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questions from the rest of the group, which he answered as knowledgeably as he could. After all, these women needed his advice, so he had to think of them and not himself. They were far less experienced in business than he was, and his wisdom might make the difference in whether their businesses survived. It was not a responsibility he took lightly. He enjoyed the attention, their rapt gazes and thoughtful questions, all except Astrid still sitting on the settee with her arms folded, a sour expression on her face. She didn’t seem to realize what a gift she was denying.
    After the questions had begun to lag, Edwina glanced at the clock and clapped her hands together. “All right, ladies. I want to make sure Mr. Rutledge has time to present his wonderful opportunity to all of you.”
    â€œNow, Edwina, it’s not my opportunity. I’m presenting it on behalf of the council.” Leafing through the sheaf of documents on his lap, he found the one he sought and read directly from it. “The International Federation for Commerce and Trade hereby announces the tenth World’s Fair, which will be held for the first time right here in Brittania from June 3rd through the 17th. As you may know, a World’s Fair is held every five years to celebrate the achievements of inventors and artisans worldwide and give them the opportunity to compete for the coveted ‘Best In Show’ cash prize. In addition to category prizes, the ‘Best In Show’ prize of ten thousand pounds will be awarded to the invention deemed to best embody the spirit of innovation and excellence so valued by the International Federation for Commerce and Trade.”
    Eli looked up from the document at the faces before him. “So that’s my news. Brittania is hosting the World’s Fair. Every business owner is invited to purchase booth space to display their best products, and any inventor can enter the contest.”
    After a moment of stunned silence, the room erupted in excited babble. Through the chaos, Eli found himself searching out Astrid, looking for her reaction, wanting to win her over. Would this, finally, make her smile?
    Her attention was focused on the woman next to her with the long, brown curly hair, who was chattering with animated gestures. He could make out snippets of the woman’s conversation.
    â€œâ€¦perfect for you, Astrid. With a booth, you could get some exposure, get more clients…”
    Astrid stared past her friend, nodding and looking off into space. Her face was a mask of deep thought, brows knitted, her lip caught between her teeth. She wasn’t smiling, but at least she didn’t look so angry anymore.
    Edwina clapped her hands again to quiet the group. “Ladies, ladies. Settle down. Mr. Rutledge, where can we get more information?”
    â€œThe IFCT has set up offices downtown in the bank building. They’ll be giving out paperwork all week. The deadline for booth rental and contest applications is Friday the twelfth.”
    â€œWe only have two weeks to apply?” Astrid’s voice made him turn. “The twelfth is two weeks away. Less than two weeks. What will we need to apply? Do we need the product in hand, or can we just have the idea?”
    Eli skimmed the document in his lap. “I’m not sure, to be honest. I only have the general overview. You’ll have to ask the Fair Board.” He had tried to put off thinking about the fair as long as possible, actually.
    â€œAren’t you on the Fair Board?” Astrid raised an eyebrow.
    â€œNo. That would be a conflict of interest.” He met her gaze. “I’m planning to be an exhibitor.”
    At that, her lips flicked upward in a small smile that seemed a challenge. “Well, then, I’ll have to ask the Fair Board.”
    After the meeting had officially broken up and everyone stood around drinking tea and mingling, Eli sidled up to Astrid, who was chatting with the