When I first began thinking of Senta and the Steel Dragon, I pictured Egeria Lusk as being based on Ada Lovelace, the programmer of Babage’s steam powered computer (which was the basis for the Result Mechanism).  When I got to writing though, I instead based her mostly on my Aunt Mary (in personality, not in looks), to whom I dedicated The Drache Girl.

Spoiler Alert

She has appears to a greater or lesser degree in all the books (though only mentioned in book 0).  Here she meets with Yuah and Honor Hertling, discussing Professor Calliere and Zeah.  This is a great time to feature her because I’m just about to write her into The Sorceress and her Lovers.

“My God!” said Yuah, as she stepped into the house.  “Look at this place.”

Yuah had been in Egeria’s house before, but that was some time ago, and since then her father’s fiancé had substantially redecorated.  The front door opened into a foyer, with a large arched walkway into the parlor.  Both rooms were exquisitely decorated with hand-carved wooden moldings, golden drapes, and beaded chandeliers.  Of course, those had been in place before.  Now birch and cherry wood chairs and marble-topped accent tables were spaced around the parlor, which was dominated by a beautiful grand piano, the open lid of which was graced with a painting of angels in the clouds.  On the wall above the piano was an eight foot tall painting of the same angels in different poses.  Vases full of cut flowers, white and yellow predominating, were everywhere.

“You didn’t have all this when I was last here.” wondered Yuah.

“No, I’ve purchased most of this from Mirsanna over the past two years,” replied Egeria.  “I’ve done quite well here, writing programs for the Result Mechanism, along with a bit of free-lance inventing.  Unfortunately it makes me suspect, in light of the accusations against Mercy.”

“You don’t think he’s guilty?” wondered Honor.

“Yes.  I do.  I don’t think he would have killed himself if he weren’t.”

“So you’ve heard.”

“I think everyone in the colony has heard.  It would be big news, even if he wasn’t married to Iolanthe.”

Egeria leaned her head to one side, arched her brow, and said to Yuah.  “I’m not a traitor.  I had nothing to do with the programs Mercy created for the Freedonians.”

“I didn’t think you were,” said Yuah.

“I just thought it needed to be said.  Please come in and sit down.”

Yuah and Honor sat down on the parlor couch, which was as comfortable as it was beautiful.  Egeria sat in a matching chair.  A lizardman wearing a simple white apron with lacy edges carried in a tray with an antique teapot, three antique cups, and three small matching plates carefully stacked with butter biscuits.  It sat down the tray and poured the tea.

“Thank you, Chunny,” said Egeria.

“You were expecting us?” asked Yuah.

“I thought that Honor would be by this morning.  You my dear are a surprise—a pleasant one.”

“Well thank you for having us,” said Honor.

“It is definitely my pleasure.  I don’t have very many visitors.”

“Really?”  Yuah was surprised.  “You’re one of the best known and best liked people in town.”

“That’s kind of you to say.  Of course I would expect nothing less of someone who is practically my daughter.”

Yuah reflexively rolled her eyes.  “You’re only a biscuit older than I am.”

“Yes, but I am engaged to your father.”

“Have you decided upon a wedding date?” interrupted Honor.

“Not yet.”  Egeria’s face betrayed nothing, as she poured the tea and then handed a teacup to each of her guests.

“Is that because you have chosen not to set a date, or because Yuah’s father hasn’t?”

“I am ready at any time,” said Egeria.  “But I’m putting no pressure on Zeah.  He needs to be ready too.  As you know, we had a previous date set, but it wasn’t right for him.”

“Why is he hesitant?”

Egeria’s laughter was light.

“He has always been hesitant.”

“Why do you think he hesitates?”

Egeria looked thoughtful, but didn’t say anything.

“Is it because you are a Kafirite?” continued Honor.

“He knew I was a Kafirite when we met.  Anyone would.”

“How is that?” asked Honor, stopping her teacup only inches from her lips.

“Because of my name.”

Honor looked on blankly.

“Egeria was the name of one of Kafira Kristos’s apostles,” said Yuah.  “One of the more important ones.”

“Yes, she along with Fantin the Elder was very important in spreading the gospel of Kafira across Sumir.”

“I’m surprised that you are so well versed in Kafirite theology,” said Honor to Yuah.

“I did grow up in a Kafirite household,” Yuah replied.