The Mysterious Madam Morpho

By Delilah S. Dawson

Taking place after Wicked as They Come, this original eBook features a mysterious lady and a reclusive mechanical genius who find love and danger in a traveling circus.

An elusive woman arrives at Criminy’s doorstep with a steamer trunk, begging for a position in the caravan to perform her unique new act. She opens her trunk to reveal a menagerie of brilliantly colored butterflies. The woman, who calls herself Madam Morpho, is on the run from a dark past in London, where she was forced to leave her equipment behind and abscond with only her tiny performers. Playing a hunch, Criminy hires Madam Morpho on the spot. Taking her down to meet Mr. Murdoch, the reclusive talented engineer who keeps the carnival’s clockworks running, Criminy instructs them to work together to design and build a groundbreaking new circus for the butterflies. Amid the magical ambiance of the circus and the hint of danger from Madam Morpho’s pursuers, she and Mr. Murdoch soon find that their scientific collaboration has produced chemistry of a more romantic kind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Release date: Oct 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9781451687682

Delilah S. Dawson

Delilah S. Dawson is the author of Hit, Servants of the Storm, Strike, the Blud series, Star Wars novels and short stories, a variety of short stories, comics, and essays, and the Shadow series as Lila Bowen. She lives in Georgia with her family and a fat mutt named Merle. Find her online at WhimsyDark.com.

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The

Mysterious Madam Morpho

Delilah S. Dawson

Pocket Star

POCKET STAR BOOKS

New York   London   Toronto   Sydney   New Delhi

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Excerpt of Wicked As They Come

Excerpt of Wicked As She Wants

Don’t forget to click through after The Mysterious Madam Morpho for a preview of Delilah’s first BLUD novel

WICKED AS THEY COME

and for an exclusive sneak peek at the next steampunk-tinged BLUD romance by Delilah S. Dawson

WICKED AS SHE WANTS

Available Spring 2013 from Pocket Books

Gear Image

1

You were right again, love, Criminy said.

Tish rolled over in bed to face him, her eyes hazy and still smudged with yesterday’s kohl. After a long night’s glancing, she usually slept deeply until afternoon, and she still didn’t understand how a man as busy as Criminy Stain always managed to be there when she woke up.

You’re the one who says glancers are always right, she answered, stretching and sighing under the quilt of patchwork silks. In my world, the only way to learn the future is with a Magic 8 Ball.

You slay me, pet, he said. You and your fantastical imaginings.

The gypsy king sat at his desk in nothing but breeches and argyle stockings, his hair loose and skimming over the pale skin of his chest like ink spilled on parchment. The newspaper in his hands had been found after last night’s show, probably dropped by one of the Clockwork Caravan’s uptight and paranoid Pinky customers. No matter how many signs and certificates they posted assuring the visitors that it was perfectly safe, the silly humans still carried their parasols like weapons and jumped whenever they were addressed by someone not laced into layers of fashionable clothing. And they dropped all manner of odd objects, including piles of newspapers.

Since Criminy himself avoided cities like the plague and didn’t trust the Coppers to leave his carnivalleros unmolested within the high, guarded walls, they didn’t get news as often as Tish would have liked. Accustomed as she was to the Internet and talk radio when at home in Atlanta, she found it frustrating that fascinating things happened all over Sang that she wouldn’t learn about for several months. For example, it had taken an entire year for Criminy to learn that the Blud princesses of Freesia had disappeared, and he was still furious whenever the topic came up. As far as Tish could tell, they were the Bludmen’s version of the British royal family and much adored, especially the youngest princess.

Has there been news of Ahnastasia— He looked up, cloudy eyes sharp, and she stopped herself just in time. Never mind. Just tell me what I was right about so I can act smug.

I seem to recall you telling our Maestro that loss would be his salvation or some such rot, yes?

Tish smiled and allowed herself a moment to feel wistful over the Maestro, who had left the carnival when Tish chose a vagabond life with Criminy over a settled marriage with the talented musician. She had first met Casper Sterling in her own world, where he was an unresponsive patient on her nightly rounds as a hospice nurse. And meeting him in Sang, awake and devastatingly handsome and most very responsive, had definitely been a shock. When she had touched Casper and glanced on his future, she had seen dizzying greatness followed by a fall from glory followed by hard-won redemption. Now she had to wonder which part of her glance Criminy was referring to.

