“The public will be milling about—I imagine the Prince’s equerries will be there, keeping the hoi polloi at a distance.” Mary’s eyes had narrowed, as if examining t
he scene in her mind. “We’re acquainted with Albert, and it would be odd if we were there but didn’t greet him—his people will recognize us and not seek to prevent us from doing so. From what you say, it seems as if the best time to engage him—to encourage him to focus on the Throgmorton exhibit—will be as he finishes with the invention before. Whatever the number twenty-three exhibit is.”
Ryder had shifted to study his wife. He caught her eye and cocked a brow at her. “You think to charm Albert into paying special attention to the Throgmorton exhibit.”
Mary nodded decisively. “Exactly.”
Rand straightened in his seat. “Actually, that might work out especially well.” Across the table, he met William John’s eyes. “I was wondering how to get the pressure up in time to demonstrate the full capacity of the engine.” To the others, he said, “Once the engine is turned on—the coal ignited—it takes a few minutes for the steam pressure to build. But the organizers’ rules state that we’re not allowed to turn on the engine until the Prince is finished with the previous invention and turns our way.” Rand looked at Mary, including Ryder with his gaze. “If you two step in the instant Albert’s finished with number twenty-three, and chat, charm, and delay him, then William John can push the start button the instant Albert turns our way—”
“And by the time we release him, and he reaches you and William John, the steam carriage will be primed and ready for its demonstration.” Mary grinned. “Consider it done.”
Felicia grinned, too; it was clear that her soon-to-be sister-in-law was delighted to have carved out an active role for herself and her husband in their plans to present the Throgmorton steam carriage to best advantage.
“That will be perfect.” Enthused, William John met Rand’s eyes, eagerness in every line of his face. “If we have the pressure properly up, then if the Prince shows interest, we’ll be able to take him for a short drive.”
Rand, Felicia, Mary, and Ryder—the four of the company who had already experienced the thrill of driving the steam carriage or even being driven in it—fell silent as they considered how someone like Albert, with a known penchant for new inventions, would respond to such an experience, however curtailed...
“That,” Rand said, his tone suggesting he was contemplating an unexpected windfall, “would set the seal on the steam carriage’s success.”
William John looked from one to the other. “Then let’s do it—there’s no reason we can’t ask if he would like to go for a drive.”
Everyone agreed.
“How long does the public showing go for?” Mary asked.
“Until six o’clock.” Rand caught Ryder’s eye, then glanced at the men. “At the end, it’ll be left to us to remove the steam carriage and get it safely away.”
That necessitated another round of discussion and planning.
Eventually, with the manner of their departure, steam carriage and all, from the Town Hall decided, Shields said, “I’ve spoken with the innkeeper, just to confirm—when I was here earlier, he said we could use his coach house to store the steam carriage overnight as the doors have a lock. Seems there’s no problem with that—I took a look, and the building will do well enough.”
“The steam carriage will fit?” William John asked.
Shields nodded. “Plenty of room.”
Regardless of any lock, Ryder and Rand set a roster for guarding the steam carriage over the following night.
With all decided and arranged as far as it could be, with an atmosphere of quiet confidence infusing the company, the men pushed back from the table and, with nods to their various employers, went off to find their beds. William John bade everyone a vague farewell and followed the men from the private room.
Ryder, Mary, Rand, and Felicia rose and followed the others more slowly.
With Felicia’s arm tucked in his, as he and she followed Ryder and Mary up the stairs, Rand murmured, “I plan to survey the other inventions presented to determine if any are worthwhile investing in. Exhibitions such as this are often a good source of future projects”—he caught her eye—“and I would like you to assess them with me.” He smiled. “I would appreciate picking your brains regarding any problems you see in the designs, and also what strengths you perceive in the concepts.”
Felicia felt contentment well and wash through her. She inclined her head. “I’ll be happy to oblige.”
“Depending on the interest the steam carriage garners,” Rand went on, “I might be able to make some time before the Prince approaches, but once Albert’s finished with us and the greater part of the crowd’s attention moves on with him, I should definitely have time to wander the other exhibits and investigate their potential.”
She nodded as they stepped into the upper corridor and turned toward her room. That he valued her mind and her insights into inventions beyond the steam carriage could not have been clearer. “While you’re busy,” she said, “I can make a round of the exhibits myself and see what I can discern.”
“Do.” He squeezed her hand, then, as they paused outside her door, he looked to right and left along the currently deserted corridor. Then he met her eyes. “Should I go to my room and return later? Or...?”
Her smile grew radiant. “No.” She shifted her fingers, gripped and tugged his hand. While it was reassuring that he valued her mind, to be wanted for her body was another delight. “We’re affianced. You’re mine, and I’m yours, and that’s all there is to it.”
His answering smile warmed her heart.
He reached around her and opened the door. She walked in and drew him with her.
* * *