April 23, 1924, was special for many reasons. Above all, the weather was delightful and sunny, complemented by a mild, pleasant breeze that added a touch of freshness to the air. The estate was surrounded by nature in its green and blooming glory - a true spring idyll, one might say.

Professor George Challenger and his wife, Jessie, had come for a visit, bringing with them a lively energy that entered the house. Everyone was excited as two technicians prepared the wireless radio in the main hall. The staff brought in chairs, arranging them in rows as if they were setting up for a performance. In reality, they were preparing to hear the king's voice broadcast over the radio.

The wireless radio was a marvel of modern technology that intrigued both the family and the staff equally. Everyone watched with keen interest as the two men finished their work, adjusting and tuning the device.

Veronica was a bit puzzled. "Why is it called wireless when there are so many wires?"

"Ah, Veronica, that is indeed a good question," Challenger began, ready to give a scholarly lesson. "The term wireless refers not to the absence of wires in the device itself, but to the method by which the signals are transmitted. You see, unlike the telegraph or the telephone, which rely on physical wires to carry messages, the wireless radio harnesses the power of electromagnetic waves. These waves are invisible and they carry the sounds through the air, reaching us here. It's a marvelous piece of technology, really. I might get one for our house as well."

"Thank you, Challenger, for such a long and detailed answer." Veronica replied, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

John said, "I must say, I don't quite see the appeal of leaning over a wooden box just to listen to disembodied voices. But my wife expressed a desire for it and I had no option but to oblige her wishes."

Marguerite looked at him adoringly. "That is why I love you." Then shifting her gaze to everyone else, she added. "It's so much more than a wooden box. It's a gateway to the world. Just think about it, listening to the music and stories from far and wide, without having to leave the comfort of our home."

The technicians had completed setting up the device, and suddenly, jazz music filled the hallway.

Jessie Challenger, with a keen ear attuned to the emerging sounds of the era, recognized the voice. "It's Al Johnson! How marvelous!"

Marguerite said playfully. "If I weren't so devotedly married, I might just run off to Broadway to become one of his adoring fans. John, you'd have no choice but to come and rescue me from the front row."

Malone joked, "Imagine the headlines: English Lord Braves Atlantic to Retrieve Jazz-Enthralled Lady from the Clutches of Al Jolson's Charm."

"I'd do it, of course, all in the name of love." John replied smoothly. "And perhaps a little bit of jazz."

Lady Elizabeth arrived just in time before the broadcast began. Ned and Veronica were initially confused as to why she didn't live with the family when Avebury Manor was so big and had so many rooms. They soon came to understand that it was tradition for the dowager countess to relocate to the dowager house, a practice that allowed the new lord to establish his family. This arrangement, Marguerite found, quietly suited her preferences. She didn't dislike Lady Elizabeth, but how much can one really love their mother-in-law?

Malone greeted her with an eager question, "Have you come to enjoy the broadcast with us, Lady Avebury?"

"Hardly. These modern contraptions and the idea of voices floating through the air from God knows where - it's all a bit too fanciful for my taste."

"But we are going to hear the king speak. Isn't that exciting?" Malone asked.

"I understand why you might feel that way, Mr. Malone. But to me, it seems a step away from the dignity that should accompany the king."

"I think it's marvelous, though." Jessie chimed in. "It's going to bring him closer to the people, make the monarchy feel more accessible, more human."

"And do we really want that?" Elizabeth asked. "The monarchy thrives on myth and mystery. Too much familiarity risks diminishing the very stature we seek to uphold."

Both Malone and Jessie were keen on challenging Elizabeth's traditional views. Marguerite secretly enjoyed this interplay, but that was far from saying she didn't care for her mother-in-law or wished to see her in discomfort. Between Marguerite and Elizabeth, there was a certain mutual respect. Elizabeth was grateful that her son had finally married, bringing into their lives a woman capable of transforming a restless adventurer into a family man, while Marguerite appreciated Elizabeth's protectiveness towards the family, despite sometimes offering words of criticism.

Everyone, the staff and the family, took their seats in a semicircle around the device which rested on a table at the front. The event finally began.

