Suddenly a St. Clair (The St. Clairs Book 5)

by Alexa Aston

  “Thank you, Jeremy. I . . . I want us all to make a good impression upon her. She’s told me that her work is her priority. Because of it, she doesn’t intend to wed.”

  Luke chuckled and threw an arm about Hudson’s shoulder. “That’s because my brother hasn’t asked for her hand in marriage. She’ll change her mind if you ask her. The rest of us will be charming and attentive, so much that she will want to become a St. Clair when asked.”

  “Tell us a little about her before she arrives,” Anthony urged.

  He thought a moment, wondering how much he should reveal.

  “She was brought up in Surrey. This is her first time in London. She lost her mother at an early age and spent every day working with her father. He was an inventor and passed along his love of creating new things to her. He recently passed and she’s come to live with relatives. Lord and Lady Trentham.”

  “I know Trentham,” Jeremy said. “He’s a good man who’s spent years in service to England through the diplomatic corps.”

  “Lady Mia is . . . well, she’s not used to society,” Hudson continued. “Her aunt is teaching her all sorts of things and insists she make her come-out this Season.”

  “How old is she?” Alex asked.

  “In her twenties,” he replied. “She’s doing so merely to be kind and repay her aunt for taking her in.”

  “Taking her in?” Evan asked, frowning.

  “Her cousin, the new Viscount Morrison, has washed his hands of her.”

  “Wait,” Luke said. “That’s . . . Horatio Sloane, isn’t it?”

  “He’s a nasty piece of work,” Anthony said.

  Hudson explained how Morrison had refused to allow any more of Lady Mia’s inventions to leave the property, only to burn them once she had gone.

  “What a cruel thing to do,” Rachel said. “I know his wife. Or know of her. Lady Hortense. Lady Morrison now. She’s deliberately cruel and hateful.” She slipped her arm through Hudson’s. “Don’t worry. We will be on our best behavior when Lady Mia arrives. I’m sure she’ll accept your proposal, Hudson.”

  Barton announced the arrival of Matthew Proctor and their investors, who were the closest friends of the family. Jeremy had gone to school with Lords Neville and Morefield. Catherine’s friend, Charlotte, had married Morefield. Lord Rutherford was a childhood friend, while Lord Merrifield had almost married Rachel. Instead, he had become one of her and Evan’s closest friends and his wife, Diana, was a frequent visitor to various St. Clair households.

  It took a few moments for everyone to greet one another and then Hudson said, “I’d like to tell you a little about the inventor you’ll meet. Her name is Lady Mia Sloane and it is her new variation on a steam engine that I hope will propel our venture in establishing a new railway in England.”

  Hudson told them a little about the machine and said that Lady Mia would be able to speak of it in much more detail. He explained that he’d signed her to an agreement where she would work with the St. Clairs on its production and how he was interested in other devices of her making.

  He concluded by saying, “She’s simply brilliant. I’m sure you’ll agree with me once you’ve heard her speak.”

  At that moment, Barton entered the room and said, “Lord Trentham and Lady Mia Sloane are here, Your Grace.”

  “Thank you, Barton,” Jeremy said. “Have them come in.”

  Hudson’s heart beat more rapidly as she entered the library. She wore a simple gown of lavender, which brought out the golden highlights in her caramel hair. She looked a bit nervous but held her head high as she and her uncle crossed the room.

  “Let me make the introductions,” he said, going around the large circle and introducing everyone.

  “My, this is an esteemed group of men,” Lord Trentham noted. “And ladies,” he added, smiling at Rachel and his niece.

  “You might wonder why I am present, Lady Mia,” Rachel said. “I am Mr. St. Clair’s sister and also run my own business.”

  He saw Lady Mia’s eyes widen.

  “Once you’ve finished your presentation, I’d love to tell you about what I design and get your thoughts on my latest project.”

  “I’d be honored to discuss it with you, Lady Merrick.”

