Bingley confirmed Georgiana’s disclosure. “I saw Stephenson’s early efforts at the Killingworth Colliery near Durham. I shan’t bore the ladies with the design details, but the July demonstration had the engine pulling eight loaded wagons.”

“How much weight?” Southland asked with interest.

“Reportedly over thirty tons.”

“And the speed?” Manneville inquired.

“Between four and five miles per hour. It’s my understanding that the man was working on another geared locomotive, which he’s named Bülcher.”

Edward asked, “After the Prussian commander?”

Bingley laughed lightly. “I wondered if it was a metaphorical remark on the gentleman’s fighting style.”

Lady Catherine’s disapproval showed when she said, “I cannot imagine a titled gentleman soiling his hands with such matters.”

Her remark struck a blow to Georgiana’s enthusiasm, and Edward wouldn’t have it. He had been enjoying the sparkle in his cousin’s eyes and her complexion’s brightness. He’d found a different Georgiana upon his return to his homeland. His cousin had transformed into a beguiling young lady. Therefore, he directed a subtle set down in his aunt’s direction. “Yet, it was my understanding that both Sir Thomas Liddle and Lord Strathmore were financial partners in the endeavor.”

Ignoring Lady Catherine’s glare, Manneville said, “Your reports of Mr. Stephenson’s efforts parallel what Oliver Evans has been doing in America. As a young man in Philadelphia, I was among the crowd gathered on the riverfront to view Evans’s Oruktor Amphibolos. Evans designed the machine to dredge and clean the city’s docks.Yet, he failed to convince the Lancaster Turnpike Company to allow him to replace their six-horse Conestoga wagons with his steam engine.”

“Do you suggest the Americans can outdo the British in this matter?” Southland challenged. “Even your famous Robert Fulton’s Clermont used British components for its engine.”

Quietly self-assured, Manneville responded, “Have we returned to that old issue, Southland? I’ve no particular allegiance to either side in this maddening separation. I’m loyal to South Carolina and to the people who depend on my plantation for their daily survival.” He held the lieutenant’s gaze before adding, “John Stevens’s Phoenix was a superior machine, and it was made of inferior American parts — so inferior, in fact, it was the first to navigate an ocean voyage.”

Edward laughed, “He has you there, Southland.” He gave his aide a warning look. It seemed that there was a constant competition between the two.

“Well, I know one idea that is purely British,” Georgiana interjected. With pleasure, Edward returned to his study of her beautiful face. Her eyes widened, and a warm feeling spread through the colonel’s chest. “You Americans cannot build a tunnel under the Thames, Mr. Manneville.”

A collective gasp passed among those at the table. “A tunnel beneath the Thames?” Miss Bingley asked incredulously. “Whatever for?”

“To be fair, Caroline,” Bingley began, “such a passage would make trade more efficient on both sides of the river.”

“Did they not try something similar between Tilbury and Gra-vesend in ’99?” Mr. Bennet asked.

“And between Rotherhithe and Wapping some five years ago?” Southland added.

“But have you not heard?” Georgiana ignored both men’s questions. She glowed with this new attention, and Edward felt his breathing tighten. “Mr. Marc Brunel’s proposed a tunnel under the river Neva in St. Petersburg. Think of the possibilities. Would it not be wonderful?”

Edward’s gaze held Georgiana’s. “If you find the concept fascinating, I embrace the possibilities also.”

“I have never heard of such folly,” Lady Catherine declared.

“Maybe not so foolish, Aunt. It’s rumored that the Duke of Wellington is considering investing in the project if Brunel can be brought on board,” Georgiana countered.

Lady Catherine snorted derisively. “The Duke should know better. My estimation of His Grace’s intelligence is in question.”

His voice distant and devoid of all expression, Edward turned the conversation. “I’ll not criticize the Duke on or off the battlefield. We’ve monopolized the conversation long enough. I believe it’s time to think more on Pemberley’s Christmastide celebration. Please tell me, Cousin, that Darcy will host his annual Boxing Day Tenants’ Ball.”

“It is far from a ball,” Lady Catherine declared.

“A matter of semantics, Your Ladyship,” Edward responded blandly. He was well aware that Lady Catherine liked to stir up emotions. The best defense remained to not rise to his aunt’s censure. “I prefer Darcy’s foray to some of the Season’s finer offerings. None of that silly ritual of dance cards and only being able to dance with a lady twice. Nor are there any manipulating mamas trying to shove some debutante into a man’s arms.”

“Mr. Darcy treats his cottagers well,” Winkler remarked with authority. “They sing his praises freely.”

Edward smiled reassuringly. “We’ll await your commands, Cousin. I’m at your exclusive disposal in settling the event’s details. Hopefully, Darcy’s coach will make an appearance by this evening.”

“I shall ask Mrs. Reynolds to meet with us, Colonel,” Georgiana said sweetly. “We shall discover what the good lady has planned and share it with the others.”

Edward’s heart flipped. She had masterfully handled what could have been a stressful meal. Between the two of them, they had fended off their aunt, and Georgiana had shown great maturity in how she conversed with the other men and how she commanded their respect. He saw no other woman at the table able to do so. It was an astounding discovery for a man accustomed to commanding his own deference.



“What do you mean? The baby’s coming?” Dread shook Elizabeth’s core. “It’s too early,” she protested. “You cannot have this child now… in this inn… there’s no doctor or midwife.”

With white knuckles, Mrs. Joseph grasped the chair arm. “Despite all that, I am quite certain this child is making an appearance today,” she rasped.

Elizabeth took several deep breaths to steady her composure. Kneeling before the woman, she reached for Mrs. Joseph’s hand. “Do not worry,” she managed as she softened her expression. “We can do this together.”

Mrs. Joseph smiled weakly. “Of course, we can. That’s why God brought us both to this inn at this time. I need someone with sagacity, and God has given me you.”

Elizabeth teared with the woman’s words. She didn’t believe herself capable of delivering Mrs. Joseph’s child, and she certainly didn’t think herself part of God’s plan for this woman; yet, she said, “It’s the Christmas season, and if a child can be blessed by God at any time of the year, it’s now. Let me aid your change of clothes, and then we’ll get you straight to bed. Then I’ll seek out Mrs. Washington’s help. We’ll need extra linens, and I’ll require the good lady’s assistance.”

Mrs. Joseph stood on shaky legs. “I need to tell Matthew.”

“First, the clothes and then to bed,” Elizabeth said as she supported the woman’s weight. “After that, I’ll find Mr. Joseph and send him to you.”

“I apologize, Mrs. Darcy.You certainly never expected to forfeit your bed when you extended your benevolence to my family.”

Elizabeth began to unlace the back of Mrs. Joseph’s gown. “Mr. Darcy and I shall adapt; your child’s safety is paramount. Fitzwilliam will agree, Mrs. Joseph.”