New Technologies for Gas Turbine Blades

New Technologies for Gas Turbine Blades After second world war, gas turbine became an important technology for its application in aerospace and industrial sectors. At the origin materials used for engine construction are greater incisively. When compared to materials used in compressor and gas turbine- blades. But could not endure more than few hours at then relatively modest temperatures and low power settings; then again reliability and thermodynamics efficiency were comparatively low,so it bringing out some accidents stimulating damage to parts and harms to the people In this report, new technologies for increasing the functioning, reliability and emission in gas turbine blades referable improvements materials, are discussed and executed. Introduction: The gas turbine engine is a machine bearing mechanical energy using gaseous fluent. Its an internal combustion engine as though the reciprocating petrol and disel engines with the major deviation that the working fluent through the gas turbine ceaselessly and not intermittent.the uninterrupted flow of the working fluid needs the compression, heat intake, and expansion to take place in distinguish parts. Since that cause a gas turbine consists of various parts work unitedly and contemporized ready to accomplish production of mechanical energy in caution of industrial purpose, or force, when those machines are used for aerospace purposes.[4],[5] C:UsersSenthilDesktopCapture.PNG Components location of typical gas turbine Throughout gas turbine procedure, air is carried from the atmosphere and is absorbed by the first row of compressor blades. From time to time the working liquid receives mechanical energy from the compressor getting that pressure and temperature increase rapidly. In this special moment ,air accepts proper condition to be send combustion chamber; parts responsible for mixing the incoming air with fuel, producing combustion and high temperature -flue-gases with temperature adequate to 1400 °-1500 °C.the accomplishment of that high window temperature intends that material and design of those components requires special branch; ascribable the area settled between combustion chamber exit and the turbine s intake is considered as the most reasonable and ambitious desire for gas turbine technology.[4],[5] Temperature and pressure profile in gas turbine While flue gases have down from the combustion chamber , they driven to the turbine rows; parts responsible for distilling power from gases in form of mechanical-rotational energy, which drive the compressor and developing extra energy to drive system or generating force. Afterwards, flue gases are freed to the atmosphere through the existing nozzle and its having a temperature about 550 °C.[5] Operating conditions for turbine blades: In gas turbine manufacture, the blade of the high pressure turbine has recede the highest care of the research workers since the challenge it provides. The power to run at growingly high gas temperatures has resulted from a combining of material improvements and the growth of more advanced arrangements for inner and outer cooling system; for example at present high pressure turbine blades experience compressed air bled from the compressor and its came in to the turbine blades although little holes drilled on them, with the aim to establish a covering layer on the border of the blades and assured that hot flue gases fired directly.[4] High pressure turbine blades with internal cooling Material used in gas turbine blades: Advanced gas turbine have the most modern and convoluted technology in all faces; construction materials are not the exclusion referable their extreme operating conditions. Because it has been noted before, the most hard and challenging point is the one settled at the turbine inlet, because, there are various difficulties related to it; like utmost temperature (1400 °C-1500 °C),high pressure, high rotational speed, vibration, small circulation area, and so forth. The aforesaid hasten features produces effects on the blades that are demonstrated on the table.[2] Table shows asperity of the several surface-related problems for gas turbine application Ready to overcome those barriers, gas turbine blades are made using advanced materials and modern alloys (super alloys) that contains adequate to ten significant alloying elements, only its microstructure is very simple; comprised of rectangular blocks of stone piled in a regular align with narrow circles of cement to hold them together. the material (cement) has been changed since in the past,intermetallic form of titanium employed in it, but now days titanium was replaced by tantalum.[3] This change gave afforded high temperature strength, also improved high resistance. Still, the greatest change has happened in the nickel, where high degree of tungsten and rhenium are present. These elements are very efficient in solution strengthening.[3] After 1950 s the evolution from moulded to conventionally cast to directionally solidified to single crystal turbine blades has conceded a 250 °C rise in allowable metal temperatures. On other side cooling developments have repeated this value in terms of turbine entry gas temperature. An important recent part has come from the alignment of the alloy grain in the single crystal blade, which has appropriated the elastic properties of the material to be controlled very closely. so these properties successively control the natural frequency of the blade[2] If metallurgical development can be tapped by reducing the cooling air quantity this is a potentially important performance foil, as for example the Rolls-Royce engine employs about 5% of compressor air to cool its row of high pressure turbine blades. On other side single crystal alloy, is able to campaign about 35 °Chotter than its precursor. Its seem a small increase, but it has permitted the course intermediate pressure turbine blade to stay uncooled[2] : Capture1.PNG CES GRAPH FOR MATERIAL SELECTION DENSITY VS PRICE Capture mcpvs thermal.PNG FATIGUE STRENGTH VS THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY Capture2.PNG Continuing Development: In the past several decades, thermally deposited ceramic coatings on metallic turbine blades have look turbine engine to operate at higher temperature,and agreeing to the law of thermodynamics, higher efficiencies.