“Are you feeling better?” Olivia asked.
Alice nodded, forcing herself to stop worrying about Nathanial, and said, “Yes, I think I am.”
The young girl relaxed as she realized that their evening plans would not be altered.
“Is your brother joining us for dinner?” she asked Olivia.
Olivia shook her head. “No, he said he will meet us at Eastbrook’s. Something about a tin mine in Cornwall. I don’t know. He said not to worry about it but he promised he would be there waiting for us. And that Jocko would escort us to the house.”
Alice nodded as she swallowed her fear. More time, she thought. But their first meeting since last night’s kiss would be in public. Perhaps that was better, less chance of her making a fool of herself.
“You know,” her mother said. “I am not too sure of this Jocko. I don’t know if I like the idea of him escorting you. The man is French after all.”
Olivia laughed. “He was born in Brittany, Lady Weston. Believe me, he is more Celtic than French and hates Napoleon more than we do. His Father was killed during the revolution, supporting King Louis. Jocko hates anyone that isn’t a monarchist. In fact, he calls Napoleon, the dirty Corsican. I gather that is rather a severe insult in Jocko’s world.”
Alice smiled slightly to herself, obviously, no one noticed her distress from the previous night. It was to be a regular evening.
“So,” her mother asked Olivia, “how are you enjoying yourself? This is what? your fifth ball? Surely, there is a man or two who has caught your interest?”
Olivia blushed for a moment as she studied her plate of food and slowly shook her head.
“What?” her mother asked, surprised. “When I was your age I had at least a dozen men tied up in ribbons. Each of them hoping I would accept their plea.”
Olivia continued to blush. “The men of the ton just don’t seem real.”
“Even this Lord Eastbrook? I hear he is rather handsome,” her mother said with a gleam in her eye. “Good family, wealthy, no scandal, except for that nasty business with Cromwell. But overall, a very good catch.”
“Mother,” Alice interjected, “that scandal was almost two hundred years ago.”
Her mother frowned at her, “The ton has a long memory. But, as I said, everything has been forgiven, it was a distant uncle after all. Not the Earl himself. No, Lord Eastbrook should be more than eligible.”
Olivia frowned and slowly shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. He just doesn’t feel right. You know?”
Now it was her turn to frown, Alice thought as she studied the young woman. What was going on? Most girls would have been overjoyed to be pursued by someone like Lord Eastbrook. Exceedingly handsome. Refined, wealthy. Why was Olivia not happy at the thought?
“Don’t get me wrong,” Olivia quickly interjected, “Lord Eastbrook is nice, fun, a good dancer, but I just can’t see myself spending the rest of my life with the man. In all honesty, I would be very bored, I fear.”
Alice’s mother barked out a quick laugh. “Bored? I don’t know that I have ever heard of such a thing. I will tell you. In my day. Boredom was not a concern.”
Olivia leaned forward as if the subject was very important to her. “It is just that so many of the men seem a little … I don’t know. Empty.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Alice’s mother asked, obviously aghast at the young girl's strange views.
Olivia frowned and clenched her lips together as she shook her head. “I don’t know,” she answered, obviously unable to express herself correctly. “All they seem to worry about is the next ball, the next race, or the next card game. They don’t accomplish anything, not really. Their wealth and power come from the fact that a king somewhere in the past gave their family the rents from farmland. It seems empty, if you know what I mean. I just know that it isn’t what I want.”
“Perhaps you are comparing them to your brother?” Alice said as she prepared to take a bite. “I fear there are very few men in England like your brother.”
Her mother’s sharp stare drew her attention. Had she really just said those words aloud? To his sister no less?
Olivia gave her a questioning look that let her know she was exceedingly interested in Lady Alice’s thoughts on her brother.
Swallowing hard, Alice shook her head, “Don’t mind me. You were saying.”
Olivia kindly let her get away from the subject. But Alice had a feeling that her words would be recalled at a later date. Her mother would not let such a statement go.
