All Men of Genius

XLIII.



THE wedding of Ernest, Duke of Illyria, and the noted lady scientist, Violet Adams, who had herself obtained a little fame and a little infamy at that year’s Science Faire, was a grand spectacle. They chose not to be married in church, but in Illyria itself, with the Great Hall decorated and filled with chairs for the guests. Banners hung from the great gears on the wall in such a way that they rotated in time, so they kept flapping in the wind, giving the feeling that the wedding was taking place outside, and that a hundred white flags were waving in its honor.

The bride wore a long gown of white silk, and was accompanied by her matron of honor, Miriam Isaacs, who carried the train for her. Both her father and her brother escorted her down the aisle to give her away, and in the front row, the family’s servant, Mrs. Wilks, could be seen blowing her nose most furiously, and crying. Violet’s veil was long, but as transparent as possible, as she had felt that being veiled was not something she wanted to do much more of in her life.

The groom was done up in his ducal finery. In a most unorthodox move, he had chosen his lady cousin and ward, Cecily Worthing, to be his best man and ring bearer. She wore dark blue, and could be seen throwing glances to one of the groomsmen, Mr. Jack Feste, who would wink at her in return.

The ceremony was officiated by a great clergyman of some renown, who isn’t particularly important to this story, and a powerful speech was given by the groom’s godmother, Ada Byron, who toasted the wedding of love and science. In the crowd could be seen all the students and professors of Illyria, applauding the happy match.

Afterwards, the party, which was far too large for the garden, retired there anyway. Champagne was served and rice thrown as the now husband and wife clasped each other’s hands in the breeze, surrounded by those they loved, and by those who loved them.

“I believe,” Ada Byron said to Ernest, “that I have won my bet.”

“Indeed you have,” Ernest said with a laugh. “So you may choose a student for next year.”

“Well, then, I choose Violet, Duchess of Illyria.” Ada said, “You must promise to keep her in school, despite your nuptials.”

Ernest laughed again. “No, dear Godmother, you cannot choose Violet, for I have already insisted on her continuing at Illyria next year. I would never dream of denying my school her brilliance,” he said, and kissed her on the cheek. Violet laughed.

“Then I’ll have to find someone else,” Ada said, sipping her champagne. “And you, Violet? Do you plan to remain true to science and stay a student of Illyria?”

“Dear Godmother,” Violet said with a smile, “I keep science for life. And now, I shall keep Ernest, too.” Violet closed her hand tight around the duke’s, their fingers interwoven like perfectly fitted gears.

They all raised their glasses in a toast to keeping earnest, and their laughter carried like song on the wind, overpowering even the noise from the gears of Illyria.





Special Thanks



ALTHOUGH it should be clear by now that I am talented and beautiful, I also endeavor to surround myself with talented, beautiful people. Without them, this book would not be what it is today, and I would most certainly be a puddle of crazy-beautiful-talent, oozing on the hardwood floors. These people are all amazing and they deserve as many thanks as I can give them, which alas, are limited to two pages:

My family, and in particular my parents, who have supported me above and beyond the call of any parents throughout this whole “I’m going to be a writer” fantasy. My mother has probably read more drafts of this book than I have, correcting and commenting late into the night.

And my agent, Joy, who is family as well at this point. No one fights harder with me, and no one fights harder for me, whether I made the changes or not. She is my paladin. No one looks out for me like she does.

My editor, Liz, who not only made my sentences clear and readable, but helped me craft the best version of the book I wanted, and didn’t give up even when the Technical Difficulties began.

Leslie, not just for being amazing, but also for her feedback, and also for explaining to me, very slowly, every minute detail of the business and helping me through more than one crazy moment.

Robin, Paula, Laura, Holly, and Stella, who have pored over this manuscript countless times and given me constant feedback, support, and humor, not just in regards to writing this book, but in regards to writing in general.

Cassie, for all the amazing work getting my book out there, and also showing me how to dress.

Sam, Alexis, and Logan, not just for their excellent feedback, but for explaining how science works, and how I can best defeat it.

Jackie, Rebecca, Aire, Mary, Rora, Christina, Angela, and Barry, for their invaluable and brilliant feedback, finessing, and advice.

Barry and Desiree, for making me look way better than I do in real life, and Elyn and Macie, for the support and encouragement.

Dan, for doing what everyone above has done, and also telling me I should maybe, possibly be a writer to begin with (no taking it back now).

Larabell, Antonella, Allie, and everyone at David Black, for all the hard work they’ve put into this, and how universally awesome and funny they all are.

Bridget, Aubrey, Irene, Patti, Miriam, and everyone at Tor, for being so warm, welcoming, and dedicated.

Max, for being my go-to Latin Scholar, and for letting me flirt quite outrageously with him.

And Chris, for just being Chris.