Late for the Wedding by Amanda Quick Page B

straightened away from the wall and
    inclined his head to Priscilla and Emeline.
      Ladies," he said,   what a pleasure to see you here today. You are
    both in excellent looks."
      Mister Hood." Priscilla glowed. You did not mention that you would
    be attending Professor Kirk's lecture today."
      Science is a hobby of mine," he said laconically. His eyes met
    Anthony's. There was no mistaking the challenge in them.   Do you
    claim the same expertise in chemistry and related matters as you do
    in art and antiquities, Sinclair?"

  =  
      No," Anthony said brusquely.   I have not made a close study of
    science."
      I see," Dominic drawled.   Perhaps that is for the best.
    Comprehension of the principles of electricity, astronomy, and the
    like requires a mind that is trained in logic and reason. Science is
    quite different from art and antiquities in that it is not subject to
    the whims of fashion, taste, and emotion. It follows the laws of
    nature instead."
    Emeline felt Anthony stiffen angrily. She hastened to take charge
    of the conversation.
      I thought today's lecture was particularly enlightening," she said
    quickly.   Especially the last demonstration, with the model volcano."
      Positively exhilarating," Priscilla declared.
      It was entertaining." Dominic shrugged.   I will grant you that.
    But when you come right down to it, I'm afraid Professor Kirk is
    more showman than chemist."
    Priscilla frowned slightly.   What do you mean, Mister Hood?"
    Dominic switched his attention to her.   I am currently working on
    a new formula for fireworks explosives that I assure you would
    produce effects far more spectacular than those Kirk created with
    his silly volcano."
    Priscilla's eyes widened.   You have your own laboratory, sir?"
    Yes."
      But that is wonderful," Priscilla breathed.   What instruments and
    apparatus do you own, if I may ask?"
    Dominic hesitated, looking torn. Emeline got the distinct impression that he'd had another goal in mind when he had intercepted
    them at the door. She thought it best to keep pushing him in this
    other direction.
      Indeed, Mister Hood," she said,   this sounds very intriguing. Please
    tell us about your laboratory equipment."
      I possess the usual assortment," he allowed finally.   A microscope,
    an electrical machine, telescope, a balance, some chemical apparatus."
    Your very own electrical machine." Priscilla was clearly dazzled.
    You are extremely fortunate, sir. I would give anything to possess a
    properly equipped laboratory."
    Emeline felt a small rush of curiosity.   Can you create little balls
    of fire that fly about, the way Professor Kirk did today?"
      Certainly. Kirk's lightning show was no more than a simple

  
    trick." He paused, glanced at Priscilla, and then smiled very deliberately at Emeline.   I can arrange some demonstrations that I think
    you would find even more exciting than those Kirk performed for
    you this afternoon."
      I would love to see them," Priscilla said quickly.
      It does sound intriguing," Emeline agreed.   I must admit, I have
    not taken a great interest in science until recently, but Mister Kirk's
    lectures have been quite stimulating."
    Anthony's jaw hardened.   Out of the question. The two of you
    cannot possibly go to Hood's lodgings unaccompanied. You both
    know that very well."
    Priscilla looked crestfallen.   I wonder if I could persuade Mama to
    accompany us."
    She did not sound hopeful, Emeline thought.
      I doubt that Lady Wortham would care to spend a morning view
    ing science demonstrations," Anthony said flatly.
      I suppose you are right," Priscilla said. She looked resigned.
      Mama is more concerned with fashion."
    Dominic's jaw tensed.
      Well, that is that." Anthony checked his pocket watch.   It is
    getting late, ladies. We had best be on our way if we are to stop for
    ice cream."
    Emeline could not abide the deep disappointment in Priscilla's
    eyes.   I'm sure that I would have no