Arnold had a message from Mr. Phineas Campbell that he needed to meet with him that evening at the same pub in Marlborough where they had met before.
The Duke had ridden into town and quartered his horse in plenty of time. He wanted to be there before Mr. Campbell to gauge the lay of the pub before he arrived. One could never be too careful.
Arnold found the table where they had concluded the deal was empty, and he took it. As it was in the corner, he had his back to the wall and could view the whole pub from where he was sitting. He felt protected.
Mr. Campbell appeared right on time, surveyed the establishment, saw Arnold, and went over to the table.
“Good evening, Your Grace. Thank you for meeting me.”
Arnold was not one for pleasant conversation and immediately asked, “Is it concluded?”
“What?”
“The deal. Have you got my money for me?”
“I am afraid not. There has been a complication.”
Arnold groaned and turned in his chair in frustration. “What do you mean?”
“The ship never made it to Africa to pick up the slaves. There was a major storm and the ship needed to find shelter in the nearest port. But there was some sort of disease amongst the crew and eventually the ship had to return home. It was never able to pick up the slaves.”
“So, what does that mean? Will it go again? Or some other ship? What?”
“I am sorry to say that the project is finished. The money I had invested was lost and I am not able to fund a second expedition. If it had been successful, I would have been able to fund another venture, but as it is, I have to say, the project is dead. So sorry, but at least you did not have any funds invested.”
“That does not help me in the least. I was counting on the success of our venture.”
“But as in all things in life, there is no certainty.” Mr. Campbell stood to leave.
Arnold stood and became aggressive. “No, that is not good enough. You promised me a payout. Now it is up to you to make good on your promise.”
Mr. Campbell looked at him with contempt. “This matter is concluded.”
“No, if you cannot make good on this project then let me be a part of the mill… something. I must have something!”
“I am sorry. I was mistaken in thinking you would be a good partner, but I thank you for your participation. Good evening, Your Grace.”
* * *
Maria and Harry held up dinner and waited for Aunt Agatha and Mr. Oakley as long as they could, but it was well past eight-thirty and the two had still not returned from their day trip.
“I think we should go ahead with dinner,” Maria said, “Mother is getting cranky and you know she needs to go to bed early.”
“That is fine by me,” Harry said, “I would not have waited for them this long except I thought Mother might object if we did not wait for them.”
Dinner was a somber affair. Mother spoke not a word, and Maria and Harry chatted about household matters. Christopher was not dining with them this evening as he was having dinner with his fiancé at Repington Hall.
As they were leaving the dining room, and Aunt had still not returned, Harry asked his sister, “Do you think I should send someone out to scout for them? Perhaps they are lost.”
Maria replied, “How would that be possible, did you not send our coachman with the carriage? He knows the county as well as any and certainly would not lose his way.”
Harry was hesitant to speak in front of his mother for fear of upsetting her, so he pulled Maria aside and said, “Perhaps there has been an accident.”
“Then some official would have come to inform us.”
“I expect you are right.”
“I am going to take mother to her room,” Maria said. “I shall see you presently.” She sought out Nurse Carter and they took Mother away.
