The man standing before them was tall with wide shoulders and great arms, his large shadow casting over Ella. She had never seen a man this huge. But his warm brown eyes betrayed the fierce nature his body portrayed. He smiled dearly, his forehead wrinkles increasing.

"This is my daughter, Ella," her mother answered, pound signs on her dark eyes. Ella knew her mother wouldn't want her to marry a man this old. He looked to be in his forties. His greyed brown hair gave this off.

"Captain Asher Newman," The man introduced, the two golden stars on his red uniform glinting. He looked at Gerrard. "And who's this fine young man?"

"This is my husband's boss, Sir Gerrard Finley."

There was a flicker of shock in his eyes. "Captain Finley's son?"

"Indeed." Gerrard nodded with a smile. "You knew my father?"

"Oh yes! Matter of fact, I worked under his command before he..." The Captain trailed off, Gerrard's eyes carrying a memory of the past that seemed to hurt him. His father had died of fever while leading his men in Africa. After that had happened, Gerrard took over his father's properties when he left university and started his gas lamp company.

"Your father was a good man."

Ella didn't know why but there was a slight hesitation in the Captain's voice. He didn't sound too convinced of what he had said. Was Gerrard's father a bad man?

"He had his moments," Gerrard said, putting on a smile as fake as a prostitute preaching the gospel.

Captain Asher did a curt nod. "You could say that."

Now Ella was sure as hell that this man knew something disturbing about Gerrard's father. He didn't sound fond of him in the least. Her thoughts were pruned when Captain looked down at her.

"I must say you look stunning tonight, Miss Ella " His brown eyes were bustling with fondness like he had seen her before. Ella knew she had never seen this man. But that look in his eyes-almost as if he has known her for aeons, "You remind me of someone. I swear I had thought you were them when I saw you across the room."

"Do I know this person?" Ella didn't understand the situation, though she felt a jolt in her heart when she looked at him. But why?

The Captain shook his head. "I'm not sure. But forgive my intrusion," he bowed, "I shall take my leave now. Have a wonderful night."

And he left, two soldiers in red flanking and guarding him. She watched till they were out of sight. What just happened? That was odd. This night wasn't going as she had expected. For a second, she had hoped the man who just left was Lord Robert Stark. But now she had realized such wishes were too good to be true. Would she ever get to meet him? This night was the closest she would ever get to the genius. If she didn't find a way to speak with him today, it would be the end. No more moon lamp dreams. No more being the first woman in Great Britain to make a great scientific innovation.

"Miss Ella, Will you give me the pleasure of dancing with you?" Gerrard took a step forward. The bolts of Ella's mind went haywire. Did Gerrard Finley just ask her for a dance? Something was not right.

Or maybe he likes you.

That was absurd. Gerrard had known her for years. So why now? What was he aiming at? Ella looked up at his green eyes trying to search for a sign of humour. Maybe he was joking. There was no way he would want to dance with her. She was sure most of the young girls in here would want to dance with him.

This wasn't a time to be thinking about something as trivial as a ball dance. She needed to find Lord Robert Stark or coming here would be in vain. Her mother cleared her throat reminding Ella that she hadn't given Gerrard a reply. It would be rude to refuse a dance. That, she knew.

In a bid to protect her bloody dignity and his, she answered, "Yes, thank you, I'd love to."

Mrs Featherington was bobbing excitedly behind her daughter and Ella couldn't help but roll her eyes. If Juliet was here, she would say her mother was acting like she was in heat. Well, now she was acting like a mother who hoped her daughter had just found a rich suitor. Though they both knew that dancing wasn't a sign of interest to court. And the possibility of not being courted brought great relief to Ella.

Her stomach knotted nervously as Gerrard led her to the dance floor. This was her debut and she hadn't danced with any man before. She feared deep down that her dancing skill may not be as good as Gerrard would expect. They slipped into the dance floor accompanied by other dancers and the soft music began to play. The notes lingered in the air and the atmosphere was filled with smiles on the faces of the dancers-except Ella.

Gerrard was a better dance partner than her former one. He directed her to the tune of the music and she stepped on him a couple of times, earning a hiss from the man. Though he always masked his annoyance with a fake smile. Why was Gerrard being nice? The Gerrard Finley she knew would not hesitate to insult her if she did something as bad as wrecking his expensive shoes.

"Ella."

"Yes, Sir."

The golden lights cast on the sides of Gerrard's face, outlining his high cheekbones. Ella knew he was a handsome man and had been admiring him when she was younger. But when she grew older and found out about his arrogance, she instantly lost all feelings for him.

"There's something I've been meaning to tell you." Gerrard's clutch on her corset became tighter, her body rubbing against his hard one.

"What is it?" She didn't want to look up into his eyes. Hers were too busy searching for Lord Robert Stark.

"For a while, I've been infatuated by your beauty."

Her heartbeat went twice as fast. How would she tell him she didn't feel the same? Those days were far gone. Now she only thought of her childhood dream; being a scientist. Falling in love with a man was too big a distraction.

"What do you have to say to that, Ella?"

