An elderly, wealthy and well respected Wright lovingly brought an ancient derelict of an automaton back to life around the same time the townsfolk were losing their memories and faculties.
Naming it her (as)'sistant - the automaton was a devoted servant, regaling her with memories fading, helping her with faculties waning and subsuming her inventor skills as her once vibrant talents paled.
When she no longer stirred from her slumber, Systant ventured beyond the quiet estate to find a way to "recharge" her.