The Sky Lies Open Preview

An excerpt of a historical fiction novel in the making, inspired by the movie Aeronauts. Based in England-- for the city and the moors. Hope you enjoy!

“Tell us about all that’s happened since we saw you last, sweetie,” Grandmum inquired sweetly from the opposite side of the table.

“Everyone in the Johnson household is growing steadily. Little Bee is already two. The triplets are six and the twins are eight now. Elizabeth and Dorothy are getting on wonderfully as ever. Andrew and James have been working with us, the doctor, the blacksmith and Mr. Elmer Berkeley in the Smith’s garden. I have also made a new friend in Agnes Smith. She is such a nice girl. I enjoy her companionship very much. Mother, Father, Sadie and Johanna are the same.”

“Did you say your friends are working with the Berkeley’s, my dear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Hmm, I’ve heard many things about the Berkeley family and not good ones at all. They say they are horribly dishonest and conniving. I’m afraid your friend may be in the wrong company.”

“Oh no, Poppy, James works with the grandfather, Mr. Elmer Berkeley. He is a very honest man. It is the sons with the bad reputation. Mr. Elmer Berkeley is just cross because his sons don't listen to his advice to live like honest men.”

“Well, I guess I was mistaken," Poppy concluded with a satisfied nod.

“You know, I must say I remember your friends, accompanying you here last summer. They were such nice, handsome gentlemen. Hardworking and humble too,” Grandmum said slyly.

“Grandmum,” I politely warned. “They are dear friends but I’ve no time for romance. Besides, if I had an interest in them like that, Mother would have a fit over it. She wants to match me to someone with high social status and wealth.”

“Ah, yes, your mother. She has always loved high society, even as a little girl. She just wants to make sure you will live a stable and happy life.”

“I know but not everyone wants that life.”

Later, I told them my future plans of aeronautical studies like Mr. Glaisher and Mr. Coxwell did last year. It did not end well.

“Just like her mother, always reaching for what is unreachable. That’s a man’s work. There is no reason a lady should be up there with her head in the clouds as always.”

“But, Poppy, it has been done before.”

“And it will never be done again,” he said forcefully. “Do you think that I want my granddaughter to fall to certain death from the sky or freeze and never return to the ground again or be known as the laughingstock of society? Absolutely not! I forbid you to do this and suggest you find another career choice or get married!”

“But, Poppy, we just had a discussion about accepting what a person truly wants. You said it yourself that we must accept the decisions and desires of others,” I said as calmly as I could. My dream of seeing what’s above was being stomped on once again.

Poppy did not listen.

“No relative of mine will be seen in the sky. And this is no pun intended but not over my dead body!” he screamed, standing from his seat and banging his fist on the table.

“Robert!! Sit down! Where are your manners??!” Grandmum shouted, half agitated and half sad.

"You stay out of this, you woman. Your head is always in the clouds too," he uttered.

Poppy sat down and did not look my way, even when I apologized for my decision and tried to change the subject. Grandmum was quiet but was still polite in answering and asking other questions, glancing and signaling several times at Poppy, who did not change his mind in not speaking to me.