Ella searched quickly for a reply that wasn't too rude. "I'm touched by your words. But I would advise you refrain from such thoughts about me."

"Why?" There was hurt stamped to his voice.

"I'm afraid I'm not interested in any form of infatuation with anyone."

"I'm not anyone. I'm Gerrard Finley," he huffed, "your father's employer."

Ella clenched her jaw at his arrogance. This was what she was talking about. His personality made her sick to the guts. How could a man be so full of himself? Lord Robert Stark was as rich as he was and from what she had heard from gossipers along the streets of London, he was a sweet soul even though he slept with half of London.

That last part made her smile. How could a man manage to do that when some men couldn't please their wives at home? Juliet had told her a lot of things and she was beginning to worry for her friend. She knew too much and Ella felt Juliet was going to put herself in danger.

"I know who you are, Sir." She struggled to release herself from his arm but it was too strong. "That is why I wouldn't want to have anything to do with you."

Take that you arrogant woof!

She would rather lick horse shite than feel for a man like him. The music stopped and everyone retreated, Ella and Sir Gerrard walking away.

"You were a horrible dancer," he said, spartan nose raised high.

"You were a horrible talker," Ella countered, walking back to her grinning mother.

"Mrs Featherington," Gerrard bowed, "I had a good time with your daughter."

Liar!

Ella glared at him. "Yes, mother. A very good time."

"Till next time, ladies." He smirked. "I'll be off now."

When he was out of hearing range, her mother spoke up, dark eyes alight with joy. "What did you two talk about?"

"Nothing, mother." Her stomach growled and knotted. All that talk with Gerrard made her nauseated. "I think I need some air."

"Okay, dear. But be back in ten minutes."

Finally some bloody freedom!

Ella smiled and curtsied before she left her mother. If only she could find Lord Robert Stark now.

Robert leaned over the balustrade, a cool wind making his blonde locks flutter across his face. Further ahead was a dense forest-—part of his father's estate—and the dark sky was twinkling with crystal stars. However, of everything above, his blue eyes were fixed on the silver moon. It was full, greying dents on its rocky surface, silhouettes of birds bathed by its silver beams. This was beauty in its purest form.

He remembered that night in his university dormitory. He had sent countless letters to his father wanting to know how the family were faring. But he never wrote back. He felt at his lowest point. His father didn't show him any love since he was younger and the Duke hadn't changed then.

He had wrapped himself with a blanket and gazed outside his dorm window. Silvery shafts of moonlight rushed past his window and he let his eyes linger on the silver wonder. He brainstormed on what he could do to make his father notice him and finally see his worth.

And that moment, the silver light bounced off the metal of his bed's frame and reflected on the white tiles. Being the smart man he was, the idea rang in his head; a moon lamp. Smiling, he had jumped out of his bed and began drawing possible structures for this innovation. He was confident that if he managed to achieve this feat, his father would finally shower him with the affection he had long craved.

And that was how Robert arrived where he was today. All he needed now was that last piece to finally make the moon lamp. Though there was a pinch of doubt about his father, he wasn't sure he would show him more attention if he made this lamp. After all, his father didn't sound too excited when he had referred the idea to him. All he told Robert was to be careful as not to bring disgrace to their family. That was all the Duke cared about—society and a perfect image.

"Blazes." Robert tightened his grip on the balustrade. "I'll show you. I'll show you."

"Are you talking to yourself?"

"Crikey!" Robert's soul had left his body as he jumped on instinct. Blowing out air, he turned to see who has dared to disturb his peace. In the corner of the balcony, at a respectable distance, was a young lady-probably eighteen or nineteen.

Her brown hair was styled into barley curls, and it matched her warm brown eyes that were confident despite the innocence and naive nature her rosy cheeks and heart-shaped face portrayed. She took another step forward, her white gown sweeping the ground. Wait, that face and this gown...

She was the girl Gerrard was talking to! Did he succeed in wooing her? Even if Gerrard did, it was none of Robert's business.

"I apologize for scaring the sense out of you, Your Lordship."

He nodded. "Apology accepted. I wasn't talking to myself, I was admiring the moon."

Her eyes stared at the moon in admiration. "One the few things in our galaxy that we're lucky enough to see."

Robert batted his blue eyes, shock striking his body. "You know about the galaxy?"

"Mhm. It was discovered during the 17th century by Charles Messier." The young lady locked eyes with him. "Why do you sound surprised?"

Why shouldn't he be surprised? This was a woman! Most of them he knew didn't even know the word science existed. But this girl, she knew about the bloody galaxy! How in St. Nicholas is that possible?

"You're a woman." Robert rubbed his eyes to be sure he wasn't daydreaming.

Her cheeks flushed as she advanced to the balustrade at the end. She was a wise girl. If they were found too close, rumours would spread and her reputation would be down the pipes, ruining her chances of finding a suitor if she doesn't have any.

"Women can be smart, you know?"

"Indeed. Every human is smart."

She smiled and breathed in deeply as she gazed at the stars, her curls dancing to the wind. "I'm glad you concur."

"Why are you here?" Robert inclined his head watching the intriguing girl. "The ball is inside."