[6] Ceramic thermal barrier coating have got improved performance in turbines engines for propulsion and also for power generation. Enforcing a coating of refractory insulation ceramic to metal turbine blades and vanes allows the engine to run at higher temperature as belittling hurtful effects on the metal blades.[1] On going, an advance in high-tech materials is allowing even more opportunities in these areas. By mixing these new materials with a adept understanding of coating engineering precepts and application technologies, coating industries will be able to extend an additional performance improvements in the future. To amend coating performance, various engineering concepts must be believed concerning the quality of the ceramic coating. First, the coating material should be selected so that it is refractory enough to protest the higher temperature at the surface and have a low bulge thermal conductivity to derogate heat transfer to the metallic blade below. in adequate ,the thermal expansion of selected material should nearly match that of the metallic substratum to understate potential stresses.Yttria stabilized Zirconia(YSZ) is the manufacture standard first generation coating material are applying nowadays[1]. However, in second generation coating must have grain and pore structure that will minimize thermal-conduction to the metal-ceramic interaction. A low-density coating is normally made using state-of the-art deposition processes and is splendid of allowing an insulating barrier. The coating should have plenty porosity, hence it cuts the thermal conductivity at the same time it adhering to the metal turbine bond-coat layer. Substantial amount of micro structural engineering in thermal barrier coating is ongoing, example of this reality, is the accessibility of double and triple-layered microstructures for special application.[1],[2],[3] At last, the coating should bind to the turbine blade during operation. Failure of the adhesion(spalling) would suddenly disclose the metallic blade to high temperature, doing austere corrosion , settled creep or melting. In general, a metallic bond coat that shows good adhesion to both the metallic turbine and the ceramic coating is enforced. [4] Creation of thermal barrier coatings: It is also significant that the ceramic coating be homogenously used to the surface of the turbine blade. This is accomplished by either ELECTRON BEAM PHYSICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION (EB-PVD) or ARC PLASAMA SPRAYABLE (APS) powder method. [1] EB-PVD is the process presently advocated for high quality coating. In this proficiency a cylindrical metal bar of the coating, material is vapour with an electron beam, and the vapour uniformly condenses on the surface on the turbine blade. One of the significant advantages of the EB-PVD process is the strain-tolerant coating that is developed. This columnar strain-elastic structure is said to cut down the elastic modulus in the flat of coating to values nearing to zero, thereby raising the lifespan in term of flight hours or cycles of the coating. Early advantages of the EB-PVD ceramic coatings admit fantabulous adherence to both polish and crude surfaces. The final coating is also smooth, requiring no surface finishing. Additionally, the vapour deposition sue could not plug air-cooling holes in turbine blades during deposition. [1], [2], [3] Fig 4 Schematic EBPVD process, the entire fabrication would be under vacuum. Rotation of the electron beam is received by magnetic field vertical to the drawing Fig 5 Schematic microstructure of a thermal barrier coating (TBC)obtained by electron beam physical vapour deposition(EBPVD).the columnar microstructure substantially raises the strain resistance and hence this thermal cycling life. In the APS powder application method, the ceramic material is in the form of a flow powder that is fed in to plasma torch and dispersed molten on to the surface of the metallic substrate. Drops of molten material form†³ splats†³ on the metallic substrate. Sprayed coatings have half the thermal conductivity of the EB-PVD coatings and are hence isolators that are more beneficial. [1],[2],[3] Fig 6 Schematic microstructure of thermal spray coating, it shows only a elite layer of particles The †³splats†³ form a thin plate (lamella) structure of thermal coating of fissures with a non-uniform density and pore size. Fig 7. Schematic microstructure of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) received by air plasma spray (APS). In contrast to EB-PVD coatings, APS coatings need a rough deposition surface for adept adhesion. In addition, thermal sprayed coatings are more prostrate to spalling, cutting the operation lifespan of the coating relative to EB-PVD coatings. Thermal -sprayed parts are also not as reclaimable as part coated by EB-PVD since the wide spalling and extrinsic cracking do the APS coated components to be damaged beyond repair. Still the equipment, movability and lower production cost of APS frequently makes the process more commercially attractive than EB-PVD.