“It is just that they seem either too young or too old. With no real purpose. Empty, as I said,”
Alice suddenly realized that the longer it took Olivia to find a husband, the longer she would be forced to remain here. The longer she would have to interact with Mr. Caldwell. A thought that sent a shiver through her body.
No, she must find Oliva a husband quickly. The sooner the better. For only then could Alice escape and start the rest of her life.
Chapter Eleven
Nathanial stepped out of his coach and looked up at the solid edifice of the Bank of England. Smiling to himself, he quickly made his way up the steps. Finish this next task, he thought, and he could be on his way to meet the ladies at the Eastbrook ball. Meeting Lady Alice Weston where he could begin another campaign.
Last night’s kiss had taught him something. Society might say he should not take her to his bed. But since when had he ever listened to what society said he should do. There had to be a way.
The woman was old enough to know her own mind. If they were careful, and if she understood that it was for mutual enjoyment only. No commitments, and if she was still willing. Then perhaps they could explore this burning passion between them.
Smiling to himself at the thought, he stepped inside the big building and moved to a shadowy corner so that he might observe the man quietly before he approached.
There, next to a tall white pillar, a man in a simple frock coat, breeches, and a cane stood talking to another man. Obviously giving instructions. For no sooner had he finished speaking than the younger man was off to finish his assigned task.
Nathanial smiled to himself. He had always admired this man. Like himself, an outsider who had worked his ways into the halls of power. A man who had used his wealth and connections to make himself invaluable to the crown. Therefore, a man who could not be ignored. A man of importance.
Even in these modern times. So many men despised this man because of his Jewish heritage. The aristocracy had been taught to hate and disdain from the cradle. Yet, this man ignored them. Used them. Ran circles around them, all the while maintaining his dignity and value.
Yes, Nathanial admired him. That was why he was here. He owed him this much.
“Rothchild,” Nathanial said as he stepped out of the shadow.
“Caldwell,” the man replied with a simple nod of the head in greeting.
“I hope business is going well,” Nathanial said as he continued to study the man.
“As well as can be expected in these troubled times,” the banker replied. His eyes guarded.
“Troubled times create opportunities, a great man once said,” Caldwell said.
The Banker smiled. “Yes, but when I said it, we were not at war with half of Europe.”
Caldwell laughed. “And yet, from what I hear, you are funding the Crown’s war efforts. You have the contract to supply the soldiers in Portugal with gold. A lucrative arrangement.”
The banker frowned. “I wasn’t aware that my ‘arrangement’ as you call it was common knowledge.”
Nathanial laughed. “Don’t worry, sailors talk, but few people listen. It isn’t widely known.”
The two men studied each other for a moment.
“So, to what do I owe this honor?” Rothchild asked. As always, the man was focused on business. He had never enjoyed small talk.
“Information,” Nathanial said.
“Am I buying or selling?” Rothchild responded.
>
“Neither,” Caldwell replied. “Consider it a gift.”
The banker’s brow narrowed in confusion. “That is not like you Caldwell. You have always known the value of something. Especially when it comes to information.”
“As I said, consider it a gift. A return for that assistance with the Cornwell mine.”
Rothchild shrugged his shoulders. “I knew of the seller. You were one of the few men who had the available funds. It seemed like a sensible match. Believe me, I received my commission.”
Nathanial smiled. “I know, but still, I feel I am in your debt. The price of tin has grown significantly with the war.”
The banker nodded as he closely studied Nathanial, obviously trying to determine what was real and what was not.
“Lord Brookstone,” Nathanial said.
A single eyebrow rose high on Rothchild’s face. “And?”
Nathanial steadied himself. “Within the next few weeks. I believe he might come to you for a loan. I would recommend denying him this assistance.”
Rothchild frowned. “Denying a peer of the realm is not usually a wise business choice.”
