Page 29 of How Not to Marry a Duke

His passion for his work was clear. “How?”

“We’ll be able to move everything by railroad—goods, fuel like coal and wood, as well as people. The cost of goods will be cheaper for the everyday man and woman.”

She squinted at the black, greasy contraption and tried to picture all he’d described. His enthusiasm was evident in his voice and his intense gaze. A slow swirl built in her chest. What would it be like to have his undivided attention?

She shoved the thought aside. She needed to understand more. Much more. “Tell me about the other items.”

He pointed to another object. “This is an electric battery invented by Sir Volta of Italy. It can provide electricity.”

“What is that?”

“Electricity is a form of power that forward thinking scientists believe can make things work and move. Sir Volta discovered it could be generated chemically. He has inspired the study of electromagnetism, and even Napoleon honored him with a medal.”

She recalled hearing about scientific accomplishments, but the device and field of study appeared complex. She reached for a round object on one of the tables that looked like a ball she’d seen the country children use. “And this? What is it?”

“A ball.”

Her brow furrowed. “A simple children’s toy?”

“Yes. We played football with it all through Oxford.”

“Why is it here? Do you plan on playing with the countryfolk?”

He looked at her like she was irrational. “The ball is made of an inflated pig’s bladder and covered with leather. When it gets wet, the leather is heavy…so heavy it could cause harm to the players. When I was at school, I once saw it break an opponent’s arm.”

She supposed it was possible if it hit a man with enough force.

He ran his hand over the ball’s surface. “I’ve been experimenting with different materials to cover the ball. It must be sturdy enough for a game, supple like leather to cover the ball, but not as heavy when wet.”

It seemed like a worthwhile endeavor. She continued perusing the objects in the room. Some were on tables, others on the floor. Her initial shock had ebbed, and she found herself more and more curious. “What’s this?” A mannequin like one a Bond Street dressmaker would use to display a garment in the bow window of her shop lay on its side.

“I’ve been working on a self-tying corset.”

A lady’s maid assisted a woman in this task. She didn’t think they would use such a contraption but held her tongue.

Another device caught her eye. An iron box with what looked like a smaller box on top with a long handle. She had no idea as to what it could be.

“And this?” she asked, pointing to the box. “What is it?”

He rubbed his chin with a thumb and forefinger. “That invention is in the early phases of development. If successful, I hope it can be used to maintain a well-kept lawn.”

“How?”

“Only the wealthy can justify the expense of dozens of scythe-wielding gardeners to maintain their vast lawns. My own gardens in town and at Warwick House in Hertfordshire comprise ten thousand acres. Not all acres are maintained by my gardeners, but it takes a small army and a lot of coin.”

She had memories of her father’s gardeners out at the break of dawn. “You are right that dozens of gardeners are required, but they also rely on the work to provide for their families. Wouldn’t this contraption eliminate many of the staff?”

“That’s the idea. You see, once this is perfected, it will save time and money.”

“But what about the staff, those who desperately need their wages? Their families? The owners of these grand manor homes can spare the expense. You can spare it. The workers cannot.”

“It is progress. You cannot fight it.” His voice was full of conviction and confidence, as if no one could see otherwise.

“I dislike it.”

“Then we must agree to disagree.”

Yes, they did. Still, he was showing her a part of himself, and she needed to know as much as she could.