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it could have been regarding the entail.”
    “Whatever the reason for the original falling-out, this is indeed a difficult situation. We cannot turn this man away, even if he is so presumptuous to assume a visit without invitation. But he seems odd, and I am concerned and uncertain of what he suggests as amends. He presumes a role as the girls’ protector, implying we will welcome his marrying one of our daughters. I hope he does not pay unwanted attention to any of them. He does not seem to have enough sense or manners to please our girls.”
    “I agree he seems ill-mannered in his assumptions. Perhaps he is trying too hard to make amends, and this letter has a bent for excessive flattery that may not be his true nature. I agree we must welcome his visit, but we must be sure he behaves with proper respect and decorum while he is our guest.”
    ***
    “Surely you use explosive chemicals in your mine at Pemberley and have observed the heat that occurs in some situations? We were curious to know from whence the heat came, where it went, and how the chemicals contributed. So Lizzy determined a course of inquiry, and I have instructed Mr. Akuete to undertake the steps she has proposed, attempting various configurations. Akuete, my steward—who came from Africa and ended up in Longbourn via Bermuda—is very meticulous with this type of study. I know no other who is as careful. We have found there is a good chance for a fire or for the person using the explosives to suffer a burn with no consequential useful effect. I have a book here somewhere . . . ”
    Mr. Bennet rose to look through his books to find the information on chemical reactions he was discussing with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth took advantage of the break in conversation to challenge Darcy further.
    “Pray, Mr. Darcy, tell me what unconventional knowledge related to heat and chemistry have you to offer?”
    “None, Miss Elizabeth, other than my own observations. I have a familiarity with the principles behind blacksmithing and other such metal working and, as Mr. Bennet mentioned, the heat from the explosives in my mine.”
    “Lizzy has studied Mr. Leslie’s treatises on heat, Darcy,” Bennet said absently as he leafed through a book. He then turned to Darcy as if he had a revelation. “Tell me, sir, did you study much of Euclid at university?”
    “I did, Bennet; it was a favourite topic,” Darcy replied with no little pride.
    “Well, perhaps you can help Lizzy with some of her postulations regarding Mr. Leslie’s work. The elliptical theory is slightly beyond my abilities.”
    “I am more than willing to peruse the treatise and attempt to provide clarity where I am able.”
    Elizabeth was aghast that her father asked Mr. Darcy to help her and that he seemed so smug in agreeing to do so. She was proud to best her father in this knowledge and certain she also bested Mr. Darcy and needed no help whatsoever!
    But she remembered she had promised to be civil to Mr. Darcy and stated, though somewhat coolly, “Father, do not importune Mr. Darcy. The elliptical theory is Mr. Leslie’s reporting. I am content with my readings of that particular portion of the pamphlet, and I am also satisfied that my knowledge of Euclid is more than sufficient, so Mr. Darcy is safe to keep his superior knowledge to himself. However, I am interested in Mr. Leslie’s heat theories. I believe they may somehow be tied into why Mr. Watt’s engine improves that of Mr. Newcomen’s patent.”
    “Darcy, please excuse my daughter’s propensity to speak too freely with regard to science. Lizzy and I have given each other leave to be forthcoming in our opinions when speaking privately. We each have come to expect the other to challenge ideas and arguments made by others in the pursuit of better understanding of scientific theories. I hope you are not offended.”
    “I must admit to being surprised at the nature of our discourse today. It is highly unusual to find these