“Maybe,” Nathanial said. “But I believe that Brookstone will never have the funds to repay the loan. In fact. I believe he will soon find himself so buried in debt that he will never climb out and his entailed properties will spend the next forty years supporting that debt.”
“Why?” Rothchild asked. “I realize the man is close to being overextended already. His estates are barely able to cover his interests charges now. Yet if he came to me with a solid plan. I don’t see why I shouldn’t assist him. Not if I thought he could recover. As I said, it is never wise to upset someone who sits in the House of Lords.”
Nathanial smiled, he knew it was his slightly evil smile, the one he used when he knew his enemy was going to succumb. Brookstone would fall. Of that, there was no doubt.
“Let us just say, that if you bet on him. You will be betting against me. And you and I both know, that is not a wise investment.”
The banker pursed his lips and slowly nodded as he took in Nathanial’s words. He studied Nathanial for a long moment, weighing his words, checking off a dozen different facts in his minds until he finally nodded.
“Very well,” the banker said. “If Lord Brookstone comes to me, I will be unable to assist him.”
Nathanial smiled. “A wise move. As Franklyn said. A penny saved is a penny earned. And I believe you may have just saved yourself many pennies.”
Rothchild smiled. “Franklin might have been a rebel. But the man knew the value of money.”
Nathanial smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Rothchild.”
“No, thank you, Mr. Caldwell. As you said, I so hate losing money. It is always nice to know when to avoid such a trap.”
Nathanial turned to leave when Rothchild reached out and held his arm. “You do realize, there are other bankers. Other men that Brookstone can go to.”
Nathanial smiled. “Brookstone obtaining funds does not worry me. The fact that he will be unable to repay them is my desire. I didn’t wish to see you caught up in this. When I am done. Brookstone won’t be able to scrape together two farthings.”
The banker frowned. “What has he done?”
Nathanial’s lips set in a solid line as he scowled. “He tried to hurt someone I care about. What is more? I just don’t like the man. Besides. I think it does these Lords good to see one of them get knocked down every so often. Keeps them in line. Reminds them they are not invincible.”
Rothchild smiled and nodded his head, obviously understanding the feeling.
“Yes, well, this isn’t France,” the banker said. “English peers have long memories and a great deal of power. I would be careful if I were you.”
Nathanial smiled. “Oh, I plan to be. That is the thing, Brookstone won’t even know who ruined him.”
“But you will,” Rothchild said with a smile. “And that is the important thing.”
Nathanial continued to smile at the man. “I knew you would understand.”
.o0o.
Alice and Olivia stepped down from the coach to be greeted by Mr. Caldwell. Alice’s heart skipped and her hands began to shake. What was he thinking? she wondered. Was he remembering their kiss from the night before? Was he even now regretting that he had ever hired her to help his sister.
The look in his eyes let her know that he was remembering their kiss. Remembering where his hands had traveled. Remembering the fire between them.
“Ladies,” he said as he smiled down at them, hiding his thoughts from his sister. “Shall we go? I am sure that Lady Eastbrook and her son are waiting anxiously for us to grace their ballroom.
Alice relaxed inside. He was treating her as if nothing had happened. As if he were not upset with her. Yes, life could go on without tension or regret. There would be no confrontation. She would be able to present a calm exterior, all while burning inside.
Smiling up at him, she nodded and let him lead the way.
Once they stepped into the house, Lord Eastbrook smiled widely as he recognized Olivia. Alice glanced at the girl and could see no sign of true interest. She returned the Lord’s smile but there was no real happiness in it.
They made their way through the receiving line. Lady Eastbrook, the Earl’s mother showing a special interest in Mr. Caldwell. It seemed she had a niece she was just dying to introduce him to. Alice had to bite back a quick smile when she felt Nathanial stiffen next to her. The one thing the man despised was simpering young ladies and their aunts.
“Of course,” he responded to Lady Eastbrook with as much warmth as a winter’s gale.