  “If everyone would come gather at the far end of the library, I had one of Lady Mia’s steam engines brought over from the warehouse.” He looked to her. “I thought it would help as you discussed it and demonstrated what it does.”

  “That was very thoughtful of you, Mr. St. Clair.” Her brown eyes shone with approval.

  The group moved in the direction where the steam engine stood on a small platform. He moved ahead of them and removed the drape covering it. Murmuring began as they started talking amongst themselves. He watched Lady Mia stand to the side as she observed them.

  After a few minutes, Hudson asked them to step back and take a seat in the chairs he’d had placed around the device. Lady Mia slipped one of her notebooks from her reticule.

  “Let me hold your reticule,” Rachel said and took it.

  He saw Lady Mia swallow nervously and stepped toward her.

  “Just explain it to me as you did in the stables that day,” he said quietly. “You’ll do well.”

  She nodded, holding her notebook close. “To begin, this concept goes back many centuries in some form or fashion. About two hundred years ago, it was developed as small steam jacks. During the last century, the problem arose on how to extract water from deep coal mines. The power of steam allowed that water to be pumped to the surface. That brought the potential power of steam to come to light.”

  He noticed she began to relax and knew it was because she spoke on a topic she was comfortable discussing.

  “It’s basically the condensation of water vapor that creates a vacuum. Water is boiled in one tank until it changes to vapor and is collected in a second tank.”

  “Ah, that’s where the vacuum comes in,” Alex said.

  “Yes, my lord, that’s correct. The vacuum produces energy, which is how the water was pumped from the coal mines. Several problems arose, though, causing explosions. That’s when Mr. James Watt’s innovative design changed matters. He developed a low-pressure engine cylinder that included heat insulation and a separate condenser, along with an apparatus for pumping out condensed water.”

  Hudson saw people nodding as she went on to talk about the work of Ivan Polzuno, a Russian who invented the first two-cylinder steam engine, and then more about James Watt, who improved the steam engine that became used in ships. She then explained Richard Trevithick’s high-pressure engine, which was adapted to Cornish boilers less than two decades ago.

  “Is this high-pressured engine what the Stockton and Darlington Railway is using?” Jeremy asked.

  Though she kept her language simple, Hudson still found himself lost as Lady Mia discussed stationary engines and the revolutions per minute they produced, though he got even more lost in her explanation of how a high-pressured engine was supported by large cylindrical tanks filled with heated water, which produced the steam to power something.

  Several times, she pointed at various components on the engine she’d devised and showed the group the subtle differences that she thought would save energy and produce more steam—which meant more power. She opened her notebook and referred to several illustrations within it, showing these to everyone and taking questions. By now, she was relaxed and confident, in her element, showing her knowledge and creativity.

  “Does anyone else have a question?” she asked politely.

  Hudson scanned the crowd. “No, I think you’ve answered all our questions, Lady Mia.”

  Spontaneous applause broke out. Her cheeks turned beet red. She turned away, closing her notebook and tossing the drape over the machinery again. As she took a seat, enthusiastic talk began as they discussed the possibilities of her apparatus and various routes in which they could locate their railway.

  “We’ll need to decide soon on the first line’s
direction,” he said. “It will mean purchasing a great deal of property along the way.”

  “Just think how easy and fast it will be to transport goods and people by railway,” Rachel said. “No more being tossed about in a carriage. I cannot tell you how uncomfortable that is when you are with child.”

  Luke laughed heartily. “You don’t have to enlighten me. Caroline has complained mightily about it.”

  “If you didn’t have so many children, she wouldn’t have to complain so much,” his sister retorted. “If men had to carry even a single baby to term, they would have much more respect for their wives.”

  Luke’s eyes sparked, ready for a fight. “If I could—”

  “Enough, you two,” Jeremy said. “You may spar with each other once our guests leave.” He turned to Lady Mia. “You are very creative, my lady. I feel fortunate that my brother discovered you and we have the chance to work with you on this engine. I hope it’s possible that we might be able to purchase the rights to other inventions of your making.”

