She glanced about. It seemed the dorm wasn’t empty after all. Through a thin dividing curtain at the end of the row of beds, Lily glimpsed the silhouette of a hunched figure sitting on the corner of a mattress. She walked over and peered round the edge of the drape to find Molly Tarnish, the mechanical maid, sitting softly crying to herself, her metal shoulders shaking beneath her starched white pinny. Beyond her, the door to the servants’ staircase stood ajar. I don’t see why not, Lily replied. Come on. She unfolded a pink sheet and pulled the covers off the nearest bed. Molly watched her for a moment, then stood to help.

Cogheart - Peter Bunzl - Google Books Cogheart - Peter Bunzl - Google Books

Not in this case, Lily reflected, as the Kraken manhandled her down a flight of stone steps, and out into the courtyard.Lily had her pencil poised to mark up the gruesomest passages of the magazine, so she could reread them later at her leisure. Another dubious volume, balanced on the crown of her head, wobbled with each step, but she didn’t let it distract her from Varney.

The Cogheart Adventures Series by Peter Bunzl - Goodreads

How dare you! Lucretia grabbed the last of the sheets from Molly, and threw them on the floor. Look what you’ve done, you stupid mech, you’ve dyed them pink! Finally, Lily could take it no more – there was not causing trouble, and then there was standing up for what was right. Because mechanicals deserved to be treated like anyone else. And I you, old friend. John shut the door. With a clatter and hum the pod bay doors opened and in a jolt, the pod was free.Lily balled her fists. Why don’t you leave her alone? she said, stepping forward to shield Molly from the two girls.

Cogheart by Peter Bunzl - THE LITERACY SHED Cogheart by Peter Bunzl - THE LITERACY SHED

Which was why, after her run-in with the Kraken, she decided to skip French conversation class and hide her remaining stash of penny dreadfuls before they were confiscated or worse, destroyed – like every other vaguely interesting or illicit thing in this institution. Oh, no need, Lily said. I’m not supposed to be here either. She pulled a grubby handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it to Molly, who blew her nose with a sound as loud as a steamhorn. Lily continued. He believes one should read a lot wider than deportment manuals if one plans to get an exceptional education. Don’t you agree?Stop, the Kraken yelled and one by one the girls stopped in a neat line behind her. All except Lily who, having failed to notice her untied shoelaces, tripped, stepped on Gemma’s foot, and fell. And no thinking either. The Kraken folded her arms across her chest. She’d turned a most putrid shade of puce; it perfectly matched her purple dress. Perhaps it was her tight corsets that made her face flush so? And what young lady needs to know that? The Kraken took a deep breath. No. I’m afraid, Miss Grantham, I have to confiscate it. And if you’ve any similar stories, you’d better hand them over right away. Ouch! Gemma staggered forward, clutching at Alice to try and keep her balance, but in vain; her four copies of The Ladies’ Manual of Politeness slipped from her head. Lily's life is in mortal peril. Her father is missing and now silver-eyed men stalk her through the shadows. What could they want from her?

by Peter Bunzl - LoveReading4Kids Written by Peter Bunzl - LoveReading4Kids

They passed the main entrance, and Lily glanced at the Academy’s motto carved in the granite lintel. Vincit Omnia Veritas – Truth Conquers All. The fox gave a whimper of disapproval. No. It should be you, John. Humans over mechanicals. It’s the law. I said I was sorry, Lily protested as the Kraken dragged her down the corridor, pulling her along by the scruff of her blouse. Besides, she hit me first. Besides, Alice scuttled closer to Lucretia, everyone knows mechs and humans can’t be friends. Mechs have no feelings.I’m not coming, Lily told her. I don’t feel like it. Anyway, Madame wouldn’t know polite conversation if it bit her on the behind. She threw a sideways glance at Molly, who bowed her head and stifled a wheezing laugh. Lily bit her lip and thought better of her reply. Alice broke into a horsey smile. See, you snotty little runt? You won’t do anything – and that’s the truth. Just because you’re a mech-lover you think you can boss us around. Well, you can’t. Now, apologize immediately and we’ll forget the whole thing.