Sir Richard and I set out early the next morning by carriage. Our destination turned out to be an old warehouse upriver from the city. Though the outside bore signs of abandonment, the inside had been cleaned and well maintained. Waiting for us there was a man of middle years, dressed in a simple suit and bowler hat. He had a thick, iron gray handlebar moustache. Next to him sat a steamer trunk.

"Mr. Parker, may I introduce you to Mr. Cooper. He is the master craftsman Lady Elizabeth uses for most of her work. Mr. Cooper, this is our scientist, Mr. Parker." I shook hands with the man as introductions were made, noting that his hands were rough as stone from all of the calluses.

"I take it, then, that Mr. Cooper here is to provide the mechanical expertise to go with my theories."...

Please subscribe to keep reading.