[1],[2],[3] Importance of the coating source: In the thermal barrier coating job, is significant to believe the material source (block of metal) associates to the quality of the final coating. For example metal bar for EB-PVD must have a high purity (over 99.5%) and a coherent and uniform density and pore structure. If the ingots are too dumb, they will undergo serious thermal shock when they find electron beam. [4] In a ingot of in homogenous density of porosity, closed porosity may exist. In this case, the release of cornered gas may also do spitting of eruptions. Molten patters, when trapped in the coating, will cause defects and potential failure sites. The optimum density for an EB-PVD barrier coating ingot is usually in the range of 60-70% of theoretical density. If the density is lower than the previously mentioned values, the efficiency of the process is reduced. [4] Arc -plasma spray able powder must have a particle size large sufficiency to flow through the plasma torch but not so prominent that the entire particle is not melted coming out of the plasma gun. Inadequate to the composition, the particle size dispersion and flow ability are major considerations for APS thermal spray powder. [4] While YSZ has been the industry standard first generation coating material, it has a number of retreats that block the improvement of thermal barrier coatings. One trouble is its lack of phase stability at high temperatures. Three commonly formed phases gets out in the zirconia-rich section of the zirconia-yttria binary system: cubic, tetragonal and monolithic. Under operation or making conditions, phase transformations can occur that cause mechanical stress and promote sapling or bond coat failure. In addition, although YSZ has a low thermal conductivity (2.4 W/m K), a refractory ceramic material with a lower thermal conductivity than the YSZ would be suitable. If the coating liberally forms and compactness as in service, the thermal conductivity will slightly increase by thermal shock sensitivity. Hence, materials at least as refractory as YSZ are wanted. It can also be difficult to cope with the thermal expansion of YSZ-comprising coatings to the bond coat layer and the metal subs trate. A great allot of research is currently under way of determine improved materials for thermal barrier coatings. Ready to answer to that requirement, a class of lanthanide zircon ate pyrochlorides(Lnà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Zrà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Oà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã¢â‚¬ ¡) [1],[4] These materials have lower thermal conductivity than YSZ (1.5-1.8 W/m k), as well as improved phase stability above a broad range of compositions and temperatures. In action they are less liable than YSZ to sintering during operation, hence showing a thermal expansion agree to the bond-coat layer as adept as of better than YSZ. the decreased thermal conductivity of the coating made with these material could admit the turbine to carry at higher temperature and therefore the efficiency should be increased .it could also permit the turbine blade to stay cooler, checking those thermal processes that conduct to coating failure and increasing utile lifespan of the turbine. Fig 8. Micrographs of Laà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Zrà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Oà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã¢â‚¬ ¡ and YSZ coating 7. Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs): Advance increasing in temperature are likely to attain the development of ceramic matrix composites. A number of merely shaped static parts for military and civil applications are in the engine development phase and guide vanes for axial compressors had been produced to demonstrate process potentiality, such proficiencies involve advanced textile handling and chemical vapour infiltration that provide the quality challenge. It will finally appear because the advantages are so high, but it would take much longer to contribute it to an acceptable standard than was anticipated a couple of decades back. [1], [4] Ceramic matrix composites are at cutting edge of advanced material technology since their lightweight, high strength and toughness, high temperature potentialities, and elegant failure under loading. Research work has focused for many years on fibre-reinforced ceramics for this application, as contradicted to monolithic materials, which own enough strength at high temperature but the disable of poor impact resistance. Now commercially available ceramic composites utilize silicon carbide fibres in a ceramic matrix such as silicon carbide or alumina. These materials are able of uncooled operation at temperature up to 1200 °C, hardly outside the capacity of the current best-coated nickel alloy systems. un cooled turbine applications will attain an all oxide ceramic material system, to assure the long-run stableness at the very high temperature in oxidizing atmosphere. An early example of such a system is alumina matrix. To earn the ultimate load carrying capacities at high temperatures, single crystal oxide fibres may be used, giving the opening to operate under temperature of 1400 °C. Higher operating temperatures for gas turbine engines are ceaselessly attempted in order to increase their efficiency. Still operating temperatures increase, the high temperature durability of the components of the engine must correspondingly increase. Substantial advances in high temperatures capacities have been accomplished through preparation of iron, nickel and cobalt-base super alloys. When super alloys have detected broad use for components across gas turbines, options materials have been aimed. Materials holding silicon, particularly those with silicon carbide (SIC) as a matrix material and/or as a reinforcing material are currently being dealt for high temperature applications, such as combustor and some hot section components of gas turbine engines; like combustion chamber, transition duct (which take the combustion products and directs them for the turbine section), the nozzle guide vanes the surrounding cover section and others. CONCLUSION: Gas turbines establish a broad and beneficial choice for power generation used for both, industrial and aerospace applications. This technology calling for better and more reliable materials to use mostly in those section in which temperatures are highly like first row of turbines and combustion chamber. Blades materials for turbine section in gas turbine have encouraged rapidly in last few years. At present, those blades are constructed using special alloys and are protected by some special coats. Those changes are meant to increase the allowed temperature up to 1500 °C without cooling. In this way, overall efficiency increases. Ceramic coating is employed to the surface of the turbine blade using several methods. The most significant ones are ELECTRON BEAM PHYSICAL VAPOUR DEPOSTION (EB-PVD) and ARC PLASMA SPARYABLE (APS) powder method. Like wise the technology aspired to produce better coats, material science is presently working extensile in CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITES, organized basically by silicon carbide fibres and special fabrics in order to increase the temperature gap in emplacements specially sensible for gas turbine operation. [1], [2], [3]

