Free Must Love Breeches by Angela Quarles

ignorance.”
    The famous phrase ‘mad, bad, and dangerous to know’ popped into her head. Not much for a daughter to go on.
    Ada whispered, “Please.”
    “I don’t know much. I’m sorry.”
    “Please tell me whatever you recollect.”
    “All I remember is he was a famous poet. I think, I’m sorry, I hope this doesn’t upset you, but I got the impression he was quite the lady’s man.”
    Ada leaned in closer, head tilted. “Lady’s man?”
    “Erm... you know, what you would call a rake.”
    Ada turned white and blinked. She nodded. “Go on.”
    “That’s all I remember.”
    “Was he handsome?”
    “You’ve never seen a portrait of him?”
    Ada blew out a short puff of air. “No. Growing up, I remember a spot on the wall covered in green fabric at my grandparents’ house, but I was never able to reach it as a child. I wondered if my father’s portrait lay behind. My beloved grandmother passed away when I was seven, and it was put away.”
    “Well, I do remember he was considered very handsome. That’s all I know about him, though. I wish now I’d studied more of this era since I find myself here.”
    It amazed her how well Ada was adapting to the Crazy Ass situation. Her youth, combined with her unusual upbringing, made her more open-minded than most. Besides, she probably saw it as a game, a pet project. Isabelle glanced around. No one near. She reached into her skirt pocket. “Do you want to see something cool, Ada?” Isabelle pulled out her phone; she hadn’t trusted to leave it where maids could find it. Dang, battery at ten percent .
    “Cool?”
    Isabelle glanced up. “Oh, sorry. Bad habit of mine. It means ‘interesting’ in this case, but, uh, it can also mean you approve of something.”
    “Cool.”
    Isabelle chuckled. “Yes.” She pulled up the photo she’d taken at the ball last night. Had it only been last night?
    Ada gasped, her hand fluttering in front of her mouth. She leaned in closer. “That is my portrait!” She touched the screen with a hesitant finger.
    “Yes. I probably startled you when I took it.”
    “But, how?”
    Isabelle tucked the phone away. Wouldn’t do to have it visible for too long. “Soon, the ability will exist for people to instantly capture images.” Isabelle went on to explain photography.
    “So many remarkable things are accomplished in the future. May I inquire more fully about it?”
    “Of course, ask away.” Isabelle smiled in encouragement. But then the implications set in. “Well, to a point.”
    “Have you solved hunger? Cured all diseases? Do people still fight wars? And kill each other? I loved Mr. Irving’s Rip Van Winkle . I wish I could go forward in time and witness how much things have changed,” she finished, her tone more contemplative.
    They talked more about the future, and Isabelle answered as best she could, trying to find words common to both eras and to keep the answers very general.
    “Ada, I hate to change the subject, but there are a couple of things I need to talk to you about.”
    “Certainly. I hope I can help.”
    “Well, one thing is, I have no clue how I got here or how to get back. Obviously, I won’t make it in time for work in the morning as I’d hoped. And the only thing keeping me sane is believing I’ll figure it out soon.” She toyed with her reticule, rotating it in short spurts. She took a deep breath. “But I’m worried.” Her voice hitched. “Very worried. If I can’t figure this out, I’m stuck here, and I don’t know what to do, where to stay―”
    “I thought we had established your lodgings. You are to reside with me, as my companion.”
    “That’s a cover story, our, uh, ‘blind.’”
    “But I am in earnest. You shall remain with me.”
    “I can’t impose on you forever, Ada.”
    “Something will transpire to your benefit. I am sure of it.”
    She liked Ada’s optimism. “Okay, I’ll figure something out. But in the meantime, in case I’m here for longer than a few