Wearing British clothes as a second-generation aristocrat

85. This is my sponsor.

So Fulton changed into his only other clean suit and went to visit Dugan at the address provided.

Arriving at the grand entrance of the Earl's manor, Fulton felt somewhat ashamed of his appearance, but he took a deep breath and stepped forward to the gatekeeper, saying, "My name is Fulton, and I had an appointment with Mr. Dugan this morning."

The gatekeeper glanced at him, then went inside to announce his arrival.

At that moment, in the living room, Dugan was also giving his parents a heads-up.

"I'm planning to sponsor an engineer from the United States," Dugan said.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Oris were taken aback by these words.

It was common for the powerful and wealthy of this era to patronize artists, writers, or engineers.

It's not that these powerful and wealthy people are genuinely enthusiastic; rather, sponsoring artists makes them appear to have high taste, sponsoring writers makes them appear cultured, and sponsoring engineers makes them appear to be enlightened, not old-fashioned.

In the social atmosphere of European high society, aristocrats who only gambled on horse races, indulged in women, and acquired real estate were regarded as vulgar nouveau riche or tacky tycoons.

At the same time, this is also an investment business.

If you invest in engineers like Watt and Fulton, once steamship technology matures and mass production begins, investors hold patent licenses and receive dividends year after year from factory and arms orders.

If the artist you invest in becomes famous later, the value of his paintings in your collection will immediately skyrocket.

Artworks are a form of hard currency that is easier to pass down than gold, silver, or land. During times of war, collectibles have a strong ability to preserve their value and can even be used as dowries in marriage alliances.

In short, such funding can, on the one hand, enhance the investor's image and cultivate a respectable persona of enlightenment and civilization. On the other hand, it is also a long-term investment behavior.

Therefore, it's not surprising that the eldest son, Megan, had such thoughts, but it was somewhat unexpected for the Earl and Countess to bring it up.

"Dugen, do you owe gambling debts?" The old man's first thought was that Dugen had accumulated huge gambling debts outside, so he was looking for an excuse to ask the family for money.

"How could that be?" Dugan was taken aback. "My dear father, I reformed long ago after I returned from India."

Countess Maria was quite willing to believe her son, and she asked, "That Fulton, the American, what is it about him that has attracted you?"

"He was an engineer from the United States named Robert Fulton," Dugan said. "He designed a steam-powered ship that, if successful, would eliminate the need for wind power. Steam-powered navigation would be unrestricted by wind direction or ocean currents, offering far greater range and speed than traditional sailing ships. It would be a revolutionary invention that could change the future of maritime navigation."

Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, the Countess covered her mouth and chuckled, while the old Earl burst into laughter.

"So it was one of Fulton's idiots!"

"You know about it too?" Dugan was surprised. Why did his own father know about "Fulton's idiots"?

The old count chuckled and said, "The War Ministry has spies in Paris. It's said that this Fulton wanted to present this invention to the dwarf, but was met with the dwarf's merciless ridicule!"

"That was Napoleon's shortsightedness," Dugan was about to argue.

Aldo came to the living room door and whispered, "Master, Madam, Young Master, an American gentleman named Robert Fulton has come to visit. He says he has an appointment with the Young Master."

"Let him in," Dugan said. "Father, I think you should meet this Fulton."

"Hmm... alright." The old count finally nodded, but the countess had no interest in such matters and got up to leave.

"Mechanics are a topic for you men. I'll go prepare afternoon tea."

A moment later, Fulton followed Aldo into the living room.

"Greetings to you both." Fulton bowed to the Earl and Dugan.

Dugan introduced the old Earl: "Father, this is the engineer I was just talking about, Robert Fulton."

The old count simply nodded slightly.

Fulton, keenly aware of the Earl's indifferent attitude, didn't waste any words and said, "Your Excellency, I know the idea of ​​steamships is hard to convince people. But I personally visited Mr. James Watt, and Mr. Watt said that as long as my steamships are equipped with the new steam engines from his factory, they will definitely be able to sail stably and achieve commercial long-distance voyages!"

"watt?"

Upon hearing the name, the old count's eyebrows twitched.

With Watt's endorsement, regardless of whether the project succeeds or not, it at least convinces the old Earl that Dugan genuinely intends to fund an engineer, rather than swindling money from the family to squander on a life of debauchery.

The old count thought for a moment and said, "So, how much money do you need right now?"

Fulton said, "At least £100."

The old count looked at Dugan, his attitude clearly indicating his agreement.

Dugan said, "I have my own money, as long as you, Father, agree."

"Alright!" The old count nodded and said, "But don't forget, you're going to Bexhill in two days."

"Okay, I won't forget," Dugan replied happily.

Fulton was overjoyed. He had thought it would take a lot of persuasion to convince the seemingly stubborn old count, but it turned out to be so easy.

"Mr. Dugan, I am very grateful for your support..." Fulton wanted to say a word of thanks.

But Dugan interrupted him directly, "Mr. Fulton, you heard me, I'm going to Bakershill in two days, so we have to hurry."

"Aldo!" Dugan shouted, "Go to the London bank and get £200 in cash."

"Okay," Aldo replied immediately.

"Also, prepare the carriages; we're going to Mr. Watt's factory immediately."

Dugan hurriedly put on a coat, and seeing Fulton still standing there in a daze, he said, "Mr. Fulton, what are you waiting for? I'm in a hurry!"

Dugan hurriedly led Fulton to the Soho Steam Engine Manufacturing Plant on the banks of the Thames.

When Watt saw Fulton return so quickly and his chest heaving, he assumed that Fulton had really been tricked by Dugan, which is why he was so angry that his face turned red.

Before Fulton could speak, Watt began to comfort him.

"Fulton, my friend, you should heed my advice," Watt said, patting Fulton on the shoulder with a look of sympathy.

"No...I..." Fulton was about to speak.

At that moment, Watt's son, James Watt Jr., and Matthew Robinson Bolton, son of Watt's partner, Matthew Bolton, were also present.

They also went up to comfort Fulton.

James Jr. knew Fulton, and he advised him, "Mr. Fulton, Dugan is just a playboy. If he says anything unpleasant to embarrass you, just take it as a breeze."

Matthew added, "Who doesn't know that Dugan Connby is a spoiled brat?"

"Ahem..." Dugan, who came in a step later than Fulton, happened to hear these words.

He cleared his throat and said, "Who's badmouthing me behind my back? Gentlemen, I haven't offended you before, have I?"

Dugan glared at Watt and his son and Matthew with displeasure.

"Huh?" Old Watt and his son were taken aback, and Matthew also looked at Dugan awkwardly.

"Who are you?"

Fulton then got a chance to speak, "Gentlemen, this is my patron, Mr. Dugan Connby, the second son of Count Oris Connby, a brigadier general and commander of the King's German Army."