When the king's words flowed through the air, Veronica couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed. The historical significance was clear and she understood the value of the new technology, but the whole spectacle was, in her view, rather dull. The king's voice was very monotonous. She could hardly keep her focus.

Veronica glanced around discreetly, wondering if anyone else shared her sentiments. She saw John and his mother listening to the broadcast, looking all focused and serious. In that moment, it was evident that they were proud Britons. Challenger wore an amused grin. He was clearly more fascinated by the technological breakthrough than the king's actual words. Jessie sported a gentle smile, satisfied with the scene before her, viewing it as a step forward towards the democratization of society. Malone was nodding throughout, seemingly agreeing with everything the king spoke. Marguerite, however, seemed distant, her attention not on the broadcast. She appeared either bored or more captivated by her own thoughts, whatever they might have been.

Then, Veronica too got lost in her own thoughts and didn't notice everyone had stood up when the British national anthem started. She got up belatedly, feeling a bit foolish.

After it was over, she turned to Malone. "Why didn't you tell me we were supposed to stand up?"

"I assumed—"

"Don't assume anything with me. You need to tell me these things."

Marguerite said, "Veronica, relax. If there's ever something I think you need to know about the rules of the society, I'll be sure to tell you. Until then, don't worry about it."

"And who's going to tell you, my dear?" Elizabeth asked.

Marguerite turned to her with a quick, "What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing." Elizabeth replied with a light tone, suggesting she was merely jesting.

John announced with formality, "Well, you have heard the voice of His Majesty George the V. I believe we can all return to our usual activities now."

The family gathered in the library for a drink, a space they often used as their daily room.

The butler approached John and extended a letter. "This has just arrived for you, my lord."

John carefully opened it and began to read. A small smile appeared on his face.

Marguerite asked, "Who is it from?"

John replied, "From Aunt Agnes. It seems she's back from America. She wants to come to visit us and meet you."

Malone exclaimed, "So, we'll be meeting your aunt. Wonderful!"

Elizabeth smirked, then cautioned, "Don't get too excited, Mr. Malone."

Malone asked, "Why? Isn't it a joyous occasion?"

Elizabeth responded with a hint of dryness, "Aunt Agnes is my late husband's sister. And believe when I tell you, a nastier woman would be very hard to find."

"Mama, that's too harsh." John said, attempting to moderate the tone.

"But it's true. Her critiques are relentless, and she has a way of making one feel utterly inadequate. She always found a way to diminish everything I did. When is she arriving?"

John, somewhat hesitantly, replied, "Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?! Ah, that sounds like Agnes, to just come unannounced so she can catch you unprepared."

Elizabeth then rose and took a seat next to Marguerite.

"My dear, I know I can often be demanding. I'm aware that I have a tendency to criticize and that it can irritate you at times. But believe me, I always have your and John's best interests at heart. Everything I say or do is meant for the benefit of the family. However, Aunt Agnes is a different matter entirely. You have my full support to be as bold and assertive as you wish with her."

Marguerite wasn't sure whether to be shocked by the honesty, delighted at the show of solidarity, or simply confused by the sudden shift in dynamics.

John stepped in, "Marguerite, please, don't listen to my mother. The hostility between the two of them is well-known. But my aunt is old, she's traveled a great distance, and she is part of the family. That's how we will welcome her."

Marguerite smiled at his words. "Of course. The scrutiny of an old aunt hardly intimidates me. But thank you, Elizabeth, nonetheless. Your support means a lot to me. I like the idea of us being allies."

John rolled his eyes. "That's every man's dream. For his wife to be in cahoots with his mother."

Elizabeth stood up, ready to depart.

"Well, I've said my piece. It's unfortunate I won't be here tomorrow to greet her with you, but I've already made plans."

"What plans?" John asked, skeptically.

"I'm visiting Cousin Margaret in London. Everything is already arranged and organized."

"Mama, until you heard Aunt Agnes was coming, you hadn't even mentioned London."

"Well, my dear, if she can't grant us the courtesy of announcing her visit, I won't extend the courtesy of being here to greet her. I'll be off now. Have a lovely rest of your day. And Marguerite, remember what I told you."

Malone looked satisfied, "Well, this is going to be interesting."