Seven Months later

This was it.

It was the day they had all been waiting for. A blonde man dressed in a black frock coat leaned over a desk, going through the blueprint of his finished product laid on the wooden surface. His muscles were tense and his hands gave off the occasional spasm. The light of the gas lamp in the room flickered across his well-etched jawline, and across the room, a brown-haired woman in a prestigious red gown admired him.

"You look more attractive when you're serious," she said.

Robert smiled at Ella's compliment. However, he couldn't help himself but worry. His hands couldn't be still and he could sense the sweat increasing at his buttocks. Maybe a cigar could help. He brought it out from his pocket and in a flash, Ella knocked it out of his hand. How did she cover that distance in such a short period?

"No smoking," She cautioned and held his hand. Her chocolate brown eyes melted with excessive sweetness as she stared at him. "I understand you're nervous. But don't worry, it will go according to plan. We made it, remember?"

He nodded his head. "You're right."

After eight months of making and remaking, they had finally completed the moon lamp. Ella was on her way to changing history as the first female in England to achieve such a scientific feat. And maybe she could be the woman who would pave way for the allowance of women to further their education.

And he on the other hand was going to become one of the most celebrated men of his time. He was confident that their invention was going to help generations and generations to come.

"Howard would be proud of us," Ella said.

"Aye. I'm sure he's looking down from heaven and thinking, 'Please don't mess this up as you usually do, guys.'"

Ella grinned. "Typical Howard."

There was a knock at the door. "It's the Captain. I'm with everyone."

Robert sighed. "Come in."

The door opened and Ella's family flooded in, followed by The Starks, then came Juliet and Rikkard with their son who was trying to bite his ears off. They had both gotten married months ago. So she was able to prevent a scandal. Everyone thought they both did whatever married people did after they got married.

Mr Featherington came forward and hugged Ella. "I'm sure you'll do well, dear."

"Thank you, father."

"Eeek! I'm so proud of you!" Juliet screamed like a banshee as she hugged Ella tightly. Everyone in the room congratulated Ella and Robert and he was glad that he had their support. He spotted Arthur looking at his sister dreamily. He had finally raced and won the derby despite how badly his leg had hurt. So he had more than enough to marry his sister. Next season would tell if he would still be infatuated with her.

"I'm proud of you, son," Duke Philip said, patting his son's shoulder. Robert held back the tears that were trying to spill down his cheeks. He couldn't cry now, he would look like a baby.

"Thank you father, it means a lot to hear that," Robert replied with a small smile. Over the few months, he had bonded with his father and learnt a few things about him that he didn't know before. Like how his father was formerly an espionage agent. Robert didn't even know he had direct family ties to the queen. Apparently, she was his father's cousin.

"Howard would be proud of how far you two have come," Captain Asher said, touching Ella and Robert in their arms. There were moments when Robert wanted to give up when he tried completing the moon lamp. It was harder than he thought. But at his lowest point, Howard would come to his mind and it would encourage him to work harder.

"The press is outside," The Captain revealed. "I have the police and some soldiers keeping them in check. I have to escort you both out before it gets out of hand out there."

Everyone said their goodbyes and left, leaving Captain Asher alone with the two inventors.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Aye," they said in unison.

He opened the door and it lead them to a white-walled corridor illuminated by gas lamps. After the presentation of the moon lamp, there would be no need for gas lamps again. Robert couldn't wait for that to happen. Policemen in blue uniforms and long hats stood at the walls all standing at attention.

"What's the situation?" Captain Asher asked a cavalry soldier in red standing at the door.

"You know how the Times reporters are. They're like rats trying to eat a single bar of cheese."

Robert didn't expect them to be this hungry to speak to him. When he had first announced his idea for the moon lamp, only a few reporters came to interview him. But now, the whole world wanted to hear from him. It was overwhelming and exciting at the same time.

"Make sure no one harasses them on their way out," Captain Asher instructed.

"Yes, Captain!" The Calvary soldier saluted and gestured at the bobbies to come forward. A phalanx of them surrounded Ella and Robert.

