Winning the Merchant Earl: Sweet and Clean Regency Romance (His Majesty's Hounds Book 8)

by Arietta Richmond

  The room beyond the door was large, taking up almost the entire top floor of the building, with large glassed windows along one side.

  There was a workbench, a desk, a table and chairs and some comfortable couches and armchairs, set around a rug of exquisite quality, in front of a carved and polished fireplace in which a good fire was burning. Raphael was glad of the warmth, given how cold it was this summer.

  Setford looked up as he entered, his face lit with a genuine smile – one which, Raphael noted, reached his piercing grey eyes.

  “Good of you to come, m’boy. Coffee?”

  Setford waved him to a chair, and Raphael accepted the proffered cup gladly. Setford’s coffee was the best that could be had, and was, somehow, always magically available on one’s arrival, hot and made perfectly as one preferred. Just how he achieved that was a matter of debate amongst the Hounds.

  “So, Sir – ‘a mutually beneficial matter’?”

  “Indeed. Something that could pre-emptively solve some trade issues for you, and put you even further ahead of your competitors.”

  “I see. And what do you gain from providing me this opportunity? For you wouldn’t suggest anything unless the crown, through you, had something to gain.”

  “True, m’boy, true. So refreshing dealing with you, and any of the Hounds for that matter – always straight to the point. Let me put it equally bluntly. I need to use you as cover for someone else. I have a man that I need to send to the Americas for a few months, to gather some intelligence there. He needs a reason to be there. Facilitating your ‘trade enquiries’ looks like my best bet.”

  “I see. And why would he be able to facilitate my ‘trade enquiries’?”

  “He has contacts. He lived there for a few years. Only came home when the damnable war made life difficult. Now it’s done, albeit the peace is a little fragile, he’s well placed to introduce you to people with some influence there. He needs the excuse to be there, because, since his previous visit, he’s inherited a title here. So there’s no reason for him to go back – except the one that you’ll provide.”

  “And, while I’m negotiating trade deals – which is definitely of interest to me, you’re right – what will he actually be doing for you?”

  “Sounding out the attitudes of those in power, and those who influence them, there, about this new treaty that’s being mooted. Whilst Britain would like nothing better than a stronger peace, with a demilitarisation of the Great Lakes, and a resolution of the boundary issues between the United States and British North America, we can’t go into negotiations blind – we need to know what the feel on the ground is, to assess how likely we are to succeed in any negotiation.”

  “So, he introduces me, I talk trade, whilst he gossips and gets them to tell him their thoughts as part of ‘old friends catching up’ – is that it?”

  “Exactly m’boy. You have it neatly.”

  “And how long would you expect me to be away?”

  As he asked, Raphael was full of conflicting emotions – for so long, he had wanted to go with one of his ships, to see the places his captains talked of, the source of his wealth.

  Yet… to leave his family for months – for surely, it would be months – and to leave Sera for so long. She might not be speaking to him, but, from the other side of the world, there would be no chance of that changing, even should she choose to consider it. He was a fool – he had wanted a new distraction, he had been given one – he should stop maundering about the impossible, and accept Sera’s decision. He should agree to Setford’s plan and take this chance to see a part of the world that he had not seen before.

  “Some months, I expect – probably until Christmas or so. Although I know that your companion will be keen to get home – he’s just married, to a woman he loves dearly.”

  Raphael, never having met the man, envied him already.

  “And when would you expect us to leave?”

  “A few weeks from now, if you’ve a ship available. I’ll take you to meet him, and you can start your planning, then be away when the ship and tides suit.”

  “I’ll do it. But then, you knew that I would.”

  Setford laughed – his laugh was loud and appreciative. Raphael sipped the cooling coffee, feeling excitement rise in him, despite his troubles with Sera.

  “Best you get things arranged for the smooth running of your business here, while you are away. Perhaps recruit some of the other Hounds to quietly assist? Let me know, by a message through old Bigglesworth here, when you can come with me to meet your companion in this venture. You’ll need a couple of days for that.”

  Raphael nodded, already planning.

  Planning was automatic for him – the coordination of all of the elements of an activity, be that war or trade, was as clear to him, instantly, as if it were a straight path in front of him. Others told him that this was a talent – he simply could not imagine seeing it any other way.

  “I’ll send the message two days from now – by then, I’ll have most things in train.”

  “Good, Good. The crown will be grateful, I am quite certain. I make sure that the Prince Regent is aware of the less visible contributions to the country’s security – there’s always value in being appreciated.”

  Raphael wondered, for a moment, what form that gratitude might take, then thrust the concept aside – probably nothing would happen – best that he set out to enjoy this trip, just for itself. After all, he had no need of extra wealth, and what else could he possibly be given, that would be of the slightest interest?

  “Speaking of appreciation, my footman informed me that your intervention had a lot to do with my samples of the Saint Valentine’s Day favours actually reaching the Prince Regent’s hands. I am beyond grateful for whatever you said to make that happen. That small side business has become something rather large, which has changed many people’s lives to date.”

  “Think nothing of it, m’boy. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to assist. I’m glad it’s worked out well.”

