Chapter 8 #2
Charlotte’s smile became more pronounced. “I shall refrain from further comment.” Turning back to the elaborate engravings hung on the wall, she studied the images for a moment longer before changing the subject. “Ibbetson’s innovation certainly appears to be a technological wonder.”
Wrexford didn’t miss the shaded nuance in her voice. “But you don’t think it revolutionizes the creation of art—or banknotes?”
“I’m not sure,” she replied “The art of guilloche—that is, the creation of repetitive geometric patterns—has been in existence for centuries. As have machines that create them.” Another glance at the prints.
“These seem extraordinarily complex. But whether a master engraver could copy them by hand is not something I can judge.”
“Ibbetson is going to give a private demonstration to the committee shortly.” He gave an apologetic grimace. “I did suggest that because of your experience in art, you ought to be allowed to join us—”
“But let me guess—the subject of counterfeiting is far too complicated for the feather-brained intellect of a female, and thus, Bethany opined to the head of the committee that I would only be an impediment to a serious discussion between such learned gentlemen,” interjected Charlotte.
“Precisely.”
“I shall again refrain from further comment.” A pause. “Even though the amount of common sense possessed by Bethany concerning women would fit twice over in a teaspoon.”
Wrexford coughed to cover a laugh as the members of the committee approached the stage.
“I shall wait for you and Kit in the library,” murmured Charlotte before turning and slipping away.
“Dare I hope that you’ll accept Lord Langdon’s invitation to join our committee, milord?
” Sheffield’s new acquaintance, the Honorable Bertram Ainsley, brought the earl’s attention back to the business at hand as he and Sheffield crossed the stage to join him.
“Your friend here has graciously agreed to join us, and Lord Langdon—who just arrived—mentioned to me that he is quite eager to have you do the same.”
Langdon. It took a moment for Wrexford to recall that Griffin had earlier mentioned the same name. He knew the fellow by sight, but they had never exchanged more than polite pleasantries at various receptions. “What does Lord Langdon have to do with your committee?” he asked.
“Sir Joseph Banks has asked him to oversee the day-to-day running of the committee,” replied Ainsley.
“Has he any experience in the area of banknotes?” probed the earl.
“The Privy Council respects his skills in managing projects that are deemed important to our government.”
A reasonable answer. Still, it gave him pause for thought.
Ainsley cleared his throat with a cough. “As to your joining us, milord—”
“Thank you, but no,” said Wrexford. “Unlike Sheffield, I have little interest in or knowledge on the subject of banknotes.”
“A pity,” Ainsley smiled. “Perhaps we’ll change your mind.”
And perhaps pigs will sprout wings and learn to fly.
Seeing Wrexford’s expression, Sheffield quickly interceded before the earl could voice such sarcasm aloud. “Tell me, Ainsley, does the Bank of England think this new technology will eliminate the threat of counterfeiting and give the public confidence in paper money?”
“Progress goes hand in hand with innovation,” answered Ainsley after considering the question. “A number of inventors are experimenting with the technology, and we’ve heard encouraging reports. However …”
Before he could continue, Ibbetson hurried out from the room adjoining the stage to begin his private demonstration for the committee.
“Welcome, welcome!” After tucking an unruly strand of hair behind his ear, the inventor gestured for the committee to join him and form a circle around the geometric lathe. An assistant was standing close by, ready to run the machine.
“Now, prepare to be astounded, gentlemen!” continued Ibbetson.
“As you will soon see, my new innovation can literally draw rings around the lathes and chucks created by my competitors.” He gave a discreet signal for his machine to be started, and in the next moment the gleaming brass gears and levers began to whirr and clack.
Wrexford noted that Lord Langdon had drifted over to peruse the printed examples of the engravings created by the machine instead of watching the actual demonstration.
“Milord, milord—I shall explain that part of the process next,” called Ibbetson, a smile belying the edge of shrillness in his voice.
“But I heartily encourage you to return here and examine the copper plate so you can see up close what extraordinary detail can be created by combining scientific principles with art.”
“Yes, I’m sure it’s of commendable quality,” said Langdon.
Eyes widening, Ibbetson drew in a sharp breath, his nostrils flaring in alarm.
Damned with faint praise, guessed the earl, which was not what the fellow expected.
But before the inventor could reply, Langdon turned back to the display of engravings. “However, I must say, I’m not yet convinced that your machine is the right solution to our problem.”
“B-But I thought …” Ibbetson’s voice ratcheted up another notch. “I thought this was all settled and we had come to an agreement that I would be creating the new Inimitable Banknote for you!”
“Then clearly you misinterpreted our previous conversations,” replied Langdon. “We have made no such final decision. Indeed, our research is just beginning. We’ve already reached out to several other inventors so that we may review their work as well.”
“Who?” The question resonated with an undertone of fury.
“Do be reasonable, Ibbetson.” Ainsley was quick to intercede before things turned ugly.
“The Bank of England and the Royal Society of Arts are offering a prize of ￡20,000. We would be remiss in our duty to the country if we didn’t examine every credible submission before awarding such a large sum,” he pointed out.
“That doesn’t mean you won’t turn out to be the ultimate winner. ”
“But you told me—”
“Sir Joseph Banks has asked me to serve as working chairman of the committee,” interrupted Langdon, “so if you have a complaint about how the competition is being conducted, voice it to me, not Ainsley.”
“My complaint is that you’re a damnable fool if you think you’ll find a better technology elsewhere!” bellowed Ibbetson. “Oh, I’ve heard the rumors floating around concerning that upstart Perkins being invited—”
“That’s quite enough, sir,” said Langdon.
“I don’t intend to stand here and engage in a shouting match like two fishwives from Billingsgate.
” He smoothed at the tails of his cravat and let out an aggrieved sniff.
“Consider your machine entered in the competition. When we come to our final decision, you will be informed of it.”
A murmur of agreement ran through the other members of the committee, though Ainsley stayed tactfully silent.
Langdon moved for the stairs without another glance at the inventor.
“You’ll be sorry,” muttered Ibbetson, his thin face mottling with rage as the chairman brushed past him.