“Oh, my dear Comerford, while I admire your upstanding position, I am reminded of some unsettling information I have uncovered concerning some of your less seemly business dealings.”
Ralph became indignant. “I beg your pardon. That is a most insulting insinuation, and I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“Hmm.” Wilcox sighed and said, “I was hoping this would not be necessary.” He rubbed his chin and began to pace. “I came upon a most interesting piece of information recently—a series of invoices, actually. It seems a number of your ships were carrying guns, ammunition, and canons to Napoleon when we were at war with him. Now, I am not a legal scholar, but it would seem to me that that would be considered an act of treason—punishable by hanging. Would I not be correct?”
Ralph blanched and stood very still. “I did not know about any of that activity. I cannot be held accountable for all the cargo I ship. It would be totally impossible for me to know that.”
“Excellent… then it should equally be impossible for you to know what my client ships and what he does with his cargo?”
“You are a scoundrel, Mr. Mowbray—for I cannot call you by your title—as you demean the peerage.”
“Oh, your Lordship… such melodrama. Is that entirely necessary, considering your own transgressions? It would seem to me you have two options. Either accept my offer or have your dealings with France splashed across the newspapers and suffer the ensuing complications that would ignite in the courts. But take your time deciding. I am in no rush.”
Wilcox turned to the window and gazed at the view. “Such a charming vista. It would be a terrible tragedy if you and your family were to lose all of this.”
Ralph’s face was ashen. “Very well, I accept your offer. With the understanding that none of that other matter ever sees the light of day.”
Wilcox turned to him. “But of course. I am nothing if not loyal to my trusted business associates.”
Ralph said coldly, “Have your business partner contact me personally. His arrangements will require my personal care and consideration.”
“I shall be the one contacting you. He understandably wishes to remain anonymous. And you have chosen wisely. And good day to you sir. I shall be in touch.”
Wilcox started to leave but stopped. He remembered Thomas telling him that George wished to marry Helena and he could not help but twist the knife a little deeper. “My Lord, one other small matter of interest to you. I learned recently that my nephew isnotengaged but has told you that so that your daughter and her friend George might pursue their own engagement. So, if you are still thinking of going into business with the Duke, you may wish to reconsider that as well.”
* * *
George, Helena, and her mother were having tea and playing a hand of cards on the terrace as it was such a lovely late summer’s afternoon.
“Georgie,” Helena said, “Have you heard about the ball Thomas and his Grandmamma are giving?”
“Of course. I see Thomas almost daily as we plan our project.”
“A ball?” Her mother asked. “How delicious. It seems almost no one entertains with any style anymore. It shall be such a treat.”
“You will take me, of course, Georgie?”
He gave her a look of surprise. “Of course, I shall, how could you think otherwise?”
At that moment Helena’s father came charging out of the house and over to the table. He turned to his wife and said, “Mother, inside. Now!”
Poor Sara was so shocked she immediately stood and scooted quickly indoors.
“Papa, what is the meaning of this,” Helena asked in trepidation.
“You have deceived me… the both of you,” he said also addressing George. “I know all about your plan to have the Duke tell me he was engaged so the two of you could conspire to get into my good graces with the hope of marrying.”
Both Helena and George were so shocked they could not respond.
“What makes you think such a thing?” Helena finally got the courage to ask.
“Thomas told his uncle, and his uncle told me. I have no reason to believe this is not true.”
Unmasked, the two had no defense. There was no way they could deny it.
“Yes, Father, it is true. And I am glad this is finally out in the open. George and I do wish to marry, and we want your blessing.”
“There is not a chance in hell.” He turned to George. “And I never want to see you in this house ever again. And if I do, I shall disinherit you Helena, and, George, I shall shoot you dead myself.” And with that, he stormed off.