  They spoke of inconsequential things for a while, then Raphael took his leave, with much ahead of him to do.

  ~~~~~

  The next few days were hectic, as Raphael put things in place for his extended absence. His mother was most capable of keeping the business running, as she had done after his father’s death, and before Raphael’s return from war. Gabriel was now old enough to assist, and puffed up with pride that Raphael had that confidence in him. Sera was, of course utterly capable. Still it worried him, to leave them all. He decided that some backup support might be in order.

  He managed to arrange an evening where the Hounds might meet. Luckily, all were in town at that point, and arrangements were quickly made. It warmed him somewhat that they came so easily to his request – perhaps they were not drawing as far apart as he had thought. The evening was filled with good food, drink and reminiscences as well as conversation about his plans. He told them little, beyond the fact that he was travelling for trade reasons, and to assist a plan of Setford’s.

  Gerry took him aside, and quietly told him what he knew of Setford’s plan, and of the Marquess of Dartworth, the man he would be travelling with. It was all positive, and left him feeling reassured that his decision was the right one. Gerry also told him that Bart (Lord Barton Seddon), who was not present, would be caretaking the Marquess’ family home whilst the man was absent. His wife, apparently, would live in their secondary estate, as Dartworth Abbey needed significant refurbishment.

  Raphael was pleased – for Bart desperately needed to get away from his family, who were well intentioned but uncomprehending of the impact of the war upon him.

  As the evening wore on, Raphael managed to take Charlton and Geoffrey aside, to speak to them quietly.

  “I have a favour to ask of you. Quite a large one, in fact.”

  “Oh? Will it give us something interesting to do? I’ve a long wait until February, and listening to my sister’s descriptions of h
er opinion of everyone she met this Season has become… wearing…”

  Geoffrey and Raphael both laughed at Charlton’s expression, before Geoffrey spoke.

  “Well, yes, I can see your point. I have noticed that Lady Harriet is prone to rather strong… opinions…”

  It was Charlton’s turn to laugh. When the laughter subsided, Raphael explained his request.

  “As I will be away for some months, I would have some support, that I trust, available to my family, and to Lady Serafine, should there be any problems, business or otherwise. They are all more than capable, yet… the unexpected can occur. But… I don’t want them to know that you are keeping an eye on them, for they are all independent, proud and stubborn.”

  “So, they resemble you in character?”

  Raphael laughed at Charlton’s words, admitting that he had the right of it, and continued.

  “I’ll have Jenkins stay in touch with you, and I ask that you keep him informed of how best to contact you at all times. I hope that you will not be called upon. But I will rest easier knowing that you will be able to help, if things go wrong.”

  “Of course, I’m happy to do this for you. I hope you never doubted it?”

  “No – but I had to ask, for I would not take you away from urgent matters of your own.”

  “I, also, am happy to do so, although my current work for Setford may take me away at times – but Charlton will know where to find me, if needed.”

  Relieved, Raphael turned the conversation back to the travel ahead, and the things he might see and do, certain, now, that those he cared most about would be as safe as possible in his absence.

  ~~~~~

  Raphael followed Setford up the steps to the door of the pleasant manor in Berkshire, wondering if he would like this man he had agreed to travel with. Gerry had assured him that the man was good and honourable, honest and forthright, in a way that he was certain Raphael would appreciate. He had taken his word for it.

  In truth, Raphael’s thoughts were mostly elsewhere. This chance to do more travel, to see more of the places that his ships’ captains told him of when they returned with rich cargoes, was something he had grabbed at, upon Setford’s suggestion. Especially as it provided a distraction from the emptiness he felt.

  But he knew, in his heart, that he was going for the wrong reason. There were things here in England he needed to resolve, if he were ever to be truly happy again.

  He just didn’t know how to solve those problems. So, if he was honest with himself, he would have to say that, right now, he was running away from his problems, instead of facing them. Ludicrous at his age, but there you have it. It was the truth.

  They were greeted at the door by the Marquess and his wife, who were both happily informal with him, and, unusual indeed for the nobility, seemingly unconcerned that he was untitled, a merchant who sullied his hands with trade on a daily basis. He was used to being treated with disdain, despite the fact that he was far, far wealthier than most of the titled men he had met. Raphael felt the tension begin to drain out of him. Perhaps this journey might be quite pleasant after all.

  “May I present Mr. Raphael Morton, owner of the renowned ‘Morton Empire Imports’. Raphael, the Marquess and Marchioness of Dartworth.”

  Raphael bowed, and then was surprised when the Marquess stepped forward to take his hand in greeting.

  “Please, Mr. Morton, Raphael, if I may, let us dispense with formality between us. My name is Oliver, please feel free to address me as such. If we are to travel together, it would seem ridiculous not to be on friendly terms.”

  “I thank you, Oliver, for your kindness.”

  Oliver laughed, a cheerful and unaffected sound.

  “I assure you, it is you who are kind to me, travelling with me, providing me passage on your ship, and providing me a reason to be where Baron Setford wishes me to be.”

  The Marchioness spoke up, in a bright friendly voice.

