Proof of Life

There were several things I had successfully accomplished since arriving at Dysmas Manor.

I had catalogued correspondence, survived a clockwraith, been robbed by Rosie the mechanical bird, and fallen for Gideon Dysmas, head of Dysmas Manor and my boss.

But I had failed to send my best friend back in Tacitra a photograph of Gideon and me together.

“Dorothy. I’ve heard enough about this handsome time mage. I need proof. Both of you. Same picture.”

I wrote back that Gideon Dysmas was a public figure and he had no time for such things.

Netta replied that she knew HE existed. It was my romantic involvement she questioned.

I considered the challenge.

The mission was one photograph with him. How difficult could that be?

Attempt Number One

Gideon was occupied with something involving a collection of old documents and a particularly ancient-looking clock.

“Gideon, darling, would you take a picture with me?”

“Certainly, my dear. For what occasion?”

“No occasion. Netta wants to see us together.”

“How lovely. Must I change?”

He was wearing an immaculate black-and-gold coat, polished shoes, and embroidery that definitely cost more than my old apartment. His sincerity always surprised me.

“You’re dressed for your own coronation. Get over here and come closer.”

“Gladly, my Dorothy.”

He moved beside me with that effortless elegance of his, and I raised my correspondence device, adjusting the angle until we both appeared in the frame.

“All right. Smile!”

The screen flashed a warning.

Then it buzzed and went black.

“...Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Something wrong, dear?”

“My battery died.”

“Shall I summon someone?”

“No. Ugh, its okay we’ll try again another time.”

I decided we would try again tomorrow. Perhaps if I was coming off as desperate, Gideon might get annoyed in the way a celebrity does when being asked for autographs.

Attempt Number Two

The following morning, I charged the device, checked it twice, and selected the conservatory windows for their beautiful light.

Gideon stood beside me, resting an arm around my waist.

“Perfect. Now look at the camera.”

“I am looking, darling.”

“At the camera. Not at me!”

“Ah. A rather unfortunate distinction.”

I lifted my arm, tilted the lens, and—

“ROSIE!”

A small metallic blur swept across my wrist.

My device flew from my hand and landed on a purple cushioned chair, while the mechanical bird responsible perched on the windowsill.

Rosie chirped.

Gideon turned toward her.

“Rosie. That was extraordinarily rude!”

She answered with an indignant metallic trill and pointed one wing at me.

“Do not argue with me!” he replied.

Before I could retrieve my device, Laurus appeared in the doorway.

“Mr. Dysmas, your carriage is ready. The Crown committee is expecting you.”

“Oh, heavens!” Gideon straightened. “Dorothy, I must apologize. Business and duty beckons me.”

He kissed my forehead and hurried away, leaving me alone with a troublesome mechanical bird.

I turned toward the windowsill.

“You did that on purpose.”

Rosie chirped cheerfully.

I was beginning to think she had something against photography. Or maybe about me and Gideon occupying the same space. Gideon told me that clockwork birds weren't capable of complex or human thoughts, but Rosie made me believe otherwise.

Attempt Number Three

For our third attempt, I had decided to enlist professional assistance. Or what I assumed would be professional assistance.

“I would be honored, Miss Lilou,” Laurus assured me. I could trust Laurus with my life. Just like Gideon trusted him with his.

I handed him my correspondence device.

“Just hold this and press the little circle.”

“This circle?”

“No, that’s the gallery. The other one.”

“Ah. Yes.”

A brilliant flash illuminated the room.

“Oh!”

Laurus nearly dropped the device and I squealed.

“Good heavens, Laurus,” Gideon said.

“My apologies, sir. I was not expecting such an aggressive light.”

I retrieved my patience from wherever it had gone.

“It’s all right. Let’s try again! Gideon, closer,” I said.

He stepped toward me.

“Any closer, my dear, and we shall require a chaperone!”

Laurus held the device in both hands with the concentration of a man entrusted with matters of national importance.

“Steady now. Three... two... one.”

The shutter clicked.

“There we are. A splendid result, I trust.”

He handed the device back.

I opened the photograph. The windows and walls were blurry. Gideon and I resembled two ghosts.

“The composition is rather charming,” Gideon said.

“WE DON’T HAVE FACES!” I whined.

“Would another attempt be helpful, Miss Lilou?” Laurus asked.

I closed my eyes.

“Not right now. I’m starting to think this is a sign of something.”

Attempt Number Four

Then Netta sent another message.

“Still waiting for that picture.”

That settled it. Later that evening, I marched into Gideon’s study, where he sat at his desk.

No posing and no clockwork bird-related catastrophes. I would just surprise him and be done with it.

With my device ready, I crept up behind his chair.

“Oh, Gideon! Look! Rosie’s doing something!”

“Rosie? What has she—”

Click.

“HA! Got it!”

I examined my masterpiece.

The lighting was excellent. Golden palette, and crystalline lighting on my face. My hair looked fantastic.

Then I looked next to me.

Gideon had been almost entirely cut out of the frame. There was one embroidered shoulder. Possibly an ear.

“Oh, Dorothy...”

He was beginning to laugh.

“It’s not funny!”

“I’m terribly sorry.”

He was laughing harder now, which only made my frustration worse. Gideon laughing was worse than anyone else laughing. He laughed in that wealthy way that grated my ears.

“I’ve spent two days trying to take ONE picture!”

“My dear...” He struggled to compose himself. “I believe Laurus anticipated this eventuality after our recent mishap.”

“What?”

Gideon called toward the door.

“Laurus?”

It opened almost immediately.

“At your service, sir. Miss Lilou.”

Laurus entered carrying his own correspondence device, a polishing cloth, and a small birdcage.

I stared at him.

“You’ve got to be joking.”

“One hundred percent battery. Lens cleaned and polished. Camera tested and broadcast signals are clear. And, if I may attend to one final detail...”

He opened the little gold cage and turned toward Rosie, who had been observing the proceedings from her customary perch.

“Rosie. Inside, please.”

The bird protested loudly.

“Temporarily. You have my word.”

Against all probability, Rosie went inside. She stared at me as if I had personally harmed her.

Laurus closed the cage, straightened his coat, and took up position by the window.

“Now. Mr. Dysmas, your arm around Miss Lilou, please. A little closer.”

Gideon obliged with considerable enthusiasm. I swatted a hand that rested just above my ass.

“Wait! Not that close! Do you not care about your reputation?” I laughed.

“Forgive me, Dorothy dear.”

“Both of you toward the lens, please,” Laurus continued. “Mr. Dysmas, a natural smile.”

“My dear Laurus, I am smiling.”

“Indeed, sir.”

I couldn’t help laughing.

Click.

At last, there we were: his white-streaked black hair caught in the sunlight, his mechanical hand warm at my waist. He was smiling at me, and I was laughing. Neither of us looked too dignified.

It was the best photograph I’d ever taken.

“Laurus has sent it to me,” Gideon said. “I’ll forward it to you, darling.”

A moment later, my correspondence device chimed.

I opened the photograph again.

“Oh, Gideon. I love it.”

“As do I.”

I sent the picture to Netta immediately. I was expecting capital letters. Questions or possibly screaming.

Her reply arrived almost at once.

“You look happy :)”

I stared at the message.

That was it? Nothing about Gideon’s gorgeous face? His expensive coat? His arm around me? Not even one exclamation mark?

I opened the photograph again. Gideon stood beside me, listening with grave attention as Laurus explained to Rosie why correspondence devices were not toys.

And there I was, laughing so hard my eyes had nearly closed.

Netta had noticed the one thing I hadn’t been trying to prove.

She was right.

I did look happy because I was happy.