The Infernal Devices Rewritten

Chapter 5 - Shades of the Past

Chapter 5

Shades of the Past

Tessa and Jem played the 'engagement' very well and Evan was more 'futuristic', glad to be a little more goofy than at the London Institute. Will seemed amused - in fact, they all did. But Will was definitely the most amused. In the carriage, she's exclaimed how she wished she had a camera - "Most of of this won't even exist in a century and a half!"

But as Gottshall (Starkweather's servant) was pulling up to the front steps of the Institute, Evan just wanted to sleep more. But she knew that she, roughly, had six more hours of bad soup, hard bread, and spoils. The Institute itself was pretty in a deathly, demented way and Evan couldn't help but think about how much Jason and her mother would have loved it. There was a graveyard, which was unlike the London Institute, and Evan wondered if anyone would think it weird if she went to look at the names on the the tombstones that were sinking into the ground. Probably so, so she followed behind Jem and Tessa (who walked arm-in-arm) and Will (who had to be tapped on the shoulder by Gottshall).

As they entered, Evan got the same chills she had while she read the climax of her mother's murder thrillers. It was dark and dank, unlike the brightness of the London Institute. Starkweather was slunk in the shadows until he stepped into the candle light, saying "Young Herondale, are you?" as Will stepped forward to introduced himself. "Half-mundane, half-Welsh, and the worst traits of both, I've heard."

Will proudly smiled, "Diolch."

"Mongrel tongue," Starkweather scowled, although his expression could hardly twist any more. Then he slid his beady eyes to Jem. "James Carstairs. Another Institute brat. I've half a mind to tell you to go to the blazes. That upstart bit of a girl, that Charlotte Fairchild, foisting you all on me with nary a by-your-leave."

"If it makes a difference, sir," Evan said politely, "I practically begged Mrs. Branwell to let us come. After all, Yorkshire in eighteen seventy-eight is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Starkweather looked at her. "You're that time-traveling girl that all Nephilim have been buzzing about, then. I suppose you think I should be honored to meet you, girl."

"Oh, no sir," Evan's eyes were widely innocent. "I'm actually honored to meet you."

Starkweather huffed before continuing ranting about the Fairchilds. "None of that family ever had a bit o' manners. I could do without her father, and I can do without -" He broke off, looking at Tessa

Will picked it up; "This is Tessa Gray, sir. She is a mundane girl, but is the betrothed of Carstairs here, and an Ascendant."

"A mundane, you say?" Starkweather demanded.

"An Ascendant," Will said soothingly. "She has been a faithful friend to the Institute of London, and we hope to welcome her into our ranks soon."

"A mundane," Starkweather repeated, coughing. "Well, times have - Yes, I suppose then -" Then he made the decision to let them stay, making quick arrangements to everyone's surprise but Evan's. After all, you can't find your great-granddaughter and turn her out onto the streets. Evan almost smirked. "Well, come along then. You needn't stand there. Follow me and I'll show you to your rooms."

"By the Angel. What is this stuff?" Will asked, scraping his fork through the brownish mess on his plate.

Evan - for once - didn't have an answer. So, she suggested "Baw ceffyl?"

Will laughed.

"What does that mean?" Tessa asked, looking up at him from over her plate of "baw ceffyl".