Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Eight hours later, the three arrived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Poul and Jonathan exited the carriage and breathed in the air.

"It's good to be back," Jonathan said, as he glanced around at the lively town of their company.

Poul offered his hand to Amelia, which the latter took as she stepped down the steps carefully. Amelia looked around, taking in all the sights of her new workplace.

"It looked like a town," Amelia commented as she walked forward while her head was on a swivel.

"It doesn't look like a town, this is a town," Poul corrected. "Instead of having the workers work for hours to get to their workplace, why not just build them a place to stay?"

"That would indeed be efficient. Time is of the essence, and having your workers near the workplace saves a lot of time," Amelia said.

"Sir Nielsen!"

A man called out from afar, prompting the three to turn their heads toward the source. It was Timothy. He came to a screeching halt in front of Poul and Jonathan, who reflexively took a tiny step backward.

"Woah hold your horses down. What's the matter?"

"I have been waiting for your arrival, Sir Nielsen, Sir Axelsen. I have something that I'd like to show you. It's a device I have been working on, which could be a fine addition to the air brakes and the draft gear…"

As he was excitedly telling that to the industrialist duo, he noticed a sweet smell perfuming the air. He sniffed it.

"Uhm…are you two using some sort of perfume?" Timothy asked, looking questioningly between Poul and Jonathan.

Both men nodded their heads yes.

"I see, so that's why you two smelled good. Your hair is also glossy, what did you do to make it like that?"

"Timothy, you surely jest. Did we smell bad before?"

"No sirs," Timothy said with an awkward bow.

"Well, we can check that thing you want to show to us. For now, I would like to introduce to you our new secretary," Poul extended his hand to the right side of him, where Amelia stood with her hands behind her back. She curtsied politely to Timothy, who gaped open-mouthed, his eyes widening as if he just saw an angel.

"How do you do, Sir Timothy. I'm Amelia Weiss. I'll be working in this company as its secretary. I'm looking forward to working with you."

Without realizing it, Timothy's legs moved forward and were now standing in front of her. He took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on it.

"How do you do as well, Miss Weiss. I'm looking forward to working with you as well."

"And I'm also looking forward to working with everyone here," Poul placed a hand on Timothy's shoulder. "You may remove your hand off her now, Timothy."

"Yes sir," Timothy said as he withdrew his hands. He smiled brightly, his gaze fixed only on Amelia.

Seeing the two smiling at one another made Poul feel uneasy. "Don't you have work to do, Timothy?"

He said, his tone was stern but he was trying to keep his cool. It was quite unlike him, though he couldn't help it, seeing those two looking at one another smiling.

"Ah yes, of course," Timothy replied quickly as he turned to Poul. "I'll visit the main office at five o'clock, Miss Weiss," he tipped his hand before turning to his heels and leaving.

"He seemed to be a pretty nice guy," Amelia remarked.

"Hmph, is he?" Poul merely sniffed as he folded his hand.

Jonathan was controlling his laugh from behind. He leaned forward and whispered to Poul's ears.

"Easy there, you are getting obvious here."

"Get off my back, Jonathan," Poul hissed back from the corner of his lips.

"Uhm…Sir Nielsen. May I ask where I'll be working?" Amelia asked, snapping the two men away from each other. Poul straightened up, clearing his throat.

"Right, of course. Please follow me, I'll lead you to the main office."

Poul led the way and Amelia followed behind him. Jonathan on the other hand didn't join as he had recalled something that slipped into his mind a while ago. He had to visit the construction site.

Amelia was led to a two-story house. She frowned lightly, as it didn't look like much of an office to her. Nevertheless, she still followed Poul inside the house and into a room.

"Okay, this is it. Welcome to our humble office," Poul said, gesturing to the room.

Amelia stepped inside the room and took a look around. After a while, she let out a giggle.

"Wow, Mister Nielsen, your office is indeed humble."

Poul rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Is it not to your expectations? We haven't talked about constructing an office building as we were on a deadline while relocating our business here. Don't worry, it's only temporary."

"No, I liked it very much. It reminds me of my early days when Miss Caroline's business was just starting," Amelia said ruefully.

"Hmm, there are two desks here. One's mine and the other from Jonathan. This is where we do the paperwork and talk business with clients. You can use my desk for now until I buy a new one. It will probably be in a day or two."

"I understand."

"Okay, let's head upstairs. I'm going to show you your room," Poul said, leading the way upstairs.

They climbed two flights and ended up in front of a door. Poul opened it, revealing a plain bedroom.

"A little bit of history here. This was our room. This is where Jonathan and I sleep. You can use this room once we build you one adjacent to this."

"But where will you two sleep?" Amelia asked. Poul shrugged.

"There is one sofa outside and an armchair huge enough for one man to sleep in. We can sleep there," Poul said.

"That won't do. Mister Nielsen. If I may be honest, this treatment is making me embarrassed. First, you are letting me use your table and now your bedroom? At the expense of your comfort? I can understand the table but the bedroom is too much."

"Well I think it's not proper for two men to sleep in the room together with one woman," Poul said.

"It doesn't concern me," Amelia waved his concerns away.

"It doesn't concern you?" Poul repeated, slightly confused at her response. Was she not aware of the dangers of having two men sleeping in the same room as her? "Well, what if I did something to you."

"Are you going to do something weird to me?" Amelia locked her gaze with Poul.

"N-No," Poul stammered a response, averting his face as he felt shameful of saying that to her.

"Then there's no problem, is there? I'll unpack my things here. Are there any places that you'd like to show me around?"

"We can do that later," Poul said. "Once you finish unpacking, you may proceed to my office. I'll give you a brief discussion of your work."

"I understand," Amelia said.

"Then, I'll excuse myself."