Page 44 of Inventing Vivian

Miss Kirby walked with her father, and Benedict offered his arm to escort Mrs. Larsen. Chester and Mr. Li followed. The procession moved slowly through the drawing room and down the passageway to the dining room.

Benedict took his seat, sitting between Mr. Kirby at the head of the table and his daughter. Chester and Zhang Wei were seated across, and Mrs. Larsen sat at the other end, facing her brother.

Benedict felt the familiar worry about offending with his eating habits. He had considered sending word ahead about his and Zhang Wei’s distaste for meat, but doing so felt demanding as a guest. Now he feared they would insult their hosts by appearing finicky.

The first course was served, and Benedict was relieved to see a creamy potato soup. So far, so good.

Mr. Kirby set down his spoon and dabbed a napkin on his lip. “Lord Benedict, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but one of Vivian’s inventions has been accepted into the International Exhibition of Industry and Science.”

“Indeed?” Benedict asked.

“We are very proud,” Mrs. Larsen said from the other side of the table. “She is a brilliant scientist, you know. And her inventions are very clever.”

“I believe you, madam,” Benedict said, glancing at Miss Kirby. She toyed with the napkin in her lap, and he wasn’t certain whether she was embarrassed by the attention or apprehensive about his reaction. Likely both. “I have proof of her ingenuity in my own garden fountain.”

Miss Kirby glanced at him.

“Have you entered the Personal Propulsion Vehicle?” he asked.

“I have, my lord.”

“A good choice.”

“Are you very acquainted with the exhibition, Lord Benedict?” Mrs. Larsen asked.

“I confess I know it only by reputation,” Benedict said. He sat back as another course was served. Roast beef and vegetables. He glanced at Zhang Wei. The two had discussed not only English dinner etiquette but how to manage in the event that they were served meat.

His friend kept a pleasant expression and cut off a piece of a carrot. One would hardly know he’d used a fork and knife only a few times in his life.

“I hear the Scotsman Alexander Bell will attend this year,” Benedict said, watching to see Miss Kirby’s response.

“Yes!” Her reaction did not disappoint. Her face lit up, and she filled with energy, like a windup toy once the key is turned. “He is to demonstrate both his method for acoustic telegraphy as well as his advancement in vocal physiology.” She glanced around the table. “He believes it possible to project voices over telegraph wires. Can you imagine the implications of such a discovery?”

“Interesting,” Mr. Kirby said. “But it seems impractical. What purpose would it serve?”

“The ability to speak with one who is in another part of the city? Or even the country?” Vivian asked. “It would be not only convenient for business and communication, but just imagine hearing the voice of a family member whom you’ve not seen in years. The ability to visit or to communicate without the difficulties of travel...”

“The idea is nearly unimaginable,” Benedict said. “How would it work? Would every home have a voice telegraph machine?”

“Eventually, I believe they would.” Miss Kirby nodded excitedly.

“I much prefer writing letters,” Mrs. Larsen said. “Much more civilized than yelling into a machine.”

Benedict scooted the meat to one side of his plate and noticed Zhang Wei doing the same.

“Vivian has a secret sponsor for the exhibition,” Chester said. He watched Benedict and Zhang Wei as if to judge their reactions to his announcement.

“Chester, remember, you are not to speak unless spoken to,” Mrs. Larsen reminded him.

“Yes, Mama.”

“A secret sponsor?” Benedict asked, directing his question to Miss Kirby.

“Yes.” Her expression became a bit more guarded. “The nobleman who offered the sponsorship doesn’t wish for his name to be known.”

“He doesn’t wish to be known publicly, butyouknow who he is, of course,” Benedict said. He watched closely for her reaction.

“No,” she said. “His name is concealed from me as well.”

---