A Matter of Temperance (The Adventures of Ichabod Temperance Book 1) Read Free Page A

he could not, by science alone. It was as if the Revelatory Comet’s effect not only amplified his intellectual prowess, but somehow warped his character, weakening his resistance until he became capable of misusing magic in such a way. Father Summoned... and Something came. Now that Something has returned to our home.
    After last night’s attack on Plumtartt Estate, I know that evil forces are loose in our fair land.
    I have been in contact with a newspaper reporter. Normally, I would eschew such an ally, but this is a man of resolve and grit. He has seen much in this world, and could very well be the man to help me tell my story to an unsuspecting country.
    Hello, what's this? A wagon approaches. It is from the Plumtartt Factory, home of the Sol Furnace.
    “Miss Plumtartt! You are needed at the factory. We had two more deaths overnight. Horrible things. Some of the men are refusing to enter the plant. It looks like there could be trouble. Miss, please come at once!”
    “You shall first take me to the Elderberry Pond train station.” I command the wagon driver, “and then return to the factory to have it closed until further notice. I appreciate the men’s loyalty to the factory and the important projects we have contracted, but no further loss of life is tolerable.”
    The Plumtartt Factory wagon drops me at the station, the driver returning to carry out his previously unthinkable duty of closing the factory. That means stopping production at Plumtartt shipyard. We are close to launching the Dreadfulle . She is destined to be the greatest Battleship afloat, and the Flagship of Her Majesty’s Navy. Three more Battleships are under construction. They are considered a vital part of England's and our allies' security. Though still a few months from my twentieth birthday, I have always taken an active part in the oversight of these massive factories and shipyards. The supervisors will not be happy about it, but my wishes will be respected and my orders will be followed. Governments from around the world will not be happy about the factory and shipyard being shut down.
    It is with a heavy heart that I leave my country home.
    Arriving in London, and eventually my hotel, I am still a bit shaken.
    The loss of the Plumtartt stables has made me late for my appointment. I hurry to the chosen place of meeting, ‘Clubbe Mandrake’. It is deemed socially acceptable that two persons of opposite gender may meet here without word of our private tete-a-tete raising eyebrows amongst the leaders of London society.
    My appointment is with the famous reporter and adventurer, Sir Henry Stanley! The very same reporter who successfully searched darkest Africa for the lost Samaritan, Doctor Livingstone.
    “Miss Plumtartt, I presume?”
    “Ha, ha! Yes, Sir Henry.”
    “Please call me Henry.”
    “Thank you, Sir Henry, you may in turn address me as Persephone.”
    “I should be delighted, Persephone.”
    I say, it is I that is delighted for Sir Henry is quite a figure of a man. This bold and intrepid explorer is far more attractive than I had imagined. Tall and strongly built, he carries himself with a singular self-assuredness that is so tempting a refuge in my wretched loneliness.
    “My poor child, Persephone darling, you are over-wrought my dear. May I be so bold, as to put my arm to about you for comfort?”
    “Oh, Sir Henry, I think I would like that very much.”
    Sir Henry’s quiet reassurance and welcome contact melt my composure. Impulsively, I lean my head into his shoulder. In a few short moments, I release the tears that had until now been kept in check.
    “That’s it my darling, just let it all out. Unburden all the woes that trouble your gentle heart and let me do all in my power to help you.”

Chapter 5 - The London Journals.
    Ichabod
    “I’m feelin’ as perky as a white-tailed doe in February, mister!”
    “Indeed.”
    “I always wanted one of these! A genuine London derby hat! Ain’t she a