Light Fantastique by Cecilia Dominic Page A

Sable.
    Martin held a hand out, and Johann took it, bracing himself for Martin to say he’d heard of him or reveal some other sign he continued to be in danger of discovery from the Clockwork Guild. But Martin only introduced himself, as did the two men who joined them. When a knot of six or seven of them crowded under the portico, Madame St. Jean emerged and looked them over.
    â€œ Bien, ” she said. “The theatre is clean. Practice can start.”
    Johann held back as the others filed in ahead of him. “Did you find what you were looking for?” he asked.
    â€œ Non , but I’m sure I will soon. Just be careful. And watch out for Frederic.” With that cryptic warning, she disappeared back inside the theatre.
    â€œOh, I most certainly shall,” Johann murmured. “We have a conversation to finish.”
    * * * * *
    Iris and Marie walked through the front door of the townhouse just before the rain started. Marie frowned as she shut the door. “I think I see sleet mixed with the rain.”
    â€œPerhaps winter is finally here.” Iris stripped her gloves from her hands.
    â€œYou’re not leaving those on?”
    Iris glanced up at her with an inquisitive look. “Why should I? I’ve been here long enough that the objects around us don’t ask to be touched or read, and I’ve gotten much better at controlling my…well, whatever it is.”
    Lucky girl. “It’s chilly in here.”
    â€œThe dining room will be warm enough, and I do believe it’s lunchtime. By the way, you should talk to your mother. She might be able to help you.”
    Marie followed Iris through the hall and up the stairs to the first level, where the dining room and kitchen were located. “What do you mean? I don’t need her help.”
    And her help will come with a price, like my staying here and taking the stage for the rest of my life.
    â€œYou were talking in your sleep, something about a mask that will consume you from within. It was very poetic, but you sounded frightened.”
    â€œI have nightmares.” Some of them more real than others. “It was probably nothing.”
    They reached the dining room, and Iris exclaimed, “Edward, you’ve emerged!”
    When Marie entered, she saw Iris embrace Edward, who held her stiffly before melting into her. She looked away and was glad to see she wouldn’t be alone with the hopefully reconciling lovebirds. Doctor Chadwick Radcliffe and his friend Patrick O’Connell stood by the sideboard and helped themselves to a light lunch of salted meats, cheeses, bread and pickled vegetables—standard fare since commerce from farms outside the city had slowed to a trickle, and the growing season was long over. Although Marie thought her mother’s cellar held plenty of food, she knew many pantries around the city bordered on bare, and soon there would be riots.
    â€œGentlemen,” Marie said with a nod. Que sera sera —enjoy the moment while you have it.
    The doctor and his friend greeted her, and she moved to join them. A certain energy trembled in the air, of expectation and hope. Marie glanced between the two of them but also took in the details of the room—the damask wallpaper, the sideboard with its chipped corner from where it had been moved clumsily after serving as a piece of a set. And the cocktail server, which had been converted to a tea server due to their English guests, trundled around the room on its little track inlaid in the wooden floor. Marie paused to allow it to pass before standing beside Radcliffe and O’Connell.
    â€œWhat’s new?” O’Connell asked. He held a bottle of some sort of alcohol.
    â€œLooks like something got through on last night’s airship.” She gestured to his beverage. “Where’s it from? And how did you get it?”
    â€œStu swore it’s from Ireland, but the brew isn’t black enough,”