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Chapter 7: A Gathering Team Part 2

Her father's mouth opened and closed several times during her tirade. His colour so high, she feared he might fall dead of apoplexy. Instead he slumped down into his seat and sighed deeply.

"That has been more my failure than yours, perhaps if I'd been around more - "

"While I cherish your company, Father, my argument with being a lady is that it is stultifyingly dull. They do needlework, pour tea, gossip about eligible bachelors. I have no interest in any of that. My talent can serve science, serve you."

"You may have mistaken my intent, Calliope. I have heard from several people who are normally enthusiastic sponsors that they are concerned about a young woman taking part in a dangerous venture. If you come, you will butt up against that attitude yourself. Are you prepared to deal with it?"

"At least I didn't stab that Dr. Gostan with my palette knife," Cal blurted out, still processing the notion that her presence might threaten the expedition. "If you'll be short of money because of me - "

Her father held up his hand. "I am a man of my word, and Lord Carroway has a great deal of influence. No matter their reservations, our sponsors do not wish to anger him."

"I do want to come, and more, be useful." Cal snapped her mouth shut before she started babbling.

"Very well, Calliope. You will come as our artist and recorder. I will show you how I'd like you to keep the log. While we are on this expedition you will call me Sir Shillingsworth; too much familiarity may breed discontent among the others."

"Only if you call me Cal. I have no idea what possessed you and mother to name me after a circus organ."

"Calliope was the Greek muse of poetry...very well, Cal. Welcome to the expedition. You will be paid twenty pence a day, but will be expected to contribute out of that amount for general supplies and food. Lord Carroway has purchased what you require for your art." Sir Shillingsworth opened a drawer and slid a paper across the desk to her. "Here is the standard contract, please read it and sign it. You may return it to me tomorrow." He opened a new ledger and made a note. Cal couldn't suppress the grin on her face, but she did keep from dancing around the room in excitement. She took the paper, rolled it, and slid it into her sleeve.

"Cal," her father said so softly she almost didn't hear him, "there will be a time when you regret your decision." She started to protest, but he held up his hand again. "There will be a time, as there was for me when I wasn't much older than you. When it arrives, do not let it fill you with doubt. Stay the course." He looked up at her. "Please join the others in the parlour, I will be along shortly."

Cal slipped out the door before dancing in the hallway.

"Whatever are you doing?" Pentam set a box, tripod and a bag bulging with other gear on the floor with great care.

"Sir Shillingsworth has hired me to go on the expedition."

"I thought that had been decided by Lord Carroway."

"Father, being a father, needed to be convinced. I'm not just tagging along. I have a contract to sign and must pay to help buy things."

"Congratulations, I guess." He waved at the gear on the floor. "Would you mind helping me carry this to my rooms?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"A camera." Pentam handed her the tripod and picked up the box and the bag. "I wanted to be able to record the expedition, we won't always have a talented artist with us. I met a photographer who liked the idea of being a sponsor of our expedition."

"How fascinating, you must show me how it works."

Pentam gave her an odd look before taking the tripod and disappearing into his room.

Cal hurried downstairs and over to the parlour.

Beth, Hans' wife, stopped her.

"Supper will be served within the hour."

"I will let them know."

Cal opened the door and walked into the parlour.

"Hello again, gentlemen. I hope you have whatever you need here?"

"We do. Somehow you have provided the best of what each of us prefer to imbibe." Dr. Franklyn saluted her with his glass.

"Thank you, we're fine. If you will give us some privacy, we have expedition business to discuss." Dr. Gostan turned away from her to Prof. Orthin, who ignored him.

"I am a member of the expedition. Lord Carroway specified I was to accompany you and record what you find."

"Stuff and nonsense, no slip of girl belongs on a voyage of science." Dr. Gostan looked like he might throw his glass at her.

"Nevertheless." Cal kept her gaze even and refused to let her hands shake. "I believe my father is the one who makes those decisions."

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