Something like that, she murmured.

With his usual flair for the dramatic, Criminy flicked the paper around to show her the front page, which featured an ink drawing that perfectly captured Casper, right down to his nimble fingers, flowing hair, and dimples. Unfortunately, it also showed him vomiting into the strings of a harpsichord while wearing a woman’s bonnet on his head.

She grinned. And to think that I passed that up for you.

Turns out our lad has just been tossed out of the London Opera, Criminy said. The Magistrate canceled his appointment due to disgraceful behavior and conduct unbecoming a professional. He peered close, sharp eyebrow raised. He’d have done better to stay here.

What, so you could gloat?

Criminy’s roar of laughter filled the wagon, and Tish grinned. It was one of her favorite sounds, that wild, unselfconscious barking. Even now, after two years with him in the caravan, it still felt as if she had won a prize.

No, love, he answered. So he would remember his place. Give a weak man the world, and he’ll just make a mess of it.

Well, I feel sorry for him, Tish said. He might not have been the right man for me, but there’s someone out there for everyone. And he’s so very—

Good-looking?

Talented. Much better than that ridiculous goof we’ve got on the calliope now.

Carnivalleros come and go, my love, but to hell with the Maestro. He’s a lot better off here than he was in your world, anyway. He folded the paper fastidiously, rolled it up, and stuffed it into one of the pigeonholes in his desk before standing to stalk to the bed with his usual predatory grace, and Tish smiled and scooted over to make room for him. When she became tangled in the mess of sheets and blankets, he pounced on her, pinning her wrists on either side of her head.

Besides, he could never have tickled your ivories as I do, my delicious little pianoforte, he whispered in her ear. I know just where to put my fingers . . .

A shiver ran over her as he began kissing his way up her neck. Before he could reach her mouth and claim her in one of those desperate, fiery kisses she loved so well, someone knocked on the door of the wagon.

Bugger off! he yelled. We’re busy studying musical theory.

He licked his lips and smirked at Tish, showing pointy teeth.

Now, where were we, my little harp that needs plucking?

The knock came again, and he leaped to the wagon’s floor with a howl.

"What part of bugger off sounds like keep knocking?" he said, growling.

Someone mumbled from the other side of the wood, and he ran a hand through his hair and groaned as he pulled on a loose white shirt and slipped on his boots. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath through his nose.

You’d best get dressed, too, he said. It’s a stranger.

A Stranger? Tish hurried out of bed, fumbling into a thick silk kimono. She wasn’t hopeless with a corset and bustle anymore, but she definitely didn’t have time to squeeze into all the layers of her usual costume.

It’s endearing, how irrationally fond you are of people from your world, Criminy said, smoothing his hair and tying on an indigo cravat. But you know I can’t smell that on a person. It’s simply a Pinky lady, and she positively reeks of the city. It had better not be some bloody sightseer or doxy or reporter or undercover Copper. Or a traveling saleswoman. May Aztarte crucify her if it’s one of those.

With a nod at Tish’s tied kimono, he shook himself like a dog shedding water and put on his most forbidding, superior face. Tish couldn’t see around him as he threw open the door, but she noticed the immediate change in his manner as he went from terrifying to polite and solicitous in response to whoever waited on the other side.

I’m very sorry to bother you, said a woman’s low voice in a cultured London accent, but Mr. Dregs mentioned that I might find you here and politely inquire regarding employment.

Well, that depends, Criminy said in a more kindly fashion than Tish would have expected. What is it that you do?

Myself, I do very little, the woman said, and Criminy moved aside to reveal a pale but pretty woman in a tall hat who reminded Tish of Mary Poppins, a large steamer trunk on the ground beside her. But my act is hidden in this portmanteau.

Gear Image

2

Ah, Criminy said, rubbing his hands together. A mystery! They’re so very rare these days. Where would you like to set up your act? Indoors, outside, on top of the wagon? My lady wife and I could use some good amusement.

