The Potential Undertaking

The king noticed Ernest's hesitation almost immediately.

"That complicated?"

Ernest met his gaze and nodded.

"Far more complicated than electrifying the palace."

"Explain."

Without another word, Ernest walked toward the blackboard standing beside the wall. He picked up a piece of chalk and drew three large headings across its surface.

Power Generation

Transmission

Distribution

King Edward and Lord Ashford watched in silence.

"The electric lamp," Ernest began, tapping the first line with the chalk, "is actually the smallest and least expensive part of the entire system. A city cannot be illuminated simply by purchasing thousands of lamps and connecting wires to them. Before a single street can be lit, electricity must first be produced in sufficient quantity."

He tapped the first heading.

"Power generation."

His chalk moved to the second.