Elswyth nodded, examining the man. His cheeks seemed thoroughly flushed. A sheen of sweat covered his forehead, which he dabbed at with a kerchief. He cleared his throat again and tugged at his collar.
“Elswyth, I’ve been thinking. I was looking over your designs for the engine, and well, I think we’re very close to something monumental. You have such a brilliant mind. I became so worried that, if you left, we would not be able to finish it.”
“That is kind, Dr. Gall. But I’m afraid that nothing has changed. I still must leave London.”
Gall frowned. He removed his glasses, wiping them with his kerchief. “That is… such a shame, Elswyth. For one such as you to give up their career in scholarship. When you have so much potential.”
“I’m afraid I do not have a choice,” Elswyth said.
Dr. Gall said nothing. He paused for a moment, as if considering, and stared at the floor.
“Is something wrong, Dr. Gall?” Elswyth asked. “You look grim.”
“No, no, I simply… Well, I simply must ask you something. I know this may seem strange, and perhaps I am entirely the fool. I do hope you’ll tell me if I am.”
A knot formed in Elswyth’s stomach. “Is everything all right?”
“I’ve just been thinking about your predicament. Your father insists that you marry instead of going to school or pursuing your research. You want to attend Oxford, and I want you to keep working for me. Your father’s demands disappoint me greatly. I wish that the world was not organized in such a way that you needpermission to be brilliant. But after some thought, I believe I have found a solution to your predicament. And mine,” he said.
“Oh,” Elswyth said.
Dr. Gall took off his hat and wrung it in his hands. “I know it is not ideal. And feel free to reject me outright—I shall think nothing of it—but you are in need of a husband to pursue your scholarship. Furthermore, a husband who will actually allow you to pursue those studies and that can support your family financially. I… Well, I have no wife, not anymore. And it occurred to me… It occurred to me that you should—Well, that you should marry me.”
For a moment, the only sound was gentle rain on the window.
“Marry…”
“I know—now, I know. I am an old man, far past the handsomeness of youth. That is not what a young bride wishes for. But Miss Elderwood, our marriage needn’t bethat. I have no living children, that is true, but that is not important to me. No, ours could be a marriage of the minds. I would help you with your work, and you with mine, and I would be content with that. I would never interfere with your studies. I would never force children upon you. But if that is something you—if that is something you want, then I could be of, well… assistance. But that is by no means necessary or implicit in the arrangement…”
“Dr. Gall—” Elswyth started.
“And as for your family’s situation, as the physician royal, I have plenty of funds. Your family would never go wanting again, I promise. I could secure your ancestral estate, if you wish, and we could split time between there and Oxford. Your father could even come and live with—”
“Dr. Gall,” Elswyth said, “I need a moment.”
His eyebrows jumped. “Oh? Oh! Of course. Would you like some water?”
Elswyth nodded, and Dr. Gall handed her a glass. She drank, and her mind swam. The bed seemed to rock, although she was quite sure it wasn’t moving. Logic fought through the confusion. Why, yes—it was perfect. In all ways but love, it was perfect. A marriage to Gall would allow her to continue her studies forever. He could gain her admittance to Oxford, fund her degree…
She looked at him: portly, balding, timid, with his hands wringing his hat. He wore an expression of sheepishness, as though embarrassed. But he believed in her, in her work, and wanted her as an assistant. He would even go so far as marrying her to make that happen.
His face dropped. “You are repulsed,” he said. “I can see it. I am sorry to have offended you so grievously. I shall take my leave.”
Gall began to stand.
“No!” Elswyth said suddenly. “No. Apologies, I… I am merely surprised. It is a fine offer, Dr. Gall, and you are kind to think of me, and my family. I simply need… time. Time to consider. And I will have to confer with my family before I accept.”
Dr. Gall perked up. His eyes shone behind his spectacles. “Really?”
“Yes, Doctor. I am honored. But I cannot give you an answer today.”
“Of course,” he said, “of course. Take all the time you need. And I really do mean it, Miss Elderwood. I will be as good to you as an old man can. I’ll allow you all the resources I myself have for research, experiments, publication… You will find no better partner in this city than I, I promise it. But neither will I be gravely insulted if you say no. The choice should be yours.”
Elswyth smiled weakly. Dr. Gall kept talking, but the words seemed to pass through her. Her eyes went to the window, where rain ran down the glass in rivers.
And she thought of Silas.
The news of Dr. Gall’s proposal swept through the house like brushfire. Mrs. Rose screamed and all but ran in circles with excitement. Then she called them all into the dining room to celebrate, but the mood was hardly festive. Elswyth sat, still in shock, as Mrs. Rose handed her a glass of champagne. She’d insisted Elswyth bathe and dress, and now she sat in a pink gown, staring at a wall.