The door opened and the reporters attacked them like a feeding frenzy, their hands on their notes ready to jot down any information.

"Lord Stark."

"Excuse me, Lord Stark."

"Miss Featherington, there's been words coming from some dignitaries who claim it's never possible for a woman to make something as great as the moon lamp. What do you have to say to that?"

Oh, dear. Robert knew Ella's reply would be more insulting that the question.

She looked over her shoulder at the reporter. "Tell them they can take their opinions and stick it where the sun doesn't shine."

"Okay, Miss." The man wrote it down in his note. Truly, these people wrote anything. If it was possible to even write a sigh or a hiss, they would do it. The British Times Reporters were psychopaths.

"You didn't have to be that crude," Robert whispered into her ear.

She grinned and looked up at him adorably. "Haven't you learnt anything about me after all these months we've spent together?"

"I know you have a thing for speaking up for yourself." Robert placed a hand protectively on her back. The reporters were so strong that some of them could squeeze in through the bobbies.

After managing to be able to squeeze through the hungry reporters, they arrived at the wooden-platformed stage at Greenwich park. Gas lamps were hung along a line which connected to the oak trees that filled the park. Next to the round gas lamps were slimmer bulbs which took the shape of a bullet. Those were the moon lamps. The attendees sat on rows of seats and looked up to the stage with anticipation. The moon lamp's reveal had been the talk of the town for over two weeks now.

At the backstage, Robert and Ella met up with the announcer. He had a nose too long for his face and eyes so big they looked like they were about to pop out.

"I can't believe I'm talking to the two of you," He said, his eyes screaming with excitement. He held Ella's hand and grinned. "I have to say you're the motivation for every young woman out there. I'm sure they'll all want to strive to be like you. You're truly a breath of fresh air."

"Oh please, don't flatter me." She roped her arm around Robert's muscular arms. "I wouldn't be here without him. You know, I used to think men were always a distraction and wouldn't help a woman reach her full potential, but he proved me wrong."

And Robert was glad he got to be the man to do that. He deserved Ella as much as she deserved him.

"You two are truly adorable." He chuckled. "When's the wedding?"

Ella cleared her throat. "W-wha—"

"Oh please, don't mind me. I was just joking." The announcer waved off her shock. "I'll let them know you're ready to come." He walked out, leaving both of them behind the red curtain.

Ella cleared her throat and slipped her hand out of Robert's arm. He could sense the anxiety brewing in her. It was probably because of the issue of marriage that bloody announcer brought up.

"I give you the two people we've all been waiting for, Lord Robert Stark and Miss Ella Featherington!"

Claps and cheers erupted and Robert gazed at Ella "This is it."

She breathed in deeply. "This is it."

The curtains slid to both sides revealing them, the claps and cheers getting louder. They waved at the audience, smiles on their faces. Robert spotted his sister in the front row. He pointed at her and blew her a kiss. She screamed at the top of her voice and waved at him.

"That's my brother!"

Robert shook his head, smiling at her hilarious but sweet behaviour. He rubbed his wrist and walked closer to the front of the stage, a smirk on his face. An unexpected surge of confidence rushed through him. The nervousness from earlier had left him. Seeing his sister applaud him reminded him of how smart of a man he was.

Once the crowd settled, he began to speak.

"I want to thank you all for taking out time from your busy schedules to attend this reveal. You see, before I began the journey to make this moon lamp, I was someone else. But I began this journey and met some amazing people." He glanced at Ella. "There's a saying that wherever there's light, there's darkness. Of course, I had some opposition to my cause. I even lost a dear friend of mine, Sergeant Howard Lithstone. His death was a turning point for me. It forced me to look back on my life and figure out all the things I was doing wrong. My friend died for me to get a second chance at life. A chance to live life differently. The moon lamp shall be a reminder to everyone that even in darkness, there's still hope."

Ella locked her hands before her and stared determinedly at the audience. "Ever since I was a child, I had always had a keen interest in science. But because society claimed women couldn't be scientists, it made me have doubts. But with the moon lamp in my mind, I actively pursued my vision and now I am about to prove that even women can be smart too."