The woman raised her chin, neglecting to fidget at all, which was rare for humans in front of a powerful Bludman like Criminy.

After an unfortunate disagreement in the city, I am left with only my performers and no equipment. But I assure you that of all the creatures in your caravan, they eat the least, make the least noise, and require the least resources. And are the most extinct.

Overcome with curiosity, Tish joined Criminy in the doorway, and the woman bowed with dignity.

I like her, Criminy whispered to Tish. She smells of books.

The woman smiled. Forgive me for not introducing myself. Please call me Madam Morpho.

That sounds promising, Criminy said.

Tish smacked his arm and said, Manners.

I’m Criminy Stain, and this is my wife, Letitia, he said with his own bow. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Let’s see what’s in your trunk, and then we can speak further of employment. As much as I admire a flair for the dramatic, I never hire an act until I’ve seen it performed.

Madam Morpho’s face fell for just a moment, but she recovered quickly. With a determined nod, she turned to unlatch the trunk. Tish was surprised at her outfit, which was a dull, worn black that resembled a graduation gown. In her experience of citydom, the clothes were as bright and colorful as possible to combat a dreary life between stone walls.

My wards haven’t seen sunlight in years, Madam Morpho said. But I will wake one for you.

When she threw back the lid of the trunk, Criminy stepped protectively in front of Tish, but he had nothing to fear. The portmanteau was full of old leather books.

They are a fearsome lot, Criminy said. But I’m well acquainted with a few of them.

He reached for a copy of Sagacity and Susceptibility, which Tish knew to be one of his favorites. She had been surprised, upon reading it, to learn that in Sang, Mr. Willowbee had eloped with Miss Maryann and run away with the circus, leaving the Colonel behind to hang himself in his enormous house.

Madam Morpho stopped him with a tsk and reached for the book herself.

Ah, one of my favorites, she said. The Duke of Burgundy.

Holding the book on one palm as if it were made of glass, she gently opened the cover. Tish and Criminy leaned in. The middle of the book had been hollowed out, the pages carefully sliced to create a rectangular pocket. In that pocket was a nest of soft cotton, and on that cotton lay the body of a butterfly, its brown wings folded.

I’m not denying it’s beautiful, madam, Criminy said with a smirk, but we do prefer our performers to be a bit more lively.

With an answering smirk, Madam Morpho put her mouth very close to the book and whispered something. As she straightened up, the butterfly wobbled to standing, flapping its orange-dotted wings slowly as if just waking up and in need of a good stretch.

Curious, Criminy said. And impressive magic. But still not enough, unfortunately.

Madam Morpho held a black-gloved finger to the butterfly, and it stepped up like a trained bird, careful and sure.

I mentioned my travails in London, she said as if addressing the butterfly. "Due to a grave misunderstanding, I cannot return there. But you’ll find I won’t drive a hard bargain, salary-wise. And given a few days’ time, I am confident that I can construct the props my performers need to amaze any audience. I don’t think I need tell you that most city dwellers have never seen a live butterfly and even the London

Reviews for The Mysterious Madam Morpho

[whiskeyinthejar-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars

I read this for the Creepy Carnivals square for Halloween Bingo

Criminy’s Clockwork Carnival was in full swing.

This is a novella, so the shorter page count (100ish pgs) hampers character and plot depth a bit, but I think the author did a fantastic job with what she had. This is listed in the Blud series as coming before Book 1 – Wicked as They Come but as the main couple from Wicked is already together, I wasn't sure why. Even if familiar or not, you'll get an introduction and refresher on the various characters that make up Master Criminy's Clockwork Carnival. The world building leaves a little bit to be desired as it isn't fully explained how Blud people and animals (vampire like creatures) exist in this other world; it is like Victorian time period Earth but not quite.

She stared down into the nest of books and hidden miracles. Before, the trunk had held hope. Now, in the wrong hands, it held evidence enough to hang her.
“If you’ll trust me, I think I know how best to keep your charges safe.”
Their eyes met over the trunk. She felt as if she stood on a precipice, one step away from freedom or doom. “I find that I trust you, Mr. Murdoch.”
“God help you, Madam Morpho.”