  Jeremy looked at the group. “Thank you all for coming today. I know you are happy to have received the information about the investment you’re making.”

  Hudson watched as everyone began saying goodbye to Lady Mia and Lord Trentham. Jeremy moved to his elbow and quietly said, “I’m going to ask Lady Mia and her uncle to stay for tea. It’s time for some of the rest of the family to meet her. I’ve already asked Anthony to stay. He’s gone downstairs to find Catherine and Laurel and alert them.”

  “What do you think of her?” he asked.

  “I’ll tell you after tea,” his brother said and winked at him.

  Luke came to Hudson and said, “I’ve got to go to Evie’s and collect some ledgers for Caroline to look over. I’m heading straight to Fairhaven after that.” He leaned in. “I like her, Hudson. She’s bright and personable. You better snatch her up before the Season starts because you’ll have a line of suitors to knock away if you don’t.”

  Luke gave him a bear hug and left. Hudson saw Rachel and Lady Mia speaking animatedly while Lord Trentham looked on. Evan strolled to Hudson.

  “I don’t think my Rachel can contain herself. She’s mad for Lady Mia. I know Jeremy is trying to get a word in edgewise so he can invite them to stay for tea. Shall I go claim my gorgeous wife? Perhaps silence her with a lengthy kiss?”

  “Would you?” Hudson joked. “When Rachel is wound up, I don’t think anything can keep her quiet. Even a kiss.”

  His brother-in-law manage to pull Rachel away and out the door, where Hudson assumed Evan managed to get in a kiss. It allowed Jeremy to extend an invitation to tea. Lord Trentham accepted on their behalf and those remaining made their way down the hall to where Catherine, Laurel, and Anthony waited.

  Hudson introduced his sister and sister-in-law and everyone seated themselves as two maids rolled in the tea carts. They spent a pleasant hour together. Lord Trentham told some amusing stories about serving in various countries. Catherine and Laurel shared the latest happenings at the orphanage and Linfield School. Rachel invited Lady Mia for tea the following day in order to share drawings of her designs. He observed how natural and relaxed the conversation seemed. How Lady Mia fit in with his family with ease. It told him he was making the right decision.

  The only thing left was to convince the reluctant bride-to-be to marry him.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Mia kept to her usual routine and put in a full morning at her workshop. George made a clever suggestion and she smiled.

  “Do you know that it’s lovely working with you, George?” she asked the former valet. “I am so glad Mr. St. Clair suggested that you become my research assistant. Your systematic arrangement of everything from files to equipment has made me much more productive. You are so neat and methodical. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

  He beamed. “It’s a true pleasure working with you, my lady. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed my time as your papa’s valet. Lord Morrison was the kindest soul on earth, may God rest his soul, but with all the activity here, I’ve found a new lease on life. I feel years younger.”

  “I know Papa would be very happy that you are helping me continue his work and create my own. You were an excellent, trustworthy valet but an even better scientific associate.”

  “I’m satisfied in the work, my lady. Very much so. Who would have thought I would have a hand in helping an invention come to life?” He paused. “It also means a great deal to me that I continue to work with the family. I was with Lord Morrison for many years. Why, I still remember the day you were born and how thrilled he was. It’s been a pleasure seeing you grow up and become the lovely, talented woman you are.”

  Mia hugged him. “Thank you, George. I feel as though you are family.”

  He blushed. “Thank you, Lady Mia.”

  She went back to work, humming under her breath.

  “You seem quite happy today, my lady,” he commented.

  “Working makes me happy,” she replied and turned away, feeling her cheeks heat.

  Yes, it was true she enjoyed what she was doing but her thoughts this morning kept turning to yesterday. Not the meeting with all the St. Clairs and the investors but afterward, when the duke had invited her and Uncle Trentham to tea. She’d enjoyed it so much, visiting with the duchess and Lady Merrick. She’d never had friends before and wondered if it would be possible to become friends with either of them. Both had been warm and accepting and interesting to talk to. The men had been delightful, as well. Lord Merrick had a wicked sense of humor and the Duke of Everton wasn’t anything like she thought a duke would be. She’d imagined a cold, haughty man who looked with disdain at everyone around him. Instead, he’d spoken to her as much as he had her uncle.

