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“It seems to be coming to life again in me. I gifted Ann this morning, and I shall do the same for you,” I say, holding her hands until I feel the magic spark between us.
“What are you three whispering about?” Martha asks, eyeing us suspiciously.
“Employing magic to better our lives,” I answer. Felicity turns away, giggling quietly.
“You are rude and common, Gemma Doyle,” Martha sniffs. “And you are wicked to encourage her, Felicity Worthington. And as for you, Ann Bradshaw—oh, why should I bother?”
Thank goodness, the three bicycles are brought round. We shall have to take turns. I’ve never seen a bicycle up close before. It’s rather like a metal S with two wheels and a bar for steering. And the seat! It seems far too high to sit upon.
Inspector Kent greets us in his brown cotton coat and cap. He is Mademoiselle LeFarge’s betrothed, a detective with Scotland Yard and a kind man as well. We are genuinely happy they shall be married come May. Mademoiselle LeFarge looks on from her spot on the grass, where she has laid out a blanket. She wears a thick bonnet that frames her plump face, her merry eyes. Not so long ago, she pined for a lost love. But under Inspector Kent’s kind attention, she has blossomed.
“The future Mrs. Kent is a picture of loveliness today, is she not?” the inspector says, making our French teacher blush.
“Do be careful no one is hurt, Mr. Kent,” she says, dismissing his kindness.
“I shall afford your charges the utmost care, Mademoiselle LeFarge,” he answers, and her face softens.
“I know you shall, Mr. Kent,” she says, returning the compliment.
Inspector Kent’s bushy mustache hides his smile, but we catch the twinkle in his eyes. “Now, ladies,” he says, wheeling one of the bicycles toward us, “who would like to ride?”
Several of the younger girls bounce in excitement and beg to be chosen, but of course it’s Felicity who marches forward and the question is answered. “I shall go first,” she says.
“Very well. Have you ridden before?” he asks.
“Yes, at Falmore Hall,” she answers, naming her family’s estate in the country. She mounts the wobbling bicycle, and I fear she’ll land in a heap upon the ground. But she gives the pedals a solid push and then she’s off, wheeling effortlessly about the grass. We clap and cheer. Cecily is next. Inspector Kent runs beside her, keeping her aloft. When he threatens to let go, she throws her arms about his neck and screams. Martha doesn’t fare much better. She falls over, and though she has injured nothing more than her pride, she refuses to remount. The workmen snicker, apparently amused to see us fine ladies so undone by such a simple piece of machinery, one they could fashion with their bare hands.
Felicity returns from her second go on the bicycle. Inspector Kent is helping Ann with her turn.
“Oh, Gemma,” Felicity says, breathless and pink-cheeked. “You must have a ride! It’s simply marvelous! Here, I’ll help you.”
She places my hands upon the unwieldy handlebars. My arms shake as I straddle the bicycle. It is the most awkward thing I have ever attempted.
“Now, sit,” Felicity instructs.
I struggle to perch on the high seat and lose my balance, splaying out over the handlebars in a most unladylike fashion.
“Oh, Gemma!” Felicity laughs, doubled over.
I grab the handlebars with renewed determination. “Right. All I need is a proper push and I’ll be off,” I say with a sniff. “Steady the beast, if you please.”
“Do you speak of the bicycle or of your behind?”
“Felicity!” I hiss.
She rolls her eyes. “Get on, then.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and hoist myself onto the spectacularly uncomfortable seat. I grip the handlebars so tightly my knuckles ache. I lift one foot. The iron beast sways, and I put my foot down again quickly, my heart beating fast.
“You won’t get far that way,” Felicity scolds. “You have to let go.”
“But how…,” I say, alarmed.
“Just. Let. Go.”
With a solid push, Felicity launches me across the grass and down the slight hill, toward the dirt path. Time seems to stand still. I am terrified and exhilarated all at once.
“Pedal, Gemma!” Felicity screams. “Just keep pedaling!”
