Page 38 of Inventing Vivian

He left Zhang Wei and started for his office, thinking how fortunate he was in his neighbors. Chester was delightful, and he didn’t think the boy would ever know what his friendship meant to Zhang Wei.

Mr. Thomas stood when Benedict entered the office. His cheeks and lips were still red. He was tying a string around a wrapped box. “The parcel is ready to send to Somerset, my lord.”

“Thank you.” Benedict was grateful to the man for his advice regarding the purchase of a gift for his niece. He had no idea what a small girl might enjoy, but Mr. Thomas had insisted that among all of his own nieces, a child-sized tea set was a favorite.

Mr. Thomas motioned toward the large desk. “And a letter was delivered for you, my lord.” He tucked the parcel beneath his arm and excused himself.

Seeing the handwriting on the envelope, Benedict opened it eagerly, sitting back in his chair to read.

Your Lordship,

As per your request, I should like to inform you of my progress in preparation for the exhibition. The construction and painting of my display booth was completed this afternoon, and I am very pleased with the result. The remainder of the assembly will be completed on site at the Crystal Palace tomorrow.

I was very fortunate to have the assistance of my friends and my carriage driver in the building of the thing. My father helped with the design. You may or may not be acquainted with my father, but if you are not, you will not know about his condition. The recurring effects of childhood polio have nearly fully paralyzed his legs. Walking is difficult, and he does so with the help of two canes.

Since I was a young girl, my father has been my greatest champion. When I showed an interest in science, he built me a laboratory where I can conduct experiments and build inventions.

In my father’s mind, I am a brilliant inventor. And being accepted into the exhibition is not only the fulfillment of my own dreams but his as well.

I want more than anything to make him proud. And Professor Wallis and yourself as well. The idea of disappointing any of you by a poor showing of the Personal Propulsion Vehicle is more troubling to me than you can imagine.

I remain yours sincerely,

Miss Vivian Kirby

From what Benedict had learned from Miss Kirby’s letter, he looked forward to meeting her father as well. And then, of course, there was Miss Vivian Kirby herself.

She’d been radiant the evening before, smiling and laughing with her friends. Benedict had watched her across the opera hall, finding it practically impossible to look anywhere else. Her cheeks had been rosy, and the light from the gasoliers had made her skin glow. Had his simple act of sponsorship been responsible for her smiles? The thought was very gratifying.

He felt a twist of anger as he remembered Ruben’s treatment of Miss Kirby and her friends. Ruben had changed while Benedict was in China. He’d always been a self-assured person, even arrogant at times, but at least he’d been cordial in company.

Now Ruben seemed to be filled with bitterness, an anger fueled by alcohol that had turned him into a spiteful person Benedict didn’t recognize. He didn’t know what had happened to his friend while he was gone, but he thought it had to do with Miss Lancaster. Perhaps his engagement to Lady Lorene wasn’t as joyful as Ruben claimed.

Benedict considered his parents’ demand that he find a wife, and his chest felt heavy. Was he destined for unhappiness like Ruben? Was it possible for a man to honor his duty and still follow his heart? He was beginning to believe the two paths were mutually exclusive.

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