You'll feel for Imogen as you learn her story, Mr. Murdoch less so as I don't think he ever fully emerged from the shadows and fully showed up on the pages. He builds the clockworks and mechanics for the caravan carnival, I would have liked to have seen him interact more with his creations and what was the story behind his partner/friend Vil? They were a calm, cool, and tentative couple and I liked how they worked together but, again, the page count wasn't quite there to build their relationship.

Arm-in-arm, they watched Torno lift his weights, his strength defying physics thanks to Criminy’s magic. Emerlie juggled hedgehogs and rode her unicycle high up on the wire, her lime and magenta costume glowing against the velvety night sky. Next up came Abilene and Eblick and the two-headed Bludman, each waiting behind a curtain to amuse and entertain and, in the twins’case, terrify. A collection of bizarre creatures floating in large jars of liquid was surrounded by a crowd so deep that Imogen caught only a glimpse of the horrors within. They passed Letitia in her turban, telling fortunes in a sequin-spangled tent.

Even though the overall world building was somewhat absent, the immediate caravan carnival world was delightfully detailed and created. There was a sense of unknown, magic, wildness, freedom, jovial companionship, and troubles. I wish I could see the shows.

“Her name is Madam Morpho,” Henry said sharply. “And she doesn’t speak to the riff-raff.”

The main story thread comes from Imogen on the run from her former boss and hiding out in the caravan. I thought the sense of danger and romance was eclipsed by the descriptions of the people and clockworks that made up the caravan carnival. I also thought the magic and wonder of the butterflies Imogen stole got lost in the mix, they could have brought more sense of wonder if utilized more. The ending brought an extremely gruesome conclusion to the issue of Imogen being in danger. I suggest reading this in October to appreciate and enjoy the grisly ending, the spooky vampire like creatures, and the sense of magic and wonder.

“Imogen,” he said, voice ragged as he stepped closer to her, his feet brushing the wide swing of her skirts. “Are you aware that I haven’t seen a woman this close in more than six years?”
“That seems excessive,” she murmured. “Are we such fierce creatures?”

[aneris-3 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Criminy’s carnival gets a new member. He hires her thanks to Letitia, who knows their new performer deserves to be a part of their family. Since Madam Morpho doesn't have all she needs, she has to work with Mr. Murdoch, Criminy's engineer, to build a stage for her. They both have their secrets.

I didn't like it as much as I liked Wicked as They Come. Maybe it is too short so you don't have enough time to really love these characters. The story is good, but I didn't feel the connection between these two. Everything happened too fast. You don't see the how. Still, that didn't prevent me to completely be on Imogen's side after I've read what happened to her and how she was treated by pretty much everyone in her life.

I love the world of the Blud, but you don't get to see a lot of that in this story. Actually, you don't get to see anything that made the first book special. The carnival doesn't move from London, so only if you've read Wicked as They Come, you know what a gem this world is.

[Masquerader888 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a quick and fun read that had me back into the Blud universe and enjoying every minute of it.

This book, while not exactly expanding the world of Sang, did give a greater in-depth view of life with the caravan and the social views of the native inhabitants. I loved the main characters and enjoyed the glimpses of both Crimminy and Lititia along with the rest of the gang left over from Wicked as They Come along with the advancing of framework for book two, Wicked as She Wants.

I would say I am not sure how well this book would play without having first read Wicked as They Come and getting the main framework of Sang; in that way it might be more of a chapter in the world of than a stand-alone story. Either way, I quite enjoyed it and was grateful for the snack in-between publishing that gave me that little bit more of a world I had grown to love. I am looking eagerly forward to both the full length novel and the other e-novellas coming out next year.