Benefits of Employee Collaboration Essay

Within the modern workplace, there is an ongoing debate as to if traditional problem solving or employee collaboration produces the best results. Even though some people see employee collaboration as a waste of time, employee collaboration should be encouraged because not only can it benefit the company, it gives employees the opportunity to grow. When an employer encourages open collaboration with its employees in order to solve a problem, many positive outcomes can occur. In his article Improving Efficiency by Improving Employee Collaboration Brian Middle stated â€Å"Tasks can be completed more effectively since individuals are concentrating on areas that they are well versed in and not in areas they struggle with.† This thought process takes the pressure off of one individual to have all the answers to every problem in front of them. Yes, it is up to the person in charge to ultimately make the final choice as to how to handle a problem, but expecting them to have all the i nformation at any given time is not good business practice. Bringing together a team to solve a problem creates an atmosphere of individual and company growth by giving each employee an opportunity to succeed, and having a more effective way of completing the tasks. At my own place of employment, a lot of the decisions are solely made by one individual on a day to day basis. This individual, while he is a fairly good leader is in no position to make choices concerning my work. As required by the state I live in, in order to perform my duties as a Wastewater Operator, a large amount of schooling and licensing must be obtained. With my job, I must make decisions about what to do when a large amount of rain has fallen in a short time frame. The process, in my opinion should be a combined decision by me, the other operator, and the Town Manager. The operators should be able to give him the vital information about what would happen with each scenario, our professional opinion as to how to best handle it, and then discuss it. This process would take roughly 10 – 15 minutes, and wouldn’t affect the overall plant performance. However, this is not the case. We are told what he wants us to do without our input, and this has at times led to bad outcomes. The mine-is-better habit seems to be the issue within our organization. Working with a lot of older gentlemen, I have noticed that any suggestion given to someone is immediately shot down due to egos. Instead of taking a little bit of time to review all the information from individuals with a more knowledgeable background on the subject, a decision is made from one persons point of view. Luckily, for all major decisions that do not need immediate attention; we have a Town Council who must put it to a vote. As simple as this seems it should be, there are some mine-is-better habits within the council as well. There are many routes I could take in order for my manager to overcome his habit of mine-is-better when making decisions. One of the approaches I can take would be to encourage him to take a moment to listen to what options we have, and how it would best suit him and the town to think things through. Giving him all of the information at hand, even if he hasn’t asked for it plants the seed within his own mind to consider everything before coming to a conclusion. The other option I can think of, is taking it solely out of his hands by involving the Department of Environmental Management. Having them simply explain to him that it is up to the operators themselves to draw the conclusion on what is best based upon the professional standing they have may help him realize that his way is not always the best way of doing things. The town I live in and work for would greatly benefit from open collaboration with its employees. Many of us our highly trained individuals, who take great pride in their field of choice. With so many different departments, no one person can expect to know how everything operates and works within the entire town. Many laws and regulations confront us daily while we perform even the simplest of tasks. Being able to talk to each other, to know how each decision made can affect the other departments and their processes can help us avoid unwanted extra paperwork and fines.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham Chapter Six

Jack had always prided himself on being able to spot the irony in any situation, but as he stood in the Belgrave drawing room – correction, one of the Belgrave drawing rooms, surely there were dozens – he could find nothing but stark, cold reality. He'd spent six years as an officer in His Majesty's army, and if he'd learned one thing from his years on the battlefield, it was that life could, and frequently did, turn on a single moment. One wrong turn, one missed clue, and he could lose an entire company of men. But once he returned to Britain, he'd somehow lost sight of that. His life was a series of small decisions and insignificant encounters. It was true that he was living a life of crime, which meant he was always dancing a few steps ahead of the hangman's noose, but it wasn't the same. No one's life depended upon his actions. No one's livelihood, even. There was nothing serious about robbing coaches. It was a game, really, played by men with too much education and too little direction. Who would have thought that one of his