“I will be honored, and shall make a special trip. Perhaps, he can join me?” Darcy looked over to Kent, who was staring at him.
“At your service, Darcy, and I promise you will have much to see and much to learn.”
The butler entered the room. “Mr. Murdoch.”
James Watt stood and greeted the man, then turned back to the dinner guests and announced, “Tonight we shall not need the moon, for Mr. Murdoch has brought us all bladders and pipes.”
When everyone laughed, the younger Watt took pity on Darcy and explained the joke to him. “A few years ago, on a dark cloudy winter's night, Mr. Murdoch questioned how he would be able to reach his house over such bad roads. But as you will learn, he is a creative person. He went to the gasworks where he filled a bladder, which for an unknown reason he had with him, and placed it under his arm like a bagpipe. He lit the stream of gas emitting from the stem of an old tobacco pipe, thus enabling him to walk in safety to Medlock Bank. That is how the Gas Light Company began.”
“Gas Light Company?” Darcy's face lit up.
“Yes.” Watt, Jr. spotted the interest in Darcy’s eye. He continued, but in a lower voice. “I understand there has been a slight delay in proceeding, but it looks like everything is back on track now to light the world. Mr. Murdoch’s sponsor has provided significant funding; two hundred thousand pounds, I believe. A great fortune, but his sponsor is determined to light London.”
“Ah. Then I will look forward to the day I can read a book easily in the darkest night. Does he need additional monies? I may be interested in an investment of my own.”
“His sponsor would never allow anyone else to participate. He is a powerful man, and I would caution you to not attempt to get in his way.”
“Do I know him?”
“He is well known, but Mr. Murdoch is not at liberty to identify him. Initially he had found a few generous investors and had begun work, but was forced to seek help elsewhere when the funds did not materialize. He does not care for his current sponsor at all, but, unfortunately, he is the one with the sufficient money to succeed.”
Although unhappy with the warning against investing in what he viewed as a profitable venture, Darcy hid his discontentment, and spent the evening enjoying the conversation. He may not have understood the discussion, but he was at least able to follow a little. Laughter was scattered among the heated opinions as joking and teasing relieved the tension between the guests. To his surprise, the wives and daughters participated in the complex discussion; the opposite of the dinner parties he routinely attended.
Expecting the traditional after dinner music or poetry readings, Darcy was shocked when experiments comprised the evening entertainment. Each man had brought with him his latest efforts or the materials to test a theory.
Mr. Murdoch began with a rudimentary experiment. When he pressed a button, a loud sound rang out. They all looked at him quizzically until Murdoch announced, “It is a doorbell.”
As one man examined the doorbell, Mrs. Boulton asked, “Whatever for? We have men standing at the door to announce any visitors!”
“Nonsense, this will be welcomed by the lower classes. Just imagine. Someone comes calling, rings the bell and you will be able to hear it anywhere in the house.”
“A nuisance I think.” Mrs. Boulton said as all the ladies clapped in unison. “A doorbell will not keep anyone away. They would just keep pushing that button until someone answers the door.”
“The lower classes cannot afford doormen. A doorbell will fit their need perfectly,” Murdoch said brusquely.
Darcy discovered that scientists did not handle criticism well when someone based a claim on feelings and not on methodical reasoning. Standing away from the others, Darcy pondered how valuable a doorbell could be and agreed with the ladies—more a nuisance than help. Astounded that the women would voice their opinion so easily, and the men accepted their comments matter-of-factly, left him mute. Fashion and gossip were the only conversations his female acquaintances engaged in, but he did not object to hearing these ladies’ ideas. Perhaps, I should add to the list that the accomplished woman must include the ability to articulate scientific opinions.
Darcy’s thoughts shifted to an image of girl with fine eyes, twinkling at the exuberance of this dinner. He imagined her joining in the conversation, although he doubted she had any exposure to inventions and their inventors. But, he had no doubt she would have felt at ease with the teasing conversation, and would have found a way to lob a few volleys of her own. He studied the ladies’ faces, and was quick to notice they all possessed a twinkle similar to Miss Elizabeth, but without her flecks of gold shimmering in her brown eyes or even the adjoining raised brow and slight smile.
Feeling isolated, Darcy glanced around the room and decided that the young, attractive ladies seemed more interested in the experiments than in him. His saw one particularly attractive young girl whispering in Kent’s ear. She glanced his way, but immediately shifted away while the color on her face darkened.
I wonder who she is. With her dark hair, she might be related to Kent or perhaps, she is more intimately connected? Her figure is light and pleasing. Darcy felt a stab in his heart as he imagined another light and pleasing figure. He sniffed the air and sighed when the only fragrance he could detect was roses. He breathed deeply, allowing lavender to fill his head. Miss Elizabeth, where are you tonight? What are you doing for entertainment? You should be here with… He shook his head. .
