The Law of Infinite Probability came to mind. According to the theory, everything was possible, however improbable. If you ran enough loads of clothes through a dryer, one day they should come out neatly folded. Well, this had to be the day… sort of. Her mind hiccupped one more time and surrendered. Yes, she needed to keep her mind open, and it would be easier. This was like visiting another country that was just a teeny-weeny bit different from hers. She’d be fine.
Two women looked at Anouk and Nat as they passed by. One of the ladies leaned towards her companion and whispered, pointing her finger up and down at Anouk. Turning away, her cheeks burning, Anouk realised they were not the only ones—a labourer across the street whistled and winked.
“I think I stand out a bit.”
“Yes, you do. I believe we need to get you more appropriate clothing.”
“Okay, but I will not wear any of those dresses.”
“We’ll find you a suit. I know just the place.”
“Do women here wear trousers?”
“Some do. Usually they’re bounty hunters or labourers.”
“Alright, but a fine lady wouldn’t wear such a thing?” Anouk asked. Not that she desired to be a fine lady if it meant she had to wear a skirt that looked more suited to be a miniature diving bell or made her look like a walking chair. However, she was curious to know if the dress code was the same as in nineteenth century Britain.
“No.”
Ah, so it was.
They continued up the street and Anouk’s uneasiness grew by the minute. People were stopping, talking and pointing in her direction. She didn’t like the scandalised expressions on their faces.
“Is the shop far? I mean, I think one lady just fainted after she saw me.”
“It’s not far.” Nat gave her a sympathetic smile.
“Good.” She should stop paying attention to the ogling and gaping people. Lifting her chin, she tried to muster some confidence and act as if she was walking down her home street, but it did little to alleviate her nervousness. She needed a better distraction. “So, when you visit other planets, do you get visitors back? I mean, are there other, er, people out there who have Gadgets of their own?” Anouk waved her hand skyward.
“So far, no.”
Anouk whistled. “So you’re the only one with the technology?”
“As far as we know.”
“And I would be the first one to visit Anglea?”
Nat stopped and turned to face Anouk. “No, there have been a few others that I have heard of. The bottom line is that it’s not forbidden to bring people from other places, if they are willing to come, but it’s not encouraged either. So, we’d better keep your origin to ourselves. There are some prejudices against the Gadgets and the travels they permit.”
“Understood.” Anouk swallowed. Prejudices never sounded good. “Are you sure I don’t look alien to these people?”
“Only your clothes.” Nat resumed walking. “The owner of the shop, where we are getting you a new suit, is a good friend of mine. You can trust her.”
Anouk nodded in acknowledgement, although she wasn’t going to take Nat’s word on the matter regarding his friend’s trustworthiness. It paid to be cautious. Granted he had saved her life, nevertheless, she didn’t know him. Or this new world of his.
“Ah, here we are.”
Nat stopped in front of a shop that reminded Anouk of a shady general establishment. A weathered sign over the door had Amanda’s Emporium written on it with decorative letters which proclaimed the luxury that waited buyers behind the rustic door. Anouk looked at the window; sun-bleached packages of God-knows-what, jars, tools, and some faded, dull-coloured clothes were stacked on display. Anouk didn’t feel inspired.
“As I said, she sells suits as well.” Nat winked and pushed the door open.
Anouk groaned. Based on the clothes in the window, she had bad feelings about these so-called suits Nat’s friend would have in stock.
Sweet aromatic scents mixed with stuffy air hit Anouk’s nose when she followed him into the shop. The place was crammed with tabletops and shelves full of products.
A woman came out of the backroom and the corner of her lips crooked up.
“Well, if my failing eyes are not deceiving me, it’s Nat Walla himself. Haven’t seen you for some time.” Her blue eyes sparkled when she approached Nat, and beaming, she threw her arms around him.
He returned the hug. “It’s been too long, I agree.” He waved his hand towards Anouk. “Amanda, this is Miss Herring. She needs new clothes.”
Amanda turned to Anouk. She was about five inches shorter than Anouk’s five foot seven. A dark-blue corseted dress highlighted her curviness, and her dark curly hair was tied up in a bun. A few grey streaks lined her temples and fine laughter lines around her eyes gave her an air of joviality.
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Herring.” As she looked Anouk up and down, one of her eyebrows raised. “Oh, yes. You need more clothes.”
Anouk blushed. So that’s why people were staring and pointing at her. Not only were her clothes different in their eyes, she was almost naked with her skin-tight leggings and low-cut neckline. Why hadn’t Nat said anything?
Amanda took Anouk’s arm and guided her to the backroom. “Let’s find you something decent to wear.”
“I don’t want a dress,” Anouk hurried to say. As much as one looked nice on Amanda, a long-corseted skirt on her would make keeping up with Nat more awkward than it already was. How strict was the dress code and would Amanda insist she follow it?
“No dress. Right.” Amanda nodded, her brows creased together and her fingers rubbed her chin. “Well, since
