He turned to his host and remarked in candor. “Raven, it’s unfair of you to keep such beauties all to yourself. It’s good I have come to assist you in their entertainment.” He strutted like a cock of the walk, bowed and excused himself. “If you ladies will pardon me, I will refresh myself from the long, arduous ride and then return to further charm you.”
Raven couldn’t help but notice Samantha shook her head and turned away.
“That’s my lady,” he muttered where no one could hear.
Out in the foyer, the Prince asked his friend, “The one with the copper tresses is someone I would like to know better. It is my personal belief that the fire in the hair represents the fire in the woman.”
“The merry widow is not for you, Nicholas. Her aunt and brother are protective of her.” He added, “As am I.”
“Oh, it’s that way, Raven? Da?” Yes?
“You can’t poach, your Highness.”
“Not even a little?”
“You never do anything in small portions, my friend.”
“True, we Russians are rough and ready. However, since you will not let me pilfer, I will seek you later.” He saluted Raven, clicked his heels, and mounted the stairs to his suite.
In the fading light of the afternoon, it became obvious the ladies in the drawing room found Prince Nicholas impressive. Lady Minerva commented, “He is a handsome rogue. I knew his uncle well.” She played with the folds of her gown.
Lady Margaret smiled in all graciousness. “Raven, I’m surprised he didn’t bring his lady,” the inference to his well-known beautiful mistress.
“The Prince informed me she was indisposed,” said Raven.
She raised her hand to her collar at her throat and fingered the lace, then the dowager Margaret spoke. “Luncheon will be served in one hour. If you wish to refresh yourselves now, please do so. We will dine in an informal manner since supper will be á la Russe in honor of his Highness. As you may guess, it’s quite a prodigious spectacle.”
Prince Nicholas stepped into the room with grandeur, beamed his presence after his change of attire to an afternoon coat, resplendant and royal. “Could it be you speak of me, Lady Margaret? I confess to the guilt of pride about ‘Dinner Ala Russe’ since Prince Kourakin, my cousin, was responsible for its introduction to society.”
With a grand gesture, he strode to Lady Margaret and stated in a presumptive voice, “My lady, I believe you can explain it much better than I. Is that not so, my friend?”
Raven nodded. “My aunt has become expert in the protocol since His Highness is a frequent guest.”
With utter graciousness, she indicated the table is set in a formal manner with chargers, glassware, and cutlery. “All the food is brought to the side table where it is served onto individual plates, and then carried to each guest by a personal servant who is in attendance throughout the meal.”
She continued. “There is no doubt that one must have sufficient staff if each guest is personally served. Dessert is the course presented to the main table.”
“Lady Margaret,” the Prince asked as he stood quite erect. “I assume there will be menu cards tonight?”
Samantha whispered to her Aunt Min behind her fan. “He’s a bit full of himself and reminds me of a screeching preening peacock. The Prince doesn’t compare. Examine how they look. Raven is pre-eminent.” She smiled at Raven and gave a sly wink.
“Perhaps Raven is fortunate that you find the Prince unsuitable in your eyes.”
They returned to the conversation about the grand dinner or better stated in French as “dinner á la Russe.”
“Of course, your Highness. The first course, potage, will be set on the table when we sit down.” Lady Margaret further explained the menus would be in holders between each guest. “It’s presumed our guests can guide themselves through the various courses if they know ahead of time what to expect of the repast. The food is abundant.”
She acquitted herself well in the education of the guests and smiled. “It will be a long dinner. And of course, we hope an enjoyable one for all of you.”
The dowager glided to a table in front of her where the silver tea urns rested. She asked, “Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps you would care to try a new beverage? My nephew arranged for this special tea to be sent to us from his Ceylon Plantation. It’s a blend of fine and exotic black teas, some natural flavors, with essential oil of Bergamot.” She offered teacups, which her guests accepted with great interest and small conversation.
Raven smiled. “We are most fortunate that teas are still a prime commodity and a valuable product. We English do favor the taste. This blend is one of my favorites. Please enjoy.”
“It has a wonderful berry taste, doesn’t it?” smiled the Countess, “and is most delightful.”
Lord Winston and the Earl of Ballantyne entered the drawing room, and introductions proceeded. They spoke about their ride over the bluff, which led to other conversations on subjects suitable for gentlemen.
Time ticked along for the ladies, all bright-eyed at the events—and the Prince’s lavish attention.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Raven checked his pocket watch against the heirloom grandfather clock. He knew the gentlemen would soon make their way to his study. There would be time enough to think things through. Samantha walked by, and he called her name. She stopped and greeted him. He rose, walking toward her.
“It’s delightful to see you. I’ve missed you.” He kissed her hand.
“Raven, I’m on the way to your library to borrow a book. Randall informed me I could do so. I believe it’s farther along this corridor?”
“Yes, actually there’s a connecting door from here, also. I use it often to seek books needed for research. I’d escort you and chat a while, but I await the investors.”
She turned to go and then glided back to him. “What a distinctive statue you have on your desk.” Her hands skimmed the white marble two-faced sculpture.
