Voyagers!: Asylum

Chapter 4: 500 Miles

"Stop…that tickles…but it feels good…oh Lilly, that feels really good!" Phineas mumbled in his sleep with a sly smile.

Lilly covered her mouth to suppress loud laughter. The largest pig of the bunch had grown attached to Phineas and literally scooted Lilly out of her way with her snout so she could be next to him. Lilly obliged and sat across from Phineas watching the show. Lilly had dubbed the pig; 'Petunia' and both she and Phineas seemed to get along famously.

"All right Lilly…I get it…now it's your turn." Phineas rolled over with his eyes closed and puckered his lips enthusiastic.

Petunia took full advantage and nuzzled his mouth with happy squeals. Phineas opened one eye and froze. Petunia was ready to give him the 'kiss' of a lifetime. He shouted and scrambled to his knees, frightening the other pigs. Lilly released a flood of laughter as Phineas glared mortified. He wiped his mouth and ears vigorously.

"Smoking Bat's breath! Oh, you think that's funny, huh! Well, it's…not!" Was all he could muster, feeling his cheeks glow red.

"Ewww! Pig drool!"

Lilly fell on her back and rolled around with more laughter. "I think you mean, pig's breath! I should be so offended right now, seeing as you think I kiss like a pig! But this was classic, Phineas! Classic!"

She sat up and wiped tears from her eyes. She couldn't look him in the face without bursting into more giggles. "C'mon, lighten up, at least now you know your beauty transcends all races and species! And don't complain so loud, Petunia will hear you, look, you've hurt her feelings!"

The astounded pig scuttled to the opposite end of the wagon. She grunted in Phineas' direction and pawed her hooves. Lilly crawled to her and patted her head consolingly. Phineas rolled his eyes skyward and laughed aloud with Lilly. The carriage finally came to a halt right at the outskirts of the bustling village of Dagenham. The farmer jumped off his wagon seat to stretch his legs and came around to his passengers.

"Well! Aren't you two merry! I'm glad the ride wasn't too much strain on ye! Did the pigs bother ya at all?"

Phineas and Lilly eyed each other with goofy grins.

"No, not at all…they were quite pleasant once they got used to us and the smell of the molasses. Especially her in the corner." Phineas said, jumping from the wagon. He pulled Lilly down and they both shook out the leaves and pollen that had fallen and stuck to their clothes from the surrounding woodland.

"Aww, that's my pride and joy down there, she keeps me in business, I'll tell ya that! Never a porker she can't get when she sets her mind to it."

Lilly poked Phineas in the ribs. "Apparently Petunia has met her match with this porker!"

Phineas casually shoved her aside and asked the farmer a few more questions.

"Tell me, umm…where can we find a place to get a change of clothes and hot baths?"

"That'd be Rutherford Inn, just a few paces yonder. He has the best service and bathing rooms in town I'd say."

"Thanks very much for your help, sir." Phineas said and shook his hand.

"Not a problem, my mum always said be kind to strangers. What be your names anyway, in case I see ya around. I'm Shelby."

"Phineas Bogg and this is my…wife, Lillia"

"Ahh, a sprightly, young couple if I ever did see one. Take care then, I have to make my rounds!"

The farmer got back on his wagon and drove into to the village. Lilly and Phineas strolled in and were greeted with the warm aromas of meats and desserts. Their mouths watered, but the first thing they desperately needed were lodging and baths. They came to the entrance of Rutherford Inn. It was a large two-story stone cottage with a brown thatched roof. The white windows were clean and decorated with colorful flowers on the sills. Lilly grabbed his arm before he entered.

"Wait a minute, Phineas. How are we going to pay for all this luxury?"

Phineas sighed and dug into his pouch, but came up with lint and a small piece of beef jerky. He rummaged through the brown bag that carried the guidebook and socks, but he didn't have much more than a few shillings.

"That could be enough for at least one night." He decided. "Look, you stay here, and I'll find someplace to camp out and take a dunk in the river or something. At least I have soap." He picked up a large, dark chunk that smelled of oatmeal and musk. Lilly whistled.

"Whew! That's potent! But manly." She glanced at him affectionately. "You would do that for me?"

