The Clockwork Girl

I

I lifted the many layers of my midnight purple traveling gown and stepped off of the train. A huge cloud of warm gray steam from the train blasted me, nearly knocking me right off of the stair. I caught my balance and huffed in annoyance. The station was full of commotion, people rushed past me, hurrying to get to their destination. The noise was deafening, brakes squealing, steam whistling, people shouting. 

"So this is London," I thought. "Charming."

"Are you okay, Miss Quinn?" Claire, my lady's maid and best friend, asked, looking worried as usual. She wrung her hands and wiped her palms on her dark brown cotton dress before picking up our meager belongings.

"I'm fine, thank you Claire. I will be better just as soon as we leave this blasted place." I said, stepping onto the platform.

"Yes, yes, of course, Miss. I believe your uncle has sent the coachman ahead to retrieve us." Claire said in her tittering nervous way. "I think I see him over there, Miss Quinn."

We strolled over to the tall man, careful to take our time. (After all, a proper lady never rushes.) The coachman bowed as we approached. His wrinkled face smiled behind a frizzy graying beard. 

"Ahh, you must be Lord Blackwood's niece, Miss Evermore. " His smile widened as I nodded.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr.-"

"Adams, Miss." Mr. Adams said. "Shall we continue to Blackwood Manor, Miss Evermore?"

Mr. Adams grabbed our baggage and we left the train station. We climbed into the carriage and set on our way. My eyes slowly closed as the rocking of the carriage lulled me to sleep.

"Miss Quinn, Miss Quinn!" I awoke to someone gently nudging me. "We've arrived, Miss Quinn!" Claire's wide, chocolate brown eyes peered over at me.

"Welcome to Blackwood Manor, Miss Evermore." Mr. Adam's deep, throaty voice said behind me as he opened the carriage door.

I stepped out of the carriage and gasped. Beyond the wide expanse of green lawn, Blackwood Manor stood tall and proud. The yellow stone exterior was covered in windows and ivy trailed against the sides. At least two stories tall, the dark brown roof was punctuated by windows, indicating that there was an attic as well. The huge mahogany door greeted us from across the grass. Behind the house I could see an orchard and behind that, a massive forest. 

Just as we were about to start across the lawn, a voice called out, "Look out!"

A blur rushed at me and I was knocked off my feet and fell.

A.N. I hope you like the first chapter of my book! If anyone has an idea for a cover, I would love to hear it! Thanks!