From the Diary of Rebecca P. Birch

12 Nov. 1893

We have arrived in Athens just this morning. I should like to see the Parthenon up close, but Harcourt insists that we must leave within the hour for Naukratis, Egypt. Harcourt is a good Construct, but I wish my parents had sent me with a flesh and blood chaperone.

In light of my association with Evelyn, my smash back at school, my family is sending me to Egypt to assist my uncle in his work there. Oh, Evelyn, how I cherish the memories of our nights together still. There is not one nerve fiber that does not remember her fondly and delight in her company. How I miss her now.

Despite my melancholy at being forced from my home, I cannot help but delight at the prospect of adventure in this ancient land. Although I have not seen him since I was small, my uncle is quite an important man, and perhaps I shall be able to attend a Pharaoh’s Ball…