“Which makes me want to assume the exact opposite is true,” quipped Wrexford. “However, in this case, my own investigations have led me to the same conclusion.”
“Using a propeller is moving in the right direction,” mused Kurlansky. “It solves the propulsion part of the problem, as there is no doubt among marine engineers that it is a more efficient and reliable design than a paddle wheel. It’s the steam engine that is the weak link.”
“There are too many practical problems,” agreed the earl. “Our current precision milling capabilities aren’t sophisticated enough to create an engine powerful enough for sea travel. Efficiency is also a factor. Ships simply can’t carry enough fuel for an ocean voyage.”
“True, milord,” said the Russian. “Though I have no doubt that sometime in the future—perhaps the near future—someone will build on the current designs and succeed in creating a breakthrough engine that will revolutionize seagoing ships.”
“As our friend Mr. Sheffield recently remarked,” observed Charlotte, “it’s the right idea but has the misfortune of being conceived ahead of its time.”
“That is the nature of innovations,” said Wrexford. “For the few momentous successes, there are countless failures which for any number of reasons lie buried in the shadows.”
Scientific breakthroughs require both geniusandluck, reflected Charlotte.
“I assume you managed to open the complicated lock on Maitland’s private office in the consortium’s secret laboratory and that is how you confirmed your suspicions that he hadn’t come up with any scientific breakthrough,” said Kurlansky.
“Ah,” Wrexford made a face. “So it wasyouwho was shadowing Sheffield and me in Taviot’s secret laboratory at Dowgate Wharf.”
“Da,” replied the Russian.
“Much as it pains me to say it, I, too, apparently owe you a debt of thanks for saving my friend’s life.”
Kurlansky smiled. “I have a good deal of respect for Mr. Sheffield. He’s far more interesting than most people realize.”
Charlotte’s head was beginning to throb. Enough parsing through questions surrounding the marine propulsion system. Alison was in mortal danger.
“Now that we have ascertained you are not the enemy, Mr. Kurlansky—at least not in this endeavor—might I ask . . .” She was forced to stop and steady her voice. “Might I ask whether you have any idea of where Taviot and his co-conspirators might be holding the dowager?”
The supercilious curl of the Russian’s smile gave way to a more enigmatic expression. Dare she hope it was concern? He didn’t strike her as a man who gave a fig for sentiment.
Kurlansky hesitated in answering.
Not a good sign. He was likely spinning some skein of half truths and misdirections that she and Wrexford could ill afford.
“I confess, I did not witness your arrival and was not aware that Lady Peake was present,” admitted the Russian. “I am truly sorry that the dowager has become entangled in this spider’s web of intrigue.” A grimace. “She must be terrified.”
Charlotte wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. “She’s probably finding it a grand adventure. But . . .”
Wrexford came to stand by her chair. After tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and wordlessly passed her his handkerchief.
She hadn’t realized that there were tears trickling down her cheeks.
Kurlansky was gentlemanly enough not to remark on it. He looked away, his knife-sharp eyes settling on the hearth, where a fluttering of tiny flames was rising from the coal. “I couldn’t identify the man who hit you—”
“I know who he is,” said Wrexford. To Charlotte he explained, “We have identified the piece of cloth I tore from my assailant’s coat collar—don’t ask how—and it belongs to Colonel Jarvis, head of military security at the King’s Dockyard. I suspect that he and Taviot have been working together from the start.”
“Jarvis! I knew the voice was familiar.” Charlotte expelled a sharp breath. “So, Jarvis was not only spying on the Royal Navy’s research but likely also responsible for the skullduggery in the naval laboratory.”
“Yes,” agreed Wrexford.
After blotting her cheeks, Charlotte squeezed her hand around the damp linen. “Thank you for all your assistance, Mr. Kurlansky. But if you will excuse us, we need to start planning—”
The Russian abruptly interrupted her. “There’s one possibility that may help narrow the search for their hiding place. I had mentioned to Taviot that there is a Russian frigate waiting at anchor in Gravesend, where it can hoist sail and quickly put out to sea.”
“Arranged by you, no doubt, to ensure a swift departure from England should you need it,” commented the earl.
“Of course. In my profession, it’s wise not to leave anything to chance,” answered Kurlansky.
“And I take it you told Taviot about the ship as an incentive to share his secrets with you?” pressed Wrexford.
