December 22nd, 881, in the Desbrosses Street Ferry Station. It was six o'clock in the morning and the morning breeze coupled with the approaching winter season made the air so frigid that Jonathan and Poul had to wear thick trench coats and gloves to protect themselves from the cold.
It was not only them that were leaving New York. Amelia and Caroline were also in the ferry station, talking to one another from a distance that the young industrialist duo couldn't hear.
"What do you think they are talking about?" Jonathan asked, leaning towards Poul who was rubbing his hand together, and clambering it up on his face.
"It's obvious. She wants Amelia to look over us, tell what's happening in our headquarters, and report her findings," Poul said.
"And you are not concerned about it?""I don't know why you are bothering about her reason to work with us. We needed a secretary and now we have one. Maybe Caroline just wants to know us more, just like we want to know more about her. Her revelation of being not a denizen of this world voided the possibility of us being alone in this world. I don't know if she's telling the truth that she hasn't found another until she found us."
"Well, it's not like we have a secretary on our own that could work for Caroline as a replacement for Amelia."
"What I'm trying to say to Jonathan is that I don't care what she has planned for us. We continue doing business as usual. As long as she doesn't interfere with our business operations. Amelia is a good secretary and we will know her worth once she starts working."
Jonathan sighed. "If you say so, I'll still watch over her just in case she does something we wouldn't like."
"Fine by me, but don't be a creep around her. We want her to trust us not to make her feel she's being watched, leading to her avoiding us," Poul advised.
After their brief conversation, Amelia and Caroline walked over to them with a smile across their faces.
"So, my precious secretary is going to work for you. She is like a little sister to me and it's making me sad to see her go with you. So watch over her for me. Should you dare try to make a move on her, well, you have been warned."There was a cold glint in Caroline's eyes when she said that.
"You have nothing to worry about, Miss Caroline. She's in good hands and we won't do anything to her, you can trust us on that," Poul said reassuringly as his gaze flickered between the two.
Poul noticed Amelia's cheek blushing. She must have been embarrassed by the insinuation that they would take advantage of Amelia. He gave her an understanding glance before turning back at Caroline.
Caroline smiled a little before continuing with a slightly lighter tone. "Okay, now that that's settled. If you have questions or want to reach me, please, ask Amelia, she knows my contact details."
"I'll take that in mind," Poul noted.
"Ahh, this is weird. We just met only two times and yet it feels like I'm saying goodbye to a long-time friend," Caroline said as she rubbed the nape of her neck. She looked at both of her newfound acquaintances with a bittersweet expression. "Have a safe journey and good luck with your business. May we meet again sometime in the future."
"We will. Thank you, Miss Caroline," Jonathan said, tipping his hat.
Caroline glanced at the scene behind them. She saw the steamboat with black smoke puffing out from its smokestack.
"I believe that's your ship."
Poul and Jonathan glanced over their shoulder and saw the approaching steamboat. It blew the whistle, informing everyone in the docks that the ship had arrived.
"Miss Caroline, if ever, I would love to take you to dinner the moment I return to New York for business purposes," Jonathan said, taking her hand to kiss it. Caroline blushed and gave him a curt nod.
"Farewell, Miss Caroline," Jonathan turned to his heels, catching up to Poul and Amelia who were boarding the ship.
Amelia stood there for a moment, watching them get into the boat. The stevedores of the ferry station were loading luggage and wooden crates. Most of the crates came from her company containing her products. Poul and Jonathan made a huge transaction with her company to provide them and their workers with personal hygiene kits. They bought a lot of it, and it won't fit the cargo hold. It will take about three ships, which will then be delivered on another day to Pittsburgh.
The three successfully boarded the ship, Amelia was waving her hand at her, mouthing a goodbye. Caroline waved back and she felt a sting in her heart. It was painful for her to see her closest friend since childhood goes with a man who came from another world. If not only for their origins, she wouldn't let her have Amelia. But since it's not the case, she'll think of this as an investment.
The two industrialist duo have great prospects in this world with their knowledge. They possessed more skills as their work is more hands-on compared to hers. Amelia will inform her if Poul and Jonathan decide to invent revolutionary technologies. And when that time comes, she'll be there, ready to provide.
However, that won't be possible if they have a financier backing them. John Morgan. His richest compared to hers is not that significant. She can provide the two young industrialist duo the funds to start new ventures. But, in terms of connection in Avalonia, she was far down the bottom. There'd be no surprises if they picked him over her.
But she won't give up. She knows more than any people in this world how groundbreaking the two-industrialist duo is going to be. Together, they can build an empire, unlike anything the world had seen before.
Thus, she'll be playing a long game. She'll wait until the two industrialist duo grew popular in the United States and in the world. And when that time comes, she will strike.
