissing her neck, just below her ear, Simon whispered, “Challenge accepted.”