Steam

Chapter 7

The bolts and cogs were so tiny that Thomas sometimes actually couldn't pick them up with his hands. They'd fall out of his grip and often disappear forever; they seemed to just vanish. Sometimes he'd ask Pip to look for them or hold them as his hands were relatively smaller but, though he hated to admit it, he disliked calling Pip in and out of the house as he felt sorry for him having to rush about for often unnecessary things. Although Pip continually reassured him that he didn't mind, he still felt guilty having him running around all the time.

For the past few days he had been thinking about what Alexander had said in his outburst. It had been bugging him relentlessly day and night. He'd had difficulty sleeping and had resorted to pacing up and down his bedroom into the early hours of the morning. He had been debating as to whether or not he should confront her, then if he was to do so, what to say? After much deliberation, he decided to approach her and try and discuss the situation and simply confess his affection for her entirely. He had thought out what he planned to say, and decided to to it as soon as possible.

"Pip? Pip!" he shouted from his study and waited. He soon heard the click of Pip's boots on the floor and he came to the door looking rather worn out.

"Now my boy, I have something to ask of you.."

"Just name it sir and I'll be right on it!"

Pip's enthusiasm made Prescott smile warmly for the first time in days.

"Excellent. All I wish is for you to go upstairs and locate Miss Victoria and tell her that I wish to speak to her in my study. She should either be in her dressing room or the library. She's always reading something.. And tell her to be sharpish boy!"

"Course sir, I'll go right away! Is that all?"

"Yes, now run along, I've got papers to sort out in here."

Pip smiled his cute, boyish grin, nodded politely and turned out of the study. He was ecstatic at having an excuse to speak to Victoria! He was awfully nervous and his stomach rolled as he tried not to look too bothered; but inside he was bubbling with excitement.

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