Flight of The Pegasus (closed for Chrysm)
 

The fog had begun to lift as a hazy sun drifted above the treetops. For this early in the srping, it was uncommonly warm, although still not record-breaking. Still, Nawang Kapani pulled a little on the startched collar of his shirt to alleviate a bit of discomfiture. He then adjusted his bow tie, pulled down on his white jacket, and shifted his beloved and well-worn kukri knife at his waist, before pulling on his gray gloves to adjust their fit.
He stood before the great doors of Thwackbottom Manor, looking down the ancient cobblestone drive which lead to them past the newest addtion to the compound, an enormous granite factory and workshop building with an even larger hangar attached to the southern face of it. Nawang's Nepalese face was smiling, gently, in the time-honored way of his people, as he waited.
He heard a horse approaching from around the side of the Manor proper, and glanced over to watch as the rider approached.
Sir Roderick Arthur Beecham Montrose, 15th Earl of Thwackbottom, was riding a modified Arabian, slightly longer in the leg than the stock it came from, and with longer ears which denoted the experimentation which the Earl had conducted in producing the superior breed. The Earl himself was a fairly tall man, just over six feet in height, with black curly hair coming out from under his top hat to fall just at his shoulders, a long face with sharp cheekbones and a hawk-like nose wich perched above a full mouth framed by a waxed mustache above and a petite goatee below. His red silk cravatte was pinned with a large diamond in the center before disappearing into a purple double-breasted silk vest, and his dovetail coat and peg-pants were a light blue. His black calf-high boots shined, as did his black leather gloves, and a riding crop dangled negligently from one long-fingered hand. A pair of magnification goggles, their brass frames shining brightly, hung absently around his neck.
As the Earl approached, whispering commands to his mount, Nawang bowed while his smile grew larger, and asked, "And how was your ride, milord?"
Sir Rod's right eyebrow cocked up as he answered his batman and closest companion in a clear tenor voice, "Wonderful, Nawang. Marduk here is perhaps the finest I've foaled. He responds to the voice commands better than predicted."
He swung easily down from the saddle, in a practiced manner learned whilst earning a rank of Colonel in the 1st Gurkha Rifles, and said, "Marduk; back to the stables."
As the horse nodded it's head, whinnied, and turned to leave, the Earl glanced down the drive and asked, "What time is it, Nawang, if you please? She should be here by now; the new Steamcoach moves much faster than any horse could, and the roads are clear from Thwackbottom Downs to Hampstead."
Nawang reached into his coat and read the dials on his pocketwatch: March 30, 1880, 9:45:37 AM. He reported the time to his lord in his soft Nepalese voice.
"Thank you, my good man," the Earl acknowledged, and tapped his riding crop absently on his boot before adding, "I do hope she doesn't have her mother's poor sense of dedication to punctuality."

As the sun slowly climbed in hte sky, making the day that much warmer. The early spring air full of freshness as the greenery begins to renew itself. Nearly 5 miles out form the manor, a luxurious steamcoach quietly speeds down the smooth paved road. Within, a fair 7 year old girl sits looking out at the passing scenery, blissfully ignorant of the older woman accompanying her. Her long ebony hair done up in a dainty french braid, her clear blue eyes wide in wonder as she watches the sceneray pass.

The Earl sniffed, turning back from the drive and towards the manor house proper, and strode purposefully toward the enormous doors. Stopping there, he removed the cover to the speaking tube, blew, and said into it, "Miss O'Shaugnessey, come to the courtyard, if you please."
Sir Rod turned back towards the short, stocky Nepalese and commanded, "Please remind me to speak with Mr. MacGruder after we have my niece settled into her rooms."
Kawang nodded his acquiescence, and said, "Of course, milord; and I am also to remind his lordship that he wishes to review the performance of the young lady's governness upon their arrival."
The Earl nodded, once, in a crisp manner, and reached into his coat pocket for his ever-present notebook, withdrawing it and opening the leather cover to begin writing in it, with a spoken aside to his batman of, "Ah, yes, a Miss Throatwarbler. I never had the pleasure to meet her before; I hope her books are in order."