Phineas smiled and patted her head. "I just said so, didn't I? I'm a man of my word. Come on."

Lilly trailed behind him, she imagined the hearts that must've floated from her eyes. She took a deep breath and straightened up.

"No time for this, Lillia! Jeffrey's in trouble, remember you're on the job!" She whispered to herself.

The innkeeper was a kind, elderly man with a full head of white hair and dark mustache. Lilly lingered by the doorway watching the people go about their daily business, while Phineas made the reservations. She heard snatches of his conversation and giggled as he embellished the tale of the molasses accident many 'miles' back. The owner was generous and within a few minutes Phineas came to her with a wink and clothing folded over his arm.

"Mr. Rutherford took pity on us. He said we could both have a small room and access to the baths, that leaves me with one shilling. Oh, he also said, there's a trunk with some women's clothing that may fit you. It's the best he could do."

"What are you going to wear?"

He held up a pair of dark blue trousers and a beige shirt. "Might be a little tight, but it's good enough for me!"

Phineas led her up the stairs to a room at the end of the hall. It was a cozy space, but only fit to accommodate one person. The bed was barely a full size. Lilly saw the black trunk in the corner and immediately sifted through it. She pulled out an unadorned three-piece peasant outfit with a white blouse, pink skirt and gray over-top. She already saw the length was going to be short on her legs, but as long as it was clean it didn't matter. She looked at Phineas and smiled.

"Looks like we'll have to duke it out about the sleeping arrangements later, right now I'm desperate to take this bath!"

~Oo~

Lilly lay her head back in the deep, cast iron tub, allowing the hot and sudsy water to over take her. She'd never missed a bath so much as now, except for her mud incidents. The Rutherford Inn boasted a small, but clean bathing area and the others were in use. Each bath was private with a curtain to pull around the tub. Lilly just needed to get the last of the soap out of her hair, but she ran out of hot water in the kettle. A good dunking was in order so she lay flat. Holding her nose, she slipped under and shook out her hair as best she could.

Phineas was growing impatient for his turn and went into the bathhouse. He rapped on Lilly's curtain and got no answer.

"Figures she'd come out and not tell me." He grumbled.

He opened the curtain to see a full tub of soapy water and bubbles. "Of course she leaves the draining to me as well!"

Phineas got on his knees and stuck his hand into the tub. Lilly's eyes opened wide as she felt fingers graze her stomach. She burst her head out of the water. Phineas jumped up with a shout. He staggered backwards on the slippery floor with his boot heels and grabbed her curtain for support. His weight tore it off the rods and he collapsed in the adjacent tub.

"BLIMEY! What in bloody blazes! Get out of me bath!" A hefty older man in a black wig roared. He was calmly sipping tea and reading the gazette and now Phineas was stuck in the middle of his tub, his legs strewn over the edge.

Phineas smiled mortified and scrambled to climb out. He had help from the man forcefully shoving him and then the man brusquely drew his curtains and cussed his clumsiness.

"I'm sorry! It was an accident!" Phineas blurted out. He glared vengeful at Lilly and she climbed fast out of the tub with a sheet around her. She bit her lip with widened eyes.

"Phineas, I'm sorry too, but you should've known I was still in here!"

Phineas wanted to lunge and shake her; he inched toward her with his hands out. "Sorry doesn't begin to cover it!" He gritted his teeth.

"Okay! Down boy!" She scurried away from the tub and threw her arms out to stop him when he followed.

Phineas made an irate grab for her and she ducked. He fell forward into her tub and popped up furious and soaked.

"Arrrrghh! Lilly, you're more trouble than you're worth!"

Phineas closed his eyes. That was the harshest thing he'd ever said to a woman, but he couldn't take it back. Lilly clutched her blanket and her eyes filled with tears, but she raised her head high.

"I'm glad to know how you really feel about me, Phineas. I won't bother you anymore, I'm sorry!" She ran out of the bathhouse before he could see her bawl.

Phineas splashed the water frustrated and pulled the drain plug, sitting bewildered until the water spilled out.