All the women in the crowd stood up from their seats and clapped loudly screaming praises.

"You're amazing, Ella!"

"We love you!"

"You're an inspiration!"

"Oi, I'm here too," Robert joked and the ladies laughed before they sat back again. He clasped his hands together. "Since we want the moon lamp to represent hope, we have decided to donate a hundred per cent of whatever profit made from selling it to the formation of a University. A University which would promote diversity. A university which both women and men would be allowed to attend."

The ladies screamed again at the top of their voices.

"We love you, Your Lordship!"

"You're amazing!"

"Finally I can go further in my education!"

"Frigg society!"

Everyone laughed at the last remark. Robert smiled at Ella and she winked at him. Things were moving smoothly.

"In honour of our late friend, Sergeant Howard Lithstone, the University would be named Howard Lithstone Memorial University," Ella said and the thunderous applauds and cheers came again. "And now, for the major demonstration!"

Robert clapped his hands and all the gas lamps went out and darkness wrapped the park. A cacophony of mutters rippled through the night. Robert clapped his hands again.

"Illuminare!"

The slim bulbs lit up with coruscating white light that bathed the park with lunar divinity. A collection of gasps car from the audience as they watched the bulbs in amazement. Soon they began sharing their opinions between themselves.

"It's beautiful."

"I almost got blind."

"I need this in my home."

"My goodness, this is amazing."

Robert fist-bumped with Ella. "They love it."

"Why wouldn't they? We made it," She replied grinning. When they were done marvelling at the beautiful lamps they turned to the inventors. In a minute, hands flew into the air. It was question time.

Robert pointed at a young lady behind his sister. "Yes, you."

"Is it true that the lamp can be used anytime as long as you charged it with the moon?"

"Yes. It contains the Ezigbo metal that can trap lunar light and use it whenever you please. Though you would have to charge it once in a while to power it up."

Another person raised their hand.

"Yes?"

"Would it be expensive?"

"Currently we have only two thousand of them. So the prices would be a bit steep. But once we've sold the first wave, we'll drop the prices so we could be able to mass produce."

Robert's sister gestured at the pocket watch in her hand. He knew he had to round things up. There was a party which was hosted at the Starklington estate. It was to celebrate Robert and Ella's achievement.

"Thank you all for coming out. Enjoy the rest of the evening." Robert bowed and Ella curtsied. Then they both left the stage.

******

The band comprising of people playing the harp, piano and violin played a remixed version of Beethoven's Piano sonata. A sea of people danced to the tune, ball gowns twirling and tailcoats flapping. Every corner of the ballroom was bathed with the silver-white glow of the moon chandeliers that hung from above. Robert had recently installed it. It was a chandelier powered by the moon. A branch out from the occasional moon lamp.

"You were amazing out there," Grace said, holding her brother's hand as they both watched the dancers.

"Thank you, Grace."

"What about me," Ella pouted. "I was up there too."

"Of course, you were amazing too. You're the kind of woman I strive to be. I'm already interested in astrophysics," Grace said, smiling.

"That's wonderful. By the time you grow older, I'm sure the university would be ready to accept you," Ella said. Robert appreciated that his sister got along with Ella. Most of his past partners didn't even bother to know if he had a sister.

Arthur walked over to them and bowed. "I wondered if it would be okay to ask Grace for a dance."

"Of course." Robert released his sister and watched the Derby champion lead his sister to the dance floor.

"They're adorable."

Robert glanced at Ella. "Aye."

"My Goodness! Ella dear, you were exceptional!" Mrs Garfield exclaimed, moving briskly over to them.

Mr Garfield was behind her and he appeared to not have the vibrant energy she radiated. What would you expect from a woman who was able to toss vases through windows so easily?

For the past months, Ella had taken the time to get to know her grandparents better. And Robert was glad to say Mrs Garfield hadn't tossed a vase since that day.