As the steamcoach coasted down the road, the girl soon turns to the woman who is with her

"How much further is it?" she asked rather impatiantly, not liking having to wait too much longer. "Why aren't we there yet? I'm starting to get hungry" she continued to rant

The woman gave a light chuckle, a little amused by the girl

"We should be there soon" she said calmly "Just a couple more miles. You might be able to see the manor from here. It's up on one of these hills, overlooking everything. I trust you're going to like living here. Ever since the shocking news, it just might do you some good to be with family once more"

"But I hardly know him" the girl whined, not completely agreeing with her.

"Then this is a perfect chance" the woman siad "He might not be able to replace your parents but he's the only family you have now"

Miss O'Shaugnessey, a ginger girl in her late teens, came out of Thwackbottom Manor's great doors, curtseying to the Earl and nodding to Nawang, who returned it with a slightly broader smile than usual. She asked her employer, "You called for me, your lordship?"
"That I did, Miss O'Shaugnessey," the master of the house answered, "Are all things ready for my niece's arrival?"
"Yes, milord. Her rooms are cleaned and redy for her; I've also set out some milk, cold cuts, bread, and some of the fresh vegetables from the greenhouse," the servant answered, following that up with, "And I have called Mr. MacGruder to ask for him to send those boys to help with the luggage again; I cannot explain their absence."
Sir Rod nodded, and stated, "Mr. MacGruder probably held them back for some work in the fabrication shop; the engines were nearing completion yesterday, and he is not one to leave a job half-completed. If they are any later, I'll call him myself. And you are to be commended on your thoughtfulness in setting out food for Lady Elenore and her Governess; I seem to recall now Aunt Agatha saying once that all children are inquisitiveness and appetite. Ah! Here come the twins, now."
Two ten year old boys, both with sandy hair, had emerged from the front door of the factory building, hastily buttoning up clean shirts as they pelted up the drive. Their faces and hands showed the signs of hasty washing as they drew near, and one of the twins -- no one could really tell them apart -- said after both had made a hasty bow, "Sorry for being late, your lordship. Mr. MacGruder -- "
"Is a stern taskmaster, I know, boys. The steamcoach isn't here yet, so not to worry. You've missed a button, Phillip," the Earl stated.
"It's Thomas, sir, and thank you," the other twin said, moving to adjust his clothing.
Just then Nawang noted a plume of steam drifting up from around the hillside, and said, "My lord, it appears they are finally here."
"Excellent eyes, Nawang," Sir Rod complimented, and mused to himself, the last time she was here was five years ago. I wonder if she remembers the family home at all.
The group gathered behind the Earl of Thwackbottom; he was a gentleman of decorum and proper etiquette, and had trained his staff well.

Soon enough the steamcoach turned into the droveway and steadily climbed the hill leading to hte manor. It came to a stop just as it got to the steps leading to the doors. After a moment, the gentle engine revv died down and the door opened.

The woman stepped out, not yet acknowleging the gathered onlookers. She held out a hand into hte steamcoach, coming back out with the young girl in hand. The girl looked up at the manor in awe and wonder. She was only 3 when last she saw this place and it was a marval to behold even then.

The woman couldn't help but chuckle at her expression as they turn and approached the congregation

"Good day Lord of Thwackbottom Manor" she said with a small curtsy

The Earl doffed his hat, inclining his head and giving a small bow as he said, "Welcome to Thwackbottom Manor, ladies. May I introduce Mr. Nawang Kapadia, late a seargent-major of the First Gurkha Rifles, and my batman, butler, and major domo of the manor. These are Phillip and Thomas Smythe, apprenticed to to my assistant engineer and employed in my factory; and Miss O'Shaugnessey, head maid and assistant cook."
His sharp mind recalled certain events from his own childhood, and he handed off his riding crop to Nawang before rather awkwardly dropping to one knee and spreading his arms as he looked at Elenore.
"Come and greet me, then, niece. I am filled with sorrow over my brother's death; but a child such as yourself must be greatly aggreived to lose her parents in one fell swoop. You are welcome here, young Lady Elenore; all within my walls will strive to see that your well-being and safety are assured."

Elenore only blanky stared at him only vaguely remembering him for all those years ago. The woman gave an encouraging nudge.

The girl slowly moved forward as the Lord expressed the sadness of loss and how lonely she had been ever since the loss of both her parents

She approaches him, tears starting to form and well her crystal eyes

Sir Rod watched her approach, with conflicting emotion; his eyes btrayed his sadness, but his stiff upper lip stayed as British as ever. He leaned down and kissed the girl on each cheek, but a single tear rolled from his eye to wet her face as he kissed the second side. His hands, though not embracing her, squeezed gently yet passionately; as he pushed himself away, his ice-blue eyes glistening with tears held back, he said, "We will talk later, when we are alone."

