Free Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris-Theo 2 by R. L. Lafevers, Yoko Tanaka

her cane. "We are in total agreement on that score."
    "But Grandmother," I said, "the museum's reading room has so many scholarly texts for me to study. It's how I've learned Latin and Greek and hierogly—"
    "None of which will do you a lick of good if you don't have the sense God gave you."
    Did I not have enough sense to save Britain in her hour of need just months ago? I wanted to scream. But of course, I couldn't. I lowered my head and hoped Grandmother would think it was in shame instead of in fury. This would never do. I couldn't allow myself to be removed from the
museum! Who would protect everyone from all the wretched curses floating around this place, let alone get to the bottom of this whole mummy fiasco? No. It simply wouldn't do.
    Resolved, I lifted my gaze. "Very well. But don't you think it would be a good idea for me to show Miss Chittle around the museum so I can explain to her what I have been learning? That way, in addition to comportment and such, she'll know where to pick up in my studies?"
    "I'm sure that's not necessary," Miss Chittle said quickly.
    Grandmother waved her hand. "It can't hurt, and the admiral is still speaking with my son. So run along, but don't be too long."
    I bobbed a curtsy at Grandmother, then turned to my new governess. "This way, Miss Chittle."
    The woman sniffed, as if she really hadn't the time, but at least she followed. As we headed away from the front hall, my mind raced, trying to decide which of the exhibits I could use to shock her the most.
    The answer was obvious: the ancient Egyptian exhibit, of course. Especially because the mummies already had her on edge. The Egyptian exhibit held many more gruesome delights to be explored. Plus, with any luck at all, she might be sensitive to the heavy, oppressive magic in the air.
    I began outlining my education to date. "While I've spent
most of my time on ancient Egypt," I said, "I have also done quite a bit with the classics: Rome and Greece, as well as a smattering of ancient Babylonia, Assyria, and Sumer."
    "Hm," was all she said as her eyes skittered from here to there, trying to take in all the corners and shadows of the hallway.
    I paused at the doorway to the ancient Greek and Roman exhibit. "Would you like to take a look at our classical collection?"
    "Very well," she said primly.
    I stood back so she could go into the room first. Her gaze fell immediately on a life-size statue of Adonis, who wasn't wearing so much as a fig leaf. She jerked back from the doorway, her cheeks flushed bright pink. "I think I've seen quite enough," she said.
    Honestly. Just how silly can a grown woman be? Without meeting my eyes, she continued. "Do you have a ladies' withdrawing room here?"
    "You mean a lavatory?"
    "There's no need to be vulgar, but yes, that is what I mean."
    "Of course. This way, please." She didn't say a word as I led her to the restroom on the main floor. Since she was so prim and proper, I decided to wait for her outside.
    It takes a surprisingly long time for an overly proper governess to visit the lavatory. When she finally emerged, her cheeks were still pink (was she embarrassed, perhaps?) and her eyes looked a little bright. I caught a whiff of something. Careful to be discreet, I sniffed again. It smelled like ... sherry? But where would she have got hold of sherry? And at this hour! I knew for a fact there was none in the lavatory. Watching her more closely now, I asked, "May I show you the ancient Egyptian exhibit?"
    "Yes, but only that. Then I think it will be time to go."
    "Very well. This way, please." I led her from the main floor up to the third. On either side of us, statues of ancient Egyptian gods and pharaohs loomed. Isis emerged from behind one of the statues and began following us. I wondered how Miss Chittle felt about cats?
    "Here," I said in my best museum-tour-guide voice, "is our most popular collection, ancient Egypt."
    Miss Chittle stepped past me into the room. The electric lights flickered,