Chapter 1 #3
“Ah, yes, the expedition!” He places the book atop the stack and reaches over to pat my hand.
“Thank you, my dear. You know how I can lecture on the dead languages for hours.” He picks up the piece of paper again and reads the last name on the list. “Lastly, we have our very own Oxford student, Henry Ashford, joining us.”
Blood drains from my face the moment his name hits my eardrums. I stare at Grandad with my mouth slightly agape, hoping I misheard him.
As dread consumes me, I know he did, in fact, say the one name I never wish to hear.
I remain in my seat, perplexed how an academic who displays aloofness during lectures and has a lack of appreciation for history could be considered one of the best and the brightest for our expedition.
Before Grandad reads his credentials out loud, I place a hand up. “I’m well acquainted with Mr. Ashford, Grandad. Is there a particular reason why you selected him out of the entire university?” Or country, or world, for that matter.
Grandad, still blinded by his joy of the news, did not register the slight dryness and distaste in my voice.
“Henry is a good friend of mine. I met him on the Egypt expedition, and since then, we’ve always met for either a luncheon or dinner when I’m on campus.
He is the most astute student I’ve ever met, besides you, of course, my dear.
You know, he is working on getting a Doctor of Philosophy in both architecture and archaeology.
Having him accompany us will not only be excellent for the expedition’s contribution, but it will also help him with his dissertation.
He is studying the architectural designs of the world’s greatest landmarks, both existing and imagined, such as the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.
If we can uncover anything during our expedition that explains how the lost Six Wonders mustered such architectural advancements in early civilization, imagine how compelling that would be for his dissertation. ”
I sit in my seat, at a loss that Grandad knows Mr. Ashford intimately enough that I feel slightly jealous, which doesn’t happen often.
Not once before today have I ever heard Grandad mention his close acquaintanceship with Mr. Ashford.
And to think they’ve been good friends for the last three years?
Good enough friends that Grandad wants to help him in completing his dissertation by having him accompany us on our expedition?
I can hardly believe it. Grandad avoids fraternizing with people like Mr. Ashford like the plague, which makes all of this harder to swallow.
What would be more shocking to me is if Grandad said my father would also be joining us. But at least I have the comfort of knowing that will never be the case.
Regardless of how I feel, I’ll trust Grandad’s decision—this expedition is, after all, his.
I’m his granddaughter, lucky enough to go on my first expedition, even if the invitation comes through family connections rather than my qualifications.
Besides, the elation on Grandad’s face now could make anyone amenable to his ideas, including me.
"Very well. If you believe he will be a good addition to the expedition, I shall trust your judgment.” I muster a small smile, knowing there is also no point in changing his mind.
In my nineteen years living with him, he has passed on to me not only my obsession with the Seven Wonders but also his stubborn ways.
And I know—Grandad is as stubborn as a bull.
“Is there anything else you and the university need to determine before we embark?”
Grandad swiftly pulls out a thick portfolio, which I gather contains the finalized details of the expedition.
He hands me the hefty item. “Everything has been planned out. Right down to the ocean liner we will sail on, and a list of the crew we hired, along with the itinerary and dates of our voyage.”
Shocked by the weight of the portfolio, my arms—and the portfolio—sink into my lap.
As I unravel the leather string binding it, I become mesmerized by the information within.
As Grandad said, every inch of this expedition has been planned out and finalized, down to nearly every hour of the journey.
Overwhelmed by the sheer number of details, I focus on what is presented on the first page:
Travelers: Lord Claremont, The Hon. Miss Clara Fairfax, Dr. Gabriel Alarie, Dr. Amina Baccar, and Mr. Henry Ashford. Departing on the S.S Charlotte at the port in Dover, England, on the 28th of April. Reaching the first destination of Olympia at the docks of Katakolo on the 1st of May…
The other papers proceed to go into further detail about our stops in Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt. My eyes widen when I reach the last page and see when we are to return to the docks of Dover. We are to be gone for a full five months.
A wave of overwhelm washes over me as I try to process everything happening.
Slowly, I tie the portfolio back together and settle it on my lap.
I run a shaky hand over its smooth leather surface and place my other hand on the chair’s armrest for support.
I close my eyes, hoping to collect myself.
Not too long ago, I was living in my normal world within the library walls of Wilcrest House, and now my world is shifting.
After all those exhausting years of study, my dream to see the Seven Ancient Wonders as a historian and archaeologist is finally coming true.
Embodying the mighty Athena, I temper my excitement and focus on logic, knowing I must begin preparing for the expedition.
Such an endeavor will require a rather unorthodox wardrobe; one I will need my suffragist dressmaker’s help to create.
I know Evangeline won’t decline my request; in fact, she will relish the challenge.
I’ll need to meet her soon if I want these pieces ready before our departure.
A smile plasters onto my face. One thrilling thought runs in my mind:
I’m finally going to leave England and see the world with my own eyes.