"Your mother would be proud of you if she saw you now," Ella's grandmother said, cupping Ella's rosy cheeks. Her eyes carried that fondness every mother had for their child. "You're amazing, love. We got in from Essex late but we sure saw those moon lamps on our way here. Isn't that right, James?"

Mr Garfield nodded his head. "We are impressed with how far you've come, Ella. You're truly like your mother. Brave, persistent..."

He trailed off, a smile coming next on his face.

"Thank you. I'm glad you both think that way."

"It's alright, Dear." Mrs Garfield locked eyes with Robert. "And you." Bloody hell, did she have a vase with her? Robert readied himself for the worst. But instead, she hugged him. Hmm, would you look at that? "You and the Captain are quite extraordinary men. I was quick to judge him. Where's he?"

Robert pointed at the corner of the room where Captain Asher was having an inaudible conversation with Robert and Emily's parents.

Mr Garfield shook Robert's hand. " Congratulations on achieving such a feat. It's impressive, Your Lordship."

"Thank you, Mr Garfield."

"Ella, I'll be back. Let me go see the Captain," Mrs Garfield tugged onto her husband's hand. "Let's go see the captain, James."

"Take it easy, I'm old," he whined as she lead him away.

"Look at you both," Mrs Tucker said walking over to them, the twins flanking her.

"Campbell, Dorice," Ella said sweetly and squatted so she could embrace the children. "How are you doing?"

Campbell pinched Ella's cheeks. "Fine."

"Mrs Tucker, I'm glad you could make it," Robert greeted, bowing slightly.

"Me too. The train was delayed if not I should've been present at the presentation." She looked up at the moon chandelier that was filling up the room with its lunar light. "But I must say your invention is quite brilliant."

"Thank you, Mrs Tucker," Robert and Ella said at the same time. They looked at each other and blushed before looking away. Mrs Tucker cleared her throat and collected the twins from Ella's arms.

"I'll give you both some alone time." Mrs Tucker gestured for the twins to follow her. "Come on lads, let's go see the Captain."

"Bye," Campell and Dorice sang before they wobbled away with their grandmother.

"Bye Campbell! Bye Dorice!"

"Captain! Captain!" They ran over to him and he beamed, carrying them off the ground. The Captain's relationship with the twins was something Robert envied. He hoped to have such a connection with his children in the future.

Robert and Ella smiled at the cute sight of the captain playing with the twins and locked eyes once again. This was the moment. He glanced around him and suggested they left the overwhelming merriments in the room to go somewhere they could get a breath of fresh air. She agreed and he led her to a balcony that he knew should recognise in no instance.

The full moon hung in the sky and the moon lamps spilt their light only on the brown tiles of the balcony. Ella held onto the balustrade and looked up at the moon.

"Remember when you met me here and asked if I was talking to myself?" Robert asked siding her.

"Aye."

"And I said I wasn't but was admiring the moon." Robert grinned cheekily. "I lied. I was talking to myself."

Ella laughed. "I knew what. But I didn't want to point it out for fear that your giant ego may be hurt. I truly wanted to get the job of working for you."

"I have to admit you did a good job." He squinted his eyes shut. "I'll have you know I don't have a giant ego."

"Of course." Ella smiled, her brown eyes alight with joy. "Like when you didn't want Howard to tell me you were reading Pride and Prejudice because you wanted to love me better."

Shite. Robert's jaw dropped. "That twat!"

Ella burst into a guffaw, her head thrown back. "Why did you think I came to your room that night? I already knew what you were doing and I found it adorable."

So he didn't do the deed, she did the deed to him. This bloody woman already had her plan mapped out. What could he say? She was smart.

"My goodness, I've been played." He gasped.

"How does it feel?"

"I don't know. Good actually." He looked down at her succulent peach lips. "I love women who are capable of making decisions. It's hot."

"Did someone open the gates of hell because I'm burning up," Ella feigned being hot as she fanned herself with her hands.

He smirked. "Don't be silly."

"I'm not silly." She playfully punched his arm.

Robert rolled his eyes. "Of course."

"That was sarcasm, wasn't it?"

"No."