Free A Clockwork Heart by Liesel Schwarz

Marsh at the table in the morning room.
    At the sight of Elle, Adele shucked up her shoulders and turned away in displeasure.
    Elle grimaced. It was going to take a lot of apologizing before she was restored to the good graces of the fairy, it seemed.
    Edie appeared, carrying a small tray with a telegram, which she set down on the table.
    â€œThank you, Edie,” Elle said.
    The maid gave Adele a wary look and the fairy hissed at her.
    Edie retreated as fast as decorum allowed.
    â€œSo it’s war on all fronts then,” Elle said to the fairy as she opened the telegram. Her eyes flickered over the message and in an instance, her face opened up with excitement. “I have a telegram from Mr. De Beer. I have a new charter. To Singapore!”
    Marsh folded the paper up carefully and set it down on the table.
    The headline read BATTERSEA ELECTROMANCERS HALT SPARK PRODUCTION . SHORTAGES FEARED .
    â€œI think I shall take the Iron Phoenix ,” she said.
    â€œAre you sure that’s wise? What about the urgent repairs that could not wait this morning?” There was a dangerous edge to his voice.
    â€œOh, I’m sure we can make do. Would you like to come along? I’m sure we could do with an extra crew member.”
    â€œI thought this was something you had to do on your own,” he said stiffly.
    â€œAnd I thought you were bored and worried waiting for me while I am away.”
    His face tightened. “I wouldnt want to smother you or anything.”
    â€œOh, Marsh. When did you turn into such a boring old fopdoodle?” she said.
    â€œHow dare you call me that!”
    Adele fluttered off the table and settled herself on the mantelpiece. She crossed her arms for the spectacle that was sure to come.
    â€œFopdoodle.” Elle said, and this time her voice held its own dangerous edge. “You promised that you and I were going to have a life that soared high up in the sky. Instead, you lurk in your study by day and when you emerge, it’s only to wreck the house with one of your insane inventions.”
    Marsh grew very still. He clutched the edge of the tablecloth in his fist in an effort to control his temper.
    â€œIs that what you really think?” he said in measured tones.
    â€œYes, it is. You have changed, Hugh. You are not the man I married.”
    â€œI have only changed into the man you wanted me to be, my dear,” he said bitterly.
    â€œHave you now? Perhaps the man I thought you were was nothing but a lie. Tell me, have you been lying to me?” She laid down the challenge between them.
    â€œI am sorry that life with me is such a disappointment for you,” he said.
    â€œAnd I am sorry you did not keep your end of the bargain. You said that we would be able to go on as before. You promised, Hugh.”
    His face went very still. “Well, forgive me for being the only one to take this marriage seriously,” he said smoothly. “Life cannot be all frippery and games, you know. One moment, it’s ‘Oh Hugh, I have to do this by myself.’ The next I am invited to come along.”
    â€œLife is also not one long stint of misery either,” she shot back.
    â€œYou forget, my dear, that I am the one who has made the sacrifice here. Hundreds of years of my life, gone. All so I can be with you and then you are never here.”
    â€œAnd I haven’t made sacrifices? This, my duties as the Oracle; it’s everything I chose not to become in life, yet here I am.” She waved her arm in a gesture that encompassed the room, her life. “You lied to me in Venice to get what you wanted. And now you have broken your promises to me again.”
    â€œStop it!” He held up his hand. “Just stop it. I cannot bear any more of this fighting, Elle.”
    Elle bit her lip, her retort unsaid.
    He ran his hand through his hair with measured exasperation. “Do I really make you that unhappy? Are you so smothered that you feel