A Return To Earth And the Aftermath. . . .

Seasons Greetings to those of you who follow Lady Edwina's postings. 

While it's true we've been back on good old Terra Firma for over 12 days our dear Lady Edwina is still recovering from the rigors of our trip.  I'm quite certain she will be back in true form soon, but in the interim I will endeavor to share some of the highlights of the first part of our grand adventure. 

I arrived early to the SS Silverstar launch site to ensure preparations for the journey were well in hand; not only for myself, but also for our entire traveling party.  Having made many expeditions to various parts of the world I know that planning and preparation are crucial to the success of any enterprise; regardless if the trip is for pleasure or business.  I was quite pleased to see everything taken care of; Lord Bobbins and Captain Krieger are exceptionally good at detail and planning. At approximately 11:00 o' clock AM on Friday November 30th, Lord Bobbins personally greeted passengers who had arrived early.  There were many posies presented as well as photographs taken of passengers, crew and staff.  It was a splendid time and certainly helped build the excitement for events later in the day.

That afternoon shortly after 1:30 o'clock PM Lord Bobbins, Captain Krieger, various diplomats and guests greeted Her Royal Majesty Queen Victoria amidst much fanfare, pomp and circumstance.  However, gaiety turned to horror when the Queen removed her veil, revealing a countenance much aged and ravaged by a strange illness or disease?  Even so Lord Bobbins quickly stilled the crowds reaction, and most warmly greeted Her Majesty, offering her a tour of the ship and facilities. 

Queen Victoria, escorted by Dr. Todd (the Queen's personal physician), and her many armed guards quickly left the reception area.  Guests could not help but notice that one of the Queen's attendants was carrying a strange lighted device that was physically connected to Her Majesty.  One can only speculate with some trepidation what this strange contraption's function might be?

The days festivities were exceptionally enjoyable as I was able to mingle amidst the crowds, marveling at the wondrous devices they carried, the creative clothing they wore and enjoying the variety of social strata represented. 

 
It was planned that Her Majesty would depart in mid afternoon giving the SS Silverstar a most Royal send off, and what would have been a most pleasant way to begin our journey was ruined by the arrival of the heinous Dr. Emanuel W. Proctocus.  Surrounded by his toadies and henchmen his presence aboard the ship destroyed any allusion of a trip that would be free from strife and worry.  The man is a bounder and his obsession with the color purple only reinforces his degenerate mind and hateful nature. 

After insulting Captain Krieger and confronting Lord Bobbins he had the audacity of physically touching Her Majesty without permission!!  It was a most foul and disgusting interaction to witness.  Fortunately, he quickly boarded the SS Silverstar, leaving the presence of Queen Victoria and a disgusted crowd.  Her Majesty quickly departed and the guests and crews dispersed soon after to begin preparations for our launch early in the evening. 

Yours faithfully,

Sebastian T. Keeler

A trip through the aether.....

  

November 26, 1882

The time has come my dear friends to throw off the mantle of mourning  and be a free spirit traveling the world once again.  My husband would have wished it so. 

I received a confirmation telegram from the purser of the HMS Silverstar regarding my forthcoming grand excursion to the Moon! I have been busily assembling the proper wardrobe for the forthcoming activities!  Lord Bobbins has been very gracious in sending an invitation to the Grand Ball on Saturday evening.  I understand that I shall be entertained by the First Brigade Band, a lively ensemble from the colonies which has some connection with the military.        

I am equally as delighted to find out that my fellow members of the Utopian Fellows of the Ordinate are just as eager for the new adventure as myself.  Who knows what great mysteries may unfold....I may even find a clue regarding the fate of my late husband!  My dear friends, Sebastian, Matthias and Laura have been my strength during this trying time in my life.  But as other old acquaintance, Sir Arthur, keeps reminding me.."the game's afoot...my dear Edwina!"  And so it is... Arthur.. so it is!     

Meet my traveling companions....Miss Laura

Miss Laura

American heiress, culinery artist and femme fatale. 

 

Miss Laura grew up in the lap of midwestern luxury. Her father being a shipping and railroad magnate from Milwaukie has amassed a huge fortune which makes her a fixture in haute society.   

Her father sent her abroad to England in her younger years for her European Tour upon which Miss Laura was the toast of London   society.  Her escapades are well known. While at the Carnival in Venice she introduced the "margarita" to frolicking party goers making her the delight of the evening festivities .  Spending a holiday at The Grand Hotel in Monaco, she was enchanted by a chance meeting with Georges Auguste Escoffier where upon he amused her by commenting on her "Poires Belle Hélène".

