Phillip arrived back in Shropshire two days after the Admiralty meeting. The moment the carriage wheels touched the gravel of the foundry yard, he felt the shift—men moving faster, foremen shouting instructions, wagons loaded with poles and wire waiting by the gate. The crews had continued work in his absence, but now something heavier filled the air.
Expectation.
Henry met him halfway across the yard, boots covered in dust. "The Navy sent riders yesterday. They want a full report on materials by tomorrow. They also requested measurements of wire loss over long distance."
Phillip hung his coat on the nearest post. "We'll give them what they need. Start compiling the material report. I'll handle the wire tests."
Henry scribbled a note. "And there's something else. The Railway Board sent word—they're uneasy."
"Uneasy about what?"
"That your telegraph plans now include the Admiralty."
Phillip paused. Not surprised—only annoyed. "Of course they are."