Tears threatened to flow as he gently squeezed her shoulders. She wanted to throw herself at him

THe governess looked on fondly, wiping away her own tears as she watched this reunion. Now things were bound to be better for Elenore

"Now, let us see you to your rooms, and Kawang and Miss O'Shaugnessey may see to you while I am about my business," the Earl intoned, snapping up to his full height.
Kawang stepped forward, gesturing the lads as well, and moved over to Miss Throatwarbler.
"Ma'am," he began, "If you could tell me which piece of luggage belongs to whom, I'll have this sorted out in a few minutes."
Miss O'Shaugnessey stepped forward and offered her hand to Elenore, smiling as she said, "If milady pleases, I'll show you to your rooms."

Elenore looked from one helper to another, slightly confused

The governess nodded to Kawang and turned back to the steamcoach. THe door was still open, and the lugage from within and those atop, was most of what the girl had when her parents had left on the world trek, that they would now never return from.

"All the luggage on top is her attire, mostly formal. Those withing hte coach are mine"

Elenore slowly, uncertainly, moved toward the maid

Nawang called to the boys, as the driver of the steamcoach came out from the cab and crawled atop it. Phillip and Thomas scampered over, their arms held high to help lower and carry things.
Miss O'Shaugnessey moved forward slowly, her freckled hand extended, and smiled as she placated, "Come, now, milady; I won't harm thee, lass."
The Earl of Thwackbottom stood straight, surveying the scene.

"O...K" Elenore siad timidly, still slowly approaching the maid

THe governess assisted in unloading the luggage

"You and I will be great friends, I think," Miss O'Shaugnessey proclaimed, bending at the waist and reaching out to clasp Elenore's hand, "Are you hungry after your long journey, milady?"
Meanwhile, Sir Rod approached the steamcoach, gliding next to the govenness. He nodded his head as she retrieved her baggage from the interior, and asked, "I would like to speak with you after you're settled in, Miss Throatwarbler; please bring your registers."

"Yeah" Elenore said with a small smile

"Of course, M'lord" the governess said as she pulled the last of her things form the steamcoach, handing one off to Phillip, and managing to carry the rest on her own "Once Elenore is settled"

The Earl began to nod to Miss Throatwarbler, and then heard his niece's response to Miss O'Shaugnessey. His back stiffened a bit, and he asked her governness, quietly, so that others could not hear, "And where, might I ask, did she pick up that bit of slovenly vocabulary; furthermore, why has she been allowed to retain it?"
Meanwhile, Miss O'Shaugnessey had smiled back at the girl and lead her into the manor, listing the victuals she had set out for the travelers; Kawang and the twins began carrying the large trunks and bags belonging to the newly orphaned girl after them, a bit more slowly.

"I see nothing wrong with it" the governess siad with a small shrug "It's just a simple word. THough she was born to it, she doesn't completely like having to be so prim. There's nothing wrong with it, and it suits her better. I'm sure you want her to be happy, so I strongly suggest not pushing her to be more "proper" She shrug the habit when she feels it necessary. She never says it when in a room full of people, so there really is nothing wrong with it"

THe girl began to feel a little more calm as the maid lead her into the manor. She looked around in awe and wonder, not really remmebering the last time she was here. Given how young she was at the time, one can't really blame her for being so marveled

Sir Rod briefly looked back to see that the girl and the other servants were still outside; his right eyebrow cocked up, once, and then lowered as he turned back to Throatwarbler.
"We shall discuss this more at a later point in time, Miss Throatwarbler. That will be all," he stated, and turned sharply and followed Nawang and the boys into the Manor proper.