insignificant decisions – to take the Lincoln road north instead of south – would lead to this? Because one thing was for certain, his carefree life on the road was over. He suspected that Wyndham would be more than happy to watch him ride away without a word, but the dowager would not be so accommodating. Miss Eversleigh's assurances aside, he was quite certain the old bat would go to extensive lengths to keep him on a leash. Maybe she would not turn him over to the authorities, but she could certainly tell the world that her long-lost grandson was gadding about the countryside robbing coaches. Which would make it damned difficult to continue in his chosen profession. And if he was truly the Duke of Wyndham†¦ God help them all. He was beginning to hope that his aunt had lied. Because no one wanted him in a position of such authority, least of all himself. â€Å"Could someone please explain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He took a breath and stopped, pressing his fingers against his temples. It felt as if an entire battalion had marched across his forehead. â€Å"Could someone explain the family tree?† Because shouldn't someone have known if his father had been the heir to a dukedom? His aunt? His mother? Himself? â€Å"I had three sons,† the dowager said crisply. â€Å"Charles was the eldest; John, the middle; and Reginald the last. Your father left for Ireland just after Reginald married† – her face took on a visible expression of distaste, and she jerked her head toward Wyndham – â€Å"his mother.† â€Å"She was a Cit,† Wyndham said, with no expression whatsoever. â€Å"Her father owned factories. Piles and piles of them.† One of his brows lifted. Very slightly. â€Å"We own them now.† The dowager's lips tightened, but she did not acknowledge his interruption. â€Å"We were notified of your father's death in July of 1790.† Jack nodded tightly. He had been told the same. â€Å"One year after that, my husband and my eldest son died of a fever. I did not contract the ailment. My youngest son was no longer living at Belgrave, so he, too, was spared. Charles had not yet married, and we believed John to have died without issue. Thus Reginald became duke.† She paused, but other than that expressed no emotion. â€Å"It was not expected.† Everyone looked at Wyndham. He said nothing, â€Å"I will remain,† Jack said quietly, because he didn't see as he had any other choice. And maybe it wouldn't hurt to learn a thing or two of his father. A man ought to know where he comes from. That was what his uncle had always said. Jack was beginning to wonder if he'd been offering forgiveness – in advance. Just in case he decided one day that he wished to be a Cavendish. Of course, Uncle William hadn't met these Cavendishes. If he had, he might've revised that statement entirely. â€Å"Most judicious of you,† the dowager said, clapping her hands together. â€Å"Now then, we – â€Å" â€Å"But first,† Jack cut in, â€Å"I must return to the inn to collect my belongings.† He glanced around the drawing room, almost laughing at the opulence. â€Å"Meager though they are.† â€Å"Nonsense,† the dowager said briskly. â€Å"Your things will be replaced.† She looked down her nose at his traveling costume. â€Å"With items of far greater quality, I might add.† â€Å"I wasn't asking your permission,† Jack said lightly. He did not like to allow his anger to reveal itself in his voice. It did put a man at a disadvantage. â€Å"Nonethe – â€Å" â€Å"Furthermore,† Jack added, because really, he didn't wish to hear her voice any more than he had to, â€Å"I must make explanations to my associates.† At that he looked over at Wyndham. â€Å"Nothing approaching the truth,† he added dryly, lest the duke assume that he intended to spread rumors throughout the county. â€Å"Don't disappear,† the dowager directed. â€Å"I assure you, you will regret it.† â€Å"There's no worry of that,† Wyndham said blandly. â€Å"Who would disappear with the promise of a dukedom?† Jack's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to let it pass. The afternoon did not need another fistfight. And then – bloody hell – the duke abruptly added, â€Å"I will accompany you.† Oh, good God. That was the last thing he needed. Jack swung around to face him, lifting one dubious brow. â€Å"Need I worry for my safety?† Wyndham stiffened visibly, and Jack, who had been trained to notice even the smallest of details, saw that both of his fists clenched at his sides. So he'd insulted the duke. At this point, and considering the bruises he was likely to find staining his throat, he didn't care. He turned to Miss Eversleigh, offering her his most self-effacing smile. â€Å"I am a threat to his very identity. Surely any reasonable man would question his safety.† â€Å"No, you're wrong!† she cried out. â€Å"You misjudge him. The duke – â€Å" She shot a horrified look at Wyndham, and they all were forced to share her discomfort when she realized what she'd said. But she plowed on, determined girl that she was. â€Å"He is as honorable a man as I have ever met,† she continued, her voice low and fervent. â€Å"You would never come to harm in his company.† Her cheeks had flushed with passion, and Jack was struck by the most acidic thought. Was there something between Miss Eversleigh and the duke? They resided in the same house, or castle, as it were, with only an embittered old lady for company. And while the dowager was anything but senile, Jack could not imagine that there was any lack of opportunity to engage in a dalliance under her nose. He watched Miss Eversleigh closely, his eyes falling to her lips. He'd surprised himself when he kissed her the night before. He hadn't meant to, and he certainly had never done such a thing before whilst attempting to rob a coach. It had seemed the most natural thing in the world – to touch her chin, tilt her face up toward his, and brush his lips against hers. It had been soft, and fleeting, and it had taken him until this moment to realize just how deeply he wanted more. He looked at Wyndham, and his jealousy must have shown on his face because his newly discovered cousin looked coolly amused as he said, â€Å"I assure you, whatever violent urges I possess, I shall not act upon them.