The Shadow of Great Britain

193: Chapter 133 Paganini of Scotland Yard_2 193: Chapter 133 Paganini of Scotland Yard_2 Arthur spoke the truth, but Mrs.

Somerville and Mrs.

Milbanke thought otherwise.

Mrs.

Milbanke said with a sigh, “No wonder you have established such a great friendship with Mr.

Faraday, the two of you indeed share common ground in terms of personal character.”

Mrs.

Somerville agreed, “So young and yet so accomplished, but what’s truly commendable is that you’ve managed to remain humble.

Mr.

Hastings, I believe the atomic charge theory will certainly not be the endpoint of your scientific career, it might just be an insignificant starting point.

Your name will surely be forever etched in Britain’s history, and I hope you will continue to make significant contributions to the scientific community.”

“Thank you both for your blessings, I truly appreciate it,” Arthur replied, unable to help but break out in a cold sweat internally.

The main reasons he would visit Faraday so often and come up with all those strange creations were threefold.

One reason was because Faraday insisted, another was to improve his knowledge of chemistry to enhance his investigative skills, and the last reason contained a bit of trivial personal desire.

Put simply, he also wanted to satisfy some of his simple personal cravings.

For instance, Arthur wondered if there was a possibility, given his limited knowledge of physics, to offer Faraday some insignificant little hints that might help him invent something like an electric refrigerator sooner rather than later.

Even though there were shops selling various flavors of carbonated water on the streets of London, for Arthur, it was always better to have a chilled drink, whether in winter or summer.

For reasons such as this, Arthur certainly found it hard to speak, and he quickly steered the topic back to Ada.

“It just so happens that Mrs.

Somerville, such a distinguished mathematician and astrophysicist, is standing right here, Miss Byron, what exactly is the problem you’ve encountered?

Speak up, I’m sure Mrs.

Somerville will be able to answer it for you,” he said.

Upon hearing this, Ada glanced slyly at Arthur, then said in a tone of frustration, “The only problem I have is that I have no problems.”

No sooner had Ada uttered this phrase than the two ladies present were dumbfounded.

Mrs.

Milbanke then said angrily, “Ada!

This really is too impolite and too immodest.”

Seeing this, Mrs.

Somerville quickly intervened to smooth things over, “Annie, it’s nothing, we were young once too, don’t stifle her creativity.

You’re being too strict in her education.”

Ada, seeing her mother become angry, got scared and hurriedly changed her statement, “But…

although I have no problems with mathematics, Mr.

Hastings has just told me about many new things that I actually do find quite puzzling.”

At this, Mrs.

Somerville grew interested, as she had been eager to ask Arthur in detail about the theory of atomic charge but had been prevented by the need to deal with the social niceties of the party and had not found time to approach him.

Now that she had gotten her chance, she could fully delve into the atomic charge theory.

“Mr.

Hastings, is it about…”

However, before Mrs.

Somerville could finish her sentence, Arthur, who had intercepted a mine, preempted her, well aware that this was not the place for a prolonged battle.

If he were caught between these female scholars, he would have no hope of escape.

Quick as a flash, Arthur spotted musicians from the orchestra entering the ballroom and immediately decided to beat a strategic retreat.

Arthur took off his hat to excuse himself, “Regarding the issue I was discussing with Miss Byron, I will elucidate during the second scientific demonstration.

So as not to delay your dance, I shall go and prepare now.”

The Red Devil, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but taunt, “Scotland Yard does move faster than Britain’s lobster soldiers, Arthur, considering your close relationship with Wellington, have you thought about joining the Army to become a general?”

Arthur merely glanced at the Red Devil and hurriedly made his way to the musicians who had started to tune their instruments on stage.

He quickly identified a pianist dressed in a tailcoat and white shirt with a bow tie, sitting in front of the piano, closing his eyes to adjust his breathing.

Arthur approached the piano and asked softly, “Sir, may I have the honor of playing the first piece tonight?”

The gentleman was initially taken aback, then asked, “Are you one of the musicians Mrs.

Cordington has requested for this evening?”

Arthur apologized, “I am a visiting scientist tonight and, regretfully, I must inform you that I need to use your piano for a scientific demonstration.”

Upon hearing this, the gentleman had an epiphany, “Ah!

You must be Mr.

Arthur Hastings?

Mrs.

Cordington mentioned you earlier.”

Continuing with interest, he asked, “I heard you’re an Electromagnetic Scientist, are you planning to show us how to unleash lightning from the piano keys tonight?

If you’re really going to do that, please be gentle and don’t damage the piano, as I still need it to play later.”

Arthur laughed, “I am indeed an Electromagnetism researcher, but my purpose for borrowing the piano tonight is just to play it.”

The man’s interest was further piqued, “You’re also a music aficionado?

No problem, feel free to tell me what piece you wish to play.

As long as it’s not too obscure, our musicians from the London Philharmonic Association can accompany you.

If it’s a bit too unique, just give us a copy of the sheet music, and we can practice it on the spot.”