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Office of Dr. Preston Harvey *
Abigail Avery was not a woman often prone to fits, but at the moment she was somewhat in a tizzy. This morning had been a complete nightmare, and the afternoon had been little better. Violent compulsions were new to Abby, but at the moment, if her current employer Dr. Harvey were not already on a ship taking him to the other end of the globe, she would have liked to shoot the man with his own decorative pistol. Coming into the office this morning to see the Dr. nowhere in sight should have been the first sign that Abbyâs day was about to take a very bad turn, but this intuition would not be confirmed until almost noon when she receive a telegram from him reading:
Abby,
Iâve been invited on an expedition to Egypt by an old school chap of mine. Very last minuet, but very important work. Iâm sure you understand. Iâm not sure when Iâll be back, so be a good bird and hold down the fort until my return. Tell the boys their papers will be in the mail, and be sure to keep my accounts in order.
-Dr. Preston Harvey
Abby has spent the rest of the day explaining to the good Dr.âs business associates, and a particularly rude and disgruntled group of college students, that Dr. Harvey was not available, no she did not know when he would be back, nor did she know where in Egypt he was going and could not produce a mailing address. Predictably, no one had taken that news well, and as most did in the world of academia; relieved their own stress by verbally berating the one closest to the person causing the problem; which, unfortunately for Abby, happened to be her. The majority of her day had been snooty men of the upper crust telling her in detail how she was an incompetent, silly, little girl, because Harvey hadnât had to decency to give her fair warning, or even any details before he weaselled his way out of the country on his âexpeditionâ. More likely an old boys pleasure trip to Cairo with some of his old chums from Cambridge, and the prick had left her behind and specifically given her nothing to calm his frantic associates and students with so he wouldnât have to deal with it.
As she was filing documents in the officeâs filing cabinet on the second floor, a knock came from the old wood door. âCome in!â Abby called down, an almost exasperated note in her voice. Johnson, looking a bit out of breath came into the office immediately, and pulled a handkerchief and used it to wipe the sweat from his brow. âDr. Harvey? Are you aloft Sir? Your presence is requested at the Over-seas Explorers Club for civilized conversation and some drinks. It seems your particular brand of expertise is needed.â Johnson called up, obviously thinking the good Dr. was aloft.
âWell itâs good to know thatâs how Harveyâs been spending his work hours. Iâm afraid youâll need to get in line directly behind the young college bucks old boy.â Abby said, blowing a stray curl of dark brown hair that had come loose from her coil out of her face, and descended the stairs to the lower level of the office. âAbigail Avery, Dr. Harveyâs assistant.â Abby introduced herself politely but without enthusiasm.
âWell young lady, would you know where I might find Dr. Harvey?â Johnson inquired stiffly.
âCairo.â Abby related dryly. She did not particularly appreciate being referred to as âyoung ladyâ as if she was still some willy nilly school girl. At 24 she wasnât an old maid, but she wasnât exactly a spring chicken in most minds either. âBut thatâs just my educated guess. Dr. Harvey Departed this morning, and has left no indication as to his return.â Abby continued.
âWell botherâŠâJohnson said under his breath.
âIs there something I can help you with?â Abby offered without any real interest, but it was her job to ask.
âNo offense Miss Avery, but the help we required was to authenticate a map produced by one of our members. A person such as yourself would hardly be of help to us, and quite frankly unwelcome inside the club.â Johnson said, appalled by the very thought of what Mr. Goodman would do if he swathe club invaded by yet another female.
âI beg you pardon Sir? A person such as myself? Do elaborate sir as I quite see the merit of your insult.â Abby asked, a tad insulted, and feeling merciless.
âW-well miss, you see, youâre a woman.â Johnson replied quickly.
âYes, Iâm quite aware of that fact. Are there any other insightful tidbits youâd like to add on Sir?â Abby replied in a refined voice so sweet it could kill.
âOh no miss, I didnât mean- itâs just- itâs a gentlemenâs club you see, they donât allow women.â Johnson replied stumbling, as his face began to flush.
âAhhhh, I see. And, how many experts in this field do you know old boy?â Abby asked in the same tone.
âWell none other than Harvey miss I suppose.â Johnson replied warily.
âAnd would you describe your employer and club members as particularly patient people when it come to such matters?â Abby asked again.
âNo miss, not at all.â Johnsonâs reply was almost instant.
âThen I suppose your employers will simply have to settle on me now wonât they, as I am the one you know in London qualified to authenticate maps of various origins. That is, unless youâd like to waitâŠIâd say three months at the earliest for Dr. Harveyâs return?â Abby said grabbing her coat and bag, mind quite made up. Any chance she had of building a credible reputation of her own that could not be spun off as attached to some other man she worked with, was worth itâs weight in gold, and this looked to be a fine start.
âMiss, please, I must protest! It is a gentlemanâs club, and there will be many most indignant at the-â Johnson started, but was quickly cut off by Abby. âIâm sure they will be more indignant should you show up empty handed Sir. Now come along if we are tonot keep your employers waiting, weâll need to get a move on.â
*Over-Seas Explorers Clubhouse*
âLet me get the door for you miss.â Johnson offered with a nervous air once theyâd arrived at the clubhouse, and come to the entryway. He also took her coat and hat, placing them on the hanger, leaving Abby only in her long brown skirt and white blouse. It wasnât exactly high fashion, but respectable work attire, and unintentionally fetching on her. âThank you Johnson.â Abby replied politely before stepping through into the crowded room.
âGood Evening gentlemen, I understand it you have a map in need of verified authenticity.â Abby said without introduction.
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