Alice smiled up at him as they left Lady Eastbrook, and as Olivia left them to join some friends. Continuing to smile, she said, “You will have to ask Lady Eastbrook’s niece to dance.”
He frowned down at her, obviously not liking her suggestion. “I doubt very much that such a thing will happen. I don’t dance, remember?”
“Perhaps you could talk her into a sailor’s jig?” Alice said as she smiled to herself. The man didn’t like being teased. “I hear she is very pretty. Young perhaps, but that doesn’t seem to concern most men.”
He continued to frown then leaned slightly forward so only she could hear. Close enough that she caught a hint of leather and sandalwood that sent her insides tumbling, making it impossible to look away.
“I prefer women with a little more seasoning,” he said as his eyes burned their way into her soul. “About twenty-four years old, I think, yes, that is when a woman is at her peak. Intelligent, but not yet jaded. A woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it. A woman with soft curves, a sweet smile, and enough passion to light the world.”
Alice swallowed hard as she looked up at him, unable to break away from that hungry look. Her heart pounded so loudly that she feared he might hear. Her insides grew warm and tingly as she fought to gain control of her breathing. Was he talking about her?
“I especially like intelligent brunettes in blue silk gowns,” he added with a smirk as his eyes quickly glanced at her dress. His actions and words removed any doubt she might have had. He was talking about her. He did find her attractive and desirable. How was this possible? Only last night he had rejected her. Yet, here he was, letting her know that he wanted her. She felt her cheeks grow warm with a blush. A blush that made him smile.
The man was a beast. Teasing her like this. Here, in the middle of a ballroom surrounded by people who would love nothing more than to cast her in a bad light. It seemed that two could play this game, and Mr. Caldwell was demonstrating just how well he played.
“Yes, well …” she stammered desperately trying to think of something to say that wouldn’t sound inane. “Yes, well,” she repeated, kicking herself mentally. “Most women of that age are intelligent enough not to be susceptible to a man’s false compliments.”
“Oh, Lady Alice, believe me, there is nothing false about them.”
Her
mind began to whirl as she tried to understand what was happening. Tried to come to grips with this change in attitude. Was he flirting with her? Why? Last night, he had broken it off. Obviously, he hadn’t wanted to risk Olivia’s reputation. At least that was why she hoped. Either that, or he did not want her. And the predatory look in his eyes led her to believe it must be the former.
“Perhaps,” she responded. “But, then men are always free to pursue their desires. Ladies are not provided the same benefit. Not in today’s society. Not if they wish to remain acceptable.”
He laughed gently. “Yes, but then there are always ways around societies' rules.”
Her brow creased in confusion, but before she could probe him further on the matter, Lord Eastbrook approached them and asked her to dance.
Alice had to fight to pull her mind back to the ball and the expectations of those around her. This was a surprise. Why was he asking her and not Olivia? The man obviously had feelings for the girl.
“Yes, My Lord,” she said as she quickly curtsied. “I would be honored.”
Mr. Caldwell looked as if he were not too pleased with the situation but had the good grace not to say anything. Was he upset at being interrupted or upset that she was dancing with a handsome young Lord? Silently, she prayed it was because he was jealous. Oh, how delicious that would be.
Lord Eastbrook nodded to Mr. Caldwell, then turned to escort her to the floor. Taking her hand as they waited for the other dancers to take their position, Lord Eastbrook leaned over and said, “You look lovely this evening, Lady Weston.”
Alice smiled calmly and thanked the young lord. Why was he complimenting her? she wondered. And why did it have no effect on her? A young, handsome, wealthy Lord had asked her to dance, was complimenting her appearance. And she felt nothing.
A month earlier, and she would have been overjoyed at the attention. Her mind would have reeled with possibilities and hopes. But now, nothing. It was as if she were dancing with her uncle. Trying not to frown, she pushed the thought aside and tried to focus on her partner and the people around her.
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