“I give you my word that I will not start a public quarrel,” he said.

There was no time to pin him down on the details of that too precisely phrased promise, because they had almost reached the door. Emeline busied herself tying her bonnet strings. She used the moment to study Dominic Hood more closely, wondering again what it was that had created such immediate hostility between him and Anthony. In her opinion, they should have been instant friends, she thought. On the surface, they appeared to have a great deal in common. Dominic was the same age as Anthony, who had turned twenty-two last month. They were also of a similar height and both were endowed with lean, athletic frames.

They shared a sense of style too, she thought. The coat Dominic wore was remarkably similar to Anthony’s, dark blue and cut to emphasize his shoulders. Their pleated trousers and patterned waistcoats were almost identical. They both had handsome fobs attached to their pocket watches and intricate knots tied in their snowy white cravats.

It was true that Dominic appeared to possess the sort of resources that enabled him to patronize a more expensive tailor, but the overall effect was nearly identical to the effect that Anthony’s tailor achieved. Perhaps that was because neither man depended on his clothes for the impression he made, Emeline thought. Each of them radiated a certain forcefulness of personality that would have been obvious even if both dressed in rags.

At that moment Dominic 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.”

“Mr. 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, Mr. 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, Mr. 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 Mr. 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 viewing 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 difficulty persuading Aunt Lavinia to escort us to a demonstration at your laboratory, Mr. Hood.”

Priscilla’s expression warmed with gratitude. “Do you really think Mrs. Lake would be willing to do that?”

“I do not see why not,” Emeline said. “When she returns from her visit to the country I will ask her.”

“Thank you.” Priscilla was buoyant. “That is so kind of you, Emeline.”

Dominic shot Anthony a triumphant smile and then bowed politely to Emeline and Priscilla.

“I shall look forward to entertaining the two of you and Mrs. Lake as well at your earliest convenience,” he said. “My lodgings are in Stelling Street.”

He turned on the heel of one gleaming Hessian and walked out of the hall and down the steps without a backward glance.

Anthony said nothing, but Emeline could feel the anger simmering in him.

=

For the first time in their relationship, she was worried.

An hour and a half later, after escorting a still-exuberant Priscilla to her door, Emeline and Anthony walked back to Number 7

Claremont Lane.

It was a lovely day for a stroll, Emeline thought. Surely there was no finer place on earth than London on a summer afternoon.

“Sunlight warmed the lush green parks where children played with balls and small wagons. The flower sellers’ carts brimmed with a profusion of colorful blossoms. Fruitmongers offered an array of juicy peaches and pears, sweet grapes, and an assortment of berries.

Everyone seemed more cheerful and more brightly garbed than they did in winter.

Then again, maybe she felt that way because she was with the man she loved, she thought. What a pity Anthony was in such a foul mood.

“Do you know,” she said, aiming for a harmless topic, “until she suggested that we subscribe to Mr. Kirk’s lectures, I had no notion that Priscilla had such a great interest in science. She told me that her mama warned her not to discuss the subject in polite company because she would be labeled a bore by her friends.”

“Lady Wortham is the bore in that family.”

“I suspect it would be more accurate to say that she is merely a devoted parent attempting to do her best to make an excellent match for Priscilla.”

“Huh,” Anthony said without a great deal of interest.

So much for attempting to lighten his mood. There were times, she reflected, when Anthony took after his brother-in-law. She was coming to understand why Lavinia occasionally lost her temper with Mr. March.