† â€Å"That is a terrible thing to say,† Miss Eversleigh responded. â€Å"But honest,† Jack acknowledged with a nod. He did not like this man, this duke who had been brought up to view the world as his private domain. But he appreciated honesty, no matter the source. And as Jack looked him in the eye, there seemed to develop an unspoken agreement. They did not have to be friends. They did not even have to be friendly. But they would be honest. Which suited Jack just fine. By Grace's calculations, the men ought to have returned within ninety minutes, two hours at most. She had not spent much time in a saddle, so she was not the best judge of speed, but she was fairly certain that two men on horseback could reach the posting inn in something less than an hour. Then Mr. Audley would need to retrieve his belongings, which could not take very long, could it? And then – â€Å"Get away from the window,† the dowager snapped. Grace's lips tightened with irritation, but she managed to return her expression to one of placidity before she turned around. â€Å"Make yourself useful,† the dowager said. Grace glanced this way and that, trying to decode the dowager's order. She always had something specific in mind, and Grace hated it when she was forced to guess. â€Å"Would you like me to read to you?† she asked. It was the most pleasant of her duties; they were currently reading Pride and Prejudice, which Grace was enjoying immensely, and the dowager was pretending not to like at all. The dowager grunted. It was a no grunt. Grace was fluent in this method of communication. She took no particular pride in this skill. â€Å"I could pen a letter,† she suggested. â€Å"Weren't you planning to respond to the recent missive from your sister?† â€Å"I can write my own letters,† the dowager said sharply, even though they both knew her spelling was atrocious. Grace always ended up rewriting all of her correspondence before it was posted. Grace took a deep breath and then let it out slowly, the exhale shuddering through her. She did not have the energy to untangle the inner workings of the dowager's mind. Not today. â€Å"I'm hot,† the dowager announced. Grace did not respond. She was hoping none was necessary. And then the dowager picked something up off a nearby table. A fan, Grace realized with dismay, just as the dowager snapped it open. Oh, please, no. Not now. The dowager regarded the fan, a rather festive blue one, with Chinese paintings in black and gold. Then she snapped it back shut, clearly just to make it easier for her to hold it before her like a baton. â€Å"You may make me more comfortable,† she said. Grace paused. It was only for a moment, probably not even a full second, but it was her only means of rebellion. She could not say no, and she could not even allow her distaste to show in her expression. But she could pause. She could hold her body still for just enough time to make the dowager wonder. And then, of course, she stepped forward. â€Å"I find the air quite pleasant,† she said once she had assumed her position at the dowager's side. â€Å"That is because you are pushing it about with the fan.† Grace looked down at her employer's pinched face. Some of the lines were due to age, but not the ones near her mouth, pulling her lips into a perpetual frown. What had happened to this woman to make her so bitter? Had it been the deaths of her children? The loss of her youth? Or had she simply been born with a sour disposition? â€Å"What do you think of my new grandson?† the dowager asked abruptly. Grace froze, then quickly regained her composure and resumed fanning. â€Å"I do not know him well enough to form an opinion,† she answered carefully. The dowager continued to look straight ahead as she answered, â€Å"Nonsense. All of the best opinions are formed in an instant. You know that very well. ‘Else you'd be married to that repulsive little cousin of yours, wouldn't you?† Grace thought of Miles, ensconced in her old home. She had to admit, every now and then the dowager got things exactly right. â€Å"Surely you have something to say, Miss Eversleigh.† The fan rose and fell three times before Grace decided upon, â€Å"He seems to have a buoyant sense of humor.† â€Å"Buoyant.† The dowager repeated the word, her voice curious, as if she were testing it out on her tongue. â€Å"An apt adjective. I should not have thought of it, but it is fitting.† It was about as close to a compliment as the dowager ever got. â€Å"He is rather like his father,† the dowager continued. Grace moved the fan from one hand to the other, murmuring, â€Å"Is he?† â€Å"Indeed. Although if his father had been a bit more†¦ buoyant, we'd not be in this mess, would we?† Grace choked on air. â€Å"I'm so sorry, ma'am. I should have chosen my words more carefully.† The dowager did not bother to acknowledge the apology. â€Å"His levity is much like his father. My John was never one to allow a serious moment to pass him by. He had the most cutting wit.† â€Å"I would not say that Mr. Audley is cutting,† Grace said. His humor was far too sly. â€Å"His name is not Mr. Audley, and of course he is,† the dowager said sharply. â€Å"You're too besotted to see it.† â€Å"I am not besotted,† Grace protested. â€Å"Of course you are. Any girl would be. He is most handsome. Pity about the eyes, though.† â€Å"What I am,† Grace said, resisting the urge to point out that there was nothing wrong with green eyes, â€Å"is overset. It has been a most exhausting day. And night,† she added after a thought. The dowager shrugged. â€Å"My son's wit was legendary,† she said, setting the conversation back to where she wished it. â€Å"You wouldn't have thought it cutting, either, but that was simply because he was far too clever. It is a brilliant man who can make insult without the recipient even realizing.† Grace thought that rather sad. â€Å"What is the point, then?† â€Å"The point?† The dowager blinked several times in rapid succession. â€Å"Of what?† â€Å"Of insulting someone.