The Armored Doctor (Curiosity Chronicles Book 2) Read Online Free

Aspasian metals were already being experimented with in automatons. The metals granted the machines the ability to respond to the human voice.
    News of such a marvel gave Jacob an interesting theory to test: What if the metals could improve functions of other devices, such as weapons or prosthetics worn on the body?
    If his theory proved true his theory, it had the potential to help many people, especially his patients. Then the real work could begin.

 
     
     
Chapter 3
     
     
    The female desk clerk at the employment office of east Holborn shut the book containing the weekly job postings. “So sorry, Miss Benton, but there isn’t any work available for ladies at the moment.”
    It had been four days since Abigail was dismissed from employment at the apothecary, and how long she spent seeking another place to work. She remained optimistic at first, but as she prepared to leave the desk of yet another employment office empty-handed, her buoyant mood began to sink.
    “There must be some work available. Christmas will be here soon. Do any shopkeepers have need of an assistant to help with additional customers?”
    “We’ve already fulfilled requests for more store clerks. The last one was filled yesterday.”
    Abigail looked over her shoulder at the line of men and women behind her who were also seeking work. She knew it wouldn’t do to stall the line’s progression, but she had to make sure to explore all prospects. “I do have some experience in supervising children. Are there any positions for a tutor or governess?”
    The desk clerk shook her head. “You may have better luck if you come back next week.”
    Abigail slipped from the front of the line. In the corridor outside the office, she saw two people reading the advertisement spread of the Times on the wall’s job posting board. She inspected it once they left.
    The desk clerk was right. Hardly any positions available were suitable for women. Abigail skimmed a column until her eyes caught a notice for a physician’s assistant.
    Ambitious and skilled person needed immediately for physician’s practice. In addition to normal business hours, must be able to work some evenings. Pay to start at 18 shillings a day. Inquire within at 19 Locksford Lane, Bloomsbury .
    She kept her finger on the address. She had experience helping her father keep records of his patients. She even made rounds with him in the local Indian villages. This job would undoubtedly have similar responsibilities. And at eighteen shillings a week, it was worth applying for.
    Abigail had nothing to lose, save her lodgings at the boarding house if she didn’t come up with rent money in the next week.
    She committed the address to memory before leaving the employment office.
     
    #
     
    Locksford Lane was a respectable neighborhood of middle-class professionals, but like most addresses of central London, it was not far from the outskirts of industry. As Abigail navigated the populated street of drays, cabs, and fellow pedestrians, she saw the smokestacks of the paper mills rising above the residences.
    Abigail walked further up the lane. The roofs of the houses held dustings of fine snow. Tiny icicles laced the edges of windowsills and clung to the gaslights lining the cobblestone street.
    She stopped in front of a large, two-story residence at the very end of the street, spaced apart from the neighboring houses by an acre on each side. Abigail saw the engraved numbers on the sidewalk in front of it. 19. She cast her vision to the rooftop and saw a thin trail of smoke that appeared to be coming from the back of the house.
    The path to the residence was swept clean of snow. A layer of coarse salt crunched under Abigail’s shoes as she drew up to the door. She shifted her eyes to the window on the door’s right. Drawn curtains discouraged passerby from peering inside.
    Abigail lifted the brass knocker and let it fall. Then she noticed the small plaque beside the door. Doctor Jacob Valerian,