Steam

Chapter 4

Alexander paced back and forth. He racked his brain. Scratched his head. He had thought of it just minutes ago. Why didn't he write it down? He always writes his ideas down! Thomas looked up from his desk. "Crowley, will you please sit down. You're breaking my concentration!"

"I can't! I thought of the most wonderful, breakthrough invention of the century my good man! But I didn't write it down when it was still fresh in my mind, and now I've forgotten!"

He clicked his fingers, tapped his foot but nothing would bring the idea back. Thomas sat at his desk, intricately examining the tiny cogs and bolts in his latest project. He only briefly glanced down as he picked up a tool and began adjusting. Thomas Prescott was perhaps the most promising engineer of the 19th century. He was young, intelligent, determined and accurate. He was regarded highly by other engineers of the time and was always spoken about favourably at lectures. Whenever Alexander had one of his avant-garde ideas, he would be straight to his desk to begin on the blueprints. Before long he would be collecting materials necessary to begin, and would soon enough have made a start.

"It was Victoria that made me lose my concentration! She came flouncing down the stairs in that damned dress and had everyone ooh-ing and ahh-ing!" He hissed, frustrated.

Thomas looked up. "Ah yes I saw her. She looked... simply flawless, if I may say" He paused briefly. "Where is she off to this evening Crowley?"

"Heaven knows. All I know is that Elizabeth girl invited her out to do some 'socialising'. I never liked her, I always thought she was trouble. If anything happens to Victoria, I swear before God, I'll have her hung, drawn and quartered.."

"Calm yourself down my good man. She'll be fine. You shouldn't worry yourself about such trivial things.."

Alexander spun on his heel to face Thomas. "What if she's out to find a new dandy? What then? I'm sure you wouldn't be so calm then? Would you?" He seethed.

Thomas sat upright, and clenched his jaw. "Don't speak about her like that. She loves me and you know it. You're just being immature, because your business partner is in courtship with your sister and-"

Alexander cut him off. "Oh do leave off Prescott! She's a young, beautiful woman, out with another young and beautiful woman, at night, in London! What makes you think she'll hesitate at the chance of having a handsome gentleman show her a good time?! Someone who will actually pay attention to her instead of spending all his free time on inventions?" He roared, his face crimson with fury.

Both men sat in silence. Alexander's outburst came as a shock to them both. Crowley knew it himself, that he did not approve of his partner seeing his sister, but he wished he had not snapped so quickly. Thomas also knew he did not particularly wish to see his best friend with his sister, but he knew that he also had to accept (to some degree) that his sister was in love, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Nevertheless, his outburst hit a tender spot in Prescott. It was true. He spent day and night in his study, incessantly working on his projects. He'd go days without sleep just to make sure the final product was perfect, down to the last minute detail. And then, when he did make time for Victoria, he was often late, or he rushed everything so he could continue working. Rest assured, he loved Victoria with all his heart. There was not a day that passed where he did not think about her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes upon, and he one day intended to ask for her hand in marriage.

The only problem, was that Victoria (nor anyone else for that matter) could see what he was thinking. How was she to know whether she was always on his mind? How did she know if he truly loved her; as she did him? She didn't. And that's where the doubts lay.

"I'm sorry" sighed Crowley. He ran his thumb and forefinger across his eyebrows and breathed out heavily. Thomas' face burned scarlet. Embarrassment scorched his cheeks. As much as his feelings were hurt, he knew he was right. "It's all-right. You're right, I don't make enough time for her. I need to seriously re-consider my priorities."

Thomas looked over at Alexander, who was clearly ashamed at his outburst, yet he also knew he was correct. He glanced back. Both men, rather shamed, yet both knew that facts had been thrown into the open. Thomas arose from his seat, and approached Alexander.

"All is well?" he extended a hand.

"All is well" Alexander met it, and shook firmly.

Both gentlemen returned to their work stations, with so much more than before scrambling around in their minds. Though neither spoke for the rest of the evening, they were both very much aware of the others' thoughts.

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