Page 69 of A Duke Changes Everything
Iverson’s face immediately lit with surprise and recognition, then his brows knitted in concern. “You must know Lyon.”
“Yes, Mr. Iverson.” A scratchy tickling started in the back of Mina’s throat. She began to speak and only managed a squeak, which stoked the flames she felt infusing her cheeks. “We’re pleased to have the duke in residence.”
“What brings you here? Has something happened to Nick?”
“The duke is well.” Colin strode two steps forward. “We’ve come to discuss an invention with you, sir. One that could change British agriculture forever.”
Iverson cast an inquisitive look at Lady Lovelace. “Perhaps they should meet Babbage.”
“TheCharles Babbage?” Colin breathed. “I read hisEconomy of Machinery and Manufactureswith great interest.”
“I was on the verge of inviting them,” Lady Lovelace admitted, “but since you’re the host, I thought you should do the deed.”
“By all means,” Iverson put in immediately. “Join us for dinner this evening. I’m intrigued to hear how the new Duke of Tremayne is getting on. Lady Lovelace and Professor Babbage will both be in attendance tonight.”
Mina glanced at Colin. “We had intended to catch the next train back to Sussex.”
“Perhaps we could take a later train,” Colin proposed, a tinge of desperation in his voice.
“We serve dinner at six,” Mr. Iverson told them. “Early by most hosts’ standards, but I like to leave time for the best part of the evening. The discussions. We have another agricultural manufacturer attending, a Mr. Munford.”
Lady Lovelace added quietly, almost conspiratorially, “If Iverson won’t commit funds, perhaps he would.”
“Don’t count me out yet,” Iverson grumbled. “I haven’t even heard his ideas.”
“Well, then I’ll leave you to it.” Lady Lovelace stopped to whisper near Mina’s ear on her way out. “Competition gets them every time.”
Mina smiled at the intriguing noblewoman. It wasn’t every day one met a lady who was equally comfortable discussing mathematics and inventions and knew how to pull the strings of wealthy investors like Iverson. Her confidence was infectious, and Mina held her head high as she and Colin followed Iverson into his enormous office.
Dark wood vied with tall garden-facing windows for dominance, and long robin’s-egg-blue velvet curtains brought a comforting harmony to the space.
“Please, sit,” Iverson directed as he stood behind his desk, arms crossed, subjecting them to an intense perusal. What could he tell from their clothing and demeanor? Enough to satisfy him, apparently. He soon settled into a chair and leaned forward, hands on his desk. “I take it you have designs to show me?”
Colin rushed to untangle his notebook from his torn pocket and laid out a series of sketches as if he were setting a table, every piece in its place.
“Describe this invention that will change British agriculture forever,” Iverson said in a low murmur as he bent over the drawings, twisting and turning them, lifting one to get a better look.
“This thresher is smaller yet more powerful than any yet invented. Powered by steam, able to consume less manpower while producing more grain.”
“Sounds too good to be true.”
“But what if it is true?”
Iverson quirked a brow and grinned. “I do thrive on possibility.” He waved toward Colin. “I presume you’ve come with estimates. Costs, investment capital, profit projections.”
While Colin shuffled through his notebook, Iverson turned his gaze on Mina. “Did you help design the thresher, Miss Thorne? As a steward, I imagine agricultural matters interest you a great deal.”
“They do, sir, but alas I don’t possess my cousin’s knack for invention.”
“Mina’s the reason we’re here, Mr. Iverson.” Colin had never quite outgrown the habit of thinking he needed to come to her rescue. “She encouraged me to seek you out. The duke mentioned your interest in funding new inventions, and Mina’s always looking for ways to improve Enderley.”
Iverson lifted one of Colin’s drawings. “And how will this piece of machinery assist the estate you manage, Miss Thorne?”
Mina leaned forward in her chair, thinking of Mr. Thurston and the other farmers who struggled to find manpower during the harvest. “Many have left the village over the years. Young men and women seek employment these days in the cities. Anything that can make the work of harvesting more efficient would be a boon to most of the farmers of Barrowmere.”
Iverson nodded, interested. He was an impressive man. Broad-shouldered, with an easy grin and incisive green eyes.
“Tell me about Enderley Castle,” he prompted as he continued studying Colin’s designs. “Have you served as steward long?”