~Oo~

By the time they were both cleaned and dressed, evening had arrived. Dinner was filling, but quiet between the Voyagers. Despite Phineas' rants, the humiliating incident was forgotten. Lilly discerned that his nerves teetered on edge between exhaustion and distress over Jeffrey's whereabouts. Every few minutes he popped up to ask around about a black stagecoach with children. Lilly had a feeling he was asking the wrong questions but wouldn't dare contradict him. She was still wound up over his comment. When the meal was cleared she approached the Innkeeper while Phineas lumbered up to bed.

"Mr. Rutherford, I'd like to ask about any orphanages in the area?"

The old man scratched his head and put down his writing tablet. "England is chock full of those places, sometimes it's hard to keep a record of them, very sad."

"I can imagine. What about anything say in fifty miles of here?"

Lilly was trying to calculate how far the carriage might have gone since this afternoon. "Any kind of place, a reformatory, school? Anything?"

Mr. Rutherford gazed up thoughtfully then recognition hit him. "I do know of one! In Gravesend, about ten miles East. The Brocklehurst Asylum! I've heard stories from there that will curl your hair."

Lilly looked at him frightened. "Wha…what kind of stories?"

"The worst kind, my lady. Stories of torture and cruelty to them young chaps! Why would ya be interested in that place anyway?"

Lilly came up with a fast excuse. "Um, my husband and I are looking to take on an unfortunate boy to help with the farm."

"Ahh, that's very generous of ya, but if I were you, I'd go to a healthier place. The boys that come from Brocklehurst grow up to be the vilest of creatures in society. I know; I've been around for years. And that's providing they don't die first!" He slammed the table at the thought and Lilly jumped back. She held his ledger book with trembling hands.

"What do you mean, die? What goes on there? Please, I must know!"

The old man leaned forward, his expression solemn.

"It's like I said, there's torture, sickness, starvation. No child should ever experience what these boys do. They say if you go at night, you can here 'em wailing and moaning. It's unearthly, scares a lot of the townfolk because they think it be spirits! Too bad they don't check, then they'd know the sad truth. The cemetery always has a freshly dug grave, ready to be filled by morning. I can spot a wretch in this town and know he came from Brocklehurst. Thin as twigs, scars running up and down the back, one time I met a bloke with one eye! He said they burned it out with a poker! The sound of the shovel never ceases if you go past…but I've never been near that premises."

Lilly held her mouth. She reluctantly let go of the book and backed toward the stairs. "Thank you, Mr. Rutherford, you've been extremely helpful!"

Lilly crept into the room, the lamplight was low and Phineas curled up on one side of the narrow bed. She closed the door gently and removed her boots, tiptoeing to the other side. She peeked at him with a disgruntled sigh.

'Looks like an innocent baby right now.' She thought.

She sat on the edge and moved her body toward the headboard, she cringed as every spring creaked and groaned and she slapped the quilt.

"All right! I'm not that heavy!" She hissed.

Phineas mumbled incoherently and rolled over, his eyes opened wide. "What did I miss?"

Lilly wasn't sure to tell Phineas about the asylum. She knew he'd immediately run out into the night to rescue Jeffrey. She scooted back and lay against the headboard; Phineas sat up on his elbows.

"What are you not telling me, Lilly?" He pressed.

"Phineas, I…I want to tell you, but I know you'll get all riled. We have to do this the right way, because it may not even be the place and…"

Phineas seized her arm. "What place? Tell me! Is it about Jeff?"

Lilly rested her hands on his shoulders to keep him calm. "Okay, the innkeeper told me about an orphan asylum ten miles from here. I have a feeling that could be the one we're looking for."

She told Phineas the description Rutherford gave her and felt him clench under her grip. He tried to get up, but she bluntly forced him down.

"No, Phineas, you need to sleep! If we're going to this place we'll need all our energy. We don't even have transportation, I doubt we'll meet anyone as kind as Shelby the pig man, but I have an idea, a way to make money quick and easy, we can start tomorrow."

Phineas thrust himself from the bed and paced the room, trying to decide if he should put his shirt back on or not. He looked her way pleadingly.

"How can I sleep knowing Jeffrey is in a place like that? What if they already tortured him? You know Jeff, he's got a big mouth, a smart mouth, one wrong word and…and…"

Lilly stood up and held onto him. "Phineas, please listen to me! Those could be rumors, or it may not be as bad…"

"Oh, great! Another one with rosy glasses! When are you rookies gonna learn the stuff that go on in history is disgusting!"

