Constantine Capers: The Pennington Perplexity by Natalie Brianne (new ebook reader TXT) 📕

“I was promised something along those lines.” The professor grinned and walked out of the parlor. Mira followed him, glancing back at her uncle who took another look at a portrait of her mother. She bit her lip and joined the professor in the dining room.

“I wasn’t expecting you, Professor! Last I heard, you were in France. Is that right?” She stopped herself from bouncing in her seat in anticipation for his account of his travels.

“France, Italy, and Germany, my dear girl. It was wonderful.”

“I’m so glad to hear it.”

Her uncle entered and took his place at the head of the table. Dinner commenced with the usual pleasantries, speaking over this topic or that, moving between politics and personal news with ease. Mira waited patiently for a moment to move the conversation towards the accident.

“Now, Cyrus, I’ve been hearing that the mercantile business hasn’t been faring too well as of late. Is this true?” the professor said before taking a bite of roast beef.

“For some, I would think. It is still a profitable business from my end, especially since I’ve stopped making the expeditions myself.”

It wasn’t exactly the topic she was looking for, but it could work if she chose the right wording. She could guide the conversation where she wanted without him even noticing.

“I’ve heard that they have almost finished an airship large enough to carry supplies across the continent to Russia. Would that affect the business, uncle?”

There was a moment of stillness at the table. The professor raised an eyebrow. Mira bit her lip in anticipation. Cyrus looked over at her, his voice soft and steady.

“If it stays in the air long enough, then perhaps.”

“They have become incredibly safe in recent years, uncle. In fact, they may become so well-used that you’ll have to work with them!”

“I won’t. They are too dangerous. Men weren’t made to fly.”

She inwardly chastised herself. By the expression on her uncle’s face she had already lost this battle. But it was too late to turn back now.

“Men weren’t made to cross the oceans either,” she said, testing her limits.

“Steamships are far safer than airships.”

“But the last accident was—”

“Why the fascination with airships today, Mira? You haven’t traveled on one since living on your own, have you?” A spark of worry flickered in his eyes.

“Of course not. I just read about it in the newspaper.” She looked down at her plate. The professor cleared his throat.

“It does seem to be an impressive ship, Mira. But your uncle is right. If they don’t manage the weight properly, there could be another accident. It’s a tricky business. Now would either of you like to hear the story of how I rescued someone from drowning in the Seine during this last trip?” Professor Burke diverted the conversation.

The conversation was over. She wouldn’t be getting anything out of her uncle. If she pushed it any further, she would arouse his suspicions. If she was being honest with herself, she was grateful that the professor intervened. So, she played along with the rest of the conversation through the remaining courses of food and dessert. Soon enough, the last plate was gone, and the professor looked over at her.

“I’m not sure if you’re interested, but I do have some stereographs for you.”

“You do?!”

“Oh, I was right. You don’t want to see them.”

“You know I do.”

“Well then. I left them in the sitting room.” He smiled before standing and leaving the room. She paused to look at her uncle. He gave her a nod, and she followed the professor out. He was in the sitting room setting the stereographs on a table. A large black box sat next to them. She went to open it.

“Just a moment, Mira. Remember our agreement?” He put a hand on hers.

“It’s the same drawings I always have, Professor.”

“Every time it is slightly different.”

“Alright…”

“I’m sure they are wonderful!”

He sat on the couch and she sat next to him, exchanging her sketchbook for the black box. She carefully removed the stereoscope from its velvet enclosure. The first time the professor had brought home stereographs, she was certain it was magic. From two similar images, a three-dimensional picture formed behind the lens of the stereoscope. In her opinion, stereographs were much better than regular photographs. Photography was still magic, but it wasn’t nearly as fun as the stereographs that teemed with life and energy. She remembered the only time her picture was taken. It was almost impossible to stand still, and it didn’t turn out that favorably. And yet, stereographs could take any pose, setting, or emotion and bring it to life. When she was ten, she tried to replicate them with paint and had failed miserably. After all, how could she properly imitate a photograph?

She eagerly picked up the first slide and examined the label. “Garden Party.” She slid it into the stereoscope and looked inside. The lens transported her to a Parisian garden party. Fabric from extravagant gowns flowed towards the viewer. Flowers seemed to burst out of the frame. She laughed and picked up the next. Here, she was transported to a large stone building. The carvings swirled in intricate patterns and the windows were covered in a lace-like tracery. Each slide brought an adventure, and she wished for more when she finished. She set it down with a click and looked over at the professor. He was still looking through her sketches and hadn’t flipped the page in some time. She leaned over to see what was so fascinating. Byron’s face stared back at her.

“This sketch seems more defined. Do you know who he is?” He looked up at her.

“He’s a frequent visitor of the cafe I’ve been going to. We’ve talked a few times.”

“I see…” He studied her face for a moment before looking back at the sketchbook. He stopped at a sketch of an airship, hesitated, then looked up at her.

“Mira what were you thinking during dinner?”

“What?”

“You know your uncle can’t stand the topic of airships and yet you