 

It is well known that Miss Laura is a collector of rare jewels.  She was once offered the Hope diamond but alas turned it down for fear of the legendary curse. When asked about diamonds, Miss Laura was overheard to say that she didn't want certain cuts because they had poor resale value.

Another fellow traveler... Matthias

Matthias Duncan

Amateur engineer, artist and aviator. 

 

Born to Scottish parents, Matthias grew up near the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It was in this breathtaking mountain scenery with its winding roads and steep hills where Matthias began to explore his love of engineering.  

After serving as a member of the Confederate Air Force during the War Between the States, Matthias continued to focus on engineering where he traveled to England to study first hand the brilliant ideas of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the world's foremost engineer. After visiting friends in Paris, he had a chance encounter with a man who would forever change his life, Nikola Tesla.  

 

My fellow companions...introducing Bast

Sebastian T. Keeler

Nickname: Bast

Amateur archaeologist obsessed with ancient Egypt where the goddess Bast or Bastet is of special interest. 

 

Sebastian was born on the East Coast in the United States of America. His parents immigrated from England to pursue a new life since his father did not stand to inherit the family title which is currently with his uncle. He returned to England to pursue his love of archaeology for a brief time.

Sebastian T. Keeler at Beni Hasan

Having worked as a consultant with the Egyptian Exploration Society who is embarking on their second season of its ambitious ‘Archaeological Survey of Egypt’ which has the aim of recording the architecture and decoration at all Egypt’s standing monuments, he has had the pleasure of meeting with one of their  younger members, Howard Carter.

After serving as a valued consultant to the American president, Abraham Lincoln in his valiant fight against the forces of the undead, Sebastian has now turned his attention to the American West pursuing the myths and legends of the Native Americans who reside in these parts.  His aim is to tie their local beliefs to that of the ancient Egyptians.  

 

A brief introduction....

To my dear fellow travelers...

Let me please introduce myself to you.. 

Lady Edwina Katherine Fielding, Duchess of Glastonbury

Nickname: Edie (pronounced ee-dee)

Madame Adventurer and Antiquarian

Born: August 10, 1842

I inherited the Duchy of Glastonbury from my husband, Lord Richard Edmund Fielding, Duke of Glastonbury upon his presumed death. 

My husband had gone missing while visiting the Plains of Salisbury during the annual Druidic festival at Stonehenge. He has been proclaimed dead and with no heirs I have inherited the Duchy of Glastonbury and am a collector of rare antiquities.

I am fond of the mystical...being friends with the famed English occultist, Algernon Blackwood. I am also a member of the secret order known as Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. I have a keen interest in astrology and tarot divination.  Having been born during the eighth month of the year, my Leonine sign brings out my fiery nature to explore the new and extraordinary.  

Now pursuing my adventures, I am determined to find my husband who has disappeared. I have discovered a mystical book which makes reference to an ancient Egyptian traveling device. After a visit with a popular psychic...I have now found out that my husband has "passed over".. not dead..but vanished through mystical means. Because of my study with the Golden Dawn...I am in pursuit to try and find the "portal" where he has passed through. Stonehenge is one portal... there must be others....

June 14, 1882

It is fitting that I begin my journey on the happiest of all days... International Steampunk Day.

I shall travel forth to meet up with my companions to begin an adventure that will take us to the lunar regions of the ether.  Lord Bobbins was gracious and extended an invitation to my travel companions and I to join him on such an auspicious occasion.

Lord Bobbins has informed me that this will be the greatest adventure in Steampunk history as we are to travel…TO THE MOON!  He has explained in his communication of late that our journey will begin even earlier with aural communiques from his crew explaining how the ship is built and how the journey is being planned. I have been told that I must brush up my world history of what has happened over the past two years as Europe and the East plunged into the depths of war and learn of the war between the States in the colonies and how the technological wonders of the past  have influenced the creation of our modern devices. Rumors abound that the evil Doctor Proctocus, a notorious scoundrel and braggard may be afoot! I am most relieved to know that special porters, or security agents of the Crown will be aboard the HMS Silverstar. 

I know I shall have to consult with my friends at the Society to ascertain whether it will be a good time to travel during the Elder Month of the Autumnal Equinox. One must be so very cautious nowadays when traveling about as a single woman... even as a widow.  Pick-pockets and ne'er-do- wells are ready at a moment's thought to remove your valuables from your person!

I shall have to inquire at the local library regarding the latest works about the moon.  I have heard that there are suspicious creatures who reside on the surface who have the ability to fly!  Flying men with wings much like bats. It shall be a wonder to see such creatures in their native habitat.  I shall have to remember to bring my sketchbook and pencils.

It is time for me to close this entry of my journal...as I bid you a kind adieu until the next time.

Yours in friendship,

Lady Edwina