“The antique was handed down through the family. I rather like it because it reminds me of a two-sided coin. You will note one face is harsh and severe, while the other is handsome and winsome.”
“A dark side and a light side?” she asked.
“Yes.” His expression changed. “It’s to remind me most men do have a dark side they should harness. We are all flawed in some way, Samantha—a fact I recognize. I strive to do only good, but alas, there is a human frailty factor in the best of us.”
“Do you feel women have a dark side, too?”
“That is a weighty matter we may be able to discuss in private, my lady.”
“I look forward to the conversation, but now I will seek my book and leave you to your investors.” Samantha walked away and left his presence, but not before she granted him a teasing smile.
The sound of footsteps on the inlaid wood floor and male voices signaled the men of the cartel had arrived. Raven strode confidently to the door to welcome them. “Come in, gentlemen,” he said to Prince Nicholas, Lord Winston, and the Earl of Ballantyne. “I apologize for my inability to join you at luncheon, but there was an urgent matter which needed attention.” Such as assurances we are all safe in this house, but he didn’t utter the words. What he said was, “Everything appears in order now, so I will be able to spend more time with my guests. Please be seated.”
“There are refreshments on the side table, along with some wines, if you wish. I can’t tell you how elated I am with your association in this venture. The success will be advantageous for England and good for us, also.”
“Raven, my brother and I are ready to employ all means of assistance,” said Prince Nicholas. “However, the current Great Gas-Light & Coke Company are of significant interest since it has held a monopoly for some time. There will be difficulty to keep our purpose confidential because of our need to get our charter. Once we start to lay pipes, there will be many questions.”
“True, Highness. However, the charter is the key, and once we have established its ir
revocable claim, we will want to publicize the fact there will be competition.”
Raven expressed his thoughts about his connections in Parliament and with certain specific peers. The possibility existed the new company could arrange to light up the main government centers within three months. “Once the charter is approved, the revenue stream will pour in.” He also mentioned both companies could co-exist together. “It will help stabilize prices and allow more access to the energy source by the lower classes. Imagine, gentlemen, we’ll give such improvements to the burgeoning middle classes, not to mention we can add them to our customer list. We don’t want to demolish the current company. Our goal is to co-exist.” He smiled at them and walked to his desk again.
“It’s important to remember our Gas Light Company is one of the jewels in our cartel’s crown. It’s a significant one, but the other ventures are important. Each is a connection to the other and forms the tiara.”
The Earl of Ballantyne asked, “Will we also invest in the tea plantations in Ceylon at the same time?”
“Yes, arrangements have been made, as we speak, for outright purchases, and are next to the two I now own. We can consider the share of labor and equipment with one central processor plant for the tea and packaging. Good fortune smiles on us because teas are still a luxury item.”
Raven stated with pride, “Our cartel will be the umbrella company for all these entities. It will also include ownership of factories, merchant companies, shipyards to build fine English vessels, stock brokerages, and the like.”
He smiled at the prospect. “For the first year, I will head the cartel. After that, investors will elect a new chairman annually. We will have no middlemen. This is the simplicity of this conglomerate.”
The duke opened the portfolio. “Each of us has one share, except for Prince Nicholas who has two for himself and his brother, Prince Sergei. In addition to our banker, there are five other investors in India, Italy, the Confederation of the German States, Spain, and Portugal, each of which has contributed £50,000. Most of us have received offers because of our political connections and our known loyalties.”
He pointed to Lord Winston, and adjusted his monocle. “This younger noble has been selected by me because he and his kind are the future of England. I vouch for him. They will finish what we’ve started.” Lord Winston’s facial expression could not hide his pride.
Raven spoke about the rate of return on their investments, and how he calculated the cartel to show a profit from all ventures within twelve months.
Raven stood at the antique desk. “Gentlemen, we are in the midst of the creation of history. Our textbooks will educate our people on how England re-established herself as a prime force in the economies of the world.”
His words flowed with satisfaction, “For your family, Prince Nicholas, it will mean your Russia will have a powerful friend and ally in England.” He opened the portfolio with great ceremony, withdrew sealed folders. “The details are in these papers for you to review and take with you.” He handed them to the group. “Some of you have already received yours.”
He cautioned the information in the envelopes was so valuable in detail that if it fell into the wrong hands, it could be disastrous. “I feel obligated to inform you and the other investors that knowledge of the cartel was divulged. There are those who have made inquiries of the cartel.” his tone became deliberate and solemn.
Raven paced behind his desk, and stated, “This could delay the approval of the charter for our Gas Light Company. The application has come to the attention of specific persons who don’t wish to see it approved. I hoped we could avoid this unfortunate circumstance.”
Raven clasped his hands behind his back and walked to the large window that overlooked the rose garden. His heart leaped with the vision of Samantha reposing alone on a concrete bench. The sun danced through her hair, and her carefree manner became apparent as she flipped pages of her book. Her cheeks flushed to the same crimson as the roses near her.
