Chapter 284 - 281: House Of Lords V (1/2)

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.”