“What exactly is that? Is that what I think it is?” Langdon was grinning from ear to ear.
“What do you think it is Professor Granger?”
“An engine of some sort?”
“Precisely, sir.”
“My dear boy, did you design this all by yourself?”
“Yes, sir! I did, and it is indeed an engine. I’m hoping it will replace the steam powered system we’re currently using on the Petford Pusher,” Adrian continued.
That seemed to get the esteemed professor's attention in a good way.
“An Internal combustion engine for carriages?” He found himself saying again, the corners of his mouth turned upward just slightly.
“Now, there is a truly remarkable idea! How far off are you from accomplishing something like this?”
“Honestly, Professor, I’m not quite sure. I am still perfecting the Pusher. I would like to expand the design a little more, make it more dynamic. I’d like to implement a more efficient steam pressure system until we can get an internal combustion engine perfected. We already know the power of steam, and how to implement it. So, it will be simpler to improve the design we have, temporarily of course. My long-term goal is to complete this new design, the moment we can get our hands on the components. It would allow for travel over longer distances and make the overall concept of the self-propelled carriage more convenient.”
Of course, Langdon knew all that, as Adrian had told him this in the exact same conversation just a few days ago.
“Well, it’s certainly more convenient than having to harness up a stubborn horse or two, the cost of food, and the upkeep of the animals. Not to mention having adequate accommodation for them. I’d say if convenience is what we’re aiming for, we are well on our way.”
Professor Granger let out a hearty laugh that caused his belly to shake and he rested a caring hand on Adrian’s shoulder.
“I know you’re not just looking for convenience, you’re also looking for the best quality Professor. As am I. I’m looking to build a successful business. No one understands that goal better than I.” Langdon didn’t say a word, rather listening intently to what the lad had to say.
“Professor, my father built his fortune in the engineering business. Thanks to his know-how, he owned a beautiful estate in Dobbinsturn, one of the wealthiest Parish’s in all of London. You may well remember that your prestigious Exhibition was held at Hyde Park, not far from Dobbinsturn.”
“Indeed, Adrian.” Langdon said. “For your hard work and efforts in developing this new engine, I do believe you deserve a raise. I’m also offering you an equal partnership in everything we do together. My only request is that you find someone trustworthy to balance the books. What do you say?”
“Are you certain?” Adrian squeaked out, taken aback by Langdon’s generous offer.
“Indeed, you just need to promise me that you will do everything you can to make this happen?”
“I can and will make this happen, but until I do… we shall set about to make Petford Motors, well Petford Steam Travel, a name that you can be proud to put your money on.”
“Adrian, may I ask why that name?” Langdon already knew the answer, but Adrian didn’t know that. He merely asked for the sake of conversation.
“Sir, I had hoped to name it after my wife’s father’s last name,” Adrian said firmly.
“Sentimental reasons, eh?” Professor Granger looked kindly upon him.
“Sentimental reasons indeed,” Adrian replied.
“Here’s the deal Adrian, I want to make sure that you’re completely happy with the way we do business here. Despite everything that has occurred up until now, causing us to push the Symposium two months ahead. The whole debacle, with the snake… and whatever else happened out there in that barn that made me look like a fool, I am willing to sit back and just be the financial backer of this company. Anything you need from me to make it work, you let me know. If at any point I begin behaving in a way that is not totally altruistic, you have permission to call me out on it. Understood?”
“I think that’s a very fair deal, sir. Professor Cornelius and I spent many nights talking about the future of my steam powered carriage design. It’s not just for my wife that I wish to name this design, but in honor of Professor Cornelius, who died. The man who persuaded you to give me a chance.”
Adrian’s face was aglow at the thought that he would be able to give his wife the one thing he had hoped for. A prestigious company with her father’s name on it. A way to honor him for years to come. Adrian hadn’t spoken to her of his plans, but he knew that it would delight her.
“Do you mind explaining, how putting your wife’s former last name on this company will honor Cornelius?” Once again, he asked a question he already knew the answer too. He just wanted to make sure that the boy had the best of intentions.