The interior past the doors openened up on a Great Hall, fully three stories tall, with curved staircases to the right and left of the doors; these broad steps led up to balconies situated at the second and third floors, leading to the upper stories of the West and East Wings of the Manor. Two huge chandeliers hung from the rafters, and large windows were situated at the third floor levels on the north and south. Ancient suits of armor, paintings of past family members, and very well-done tapestries hugged the walls on all three floors. There were two doors on the ground floor on the north wall of the Hall, and hallways branched off the balconies into the wings. All the wood was polished and shining, the glass was clean and clear, and the brass on the speaking tubes which Sir Rod had designed and had installed gleamed in the daylight.
Miss O'Shaugnessey was leading the young Lady Elenore to the right-hand door at the north end of the hall; and Kawang and the boys began to ascend the stairs leading to the East Wing.
The Earl nodded, and paused, a small frown gripping his mouth, then he moved forward to follow Miss O'Shaugnessey and her charge towards the north end of the Great Hall.

The governess followed the boys up the staircase and into the wing where Elenore's room was to be. She looked back toward the entrance way, a little confused with the Lord's response.

Elenore continued looking around as best she could as they proceeded into hte hallway on the north side. It all made her eager to explore, thaouogh at the same time, it increased her appetite, and, as if in response, her stomach gave off a small growl

Nawang led the way down the corridor of the East Wing's third floor, past three doors and stopping at the fourth. As he set down the large bag and opened the door for the boys to carry the heavy trunk they were trundling down the hall, he gestured to the door opposite the one he held open, and said, "That is your set of rooms, Miss Throatwarbler, you may put your things in there."

Miss O'Shaugnessey smiled down at Elenore again as she reached the door she had been heading for; she opened it to reveal a sitting room with an eastern window, and a door set into both the north and west walls of the room. At a small table, framed with two chairs, was a large pitcher of milk, a couple of fine crystal glasses, and a round silver platter piled with the various foodstuffs she had gathered.
"Here we are, milady, please enjoy," she said, her Irish burr coming through a bit as she spoke.

The governess nodded and proceeded to said door, opening it and entering. She then set here bags down and then moving back out and to the group to assist with Elenore's things

Elenore lightly licked her lips in anticipation as they came to their destination. She proceeded to head for a chair though had some minor difficulty with getting into it, as she was a little small for her age

Nawang, Phillip, and Thomas, their burdens put down at Nawang's direction, turned to make their second trip; Phillip and Thomas gave a passable army salute -- and Nawang gave a slight bow -- as they passed Miss Throatwarbler in the hallway. Both boys glanced at each other and then back at Nawang, and shrugged: they were saddened to have missed a chance to slide down the bannister without anyone knowing it. Nawang, fully aware of the boy's predilictions, chuckled quietly as he followed them.

The Earl, meanwhile, had followed Elenore and Miss O'Shaugnessey into the sitting room, and he removed his gloves and doffed his hat before moving to a small sideboard and -- waving at Miss O'Shaugnessey to help his niece -- poured himself a glass of springwater. After a sip, he glided over to Elenore, asking, "And what did you think of the town, our Thwackbottom Downs, as you passed through today, Lady Elenore?"

The governess was slightly stunned by the gestures of formality, and gave an annoyed sigh. Since they had most of the luggage in already she thought to seek out where Elenore had been taken into hte east wing, hoping the girl wasn't being showered with similar formality

The maid silently assisted Elenore in getting into the chair and she proceeded to take a small pastry as the Earl stated his query

"It was kinda neat" she said after eating half of the pastry in one bite

Nawang and the twins moved quickly to get the rest of the luggage; so fast that they re-entered the Great Hall before Miss Throatwarbler reached the bottom of the stairs.

The Earl noted his niece's vocabulary, once again, and took a breath before he said, "I was hoping you had seen the new library; it is on the northeast side of the town. I was thinking of re-dedicating it in honor of your father and mother; would you like that?"

At mention of her parents Elenore turned sad and somewhat secluded, pushing away what she had eaten an huddled there in the chair, with her knees to her chest and her eyes beginning to mist

The governess followed the east hall the maid lead Elenore through, searching for the room the others were gathered in

"Milord," Miss O'Shaugnessey blanched, "Too soon, sir!"
"Ah," the Earl started, blushing slightly, "Quite right, Bridgit. My apologies, milady; I spoke in haste and without thinking."
He reached out, hesitantly, to awkwardly stroke her arm, saying, "Please, forgive me."
Miss O'Shaugnessey, not as far removed from childhood as her employer, moved closer to intervene if necessary.

Elenore now seemed ignorant of both, despite the attempt of comfort.