† Grace shifted the fan again, then shook out her free hand; her fingers were cramped from clutching the handle. â€Å"Or I should say,† she amended, since she was quite sure the dowager could find many good reasons to cut someone down, â€Å"of insulting someone with intention of their not noticing it?† The dowager still did not look at her, but Grace could see that she rolled her eyes. â€Å"It is a source of pride, Miss Eversleigh. I wouldn't expect you to understand.† â€Å"No,† Grace said softly. â€Å"I wouldn't.† â€Å"You don't know what it means to excel at something.† The dowager pursed her lips and stretched her neck slightly from side to side. â€Å"You couldn't know.† Which had to be as cutting an insult as any, except that the dowager seemed completely unaware she'd done it. There was irony in there somewhere. There had to be. â€Å"We live in interesting times, Miss Eversleigh,† the dowager commented. Grace nodded silently, turning her head to the side so that the dowager, should she ever choose to turn her head in her direction, would not see the tears in her eyes. Her parents had lacked the funds to travel, but theirs had been wandering hearts, and the Eversleigh home had been filled with maps and books about faraway places. Like it was yesterday, Grace remembered the time they had all been sitting in front of the fire, engrossed in their own reading, and her father looked up from his book and exclaimed, â€Å"Isn't this marvelous? In China, if you wish to insult someone, you say, ‘May you live in interesting times.'† Grace suddenly did not know if the tears in her eyes were of sorrow or mirth. â€Å"That is enough, Miss Eversleigh,† the dowager said suddenly. â€Å"I am quite cooled.† Grace shut the fan, then decided to set it down on the table by the window so she would have a reason to cross the room. Dusk hung only lightly in the air, so it was not difficult to see down the drive. She was not certain why she was so eager to have the two men back – possibly just as proof that they had not killed each other on the trip. Despite defending Thomas's sense of honor, she had not liked the look in his eyes. And she had certainly never known him to attack someone. He'd looked positively feral when he lunged for Mr. Audley. If Mr. Audley had been less of a fighting man himself, she was quite certain Thomas would have done him permanent harm. â€Å"Do you think it will rain, Miss Eversleigh?† Grace turned. â€Å"No.† â€Å"The wind is picking up.† â€Å"Yes.† Grace waited until the dowager turned her attention to a trinket on the table next to her, and then she turned back to the window. Of course the moment she did, she heard – â€Å"I hope it rains.† She held still. And then she turned. â€Å"I beg your pardon?† â€Å"I hope it rains.† The dowager said it again, so very matter-of-fact, as if anyone would wish for precipitation while two gentlemen were out on horseback. â€Å"They will be drenched,† Grace pointed out. â€Å"They will be forced to take each other's measure. Which they will have to do sooner or later. Besides, my John never minded riding in the rain. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.† â€Å"That does not mean that Mr. – â€Å" â€Å"Cavendish,† the dowager inserted. Grace swallowed. It helped her catch her patience. â€Å"Whatever he wishes to be called, I don't think we may assume that he enjoys riding in the rain just because his father did. Most people do not.† The dowager did not seem to wish to consider this. But she acknowledged the statement with, â€Å"I know nothing of the mother, that is true. She could be responsible for any number of adulterations.† â€Å"Would you care for tea, ma'am?† Grace asked. â€Å"I could ring for it.† â€Å"What do we know of her, after all? Almost certainly Irish, which could mean any number of things, all of them dreadful.† â€Å"The wind is picking up,† Grace said. â€Å"I shouldn't want you to get chilled.† â€Å"Did he even tell us her name?† â€Å"I don't believe so.† Grace sighed, because direct questions made it difficult to pretend she wasn't a part of this conversation. â€Å"Dear Lord.† The dowager shuddered, and her eyes took on an expression of utter horror. â€Å"She could be Catholic.† â€Å"I have met several Catholics,† Grace said, now that it was clear that her attempts to divert the subject had failed. â€Å"It was strange,† she murmured. â€Å"None had horns.† â€Å"What did you say?† â€Å"Just that I know very little about the Catholic faith,† Grace said lightly. There was a reason she often directed her comments to a window or wall. The dowager made a noise that Grace could not quite identify. It sounded like a sigh, but it was probably more of a snort, because the next words from her mouth were: â€Å"We shall have to get that taken care of.† She leaned forward, pinching the bridge of her nose with her fingers and looking extremely put out. â€Å"I suppose I shall have to contact the archbishop.† â€Å"Is that a problem?† Grace asked. The dowager's head shook with distaste. â€Å"He is a beady little man who will be lording this over me for years.† Grace leaned forward. Was that movement she saw in the distance? â€Å"Heaven knows what sorts of favors he shall demand,† the dowager muttered. â€Å"I suppose I shall have to let him sleep in the State Bedroom, just so he can say he slept on Queen Elizabeth's sheets.