“Me, implying? Nothing at all. Although, it could be that he is trying to hide favor or income.”
Monique, of all people, jumped on this idea. “Pretending to hate them, when he really is progressive? Are males of his scientific ilk any good at acting?”
It was a stylish trap, and Sophronia was almost grateful to Monique for staging it, so she didn’t have to. Now the boys at their table either had to defend their teacher as faithful to the conservative cause, but possibly insane, or allow the ladies to imply Shrimpdittle was not honest to the moral foundation of their school.
The boys did neither, being trained only in the ways of infernal devices and not inferring derisively. All of them, even Felix, looked confused. Sophronia hoped that the rumor was out there now—was Professor Shrimpdittle to be trusted? Whose politics did he really back? Was he going mad?
Sidheag jumped in to help. “You know, the other day when we were grounded and Professor Niall was around, I saw them engaged in conversation.”
The three boys only looked more confused.
“Professor Niall,” explained Sophronia, “is a werewolf.”
“Never!” objected Lord Dingleproops. “Not Shrimpdittle!”
Agatha tried as well. “And I saw him being nice to a kitten, once.”
Everyone looked at her, puzzled.
Agatha blushed beet red. “Well,” she practically whispered, “that’s hardly very evil genius of him, now is it?”
Dinner conversation evolved away from the topic at that point, but Sophronia was tolerably certain the school would be buzzing by bedtime with Professor Shrimpdittle’s motives in question.
Her own mind buzzed. She was holding on to too many threads at once and attempting to solve too many puzzles. It wasn’t only Shrimpdittle; there was the information on the throw cushions to consider. Why had that shipment been so important? Was Madame Spetuna involved? Who were the pillows warning about: Picklemen, vampires, or some other element? And how was the Dimity kidnapping attempt connected to this? Did it all come down to the new dirigible technology? And was the guidance valve at the center of the puzzle?
The others chattered, leaving Dimity, Sophronia, and Pillover to themselves at the end of the table.
Sophronia looked at Pillover a long moment. “What do you think of this kidnapping attempt?”
Pillover’s dour face brightened. “Spiffing. I could do with a vacation.”
Dimity put it together. “Monique’s sudden change of heart and ball invitation? You think it has something to do with that?”
“Of course I do.”
“Could we turn it down then?” begged Pillover plaintively.
Dimity whirled on him. “Absolutely not! We should take this as an opportunity to flush out our enemies! Right, Sophronia?”
Sophronia massaged her temples. “This is making my brain hurt.”
“I thought you liked it,” said Pillover.
“In moderation and not while I am also running a character-assassination campaign.”
“Yes, what is this thing with Professor Shrimpdittle? Did he do something particularly awful to you?” Dimity asked.
“Now, Dimity, you know I’m not the kind to seek revenge.”
“Not entirely.”
“What are you girls up to?” demanded Pillover. “I wouldn’t say I like old Shrimps, but he’s not the worst of our teachers, that’s the truth.”
Sophronia puffed out her cheeks. “It isn’t personal. He knows too much, and I have an arrangement that requires I remove him from his current position.”
Pillover put it together. “Vieve! She wants to attend Bunson’s but he knows she’s a she.”
Dimity was shocked. “Oh, Sophronia, no. She can’t be allowed. What if she’s found out? The humiliation! Her aunt can’t possibly entertain such a madcap scheme.”
“If Vieve manages to arrange it so that no one knows, then Professor Lefoux has given her permission. I think her aunt is annoyed they don’t allow ladies to be official evil geniuses. You should know how aggravating that is, with your mother.”