“I know the two of you were friends and colleagues, sir. When I explained the idea behind the Petford Pusher, and why I had named it ‘Petford’ he was delighted with the idea. He told me he had always been a bit of a romantic and that he thought the idea was perfect. In all honesty, Professor… I sincerely believe he would have loved the name.”
“Yes, well… Cornelius was always a bit sentimental himself, it’s what made him a good business man and a loyal friend, God rest his soul.” Professor Granger paused, allowing what he had said to sink in. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll have the legal documents drawn up to seal our partnership, and a salary proposal written up as well. You’ll receive them by tomorrow afternoon. Please sign them and send them back to me at my address in New York. I’ll be doing the same for all of our employees over the next few days.” Professor Granger spoke kindly, plainly excited with his plans. He couldn’t get over the fact that he’d been given another chance.
Adrian nodded his head, somewhat in disbelief over the man’s sudden generosity and cooperative disposition
“Also, a reporter from the New York Daily Times, will be coming over, day after tomorrow to discuss the new article for December. They had to print a retraction of their earlier article, not that anyone noticed due to the spectacle that occurred here.”
“You’re still set on having the new Symposium in December?”
“Yes, indeed Adrian, that’s not a problem, is it?”
“It’s almost Christmas, sir.” Adrian said.
“Yes, well… that it is. We’ll let the New York Times know that we are now setting the Symposium for some time in January instead. I’ll contact them later with the exact date. We’ll send everyone home for Christmas and raise everyone’s salary. We can close the inn for a couple of weeks to give everyone a chance to spend time with their loved ones.”
Adrian couldn’t believe his ears. With the newer, faster airships up and running, it meant that he and Wylie would be able to go home for Christmas after all. All that, and a partnership in Petford Transportation? Something must have happened to Langdon since Professor Cornelius had died, to give the man a change of heart. Adrian could hardly believe the good news as he ran up the stairs to tell Wylie.
The Immortal Ones were sitting around in the celestial palace, watching the scene unfold with smiles on their faces.
“We did the right thing with him. He’s had a complete change of heart,” the Faceless One said.
“Yes, I’m so glad you listened to me.” The Bearded One said teasingly.
“That still leaves the little matter of having to retrieve Cornelius from Jacob,” Another Immortal One interjected.
“Indeed, but there are rules that must be followed.”
“Rules? We seem to have thrown out the rules with Langdon Granger. And Jacob has broken every one of those rules. How much more will we allow?”
The Faceless One spoke again. “We will not allow any more of his transgressions. We are a thousand times more powerful than he is, and it’s time we show him who’s in charge. I think we should allow Cornelius to join us here. He has been punished more than enough. Jacob,
on the other hand, will be condemned for all of eternity.”
“But he escaped once and interfered with Langdon.”
“Yes, but it was for the best. Look at Langdon now.”
The three Immortal Ones looked down on the results of their handiwork with satisfaction.
“I always knew he had it in him,” All three spoke at once, and their laughter filled their celestial chambers like a choir singing.
“So, what about Jacob? What if he comes back?” Quincy’s gravelly voice broke through their laughter.
“Then we’ll take care of it as it comes, but for now, Quincy, it’s Christmas. Tell Wylie to go spend time with her family and friends. We’ll handle everything for the next couple of weeks.”
“You are getting soft,” Quincy said accusingly.
“You’re her family too. Take a break, we’ll call for you when we need you.”
“But, what will I do with myself for all that time?” Quincy asked.
“Have a very Merry Christmas!” the Bearded One said.
Back on Earth, Quincy could hardly wait to tell Wylie that she’d have her Christmas in London after all.
As selfish as Langdon had been up to that moment, he very quickly earned a reputation as the most generous man anyone had ever known.
Cornelius was rescued from his torment and sent to be with the others in the celestial place, which didn’t make Jacob very happy, but that is a tale for another day.
If you enjoyed reading A Steampunk Christmas Carol, don’t forget to check out the other books in The Dracosinum Series.
The Dragon Lady
The Phoenix Lord
The Dracosinum Series, book four, title TBA coming March 2018
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A Steampunk Christmas Carol: (The Dracosinum Tales) Page 10