Mr. Keir was next to present his experiment. All the guests, including Darcy, stood nearby while he placed salt in a circle on the tabletop.
“Tonight, I plan to test the theory that a spider will not walk across salt.” Mr. Keir pulled a leather bag from his pocket. He opened it up and held up a raft spider, dangling the creature in front of the ladies. It was the largest spider Darcy had ever seen, and was amazed the women did not faint, call for smelling salts, or run from the room in tears. In fact, they passed it around from one another and assessed the worthiness of the creature. Finally, Mr. Keir retrieved his eight-legged arachnid from the young lady that had whispered to Kent earlier, and placed it in the middle of the table. It was not a full minute before it left the circle and disproved the old myth. Salt did not intimidate this particular spider. Mr. Keir pulled out another spider, this time a common house spider. It, too, fled across the salt.
Everyone clapped. Darcy noticed a few men exchanged coins. Ah. Wagers find their way in this society as well. I wonder if they hold their own Olympics. They are, after all, Bingley’s relations!
“Mr. Darcy, this is routine for us,” Mr. Edgeworth said. We experiment and test many theories. Nothing is beyond our consideration. I remember when Benjamin Franklin wrote that he was going to fly a kite in a lightning storm just to prove to the world electricity could be harnessed. He did it too. Proved me wrong. I have been obsessed with electricity ever since. I miss my old friend, Mr. Franklin. We corresponded until he died.”
When Mr. Edgeworth moved to the table to present his experiment, the elder Watt joined Darcy. The two men stood slightly apart from the rest. Before Darcy could ask for more information about the steam engines, Watt changed the subject.
“Charles does not seem to be himself these days. You were with him recently, Mr. Darcy, is there something amiss? Is there something you can do to cheer him?”
Darcy glanced at Bingley. “Well, I am planning to play golf with him next week. Perhaps that might return him to his grinning ways.”
“I suggest you skip the putting. Demand, good sir, that the hole is finished when the ball reaches the putting area!” Watt laughed.
Darcy bowed. “And do you play too? Perhaps you have the time to join us?”
“Not my game, sir. Not my game at all. I doubt I would even manage to hit the ball!”
“Perhaps one day.”
“Mr. Darcy, I do seek a favor of you when you enjoy your golf outing with my nephew.”
Darcy nodded.
&nb
sp; “You need to explain to Charles that he is a worthy suitor. He has wealth, manners, charm, and is loyal to all those he loves. He is second to no one. He will believe you.”
“I believe you refer to a certain lady from Meryton. He is everything you say, but he is not the problem. Her mother is.”
“Do you think Charles should cower from a matchmaking mother? Damn. Find me a mother that is not mercenary,. Women cannot work. They must make the most secure marriage that is possible. Will you at least convince him to at least call on the girl?”
Darcy stood rigidly, thoughts flashing quickly through his mind, mostly on the opposite of what Watt proposed. He preferred Bingley seek a lady who could help him rise in London’s society. If the business succeeded, then his friend would be in a better position to advance. He continued to defend this internally, fighting every impulse to agree to do what Watt requested.
“I believe your silence tells me what I need to know. Well, I know what to do.” James Watt moved away from Darcy and headed towards Bingley, where they spoke quietly.
The guests spent the evening trying different experiments as they argued and teased each other over their theories. Sitting with Bingley and Kent, Darcy, for the first time, found himself envious of the two tradesmen’s sons. The gathering had proven far more interesting than he had anticipated, and one he would have regretted missing. I must write to Rawlings about this evening. He would have found something witty to share about these people.
Darcy and Kent remained to share a few glasses of scotch with their host, who was busy pouring the Oban in his study. The room, decorated in dark wood, seemed to match Bingley’s mood lately.
“Where was Miss Bingley tonight?” Darcy asked. “I was surprised she was not in attendance.”
“She had other commitments. And truthfully, I suspect she would have created one if necessary, for she truly hates these meetings. She would rather not be included. My Aunt Watt serves as hostess whenever we hold a meeting here. I wish it were more often. They usually meet in Birmingham.”
“Still, I was surprised.” Darcy stared sheepishly into his glass.
“Your attendance was a secret.” Bingley grinned.
Darcy nodded. “Ah. Well, it was a most interesting evening. I thank you for inviting me.”
“I was honored you came; however, I am sorry your other engagement was delayed.”
“Do not worry yourself. I should have immediately canceled that engagement upon your kind invitation. I assure you this was more rewarding. I have never been so intrigued by a party.”
