Chapter 284 - 281: House Of Lords V
On Tuesday, the 24th of July, Alexander informed Charlton that the telephone lines were ready, and they can proceed with the demonstration in the palace. Charlton wrote his uncle Regulus regarding this matter on the day itself.
He was surprised to receive his response the next day informing him that they should ready themselves on Friday as the king and the members of the house of lords have been looking forward to the demonstration and granted them audience that day.
Thus, on the 27th of July, Charlton and Alexander Bell were standing in the palace grounds waiting to be called inside.
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Inside the house of lords, the king, the 2 princes, about two thirds of the members of the peerage in the kingdom and all the members of the ministries were present for the demonstration. When the Minister of works, royal duke Regulus William, described what the telephone can do, everyone became curious. He was all high praise about the product and even called it the innovation of the century.
The speaker of the house began talking about some matters until King Edward V cleared his throat to stop him.
"Move the reports to later. I want to proceed with the demonstration." He said.
The speaker immediately heeded the king's orders and gave a signal at the servant on the other side of the house.
"Lord Charlton Daniel, Mr. Alexander Bell, please be ready as the speaker announces your names. You shall both enter the house." A page told them.
Charlton nodded his head, his heart thundering. It was his first time entering the house, and today, he must make an impression. A positive impression but at the same time, something not threatening.
The speaker announced, "Entering, Lord Charlton Daniel, and Mr. Alexander Bell, the owners of the Bell-Daniel Telephone company."
Charlton followed by Alexander both walked inside. Charlton knew that he could not come too strong, so he chose to stop at the dock where people with a crime should stand. Alexander did not know what to do so he just followed by example.
Then, Charlton bowed his head and his body to a 45-degree angle while placing his right hand on his left chest, "Your majesty."
Everyone in the house were observing Charlton, when he stopped at the dock, some of those who did not like his father snickered.
The King chuckled thinking that his nephew with all his brilliance was also a bit stupid. Letting his guard down, he lightly admonished.
"Why did you stop there? You should have come forward a bit more so that I would have been able to see you clearer, Charlton Daniel."
Charlton did not rise when he was not explicitly told not to.
The king seeing him that way was pleased. Good, his sister raised her son with reverence to the crown. "You may rise."
Then that was only the time that Charlton chose to rise, Alexander seeing him do so also followed his example.
"Now, all of us here heard about this innovation your company has. So, I want you to tell us about this product and demonstrate how it works. You may move forward to begin."
When Charlton and Alexander met, Alexander asked Charlton to take lead in the demonstration as he doesn't have the confidence to speak in front of the king and the others. Charlton knew why he was apprehensive, and he also wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.
Thus, he began to speak.
"Your majesty, your highness, my lords, we are here before you to humbly present and demonstrate the product telephone. As you may all know, we are here today to seek permission in placing the telephone wires beside the electricity wires for convenience and ease of everyone." He began.
While speaking, many of the nobles gave him a second look. Although he made a blunder earlier, his speech was very clear, he spoke slowly in a humble manner, but it commanded the attention of the listeners.
The king looked at Charlton a second time. The boy was unlike his father. Where his father's presence was too strong that it would make the other person's skin crawl, Charlton's presence was soothing to the eyes. At first, he thought that he would dislike the boy as he was the son of Charles, but given the attitude he has shown, he thought that he could give him a chance to become useful in the future.
Besides, the boy was still young, what can he do but try to be useful?
Charlton continued with the explanation, and after he was done, the telephone as instructed to some palace servant was brought to the long table in front. Charlton and Alexander both walked to the telephone.
For demonstration purposes, two telephones were wired in the palace grounds, one in the house of lords, the other inside the palace. Two calls would be made that day, one to the other telephone in the palace, the other to the port of Windsor.
In the process, the king who decided to give Charlton face after his musings went down of his throne to join them. Seeing this favor, the nobles who were just looking at Charlton and Alexander pretending to be nonchalant now openly showed their curiosity by standing.
The Ministers, Geoffrey, and Frederick went to stand behind the king.
"Alright Charlton, show us what this product can do." King Edward V instructed.
Everyone else that did not have the right to come closer craned their neck to know what's happening.
Charlton who was sitting in front of the telephone was also nervous. What if the product doesn't work well that day? However, he did not let it show. Instead, he answered, "Yes your majesty." Then dialed the phone number Alexander gave him.
The phone rang, and from the palace, one of the king's groom of the stool went to answer the telephone.
The ringing stopped, and vaguely, Charlton heard some rustling from the other line, then he spoke. "Hello? I am calling from the house of Lords, can you hear me?" Charlton asked.