Lucky's Lady (The Caversham Chronicles Book 4) by Sandy Raven Read Free Book Online Page B

mechanicals. Then they began their tour below in the various cargo holds.
    "Even though the hull and supports are of solid wood," she began, "I like to use iron knees for stability." He appeared to not understand so she explained. "When we build longer ships, we need extra strengthening on the long axis, so I use diagonal bracing in here and extra keel pieces in the keel construction." She continued toward the center flooring where the mainmast tied in. "My design also uses side keelsons, to strengthen the bottom under the mainmast."
    Mary-Michael stopped to point out rib construction and placement. "I'm not sure that you can tell, but as we move forward, rib placement is closer together, adding strength to the entire structure, most especially to the keel. Doing this reduces the severity of hogging a great deal, but cannot eliminate it entirely."
    She looked to the captain, trying to gauge how likely he was to allow her to experiment with the construction of his ships. "Captain, I have an idea that I would like to try, and if you are willing to allow me to experiment, I think your ships would be perfect for testing my latest idea."
    "What would that be?"
    "I would like to try alternating wooden and iron ribs in your hull structures. I believe it will make the structure even stronger. And as we are building two sisters of exact same length and appointments, I think building one with and one without the iron would definitely allow me to monitor how they handle and how they weather over the years." Mary thought he looked interested, yet skeptical. "There will be no difference in the cargo capacity, no difference in cost to your company, as this is something I am currently researching for future ships I design."
    "Will it add much weight to the structure?"
    "Not enough to be significant, I assure you." He studied the ribs in front of them. Ajax was a fine ship, one of the finest she'd built to date, one which he could surely find no fault. Just when she thought for sure he would pass on her proposition, he surprised her.
    "I will try your idea, on one, mine. For Ian, give him the conventional wood, and we shall see if there is any difference in how they handle and weather as they age."
    Mary-Michael's heart soared. She released her pent-up breath. Relieved that finally she'd found someone who believed in the science of architecture enough to trust her design.
    "Thank you, Captain. I appreciate you allowing me to build this."
    "I think your idea has merit, Mrs. Watkins," her client said.
    "I would think that if you sent me a letter each time you had hull work done, detailing the degree of bend in the keel, or if there had been any warping, that would be enough for me to continue my research on preventing hogging. I do believe over time we shall see more iron used in hull construction of the ocean-going sailing ships. Iron hulls are already in use in paddle wheelers and canal barges. I truly believe the innovations that are in the works for ship design and building will revolutionize the industry."
    Captain Gualtiero followed slowly as she led them back toward the ladder. "I agree, Mrs. Watkins."
    She motioned for him to go ahead of her. "You go first."
    "That goes against my code of chivalry," he replied.
    "Oh, go on." She nudged him, hoping to get another look at his well-muscled bottom while he climbed, something she'd never considered before meeting this man.
    "What if you fall?" He placed a foot on the lower rung and grabbed a rung above his head.
    "I haven't fallen from a ladder in the nearly seven years I've been here, Captain. I won't be falling today, I assure you."
    "Before I go up, I have to ask how you came to know so much about naval architecture and mechanics. I took courses in both at University and would never have thought of half the innovations you have."
    She returned question for question. "How could you have studied it at University and not know what I know? I sometimes wonder what I could have done had I been