From The Ashes (The Ministry of Curiosities #6)(44)

Lincoln signaled to me to begin my note taking. I hoped my handwriting was up to the task if Mr. Bell asked to inspect my notes. My education had been stunted when my father threw me out at thirteen, and although I'd read a great deal since going to live at Lichfield, my writing lacked speed and grace.

"What developments are you currently working on?" Lincoln asked.

"I won't be answering any of your questions until I've spoken to your editor. What did you say his name was?"

"Mr. Marshall," Lincoln said without missing a beat. "I wish you luck getting an appointment with him. He's a busy man."

"Aren't we all? Nevertheless, I will speak with him first. Come back next week."

"It's a simple question, Dr. Bell. I'm not asking for any secrets, just some information about your current work. Do you have any private commissions, for example?"

Dr. Bell stood. "Please see yourselves out."

"The grant may be awarded to another if you don't cooperate."

"Fawkner!" Bell bellowed. His assistant appeared at the door. "See that Mr. Humphrey and his assistant find the exit. We wouldn't want them getting lost and stumbling into the laboratory by mistake."

Lincoln tensed. "We'll tell Mr. Marshall to expect you."

"This way, if you please," said Dr. Fawkner with forced cheerfulness.

Lincoln followed me out. Even though he showed no outward signs, I knew he was quietly seething, and probably wishing he hadn't gone to the trouble of disguises and stories. I wished the same, but as Dr. Fawkner led us down the staircase, I realized not all was yet lost.

"I am sorry for Dr. Bell," he said quietly when we reached the ground floor. He glanced back up the stairs and leaned toward Lincoln. "He's a meticulous man, very thorough, and doesn't take people at face value. Once he's verified that you are who you are, he'll be keen to speak to you. About most of his work, anyway." He laughed nervously and glanced once again up the staircase.

Most? "That's quite all right," I said. "We understand completely. Mr. Humphrey is very much like your Dr. Bell in that regard."

Lincoln gave a short, sharp nod. Dr. Fawkner smiled at me. "How charming to see a woman in a man's role. I'm all for women's rights. I have sisters," he said with a hearty smile. "One even wishes to become a doctor, but will probably have to settle for nursing."

"An equally marvelous profession." His smile widened at my enthusiastic response. Beside me, Lincoln shifted his weight. I ignored him. Dr. Fawkner was ripe for picking. "Your work here is fascinating," I said, injecting a hint of awe into my voice, "and so important."

"Life saving, you might say." He chuckled. "Life giving too, in a way."

Giving? Could he mean resurrection? "How intriguing," I said, breathily. "Whatever do you mean?"

"Just something Bell once said, Miss…"

"Filmott." I smiled and held out my hand.

"Miss Filmott." He took my hand and smiled back when I gently squeezed. "Charming."

"You were saying?"

"Ah, yes." He frowned as he gathered his thoughts again. "You'd be amazed at the types of things we're working on in our laboratories, but unfortunately I'm not privy to everything Dr. Bell does. Some of his work is very private. So much so that he won't even divulge its nature to me. Can't have rival doctors stealing our research, can we?" He laughed. "That's Dr. Bell's greatest fear. That and germs."

"Of course. It explains his reluctance to accept us without checking our authenticity first. I, for one, don't blame him at all. We have no problem with returning another day."

"You're very understanding." He chuckled and once again looked up the stairs. "You wouldn't believe it, but Dr. Bell has been sleeping in the laboratory lately. He's worried someone will attempt to steal his work if he's not there."

"Is that so?" That would make it difficult to peek at his paperwork. "It would help Mr. Humphrey if he has something to go on with while we wait for Dr. Bell to speak with Mr. Marshall. We'd like to interview the benefactors, and learn their reasons for funding such important work. Are you funded entirely by the hospital or do you also take on private work?"

"Both," he said.

"And the secret experiments are for the hospital or those private benefactors?"

"Private, but that's all I can tell you. They won't want to talk to the newspapers, but I'm sure the hospital will. The administrators are always looking for ways to increase funding and a grant will get them very excited. Your article would also go a long way in advertising our research to more private benefactors, not to mention the fame, of course. Imagine being mentioned in a feature article in The Times!"

"We'll be sure to spell your name correctly," I assured him. "Thank you for your time, Dr. Fawkner. It's been a pleasure to meet you."

He sketched a bow. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Filmott. Mr. Humphrey."

Lincoln and I walked back through the Henry VIII gate and out to Gus, waiting nearby with the carriage. "Home," Lincoln told him, and we climbed in.

"That was enlightening," I said.