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vent on the bottom. “Don’t block that, and you’ll be all set.”
    Josian turned the dials on and back off again. “Fascinating. I don’t know how you figure all this out. I can barely work the oscillating laundry crank.” She smiled and shrugged, handing the toy back to Astrid. “But I guess that’s why you’re selling, and I’m buying. I think it’s too complicated for Eleanor, but I’ll definitely take one for me.”
    As Josian continued to peruse the selection, Astrid began wrapping up the new item, admiring the piece as she did so. All those hours painstakingly shaping the wood and polishing each toy until it was as smooth as glass, the varnishing, the delicate tiny gear work, she was sure this design would be her most popular.
    After a little nudge from Astrid, Josian eventually chose a slender brass cylinder, the “beginner’s vibrator”, for Eleanor. Another piece of brown paper and string and this one was wrapped too, as Josian counted out the pounds from her handbag. The transaction finished, her friend still seemed in no hurry to leave, holding her wrapped purchases as she stared at the cabinet with a blank expression on her face.
    â€œWas there something else you wanted to see?”
    Josian shook her head, seeming to come back to herself, then looked to Astrid. “I was just thinking about what a shame it is that you can’t open your shop yet.”
    With one finger, Astrid traced the outline of the end table, a sudden lump in her throat making speech difficult. She suppressed the emotion. “Yes, well, the World’s Fair prize money would go a long way toward making that happen.”
    â€œThen you’d best get right on it!” Josian flashed a bright smile at Astrid, who returned it with a bit of difficulty.
    â€œI certainly will. Are you all packed for your trip?” Josian and her husband always spent May in their summer home up north.
    Josian sighed. “Almost. I swear, it’s such a chore, this packing. You’d think after five years of going up north, it would get easier, but it never does.” She hugged Astrid close. “I’m going to miss you. Will you come up for a few days? You know you’re always welcome.”
    It would be nice to see Josian, but a week in the same house as Warren might make Astrid go mad. “No, I think I’m going to need the time to work on my World’s Fair entry.”
    Josian pulled back. “Well, I’ll write all the time. Write back, will you? If you’re not too busy. I’ll be back in time for the Fair opening, and maybe we can go together!”
    â€œMaybe.” She returned Josian’s kiss on the cheek. “Take care of yourself.”
    After Josian finally left, Astrid leaned her back against the door. Usually, she felt lonely during Josian’s month away, but her mind was already full of thoughts about the World’s Fair. It might be nice to have the time alone. Her gaze landed on her cabinet of toys. None of those was unique enough to win the contest. If she wanted even a chance at the prize money, she would need something truly special.
    She had no idea what to design.
    Ever since arriving home the night before, she’d been mulling over possible ideas for new toys. Nothing was right. The world of felicitation devices seemed suddenly too narrow: how could she improve on what she’d already created?
    It had always been easy, in the past. She’d created every possible combination of oscillating and rotating and telescoping designs, and while she hadn’t built them all—some, for instance, required parts she couldn’t afford—none of them seemed quite right for this competition. If she wanted to win, she needed something unique.
    Time was wasting. Astrid couldn’t be delayed by ridiculous barriers like a lack of inspiration. She would go out and find inspiration.

Chapter Six
    Astrid’s