[krau0098 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this steampunk novella set in the Blud universe (I have read the first three book in that series and decided to go back and read some of the novellas). I always seem to enjoy Dawson’s novellas more than her full length books. Imogen is a very smart woman fleeing a very bad situation. She has a butterfly circus and Criminy recommends that she talk to Mr. Murdoch (who doesn’t talk to anyone) about getting her act and equipment set up. The Mysterious Mr. Murdoch is a mechanical genius of sorts but also very reclusive. With their shared love of all things mechanical and steampunk the two hit it off. I enjoyed both Imogen Morpho and the Mysterious Mr. Murdoch as characters. Of course it was delightful to see Criminy again as well (although he isn’t in the story much).This is a romance heavy story. The romance is very well done and I enjoyed the chemistry between Madam Morpho and Mr. Murdoch. I also continue to love the slightly twisted world that the Blud series is set in; it’s like a crazy twisted steampunk Wonderland of sorts. The only thing I found disappointing was the revelation of what made Mr. Murdoch so dangerous; it was fairly anticlimactic and kind of silly. However, the story does wrap up nicely and was an entertaining read.Overall I really enjoyed this novella set in the Blud universe. The characters were fun and engaging and had great chemistry. I enjoyed the world and the steampunk elements, as well as some of the magic in the story. I would recommend to those who enjoy steampunk romance.

[literaladdiction · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Our review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pak Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:The Mysterious Madam Morpho takes place after book #1 of the Blud series, but can be read as a stand-alone story. Delilah does a fantastic job of explaining this unique world so that first time readers are able to get a mental picture & then just enjoy the tale...The story revolves around our leading lady, the very mysterious & guarded Imogen, who has come to ask Criminy if she can join his Clockwork Carnival. Once his wife Tish Sees a glimpse into Imogen's future, she's welcomed into the caravan and sent to work with the hermitic Mr. Murdoch - the brilliant creator of the Carnival's Clockwork creations - to get her act ready. Each with their own datk secrets, they are ultimately forced to deal with some incredibly intense situations and end up developing an amazing bond.Even as a novella, the story was very well rounded and had a fabulous pace. Sangland is an amazing world, and Delilah delivered a tale so fantastically vivid you feel like you're part of the magic; the characters will ensnare you instantly, and the dialogue will keepsyou wanting more even after the last page is turned. This was an excellent read and I would definitely recommend it!LITERAL ADDICTION gives The Mysterious Madam Morpho 5 Skulls. I can't wait for more... :)

[darkfaerietales_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Steampunk love between a machinist and a butterfly trainer within the mysterious and mystical boundaries of Criminy Stain’s Clockwork Caravan.Opening Sentence: “You were right again, love,” Criminy said. The Review:A novella set within the world of Sang, The Mysterious Madam Morpho brings us back to Criminy Stain’s Clockwork Caravan and the lovable ragtag band of mongrels and misfits. This is a love story with all the fragility of a butterfly’s wings; tempered in the heat of unbridled passion and forged into an unbreakable bonding of souls.Madam Morpho, AKA Imogen, is on the run when she approaches the caravan looking for work. Her transgressions leave her little in the way of options if she wishes to remain out of the custody of the Coppers, the local police. Her delicate charges, the now extinct butterflies, will become the newest of Criminy Stain’s attractions. Imogen’s crimes may have led her into hiding within the wagons of the caravan, but her growing attraction to the reclusive Mr. Murdoch encourages her to throw caution to the wind. Imogen’s character shows her ignorance in both her social interactions as well as her new country side surroundings. Her low self-esteem makes it hard for her to see her own worth as a professional and as a potential lover. Though she is definitely in over her head, she continues on proving that her core self is made of steel.Mr. Murdoch, AKA Henry, is not the most socially adept of people. As the machinist, his hermit lifestyle and lack of manners suits him just fine. That is, until he meets the lovely Imogen. Now, he must find the right words to express his overwhelming desires when he has always been a more “hands-on” kind of guy. While almost everyone in the caravan has secrets, will Henry’s destroy the delicate bond he has with Imogen? How far is he willing to go in order to keep her safe when her own past comes calling?This may only be a novella, but what it lacks in length it makes up with imagery and intensity. The reader is also treated to a more comprehensive view of caravan life, both in and out of the spotlight. The small group may watch out for its own, they are still people with individual personalities and temperaments. Gossip is just as prevalent in this job as it is in every other line of work out there, along with jealous and envy. How far will these new “co-workers” go to save a new member whose past threatens their happy home?My favorite part of this story is learning more about the clockwork animals used as entertainment and security. Each animal is a marvelous blend of technology and artistry. The fact that Henry is the genius behind them only adds to depth and complexity of the story.The reader is treated to an enjoyable journey that weaves through the firelight of the caravan’s mystique, seeing sights that baffle the imagination and inspire the heart. The Blud series is a must read for so many different reasons. Just take my word that it is worth every minute!Notable Scene:“We must talk,” she said.“Is the magic of the caravan not temptation enough?” he said, throwing his arms wide to encompass the wagons and shaking loose her arm in the process. “Merriment, acts of entertainment, the barest hint of danger. Is this not enough to satisfy you?”“I am not a fool, Henry, and I have already admitted to you that I know very little of interpersonal behavior, but I must confess that you confound me utterly. Is there some underlying issue that drives you? Or am I simply so unlawful, uncoordinated, overeducated, and plain-spoken that you find yourself thoroughly disgusted by my very presence?”“Disgusting? You?” He took her shoulders in his hands and held her both too closely and not closely enough. “Are you mad?”“I do not believe so. Are you?”For a long, charged moment, they glared at each other. They had paused in front of a clockwork tiger, which roared at tem fiercely, by neither of them so much as turned a head.“Very well, madam. You wish to talk? We will talk. But I won’t be responsible for the consequences.”FTC Advisory: Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books provided me with a copy of The Mysterious Madam Morpho. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. I only get paid in hugs and kisses from my little boys.