Phineas shook himself from her and stomped around, tossing his hands up and down. "History is not a textbook, it's not hearts and flowers, and it's brutal, ugly and mean!" He shouted.

Lilly grabbed his face to focus. "Phineas, I understand that! I do! We'll everything we can and we will save him! We just have to do it right! I've heard about your exploits, Phineas, and I don't mean women, either. You're a quick thinker, bright and inventive, the rescues you've accomplished are amazing."

Phineas slumped on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. He vigorously rubbed his eyes and then moved to his temples. "It's not about me tooting my own horn, Lilly. I could care less about accolades. It's about Jeffrey. I don't want him to think I've failed him or that I'm not trying. I'd never stop trying." He raised his head with a deep frown and tears stung his cheeks.

Lilly's shoulders sagged. Phineas' deepest fear was never being there for Jeffrey when he needed him most. She shifted back on the bed and gently pulled him down. He didn't resist and laid his head in her lap. She stroked her fingers through his hair and he exhaled deeply, allowing himself to finally unwind.

"Phineas, Jeffrey knows how much you love him and I think he also knows that you wouldn't leave him. He's a strong kid and he's learned a lot from you on how to hold his own out there. A few greasy fops in dirty wigs are not going to scare him easily."

Phineas raised his gaze to her face, unexpectedly struck with her loveliness in the soft lighting.

"Lilly…I…" He stammered.

"Yes, Phineas?"

"I didn't mean what I said in the bathhouse today. You are worth every minute of the trouble you cause." He managed to grin.

Lilly playfully swatted his head. "I appreciate that. I know you've been tense over this whole thing and I didn't help matters ringing in because I was drowning in syrup. Only me, right?"

"That's right. I've seen some crazy stuff in history but that was a whopper."

"It's so hard to believe. You really threw yourself on the line for me. I can't think of anyone who would've done that. You could have drowned in that gunk too."

Phineas continued to gaze at her. "Lilly, I wasn't coming up without you."

A single tear rolled down her cheek and he wiped it away. "What's wrong?"

"Do you find it hard sometimes, living like this day to day, jumping around fixing red lights? Where does it end? Does it ever?"

"As long as the world turns, we're gonna be needed out there in the field. Who knows? Long after we're gone, history will still be falling out of alignment, maybe even the same things we'd already fixed in our lifetime. I'm a pirate, I don't know the science behind any of this, but I understand the principles and sacrifices it takes and I'm willing to try my hardest to meet them." Phineas assured her.

"So am I!" She smiled. Lilly leaned down when Phineas sat up higher and she kissed him on the cheek. "Go on and get some sleep, you old pirate."

"Arrrgh, who say's I'm old?"

"Look in the mirror, old hands, old face, and salty lip…"

Phineas lifted his arm and grasped the back of her neck, pushing her down toward him. He kissed her affectionately.

"Salty lips? Now I'm really offended." He joked.

"Isn't that what they call old pirates? Old salts?" Lilly laughed and cupped his cheeks in her hands. They continued the passionate kiss, drawing back after a long minute with a slow breath. Phineas sank down into his pillow with his eyes closed and a contented smile.

"Mary Jane and Peter Parker eat your hearts out." Lilly sighed and sank against the headboard.

Phineas started to doze, breathing heavily with tiny snores and whistles. Lilly giggled and pulled the covers over him. She continued combing his hair with her fingers and softly sang a melancholy 'Peter, Paul and Mary' tune until she at last cuddled beside him and fell sound asleep.

"If you miss the train I'm on, you will know that I am gone…You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles…a hundred miles, a hundred miles, a hundred miles, a hundred miles, You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles.

Lord I'm one, Lord I'm two, Lord I'm three, Lord I'm four, Lord I'm 500 miles from my home. 500 miles, 500 miles, 500 miles, 500 miles…Lord I'm five hundred miles from my home.

Not a shirt on my back, not a penny to my name, Lord I can't go a-home this a-way…This a-away, this a-way, this a-way, this a-way, Lord I can't go a-home this a-way.

If you miss the train I'm on, you will know that I am gone…you can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles…"