† Grace watched as the two men on horseback came into view. â€Å"They are back,† she said, and not for the first time that evening, wondered just what role she was meant to play in this drama. She was not family; the dowager was certainly correct in that. And despite Grace's relatively lofty position within the household, she was not included in matters pertaining to family or title. She did not expect it, and indeed she did not want it. The dowager was at her worst when matters of dynasty arose, and Thomas was at his worst when he had to deal with the dowager. She should excuse herself. It did not matter that Mr. Audley had insisted upon her presence. Grace knew her position, and she knew her place, and it was not in the middle of a family affair. But every time she told herself it was time to go, that she ought to turn from the window and inform the dowager that she would leave her to talk with her grandsons in private, she could not make herself move. She kept hearing – no, feeling – Mr. Audley's voice. She stays. Did he need her? He might. He knew nothing of the Wyndhams, nothing of their history and the tensions that ran through the house like a vicious, intractable spiderweb. He could not be expected to navigate his new life on his own, at least not right away. Grace shivered, hugging her arms to her chest as she watched the men dismount in the drive. How strange it was to feel needed. Thomas liked to say he needed her, but they both knew that was untrue. He could hire anyone to put up with his grandmother. Thomas needed no one. Nothing. He was marvelously self-contained. Confident and proud, all he really needed was the occasional pinprick to burst the bubble that surrounded him. He knew this, too, which was what saved him from being entirely insufferable. He'd never said as much, but Grace knew it was why they had become friends. She was possibly the only person in Lincolnshire who did not bow and scrape and say only what she thought he wished to hear. But he didn't need her. Grace heard footsteps in the hall and turned, stiffening nervously. She waited for the dowager to order her gone. She even looked at her, raising her brows ever so slightly as if in a dare, but the dowager was staring at the door, determinedly ignoring her. When the men arrived, Thomas walked in first. â€Å"Wyndham,† the dowager said briskly. She never called him anything but his title. He nodded in response. â€Å"I had Mr. Audley's belongings sent up to the blue silk bedroom.† Grace shot a careful look over at the dowager to gauge her reaction. The blue silk bedroom was one of the nicer guest bedchambers, but it was not the largest or most prestigious. It was, however, just down the hall from the dowager. â€Å"Excellent choice,† the dowager replied. â€Å"But I must repeat. Do not refer to him as Mr. Audley in my presence. I don't know these Audleys, and I don't care to know them.† â€Å"I don't know that they would care to know you, either,† commented Mr. Audley, who had entered the room behind Thomas. The dowager lifted a brow, as if to point out her own magnificence. â€Å"Mary Audley is my late mother's sister,† Mr. Audley stated. â€Å"She and her husband, William Audley, took me in at my birth. They raised me as their own and, at my request, gave me their name. I don't care to relinquish it.† He looked coolly at the dowager, as if daring her to comment. She did not, much to Grace's surprise. And then he turned to her, offering her an elegant bow. â€Å"You may refer to me as Mr. Audley if you wish, Miss Eversleigh.† Grace bobbed a curtsy. She was not certain if this was a requirement, since no one had any clue as to his rank, but it seemed only polite. He had bowed, after all. She glanced at the dowager, who was glaring at her, and then at Thomas, who somehow managed to look amused and annoyed at the same time. â€Å"She can't sack you for using his legal name,† Thomas said with his usual hint of impatience. â€Å"And if she does, I shall retire you with a lifelong bequest and have her sent off to some far-flung property.† Mr. Audley looked at Thomas with surprise and approval before turning to Grace and smiling. â€Å"It's tempting,† he murmured. â€Å"How far can she be flung?† â€Å"I am considering adding to our holdings,† Thomas replied. â€Å"The Outer Hebrides are lovely this time of year.† â€Å"You're despicable,† the dowager hissed. â€Å"Why do I keep her on?† Thomas wondered aloud. He walked over to a cabinet and poured himself a drink. â€Å"She is your grandmother,† Grace said, since someone had to be the voice of reason. â€Å"Ah yes, blood.† Thomas sighed. â€Å"I'm told it's thicker than water. Pity.† He looked over at Mr. Audley. â€Å"You'll soon learn.† Grace half expected Mr. Audley to bristle at Thomas's tone of condescension, but his face remained blandly unconcerned. Curious. It seemed the two men had forged some sort of truce. â€Å"And now,† Thomas announced, looking squarely at his grandmother, â€Å"my work here is done. I have returned the prodigal son to your loving bosom, and all is right with the world. Not my world,† he added, â€Å"but someone's world, I'm sure.† â€Å"Not mine,† Mr. Audley said, when no one else seemed inclined to comment. And then he unleashed a smile – slow, lazy, and meant to paint himself as the careless rogue he was. â€Å"In case you were interested.† Thomas looked at him, his nose crinkling in an expression of vague indifference. â€Å"I wasn't.† Grace's head bobbed back to Mr. Audley. He was still smiling. She looked to Thomas, waiting for him to say something more. He dipped his head toward her in wry salute, then tossed back his liquor in one shockingly large swallow. â€Å"I am going out.† â€Å"Where?† demanded the dowager. Thomas paused in the doorway. â€Å"I have not yet decided.† Which meant, Grace was sure, anywhere but here.

My Life Of A Happy Life - 880 Words

When you want to change your life you must learn to embrace change with love and thankfulness for all the blessings in your life. You cannot expand and become a more accomplished individual without change. Most people shy away from change which is a big reason as to why they stay â€Å"stuck†. To transform your life in all areas, including having a leaner physique, having more energy, having more loving relationships and becoming more successful in your endeavors than you must learn to think positively and embrace life to the fullest each new day. You were literally created to have a life filled with love, joy, peace happiness, but only if you choose to. Living a happy life is a choice. We were born with free agency, what a gift we all have, we have the intrinsic ability to decide just how we want in our lives. Each of us literally has the power within to change our life body at a very deep level. You can experience true joy happiness today! 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