  It shouldn’t have surprised her how closely Lady Linfield resembled Mr. St. Clair, especially when it came out that they were twins. All the St. Clair siblings favored one another with their jet-black hair and emerald eyes, but the twins resembled each other the most. She didn’t really understand enough about titles to know why the duke’s younger brother was an earl but Mr. St. Clair wasn’t. She wanted to ask Aunt Fanny about it but she didn’t want her to know she was interested in the man.

  Much less that she’d kissed him.

  Mia had relived their kiss multiple times. In fact, it was hard to look at Mr. St. Clair without a blush rising on her cheeks. Though his brothers and brothers-in-law were all fine-looking gentlemen, there was something special that attracted her to him. He had the St. Clair good looks and build, with a dangerous edge added in somehow. She’d heard him and Lord Linfield discuss boxing at some club and decided that’s where he had developed such delicious muscles.

  Delicious? What was happening to her? Sweets were delicious, not men. Or she hadn’t thought so until she’d met Mr. St. Clair. He’d asked to stop by the warehouse tomorrow morning and talk to her about some of her inventions. The thought of spending time in his company brought those interesting tingles, the ones she’d had when she kissed him. Or he kissed her. She supposed she had started it and he had joined in enthusiastically. She thought about how she’d teased about conducting kissing experiments on him and felt her blush rise up her face to her roots.

  Why had she said something so outrageous?

  Because she had wanted to kiss him again.

  He’d been a gentleman, though. She was sure he’d be the same tomorrow when he visited.

  Part of Mia wanted him not to be so gentlemanly.

  After another hour, she found her concentration waning and told George she was ready to go home. He finished assembling what she had given him and secured it in a cabinet. Mr. Willis, the man who had come and helped move her inventions from Morris Park, had stopped by to see her. He was the one who suggested bringing in cabinets and shelving. It had made all the difference in the world. George, being the former valet he was, immediately devised a way everything could be organized. That was good because Mia was very messy in her work, leaving thi
ngs scattered about. Having George as her assistant kept her on her toes and he always knew where to find the odd screw or which notebook she needed to refer to.

  She petted Nelson for a few minutes and then lowered him from her lap. He seemed to know she was through for the day and strolled from her workshop. She supposed he was ready to make his rounds through the warehouse and keep it mice free.

  Once George drove her home, she asked that he return to take her to tea at the Marchioness of Merrick’s residence.

  “I’ll be back, my lady. You can count on me.”

  Mia called for hot water and took her time with her bath, enjoying the luxury of a full tub of hot water. With so few servants, she hadn’t wanted to inconvenience those they had by making them heat and carry buckets of water up the stairs too frequently. It was different now, just as her entire life in London was different. It would change even more once the Season began in three weeks. She wasn’t looking forward to it but pretended she did for Aunt Fanny’s sake.

  She joined her aunt for luncheon, reminding her that she would be gone for tea with the marchioness.

  “I’ve heard the Marchioness of Merrick will be the Duchess of Winstead soon,” her aunt confided. “Word has it that her father-in-law, the Duke of Winstead, is quite ill.” Aunt Fanny patted Mia’s hand. “I am so happy that you are making friends, Mia.”

  “The marchioness is very nice. So were the Duchess of Everton and the Duchess of Linfield.”

  “It was a great honor to be asked to stay for tea. Such illustrious company! Even Trentham said he had a good time.”

  “Uncle told some interesting tales of life in the diplomatic service. Everyone was very interested in what he had to say.”

  “Let’s hope that some of your new acquaintances will invite you to events they host. We are already starting to receive some invitations. You have been included, of course, because Trentham put out the word that his niece was staying with him. Oh, the Season is going to be so much fun, Mia.”