Free Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel Page A

fortune.”
    “Ah, so you have heard of him.”
    “No. But whenever someone gets pointed out, he’s usually filthy rich.”
    “And so he is—or will be. And that, young Mr. Cruse, is most likely the man your Kate will be calling husband before long.”
    I wasn’t prepared for the fury that seized me. My pulse hammered at my temples. I felt sick. The expression on my face must have been unpleasant, for Miss Simpkins looked away.
    I watched Sanderson talking with some of his chums, smiling and laughing with all the presumptuous, easy grace I’d seen so often aboard the Aurora . I’d served many young men like him, who scarcely noticed their food was prepared for them, or their clothes pressed every day. They had little idea where their money came from, and had done nothing themselves to earn it.
    The thought of this fellow calling Kate his wife, touching her, made the garden tilt on its axis. I stared at him, and everything else seeped away off the sides of my vision. I imagined terrible fates for James Sanderson.
    “Well, he looks like a pleasant fellow,” I said, forcing myself to smile. “I hope he won’t be disappointed when Kate turns him down.”
    “I know you think me cruel,” said Miss Simpkins, and her tone was almost kind. “But I’m trying to make it easier for you in the long run. You mustn’t entertain notions that you and Kate have a future together. You’ll only be disappointed. You must be sensible.”
    “Thank you for your advice, Miss Simpkins,” I said stiffly, and walked off.
    I decided to check on my mother and sisters, but before I’d gone twenty paces, I saw Mr. de Vries walking straight toward me, smiling.
    “Mr. Cruse!” he said, hand extended. His grip was tight. “I’m Kate’s father, Charles de Vries.”
    “How do you do, sir.”
    “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. You’re a remarkable young man by all accounts.”
    I was completely unprepared for his enthusiasm. “Well, ah, thank you, sir.”
    “That business with the pirate Szpirglas was quite something. Kate tells me you’re in your final year at the Airship Academy. How’re you making out there?”
    “It’s hard work, but I’m learning a great deal.”
    “You must be one of the younger students, no?”
    “I am, but I think I’m holding my own.”
    “What are your plans after graduation?”
    It was like being interviewed for a job, but somehow it made me less nervous. Answering questions was easier than making polite chitchat.
    “I’d hope to find work as a second officer to start with, sir.”
    “And then?”
    “Work my way up to captain.”
    “You’ve got your eye on the future. Excellent. Having a plan is halfway to success.” He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “It’s quite a secret you’re keeping.”
    An icy tingle coursed down my spine. He knew. He knew what was going on between me and his daughter. I didn’t know what to say, I was so mortified. Luckily I didn’t lose my head and start blubbering a confession.
    I tried to look perplexed. “What secret might that be, sir?” I said.
    He chuckled and gave me a wink. “Kate told me.”
    “Is that so?” I said weakly. This made no sense. Why on earth would she do that?
    “Otto Lunardi let it slip too,” Mr. de Vries said. “You know, the airship tycoon. I was chatting with him just now. Charming fellow. That’s quite an honor to be chosen as a candidate.”
    I smiled, my anxiety evaporating. Mr. de Vries was talking about the astralnaut training program. “And I understand Miss de Vries has been invited to take part too,” I said.
    “Indeed.” He nodded, eyebrows lifting, and I could tell he liked the idea.
    “She must be a very accomplished scientist,” I said, “if Mr. Lunardi wants her aboard his ship.”
    “Not really the sort of thing suitable for a young lady, though, is it?” said Mr. de Vries. “But perhaps allowances can be made, given Mr. Lunardi’s involvement. One wouldn’t want to offend a