Author:
Alex McGilvery has been reading since before he can remember, and writing almost that long. He has published 18 books and is author and editor at his imprint Celticfrog Publishing. He lives in Kamloops with his dog and the stories clawing their way out of his head.

They’re chasing a myth in the name of science.

Calliope works for her explorer father as an artist, recording what he brings back from his journeys in her sketchbooks. When she’s given a chance to go along on a trip to capture a sea serpent she doesn’t hesitate.

Life at sea isn't what she expected, and she ends up fascinated by the engine room of the steamship HMRV Peregrine. A tragedy makes her assistant engineer, but Pentam, her father’s protégé, is even more determined than her father to make Cal a fine lady. That means protecting her from danger, even if it drives her crazy.
When science and legend collide, Cal is the one who must take up the challenge of survival, even if it means risking her new-found feelings for Pentam.

Calliope

Crysabel and her maid helped Cal into yet another new gown. At the rate she was spending money on clothes, the twenty thousand sovereign gift might hurt more than she thought. Who knew being wealthy was so expensive?


"Matilde, check the drape on your side." Crysabel huffed as she leaned forward to tug on the over blouse. This one was a green which reminded Cal of seaweed.


"When can I start wearing gowns I already own?" Cal twisted her neck to look at herself in the mirror. This made the fifth outing in a month.


"Oh, you can't do that." Crysabel clucked her tongue and made a microscopic adjustment. "People will start gossiping that you are going bankrupt."


"I'm filling a closet with gowns I will never likely wear again; I will be going bankrupt. Besides, I'm trying to encourage gossip that I might be traitor, a little chin-wagging about me being poor is the least of my worries."


Chapter 42: The Dangerous Game Part 1