The Clockwork Heart Read Online Free Page B

because she didn't mind talking to strangers and she enjoyed being out of the house for a change. "They were very curious to know what you were up to and kept asking what line of work you were in. Apparently they think you a woman of mystery, which is driving them crazy. They want to know more about you."
    "I hope you didn't set the grapevine on fire," said Libby.
    "Oh, I probably did." Helen paused. "Sorry, I hope not. I have a habit of talking too much sometimes." And since she'd been alone for so long with only automatons for conversation, she knew with a twist of her stomach that she had probably said too much.
    "Never mind." Libby's voice was sharp.
    "I just mentioned you had been on some interesting adventures. There's nothing wrong with that because it's the truth."
    Libby sighed and turned the car into her long driveway. "It's more than just adventures."
    "I know. Well, I guessed, but I didn't tell them that." Helen looked at Libby. "Look. They were polite, not nosey." Helen paused as she thought over the conversations she had over the afternoon. "Except one woman."
    "Who?" asked Libby with a force causing Helen to jump.
    "I can't remember her name. Come to think of it I don't think she even gave it to me." It had been difficult at first because she hadn't been feeling well, but after a pot of strong English Breakfast Tea she had recovered. "Don't worry, I only talked about myself with her."
    "Bugger." Libby slammed her hand on the steering wheel as she bought the steamcar to a halt in front of the house. "It has to be her."
    "Who?" The thoughts of there being another woman resurfaced in Helen's mind. "Is there someone else?"
    "No. It's not like that." Libby turned to Helen. "It's just… someone…"
    Helen waited patiently for Libby to finish. She knew that something terrible had happened to Libby. Something that had caused her to shut down when her career of artefact collecting had only just begun. But she didn't know the details. She wanted to know them, and she looked into Libby's eyes, hoping she would finally open up.
    "I guess… you would say… my nemesis."
    Helen's eyes widened with alarm. She swallowed hard, trying to process what Libby had said. Richie walked up to the steamcar. "Ma'am there's a phone call for you." Helen jumped as the automaton spoke. Its voice shattered the opportunity to ask more questions as it stood by the driver's door.
    Libby turned away. "Right. Richie put the car away."
    "What about…?" asked Helen.
    Libby glanced back at Helen. "This won't take long. I promised you a swim. Meet you down at the pond."
    At least something is going right. She tried not to hope too much. Helen smiled. Things were delicate between them, and it might or might not develop into a relationship. One step at a time . She got out of the car as Libby rushed up the front steps into the house.
    Helen turned in the opposite direction. Her boots crunched on the loose stones as she walked across the driveway to the garden. She was very familiar with the garden. She had meandered here for hours between training sessions hoping to bump into Libby.
    Making her way towards the pond, Helen hoped Libby would be joining her soon. She could tell Libby was distracted. Something had happened that had rattled Libby's nerves and Helen felt powerless about the situation. Without knowing what was the cause she couldn't help, and she dearly wanted to help.
    Helen peeled off her white gloves and loosened her hat. The afternoon was beginning to cool, which was a relief. The Australian heat was strong compared to what she had grown up with in London. She undid her outer corset, peeled the heavy material away from her torso and dropped it on the ground.
    Kicking off her boots, she buried her stocking-clad feet into the soft grass. Helen sighed as coolness seeped up through the bottom of her feet. Helen took a turn around the pond. Kookaburras laughed in the surrounding trees. The longer she waited the more she thought that Libby