  “Come gentlemen, let us repair to the parlour. It may be summer, but it is still not so warm standing here upon the doorstep! And Mr. Morton, please do call me Georgiana – I am also fond of a rather shocking lack of formality.”

  Her smile lit her face, and, for a moment, although they were, in almost all ways, strikingly different, it reminded him of Sera. His heart ached a little in his breast.

  Allowing himself to be herded into an elegant parlour, he pushed such thoughts aside, and concentrated on the man he had come to meet. Two hours later, they were all completely comfortable with each other, and Raphael had learned much of Oliver’s history. His respect for the man grew, the more he learned.

  But it was time to leave – in a few days’ time, he would set off with this man for a journey of months – enough time to talk then. He rose, Setford with him, and prepared to take his leave.

  “Oliver and Georgiana, I must thank you wholeheartedly for your hospitality. I look forward to our journey. And, Oliver, one other thing I feel I must say. I am grateful to you, for taking up Setford’s suggestion, and agreeing to Lord Barton Seddon caretaking your estate in your absence. Bart has not had a good time of it, since we returned from war. You have given him a greater gift than you can imagine.”

  ~~~~~

  “Baron Setford.”

  The usher announced him in a portentious tone, as if a doom accompanied him. Setford swallowed a laugh.

  The Prince Regent looked up, and the fleeting expression that passed across his face suggested that he also found the usher rather overdone. Then his face settled into its usual ‘regal expression’. Setford bowed low.

  “Good day to you, Spymaster. I hope that this request for audience does not bode ill. I do not enjoy this alarming habit of our enemies, who insist on attempting my assassination.”

  “Your Highness, today I bring before you a rather more positive matter. Since that last little problem, we have kept a very close eye on any dissidents, and I assure you, I have men protecting you at all times – they are simply very good at not being seen.”

  “As it should be. Please ensure that it stays that way. I enjoy life, and would prefer to do so without tedious limitation.”

  “As you command, Your Highness.”

  “Now, tell me what you have come about. Let us not waste time. I have, as usual a queue of those petitioning for my time.”

  “You will recall, I am sure, the group of men who are frequently referred to as ‘His Majesty’s Hounds’. They are some of the best that we have. And one in particular has been of great service. His work during the war years ensured that our supply lines stayed open, and that our ability to disrupt the enemy supply lines was significant. Since their return, he has, mostly, resumed his ‘normal life’. But, even in doing that, he has served you. You will recall those rather delightful little fripperies – the Saint Valentine’s Day favours, which your preferred ladies so appreciated?”

  “Indeed, I do recall.”

  He paused a moment, apparently remembering, before he went on.

  “A certain lady in particular is usually so hard to please… Those were most… persuasive… in encouraging her to show her appreciation.”

  “Well, Your Highness, those favours came from the business of Mr Raphael Morton – the Hound I speak of today. He is many talented, and his power in the community of merchants is remarkably useful. He is about to undertake another mission on your behalf. He will provide the cover for another of my men to travel to the Americas, so that they may collect intelligence on the chances of success that this new treaty proposal faces. It will be dangerous, should they be discovered, but I have complete faith in both men.”

  “Setford, get to the point. My past experience of you suggests that you are about to ask me to do something, so do explain rather more rapidly!”

  “Your Highness, Mr Morton is the only one of the Hounds, the only one of my elite operatives, who is not titled. It rather limits his ability to mix with the people I need him to. I am certain that there is scope for you to recompense
him for his extensive services to the crown, both past and those about to be delivered. And yes, I am thinking of something rather more than making his business an official supplier-to-the-crown of favours and other exotic goods.”

  “Well, that I can do, and gladly, if it will help me keep a certain Lady free with her charms, but – what further do you have in mind? I am quite certain that you have this all planned out.”

  “I would not presume to pre-empt Your Highness’ prerogative. But yes, I do have a suggestion for you to consider.”

  The Prince Regent laughed, a big guffaw of genuine enjoyment.

  “You, Setford, always presume. You just have the sense to be politely conniving about it. So, this suggestion?”

  “I believe, to put it bluntly, that the man needs, and deserves, a title. And the easiest way to achieve that is to grant him one which has been removed from someone else. Such as a certain Earldom which has reverted to the crown after the incumbent, and all of his sons, were discovered to be treasonous.”

  “Ah, you refer to Porthaven, then?”

  “Indeed, that is the one that I had in mind. It is an old and previously honourable title, with good estates, even if you only include those that were entailed to it. A suitable reward for a loyal and dedicated man. And one which will make him all that much more useful to us. And I expect that, from the investigations we have in train, you will be receiving more property from our delivery of traitors to justice, in the near future.”

  “That seems possible – but why should I give away so much?”

  “I could respond as many would, with flattery about your generosity. But I won’t – you will make a decision on this based on its benefit to crown and country.”

  “Good. I dislike false toadying.”

  “Why? Because it’s a good business decision. A title and some properties with their income, in return for years of past service and years of service to come. Grateful men are loyal men. It will put him at the same social level as the other Hounds, and will allow them to work that much more effectively as a covert unit within society.”