Soon, the governess found the room the others were in and hastily kocked

A look of perplexion crossed Sir Rod's face; he had lost his parents much later in life, and knew that the girl must be going through many emotions at this point. He drew away, moving back to the sideboard and taking another sip of water.
Miss O'Shaugnessey simply poured the girl a glass of milk and set it beside her.
When the Earl heard the knock on the door, he said, "Enter."

Elenore continued to ignore the maid's attempt of comfort, seeming to feel more alone than ever.

Upon hearing 'enter', the governess entered the room. Immediately, she noticed Elenore in a sad slump. She promptly went to the girl's side, waving the maid away. She then turned to the Earl, showing mild anger "You went and siad something in connection to her parents, didn't you?" she demanded accusingly

Not waitning for an answer, she scooped up Elenore, who seemed to register the comfort she offered. THe governess mumbled a few soft words to calm the weeping girl and shot the Earl an angry glare before promptly exiting the room to take Elenore to her room to rest a while

The Earl was completely startled in a manner almost unbeknownst to himself; as the door closed again he recovered, glowered for a moment at the door, and then his composure returned. "Miss O'Shaugnessy, I wonder if you would mind running some errands for me."
Miss O'Shaugnessey, herself a bit perturbed at being waved off so peremtorily, turned and stated, "Of course, milord."
"That's a good girl, Bridgit. First, please invite the steamcoach driver in for a meal; we shall be in need of his further services. He can eat in the kitchen, and be sure that Mrs. Johnston keeps an eye on him for security's sake. Then, if you could inform Mr. Kapani that I require Miss Throatwarbler's presence in my study at once, and that I would be most grateful of him to escort her there and wait outside the door" he said, picking up his tophat and gloves, and striding to the door.
"Of course, milord," Bridgit said, curtseying.
Sir Rod moved off towards his study, on the second floor of the West Wing, quickly and with purpose.

THe governess carried Elenore to her room, threatening to ram any staff that got in the way. She was fuming at how Elenore was already upset, and they hadn't even been there an hour.

Once she got the the room, she lay Elenore on the bed, and sat at her side, gently stroking the girl's ebony hair and rubbing her back

"Why did he have to go and do that?" the governess aloud siad to herself, mild anger still clear in her alto voice "If he knows how sensitive a subject it is, why did he mention it? What a fool!"

After a few minutes of soothing, the governess noticed Elenore drifting to sleep from exhaustion due to silent crying. She got up and after seeing hte girl was comfortable, left the room to seek the Earl and confront him on he aparent lack of sympathy

She was met in the hall by Nawang who, having spoken with Miss O'Shaugnessey, was moving to fetch the governness.
"Miss Throatwarbler, please come with me," he said, inclining his head a bit; his ever-present slight smile upon his broad face.

"Very well" she said planly a trace of anger still clear. "Once I speak to that pompous oaf you call a Lord, I want you to inform all staff that no one, I repeat, no one, is to go near Enore's room for at least an hour. I want it understood that she is not to be disturbed during that time"

Nawang's smile dropped, and he stiffened. After a moment, he stated, "You will wish to bring your registers with you, Miss Throatwarbler."
He stepped aside, put his hands behind his back, and his smile returned, a bit more cool than before, as he added, "If you please."

THe governess held his gaze for a bit, wishing to be certain he'd comply with her command before moving to her room to retrieve the requested papers and such

With asiatic composure, Nawang simply returned her gaze, saying nothing more.

Once she had the papers, she came back out to the hall, still showing the same fury she showed the Earl

Nawang nodded at seeing the papers in her hands, and then turned on his heel, military fashion and lead the way: down the flight of stairs, across the back portion of the balcony on the second floor across to the West Wing, down the hall, and to the final door on the right. He knocked, and after hearing "Enter" opened the door for the governess, and closed it behind her.
Inside the study, the Earl sat behind a gigantic and ornately-carved mahogany desk. Bookshelves lined the walls, and there were boxes of his brother's papers -- newly arrived -- next to the desk. Two comfortable leather chairs were situated in front of the desk. A few of Sir Rod's brother's documents were in front of the Earl.
As Miss Throatwarbler entered, Sir Rod motioned to the chairs and said, "Please have a seat, Miss Throatwarbler."

The governess looked around once she entered the study, a bit awe-struck, despite how mad at the Earl she was right now. This stud was at least twice the size of the one in the manor in hte city where Elenore had lived all her life.

She slowly approached hte large desk placing her papers on the desk but did not sit