Page 49 of A Lady's Passion Knows No Distance
After receiving Caroline’s letter, William had written to Lord Sergio, wanting to surprise Caroline and Miss Gwendolen with their presence in the same neighbourhood during their holiday.
He’d found Lord Sergio to be a good travelling companion and, travelling with very little, they were able to make good time to the coast and arrive well before the Murphys. Now, William longed to spend some quality time with Caroline while showing Lord Murphy that he was an amiable suitor.
“I will never grow tired of dining with the elite, Sir Roberts. This home is rather magnificent,” Lord Sergio said as they came upon the coastal estate.
It was at least two stories tall, with white pillars at the front stairs. The home had several windows, allowing plenty of light to filter through. However, no matter how lovely the home appeared, William knew that Caroline would be far more beautiful.
As they approached the house and led their horses to the front courtyard, two footmen approached to take the reins when they dismounted. William thanked the two kindly before joining Lord Sergio as they came up to the front door.
“You are very considerate of staff, I’ve noticed,” Lord Sergio pointed out as he pulled the cord next to the door to signal that they’d arrived.
“I believe it to be a good investment to treat those who serve you with the utmost respect. After all, we’re all humans,” William replied. Lord Sergio nodded as though he agreed, or at least thought William’s response was acceptable. Once the door was opened, they were greeted by Lord Murphy’s butler. Then, after they had taken off their top hats and placed their riding gloves inside to leave them at the front door, they were shown to the drawing room.
“What magnificent floors. I feel as though I could see my own reflection,” Lord Sergio commented in a hushed tone as they followed behind the butler. William smirked as he nodded, finding the Spaniard’s perspective of most things rather refreshing.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Lord Murphy greeted as they were led into the drawing room. The Earl quickly approached them, shaking their hands in warm welcome. “I hope you find your way well enough.”
“You gave good directions in your letter, Lord Murphy,” William assured him.
“You have such a lovely home, Lord Murphy. Thank you for inviting us to dine with you,” Lord Sergio said.
“Come and sit while we wait for dinner to be prepared. I am under the impression that you have matters of business to discuss,” Lord Murphy said as he gestured towards a small card table with four chairs.
William looked over and saw Lady Murphy sitting with the two young ladies near the opened back door of the drawing room, all of them in hushed conversation. He couldn’t help but smile as Caroline looked up and caught his gaze, her face lighting up into a bright smile before she quickly turned away.
William joined Lord Murphy and Lord Sergio at the card table. The Earl began a simple game while they talked, giving William a true challenge to focus between the card game, their conversation, and the small glances he sent towards Caroline from time to time. It was a fun sort of game that William was enjoying as he waited for the opportune time to address er directly.
“I have ships coming to and from Spain each week,” Lord Sergio said. “Will Sir Roberts’ help, I am determining the safest routes due to England’s war with France, but also the pirates that seem to plague the waters.”
“Do you feel that pirating is still a large issue as of the present, Sir Roberts?” Lord Murphy asked as he dealt the next hand of cards.
“Indeed, my Lord. The pirating community is more than just a rogue crew of foreigners. They are also Englishmen who are paid by lords who jeopardize the businesses of others or try to steal goods to sell somewhere else. I fought more Englishmen while serving in the Navy than men of any other nationality,” William explained.
“This is so hard to believe,” Lord Murphy admitted. “Why would Englishmen do such a thing to their own people?”
“For money,” Lord Sergio spoke up. “‘Tis the reason why most men do anything anymore.”
“And you believe you know the best shipping routes?” Lord Murphy asked, looking directly at William.
“I do. It takes longer for the ships to sail from one port to another, but it’s safer. I am willing to share my knowledge for a portion of the profits from the sold goods. This way, we both have some sort of security,” William explained.
“I suppose if any of my goods don’t make it to port, then at least I don’t have to pay you,” Lord Murphy said with a chuckle.
“That is how confident I am of these shipping routes. I wouldn’t share this information with just anyone, only those I was sure could be the most successful.”
“And that is why I am choosing to side with Sir Roberts. I have been approached by many Englishmen. It is only he who has truly taught me about how to deal with English lords and how information can mean the advantage to others who wish to do my ships harm,” Lord Sergio spoke up, making William feel quite proud. He wanted to look good in Lord Murphy’s eyes and was thankful for his new friend for speaking such kind words on his behalf.
“Well, gentlemen. I think we have quite a bit to talk about then. And if you feel so comfortable to do so, Sir Roberts, I would be interested in knowing which lords to avoid when it comes to me shipping and receiving goods,” Lord Murphy said with his eyes fixed on his cards.
“I have made a detailed report to the King, my Lord. Names are expected to be published by the end of the summer months. However, I wouldn’t mind speaking to you concerning one such individual,” William said, lowering his voice so the ladies wouldn’t be able to hear him.
“Ah? And who would that be?” Lord Murphy asked, raising his eyes to William.
“Lord Canton. I understand how close he and Miss Caroline were, and how he might be a figure to find ways to be closer to her again. But as her guardian, I believe you should have the understanding of what type of man he really is,” William said with all seriousness.
“That is quite an accusation, for a man such as Lord Canton. After all, he is an earl,” Lord Murphy replied.
“I understand, my Lord. But I wouldn’t say so if it wasn’t true. I came into the knowledge of many of the lords who financed pirate ships for their own gain. Lord Canton was one of them.”
