To Catch a Rake by Sally Orr

Author:Sally Orr
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2015-12-07T05:00:00+00:00

Eleven

George glanced up to the platform where his father stood in conversation with Mr. Marc Brunel. With the ease of one familiar with soliciting funds, his father had arranged a meeting with the majority of the tunnel’s important personnel. Without their knowledge of a pending event, the tunnel’s principals now gathered at the site on Cow Court. While his father and others poured over the account books on a wooden platform next to the giant pit, George and several other engineers, including Mr. Isambard Brunel, Mr. Beamish, and Mr. Gravatt, conversed below at the bottom of the pit.

Twirling his pencil between his fingers, George wondered if Mrs. Russell’s surprise would indeed take place. If it did, and proved successful, his promotion might be sealed. He would be given more responsibilities than he had at present. Moreover, the one hundred and fifty pounds added to his salary would go a long way toward helping pay for the construction of models for his proposed projects.

However, he considered himself a realist, so failure could be in his cards too. His acquaintance with Mrs. Russell had not been long enough for him to have complete confidence that she could deliver upon her promise. After all, she had guaranteed success once before. She had promised that if he performed the onerous office of setting James straight on the initials in the field guide, James and Lily would resume their engagement. Decidedly, that did not happen. So today, would she and her “Learned Ladies” come through with their surprise? Thankfully, if she failed, no one would be the wiser. Most of the tunnel’s principals were engaged in normal duties, so a failure to deliver on her part would have little detrimental effect upon his chances of advancement.

In the middle of an argument with the cement supplier about the latest lot’s inability to dry within the specified amount of time, George heard a commotion above him. He and the other engineers looked up to the platform. As if orchestrated by an unseen conductor, all of the men working on the tunnel also turned to look up to the street.

So Mrs. Russell must have come through with her surprise.

His spirits lifted to a remarkable degree, and his current opinion of her softened from fetching busybody to possible benefactress. He mentioned an upcoming honor to the other engineers standing near him, so everyone ascended the staircase to join the others already assembled on another wooden platform built for the public to view the workings.

At least five black traveling coaches had pulled into Cow Court, and their passengers disembarked. His father quickly informed the other tunnel personnel that they might expect the privilege of a visit by a person of significant importance.

George scanned the passengers as they exited their carriages. Mrs. Russell, Lady Sarah, and several other “Learned Ladies” disembarked from the first carriage, while at least fifty gentlemen exited the other carriages. The guests greeted each other as they all moved to gather around the platform.

Mrs. Russell caught his eye and waved.

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