Sir William could not help interjecting that, “There were many places of manufacture which were already powered by steam, so the immediate advantage of a system of lighting without the trouble and expense of an additional combustible was a great inducement to its adoption.”

Mr. Roberts agreed heartily with this insight, adding, “The steam-light is also of a pleasing shape, and being filled with water, will not blacken as do the coal-gas lights, which require frequent cleaning.”

Lady Catherine enquired as to the merits of blue light, instead of the yellow of candles, Mr. Roberts declaring that it, of all things, was a benefit to the eyes.

And so the wonders and advantages of the steam-lights were canvassed and re-enumerated until it was time to depart for an early supper at their inn, in preparation for the return journey, first stopping at Romsley. The inn-keeper at the Rose and Crown regularly welcomed the custom of visitors to Mr. Wainwright’s establishment, and so the party were treated with particular attention, and given an hearty, hot dinner before being left in grateful peace to go to their beds.

Lady Catherine enquired of Sir William if she might relay her good fortune to her nephew Darcy, as he would certainly wish to share in such a desirable new scheme. However, Sir William was adamant that secrecy was paramount to ensure the success of the business; accordingly, Lady Catherine postponed the important communication, and did not immediately write to Darcy of her new-found occupation in the speculation of shares. If she had some misgivings in keeping such a source of ready fortune from her nephew’s knowledge, they were swiftly allayed by the assurances of Sir William, that there would be time after the patents were in-hand, and certainly this was not the only such opportunity—did not Lady Catherine trust him to superintend all of her family’s fortunes as industriously as he was securing her own?

CHAP. 20.