Kent peered over his glass as he sipped his scotch. “It was a shame Miss Darcy was otherwise engaged tonight. I had hoped she would have been able to come. It would have been beneficial for her to attend this dinner party.” He did not remove his gaze from Darcy.
“Georgiana is still young. I would not want to put her in a situation that would cause her undue stress.” Kent opened his mouth to speak when Darcy held up his hand. “And no one should be concerned with her social schedule except me.”
“I beg your pardon. I did not mean to suggest I know better what she should do. Perhaps, a much smaller introduction into science would be wise. This was a most boisterous evening, and if one is not used to the enthusiastic discussions, one can be easily intimidated.”
“Now that we have finished explaining our sisters’ absences—”
Kent interrupted. “Not true, Darcy. We have not discussed my sister.”
“And where was she this night? Off to a ball or party?”
“She was here. She seemed intrigued by the experiments,” Bingley answered quickly for Kent. “She dangled the spider over Kent’s head.
“I am sorry. I do not recall meeting another person by the name of Kent.” Darcy said.
“I must ask your forgiveness, Darcy.” Bingley tilted his head to the right and shrugged his shoulders. “I should have introduced her. I forgot you had not met her before.”
“I assumed you had been introduced. I arrived late,” Kent said.
“Well, perhaps we will have another opportunity. I suggest we discuss our current activities.” Darcy handed his glass to Bingley. “You recently returned to the Custom House, and I have a few questions.”
Bingley and Kent satisfied Darcy’s questions. They talked excitedly, making recommendations to which Darcy agreed. He, in turn, gave details of his visit to Lloyds. He indicated he had found the underwriters for portions of their planned activities, and even a few men showed an interest in the liability insurance. Before long, all conversation faded away. Bingley refilled everyone’s drinks, sat down and stared at the fire. He had lost his earlier enthusiasm. His glum look returned. His shoulders slumped, and he barely participated in the conversation about the play Darcy had seen at Lyceum Theater. With no other business subjects left to discuss, the three men sat in silence. Darcy glanced at Bingley, and then towards Kent, who shrugged. Bingley released several loud sighs.
Darcy refilled Bingley's glass. “What are your plans for the winter?”
Bingley sighed again. “I believe Caroline and I will be here until late February, when we will leave for the north to spend time with family. Tonight, Uncle Watt invited us to visit. I will, of course, pursue other avenues of revenue for the alliance.” Bingley turned his attention to the popping sound in the fireplace and stared at the shimmering flames. “We will depart after Lord Dembry’s ball. I… do not expect to return until summer. Perhaps as late as July.”
“You will not return for the Season?” Darcy was surprised by Bingley’s plans. He had never known Bingley to miss the society of the ladies during that time. Every year a new group of young females appeared, and every year Bingley attended the balls and parties with pleasure each time.
“No. I have no interest this year. I would rather spend time focused on business.” Bingley continued to stare at the fire. “London seems dull and boring to me.”
“I will remain in town this year,” Darcy said and then thought how he had hoped they could leave Meryton’s lovely ladies behind and find others to fill their thoughts.
“I expected you to go to Derbyshire.”
Darcy shook his head. “The alliance business will keep me in town. I will not be heading to Pemberley until July. You and your family are welcome to join us then.” Darcy turned to Kent. “You are invited as well. In fact, it may be a good opportunity to reconvene. Rawlings will have returned.
Both agreed—Darcy noted that Kent did so enthusiastically while Bingley’s responded with indifferent nod.
Darcy sighed. “Do you suppose Rawlings had such an enjoyable evening?”
Chapter Eleven
“Hold your head over the side, Logan. Do not be sick on me.” Rawlings pulled Logan’s upper body above the railing, supported him while his valet released his meal, heaving until there was nothing left. “Do not return to the stateroom. You will just become seasick again. Stay here. I will get you blankets.”
Logan slumped against the railing. Another passenger, suffering from the same ailment, slithered down from the railing and joined him on the damp wooden slats of the deck. Their moaning continued, muted but not so quiet the other man could not hear.
The stranger laughed between moans. “Thank God this is only a forty-day journey.”
Logan nodded. “But, sir, we still have more than four weeks to go. This nightmare cannot dissapate soon enough. I have decided I prefer a slower moving, and less choppy, ship–one that sails only in sunlight and during calm seas.”
“I, too, prefer to never board a boat again.” The stranger winked.
Rawlings, returning with an armful of folded up blankets, spied the other man who was shirvering alongside his valet. He handed him several blankets as well. “Good evening, sir. Please accept these. It is much too cold today.”
A World of Expectations_Book 2_The Confrontation Page 16