[abookwormshaven · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I fell in love with the world of Sang when I read Wicked as They Come and was so excited to see Delilah write a novella in this world. The Mysterious Madam Morpho takes place after Wicked as They Come and can be read alone, but I highly suggest reading the first book in the series before you pick up this novella. Delilah does an excellent job of explaining this world, but it was explored in depth in Wicked as They Come and has many recurring characters that will come to life even more if you have read the previous book.In The Mysterious Madam Morpho we follow Madam Morpho, Imagen, who has asked Criminy if she can join his caravan. She seems to be hiding quite a few things (things I will not be revealing to you because you have to read to find out about them) but he takes a shot with her after his wife, Tish, does a glancing on her. Just having Tish do that glancing and we as the reader not knowing what she saw was enough for me to want to know what her future held. Imogen has not had an easy life, she has been mistreated by the people she should have been able to trust and as a result she is a little broken inside. She wants to trust again, but keeps her heart guarded. Mr. Murdoch keeps people at arm’s length as well, but he is fascinated by Imogen and the two of them slowly drop their guard and begin to open up to one another. One of my favorite moments between the two of them is this one when Mr. Murdoch is explaining his work to Imogen:“I myself have a soft spot for things discarded by men who think themselves great” he said gently. “My work is to see the masterpiece hiding underneath. To fix what has been broken.”“What if the object in question isn’t broken at all?”She kept her back to him, and she was aware of his closeness as he stepped under the tent and stood close enough to touch her. But something held him back.“Then I think perhaps it’s a case of finding the right mechanism to bring it alive.”It felt like a pivotal moment for the two of them, a turning point, and the emotion behind those words in the scene was very powerful. They have both been hiding for a very long time and through this story they find themselves again within one another.Sometimes novellas can give too little information, or not have a fully established world and I am left wanting. That is not the case with The Mysterious Madam Morpho. Delilah delivers a complete and well-rounded story that had me captivated from beginning to end. Her characters are well developed, the world is fascinating and the story was intriguing. I appreciate her ability to give me everything I need in such a short story.Delilah is also a master with her descriptions and inventions in this world. I would give almost anything to see Criminy Stain’s Clockwork Caravan in real life. Delilah paints such a vivid picture though, so for now I am going to have to be satisfied with what I can see with my mind’s eye. Trust me, the world alone is worth picking these books up for.Overall, I am still in love with the world of Sang and the characters that dwell within it. The Mysterious Madam Morpho is an outstanding addition to this world and cannot be missed if you have read the first book. I am very eager to get my hands on the next book, Wicked as She Wants, which releases next year.