Clara stays

Dear Diary,

I almost can't believe it! He said I could stay! I descended the stairs to find what I at first assumed was going to be a rather unpleasant encounter. Mr Singh and my father were watching as I descended. I didn't know how long I'd been asleep, but evidently long enough for my father to locate me. Probably didn't take too long. I'm sure Trask ran straight to him to wave that Aetherwelder rod as proof for payment. I paused on the steps as they gazed up at me. My father pulled his pocketwatch. "Come on then, Clara." he said. For a man who had spent some thousands of dollars on a ruse to hide his daughter's frivolity by having her forcibly deflowered, he seemed rather infuriatingly distracted.

Mr Singh was almost impossible to read. He had learned, somewhere, to fully contain his emotions. It was an admirable trait. Perhaps his letter was truthful afterall. I cautiously descended the steps, and stood before them, wrapped in my lover's robe.

"Clara. I understand you were ****, and threw yourself at this man, by a shameful, randy chaperone I picked out in haste; and that he has taken your virginity. Is this true?" he said, studying my reaction.

"Yes." I said, simply. I couldn't help but feel an incredible wave of disappointment and shame, even though I knew it was a lie. I couldn't even raise my head to meet his gaze, which let me see he was pulling a piece of paper out of his waistcoat, and reading it again and again. What was so damned important?

"Well. As much as it shames me to admit, this man has done no wrong in the eyes of the law, or even in common sense. From what you have said, he had no conclusive proof you were under the influence; and thinking you perfectly sober, lay with you as with any woman. So the fault lies with the chaperone and the effects of the **** then. Does this all sound right?" he said, grinding back his emotions as he spoke. The slight quiver in his voice betrayed a volcano of rage beneath them.

"Yes, father. I was, and still slightly am, under the influence of a most hideous **** that made me terrible, immoral things; and this man was none the wiser." He looked at the paper again. A sudden sadness filled his visage.

"Well then, it is settled. I see no reason to question his virtue under the circumstances. He tells me he wishes to take you on as an apprentice, is that right." he said. I could barely believe it. Was my own father about to give me permission to study under this man?

"That's right, father." I said. I could feel his presence change even though I couldn't see more than his tailored coat and shiny shoes. A sense of resignation, or perhaps total relief would be better, came over him.

"Very well. Mr. Singh and I will discuss the terms..."he said, before Singh interrupted.

"She can stay. She should have a voice in this."

I waited, and my father nodded. They offered and counteroffered, wheeled and dealed. I've seen my father do this before. He's talked colonists out of millions of dollars worth of mined Soma for pennies on the dollar and a few wistful dreams. Mr. Singh, however, was holding his own. Over the course of the hour, it was decided that I would remain here provided I was not urgently needed at home for three months to assist Mr. Singh on a trial basis. Should that prove satisfactory, I would become a partner; with first consideration of sale of any inventions that I develop independently going to the East Orion Trading Company for the duration of my stay.

And with that, my nice and cozy living in a royal estate was over, just like that. I am now Clara Hughes; Inventor and Someticist.