Lady Catherine Brass's ball

In the days that followed, whispers of a naked woman chasing an air pirate through the streets of Clockhurst grew into a full-blown scandal. The gossip columns were ablaze with the tale, but thankfully, her identity remained a mystery. Maggie felt a strange mix of relief and anger. Her body had been exposed, but not her name. Not yet.

But Lady Catherine Brass had heard the rumors, and her sharp ears had caught the mention of a blonde woman with a steam gun. The pieces clicked into place with a delighted cackle. Her plan to discredit her rebellious niece had just been handed to her on a silver platter. If she could only confirm the details, she could use this incident to her advantage. She had always found Maggie's independence and intelligence to be a thorn in her side, a constant reminder of her brother's favoritism. Now was the perfect time to snatch away her inheritance and put the girl in her place.

The ballroom of the Brass Manor gleamed with candlelight and the smiles of the elite. Ladies and gentlemen of Clockhurst's high society swirled around the room in a dance as intricate as the gears of a clock. Lady Catherine, dressed in a gown of emerald silk, watched from the sidelines, her eyes gleaming with malicious intent. She had gone to great lengths to ensure that tonight would be Maggie's downfall, and she had the perfect accomplice in her rival, Dot Montgomery. The two had struck a deal, one that would see both of their dreams come to fruition—Maggie's destruction and Dot's rise to power in the inventors' community.

Maggie arrived at the ball, her heart racing. The whispers grew louder as she walked through the grand entrance. She had chosen a gown that was both modest and practical, a concession to the evening's formality that she hoped would serve her well. As she took her place at the edge of the dance floor, she felt a strange tension in the air.

"Hello Aunt Catherine." Maggie curtesyed her relative, trying her best to remain civil.

"Hello Maggie" Her aunt surprised her with a hug. "Thank you for coming."

While they embraced her aunt tipped a tiny vial down Maggie's back. It was a strange liquid Dot had rigged up for her. She didn't know exactly how it worked, but Catherine hardly cared. She was merely excited to see the effects.