"I know," she swerved on her shoes so she could face him, "but I was hoping to talk to you about something. That was why I came to this ball in the first place."

"You don't say." He smirked. He was the reason most of the girls attended this ball. So he wasn't surprised by her confession. But her tone--she didn't sound like she wanted to flirt with him. Did she sound...determined?

"I want to work for you and it would be entirely for free."

God, no. He didn't expect such an innocent-looking girl to say something this filthy. Well, it was as they said, never judge a book by its cover.

"I'm sorry, Miss. The rumours you hear about me aren't true. I don't indulge in such acts. And if I were to, I wouldn't let the person do it for free."

The lady frowned. "Are you calling me a harlot?"

"I didn't call you a harlot. You were saying you wanted to work for me. What else were you talking about if it wasn't that thing?"

"I wanted to work for you as a scientist!" She bowed her head when she realized she was talking to a Marquess in such a tone. "Forgive my rudeness. What I mean is that I want to work for you as a scientist and learn more from you. I want to be part of this moon lamp project."

Silence stretched between them as he thought of a reply. She was delusional. Women weren't allowed to work. If people found out about it, or worse, if Gerrard found out about it, Robert's life would become a scandal and all hopes about making a moon lamp would seize. His company sales would drop and he wouldn't have enough money to fund the project. This wasn't a risk he was willing to take.

"I'm sorry, Miss. But I can't let you work for me. It's not proper."

"I know but," she bit her pink lips, "this has been my dream as a child. I've always wanted to be a scientist and make a big innovation. That's why I'm pleading to be part of this your project."

"Do your parents know about this?"

"If they knew, do you think I'll be here?"

A fair point she had there. "But why can't you just stick to normal lady things like making clothes, getting married, having-"

"That's because I'm not a normal lady. I'm different. I dream big."

"Far too big I must say," He pointed out.

"Give me a science test."

A bloody test? For what?

"Why?"

"Let me prove that I am as smart as a man and I am qualified enough to work for you." Her brown eyes were grim.

"And if you fail this test?"

"I'll never speak to you again." She raised her nose high.

Robert smiled. This would be a piece of cake. All he had to do was go deep into physics and he was sure she wouldn't get the answer. The fact that she knew about the galaxy didn't guarantee she knew any other about science.

"If you pass this test, I'll let you work for me, in men's cloth of course." And if she did pass this test, he would make sure he makes her undergo strenuous exercises so she'll give up and leave. But that wasn't going to happen since he was confident enough that she won't know the answer to this question.

"Why should I wear men's cloth?" The lady locked her brows.

Robert crossed his powerful arms. "What do you think would happen if they saw a woman in my office? Do you love scandals?"

"Oh, of course not."

"Good. Now, Miss," he took a step forward, "are you sure this is what you want?"

She nodded.

"Okay. What is Snell's law?" Robert smirked. She would never get it. Not in her wildest dreams. She needs to have gone to the university to know that law. Even some men didn't know about it.

The lady went silent. He knew it! She wasn't as smart as he thought. Ha! Women weren't that smart and this girl wasn't an exception, though she knew a tad bit much for her gender.

Robert smirked. "Well, it appears you don't know how the answer to-"

"It states that the incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal to the interface all lie in the same plane." She grinned.

Jesus Christ! She knew it! She bloody knew it! Robert was dead meat. He was a gentleman and couldn't go back on his word.

His jaw dropped. "How did you know it? That's serious physics!"

"Physics is my favourite subject and since my aim tonight was to meet you, I read broadly on Light and its laws. Mainly because you were making a moon lamp and light would be significant to the project. So that way, I wouldn't be confused if you ever brought up the topic."

The audacity of this Lady! She dared to think the way Robert would think. Who was she?

"What is your name? And how old are you?" It was improper to ask but he didn't give a bloody damn since she didn't care about society when she said she wanted to work for him.

"I'm Ella Featherington and I'm eighteen years old."

And she was this smart? What an amazing young lady.

"I'm Robert Stark." He pursed his pink lips. "I'm sure you already knew that."

"No."

His eyes went wide.

She smiled her face glowing with beauty. "I'm joking. I know you are."

And she had a good sense of humour. How interesting. "Well, Ella, I'm going to be in a lot of shite for keeping my word but I have no choice. I can't deny the fact that you are by far superior to any woman I have ever seen and that is something I admire."

She jumped excitedly like a child, pumping a fist in the air. "Yes! Thank you! Thank you! I won't let you down, Your Lordship!"

He knew she wouldn't. There was something in her eyes. Something he had seen in himself when he was about her age. She was determined and had a dream. Her gender wasn't enough to make her stop chasing it. Though that was brave, he couldn't forget the fact that he had just entangled himself in a mess he didn't know how to come out of. All he could do now was put her under excruciating work and see if she would give up.

But that spark of courage in her brown eyes told him otherwise. She didn't look like a quitter. His guts told him this time that things would be different. And bloody nickels, he hated that feeling.

"You resume work tomorrow morning by ten. Don't be late. I don't tolerate tardiness."

Shite.

He knew he would come to regret this decision. Blast society and its rules placed on gentlemen!