The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport Read Free Book Online Page B

task.”
    “I can only imagine the challenges,” Will said. “Mr. Banning, I would be interested to hear what has been the most pressing issue in presenting the fair to the world.”
    “Ferris,” Samuel said.
    “Sir?”
    “George Ferris,” Samuel said. “A young engineer. He has some wild idea about building an enormous wheel that would take people in cars around the circle.”
    “That sounds fascinating!” Will and Lucy spoke simultaneously.
    Samuel rolled his eyes. “The engineers and architects at the Saturday Afternoon Club think he’s out of his mind. They say it can’t be done. I am neither engineer nor architect, but if anyone were to be injured on such a contraption, the legal ramifications would be enormous.”
    Will looked thoughtful, forgetting about his baked apple for the moment. “What a feat that would be! I haven’t seen the plans, of course, but I imagine it calls for some elements of physics that have not been tested in the general population.”
    Leo jumped in. “As a machine engineer, I would love to see those plans. People have got to understand that the future of machines is going to break new ground in all aspects of life.”
    “Perhaps I’ll arrange for the two of you to inspect the plans,” Samuel said. “The committee has not yet made any final decision.”
    Will nodded. “I’d be honored, sir, even if only to satisfy my own curiosity about how Mr. Ferris would support such a structure architecturally.”
    Flora pushed away her empty dessert plate. “I heard the White Star Line is planning to exhibit at the fair. Lucy, that would be a lovely opportunity for you and Daniel to plan a honeymoon sea voyage to Europe on an exquisite ship.”
    Lucy smiled politely. “We haven’t even set the wedding date, Mother. Daniel and I have not discussed the honeymoon yet.” She turned to Will. “Mr. Edwards, will you be attending the fair’s dedication next week?”
    “I hadn’t thought about it,” he answered.
    “Oh, you must come,” Leo urged. “The fair won’t open until spring, unfortunately, but the dignitaries are going ahead with the ceremony next Friday in spite of the delays. Your firm is involved. I’m sure they’ll be represented in the crowd.”
    “I will make a point to inquire.”
    Lucy hoped Will’s enthusiasm was genuine.
    “Father is not the only one who has been busy with the fair. Lucy has been involved in the women’s exhibit,” Leo said.
    Will turned to Lucy. “I’m delighted to hear that. I’m pleased to know there will be a special hall dedicated to the achievements of women.”
    Lucy brightened. “Perhaps you’ve heard of the architect for our building. Sophia Hayden is the first female graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with qualifications in architecture.”
    “I have heard of her,” Will responded. “She was barely out of college when she won the competition to get the commission.”
    “Just twenty-two years old,” Lucy said. Only a year older than I am. What do I have to show for myself?
    “Lucy has time for such things now,” Flora said, “but she may be a married woman by the time the fair opens.”
    “Married or not, I will fulfill my commitment,” Lucy said.
    “And what is your commitment to the women’s exhibit, may I ask?” Will said.
    “Nothing very exciting, I’m afraid,” Lucy responded. “The women who are contributing to the exhibit are true artists. The best I have to offer is to help with correspondence and practical arrangements.”
    “That is a gift as well,” Will commented. “Many people would be overwhelmed with such a task.”
    “In truth it’s simply a matter of being persistent,” Lucy said, “and keeping track of the details.”
    Flora spoke. “It’s a skill that will come in handy when you finally begin planning your own wedding.”
    Lucy lifted her eyes and glanced around the table. “Perhaps we should have our coffee in the parlor.”
    Samuel scooted his chair back.