“Something the matter? I came here to speak to scholars.”
Ned nodded with understanding. “Trust me, there are some keen minds in the room. Of course, many are laymen with a casual interest in the topic you will present.” That was just remotely true. “It is my fervent hope that your ideas will be so engaging, you will spur many of us to want to know more.”
“I don’tengagepeople.” Frost moved to the side of the door. “I pontificate.”
Conscious that this conversation was starting to draw attention, Ned kept his manner pleasant. “Ah, well, we are ready for pontification. In fact, it is almost on the hour. May I summon a refreshment for you? We have a podium set up for you over here.” Last year Woodman had built one for Ned and he was quite proud of it.
“Are you deliberately mistaking my meaning?” the academic demanded, his voice rising. Others in the crowd became quiet. “I can’t speak to these people.”
“Why not?”
Frost looked around the room, unperturbed that his people had quieted. He returned his gaze to Ned and said, “There arewomenhere.”
“Yes, there are.”
“I was told that I was speaking to the Logical Men’s Society.”
“And our guests.” Ned knew very well exactly what he’d written in the invitation.
“But some arewomen.” Frost spoke as if that should explain everything.
“Yes, some. Some are not.”
“Women will never grasp the concepts of my ideas.”
A year ago, even a few months ago, Ned would have agreed. He’d never attended a lecture that included women. He’d never intended forhislecture series to have females in the audience.
That was before Gemma.
Gemma, whose bright mind captivated him. Gemma, who insisted he discuss matters with her as an equal. Gemma, who understood types of healing far better than he.
Ned looked into his guest’s nearsighted eyes and realized that before Gemma, he’d been in danger of being like Frost. The man’s narrow-mindedness curdled his stomach.
Ned spoke. “Knowledge, especially pertaining to natural philosophy, should be of interest for everyone. We all live in this world and I believe it is important to understand it. The people here, including the females, have gathered to honor you by listening to your theories, sir, something you are not allowed to share in London. The women gathered here have sharp intellects and a curiosity that rivals their male counterparts. I will not have you insult them. Now, are you ready to speak? It is growing past the hour.”
By now, everyone was paying attention. The room was very quiet as if all waited for the lecturer’s response, and it was one few would forget.
Frost’s face grew an alarming shade of purple. “I do not share my ideas with women. I see no reasonto waste the words. Good day, Doctor.” On that announcement, Frost marched right out the door.
Ned had a good mind to grab him by the collar and drag him back into The Garland so he could throw him out. He’d paid the bastard ten pounds to make the trip and speak.
And for what? So that he could walk into the village and insult people who mattered to Ned? Who were part of his life?
The sound of clapping pulled him out of his haze of anger.
Ned looked around. Men and women were applauding him. The sound grew as they came to their feet.
“Well done, sir,” Royce called.
“Excellent,” the dowager said.
“That was better than any lecture,” Mars announced, a sentiment that was seconded all the way around.
However, the opinion that mattered to Ned was Gemma’s. He searched the room for her and found her standing next to Mrs. Warblerand Clarissa. Gemma was clapping as hard as anyone. He wanted to tell her that he’d found the wherewithal to refuse Frost’s demands from her.
She’d changed him. He was not the man she’d first met.
Gemma spoke up, telling people they would still enjoy themselves. “There is plenty of food.”
