The Orphan's Tale

Chapter 1

Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Psalm 5:1

Lord Maurice Cadwell circled his latest invention, studying it to ensure that all was in readiness. It was a monstrous contraption, the like of which I had never seen. Like a carriage, it had four wheels and was of a box shape, but there the similarities ended. This box was not enclosed and was much longer than any carriage. There was a chair for the driver and a long reclined chair in the back which faced backward, besides a pile of cushions.

Lord Cadwell's lean face was thoughtful. I noticed his goggles around his neck, something not unusual for the inventor. Often, he would appear to dine with his wife with them still dangling about his neck, his white sleeves rolled up, with only his waistcoat over it, and his flannel trousers. I understood that this was unusual behavior for a lord, but Lady Cadwell never seemed to mind if it was just the two of them. She always looked at him as if he had hung the moon in the sky. Although she had laughed a little as she confessed to me, she was looking forward to seeing him dressed in his silk top hat and frock coat.

Several servants had gathered around, their arms full of packages and bags for the journey. One of them had eyes as large as saucers as they surveyed the machine.

My employer noticed them. "Well, don't just stand there gawking! Load it up!" he said briskly, gesturing at them.

Immediately they scrambled to obey, and I drew closer, her ladyship's bag in my arms. Several of the servants flew back into the manor as if afraid the odd machine would devour them. I heard one of the servants muttering to another.

"The Master must have sold his soul to the devil to make such a thing!"

"What a thing to say!" scolded Hepsiba, as she came out with a basket of food. "Look at that seat in the back! The Master only wants things to be as comfortable as possible for her Ladyship! You know how trying such a journey is on the poor dove!"

"But cook, look at that infernal machine! It can't be-"

The older woman waved her hand dismissively. "Away with you, we'll discuss this over supper tonight."

The speaker left glumly, and Hepsiba turned her attention to me. "Well little Beatrix, shall you be afraid to ride in that contraption with her Ladyship?"

"I know I shouldn't be, but I am a little," I admitted. "Even though everything the Master has made has always run well before."

"Well, if you grow afraid, pray to God and He shall look after you." The older woman encouraged, patting the top of my bonnet.

"Yes, marm," I said, with a smile.

The cook returned my smile affectionately and then set her basket in the back of the machine where I added mine.

The machine shook and jostled us a good deal, especially the two of us who sat on the floor. I, and Lord Cadwell's valet, were the only two servants to be brought along on this journey.

I looked anxiously at Lady Cadwell, hoping that this way of travel wouldn't be too rough on her. But she, with her gloved hand on her hat as we flew along, was ever the picture of elegance. The gray in her hair was carefully hidden, and her cheeks flushed with excitement. At her smiling face surveying the countryside, I relaxed somewhat. Then she caught sight of me.

Her ladyship leaned forward and called to me over the roar of the machine, "Isn't it marvelous, Bea? This machine is a good deal swifter than any carriage!"

"But there are no horses to draw it, Madame!" I protested, baffled. "How is it running?"

Lady Cadwell laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Maurice is so clever that he needs no horses! But as to how it runs, I haven't the faintest idea, my dear!"