Sir Merry had arranged to meet Georgiana at Les Invalides.
This square was where the second industrial exhibition was being held. Enormous marquees were being erected across it, while architects installed streetlamps according to the plans.
This exhibition would remain open both day and night. Unlike the first exhibition, this one would feature "big things." Many machines had already been brought in ahead of time, including one from her homeland—the threshing machine designed by Andrew Meikle of Scotland.
He tried to use his newly learned French to make the French architects understand how much water flow he needed to power it. Then he spotted Georgiana and immediately greeted her with great enthusiasm.
Georgiana did not go over. She waved at him, mentally noting that she needed to hire several more interpreters who spoke both English and French. Then Lufu Truman continued searching for Sir Merry through the bustling construction site and finally found him in a small tent beside the large marquee.
He was discussing taking a break to drink some water with several others. He had taken off his coat, and after someone pointed her out, he noticed Georgiana. He called to the man beside him, and the two of them walked over to her together.
Despite the heat, the other man had buttoned his collar all the way up to his neck. He looked not only stern but overheated. He bowed stiffly to Georgiana, then kissed the back of her hand. It was proper aristocratic etiquette, yet carried out with brisk military efficiency.
"Allow me to introduce Lord Whitworth, the ambassador to France," Sir Merry said, panting. "Let's sit at the café across the way. It's too noisy here."
Georgiana glanced at the Frenchmen looking in their direction, smiled at them, and followed the others to an open-air