'Out of Place and Time' by Laura Cooney

Belle, tired from her journey, cocked her head somewhat stiffly to one side and listened, the whirring of gears and creaking of cogs was getting louder the further she walked into the building. 

The building itself was an old careworn castle with tapestries from floor to ceiling. Her taffeta lined gown of silver brocade swished gently on the steps as she climbed to the great hall. With an angular wrist and a quick, forceful, though graceful, tap she opened the strong wooden door of the castle's hall and entered. Inside it was not at all what she expected. Downstairs was a medieval castle and in here was a room of the times. A grandfather clock stood in one corner of the room imposing its presence with its pendulum clicking to and fro. The echoing clunking of miniature horses which galloped round the base of the matching mantle clocks was resonant in her ears. Perhaps this was the sound she had heard, the noise travelling in the air. 

She began to feel a faintness again, this would be the third time today. She hoped she was not unwell. Seeking a chair by the fireplace she gratefully sat down and closed her ey... 

“Ey, m'lord, that's the most magnificent thing I 'as ever see.” Baxter broke the silence in the room, now the gears were still. Lawrence smoothed her skirts and stroked her pale face before replying. 

"She is a masterpiece Baxter, now I just need to find a way to make her move for longer. Ten minutes is most little time for the Exposition to really see her glory,” he turned the screwdriver thrice on the small panel on her back.

"Let's see now, does this give us longer?" 

When Belle awoke she felt confused. It seemed hours had passed. The light above the mantle was lit and it had not been before. The sound of gears was as loud as before, but now slower and she felt relaxed. Perhaps she would get used to the sounds here. Wherever this was. She stood to explore further and was startled to see two men looking at her, one pocketing a small brass key.

"Hello dear Belle, my name is Dr Lawrence. So pleased to make your acquaintance. You must be tired after a long journey."