For him, it became a momentary but pleasant diversion. He turned to his guests. Raven’s intense eyes searched those of his associates for some sign of guilt. It’s not good to get in bed with someone you can’t trust. That was a metaphor if ever one existed.
“While it’s a disadvantage,” he said in a stern tone, “this delay is not the end of the world. It does require vigilance on our part for I do believe our lives could be in danger.” He went on further to explain if anyone wanted to withdraw because of this threat, now would be the time to do so.”
An eerie silence filled the room. Raven looked at each face and studied them. Perhaps the guilty person would speak up under such pressure? Whose mouth had loose lips? Was the person in this room? Or could it be a close friend of one of the investors? He didn’t know the answers now, but he would damn well find out.
Determined in this regard, he had hired more than enough investigators to look into the situation. Raven and the other international partners were involved since they knew the information about the cartel for almost a year. The matter took all this time to assemble the group with discretion.
“Over the next weeks, should you hear of any information about our venture, no matter how unimportant, let me know. However, I do suggest you look over your shoulders. There are those who want to stop us at any cost.”
He paused, waited for questions, but none came forth. Perhaps he shocked his associates speechless. Or the bombshell he just dropped caused the guilty person to contemplate the wisdom of silence.
He handed each of them a voucher for transfer of funds from their banks to the firm of Rothschild. “Now, if there are no further questions, sign the vouchers, and we can begin our venture once the charter is approved. Will each of you join me in a toast?”
“To success in all things.” The men toasted the Cartel, the Prince Regent, England, and each other, as well as the members of the cartel who were not present.
Someone in the room either betrayed or knew the traitor. There was no proof, just supposition on Raven’s part. He also noted that Winston signed the voucher last, but it didn’t signify. Most likely, he was in a cordial mood.
Raven observed eagle-like as the men left, and wondered if they did understand the danger that surrounded them. He looked out his study window, but Samantha had departed. He regretted not having the ability to view her loveliness again.
Chapter Twenty-Six
In his study, Raven, comfortable in his leather chair, worked on the ledgers strewn across his desk.
Prince Nicholas stood in front of the open door. “May I speak to you?”
Raven nodded. Prince Nicholas entered and closed the door behind him. With imperial majesty, Nicholas stood in front of his friend, adjusted his cuff, and asked, “What is wrong?” Raven motioned to a seat with his ruffled wrist then sat back and allowed the silence to speak for itself.
“You can’t suspect I would divulge any information. I’m the soul of discretion in financial matters. Why would I want to hurt my family’s investment? Ours is a double amount for a total of £100,000 British Sterling.” He removed a speck of lint from his textured jacket and flicked it away.
From the expression on Prince Nicholas’s face, Raven knew his continued silence distressed the royal. He held his gaze to Nicholas’. “Why didn’t you bring Lady Ivana with you? She has always made it clear she enjoyed Ravensmere. Have you two concluded your relationship?”
“Why have you changed the subject, Raven? What business is it of yours if we have?”
“I haven’t changed the subject. I have encouraged you to change your focus. Spurned women don’t think with any rationale. If Ivana knew of the cartel, through you, and because her future appeared insecure, she could have passed along the information to someone who would pay well for it. I’m convinced it is a woman who has done this.”
Raven arose from the chair and turned squarely to face the Prince. “I haven’t been able to determine possible explanations. There is no doubt in my mind
that someone has held up the application for the charter. The document is required to list the investors. So whoever is the mastermind of this plot knows all of us have made a sizeable contribution.”
“Ivana would never do any such thing. We have these quarrels all the time. The truth is, though, she bores me and so I came alone.”
“Highness, from a hypothetical point of view, if Ivana knew you were bored and that you intended to leave her because you found someone else who interested you more, would she be angry enough to the point of retribution? Women act from emotions, not logic.”
Prince Nicholas’s forehead wrinkled in thought over the allegation and he shook his head. “She was never privy to any information. It’s a practice of mine not to discuss these things with my mistresses. True, I did transfer money to my London bank, but I handled the transactions through my intermediary in Moscow. She might have seen the withdrawal voucher, but she would not know what it represented.”
“Allow me another hypothetical question, Nicholas. The folders you received for yourself and Sergei, where would you keep them? Perhaps in your desk drawer in your study or your safe? Or perhaps you’d place the papers on a table in your bedroom?”
“Raven, tread carefully. I resent your insinuations. If I have to mistrust everyone who interacts with me, there would be a legion of suspects.” He shook his head and affirmed. “No, it’s not Ivana.”
Raven explained again his intent didn’t involve accusations, but he needed to make sense of how and why the information gained wings and spread before the charter could be approved. He informed his Highness that the head of the current Gas Light Company, Henry Preston, had neither ethics nor conscience. “He is in league with the devil,” Raven stated in somberness. “Think, Nicholas, who else would want to sabotage our venture?”
“Perhaps the oil lamp conglomerate? I heard a rumor that an agreement of sorts became necessary. Did you know this?” Prince Nicholas twirled the edge of his mustache upward, and it appeared his mind raced ahead of his words.
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