Page 35 of A Match of Misfortune (Bachelors of Blackstone’s #7)
“Oh, Thomas’s son. I don’t know much about him, but Thomas is a decent man.
Far more tolerable than some of the other nabobs like Whetton and Furrow.
Even Hartman has been tainted by his new wealth.
Not that I have anything against nabobs, per se.
My qualm comes not when people rise above their supposed stations but when they rise above the need for common decency towards others. ”
If Lord Blackstone knew Whetton, Furrow, and Hartman, he was impressively connected. And his assessment of them was not off either. “I can understand that.”
“Have you noticed the mating rituals of birds, perchance?”
Again, Nash found himself staring at the man. “I can’t say I have taken much notice, no.”
“Next time you are about Town, I want you to watch the pigeons. When the males are attempting to attract a mate, they perform a courtship display.” To Nash’s utter amazement, Lord Blackstone stood and pushed out his chest. “They puff out their breast feathers, flair their tail feathers”—he placed his hands behind him and spread them wide— “and drag them on the ground, all the while walking in circles and cooing.”
It would do Nash no good to cause the man offense by laughing at his mimicry, so Nash pressed his lips together and set a fist over his mouth as though in contemplation. Thank heavens Lord Blackstone didn’t imitate the noise along with the movements, or Nash’s attempts would turn hopeless.
As abruptly as Lord Blackstone stood, he sat again, though excitement still glimmered in his eyes.
“But here’s the best part. More often than not, while the male pigeon is parading about, trying to impress the female, she flies away, and he does not even notice.
” With Lord Blackstone’s ensuing laughter, Nash felt it safe to give a polite chuckle.
“The pigeon is so concerned with how he appears, yet he has failed to do the one thing he sought to accomplish—to actually impress any bird other than himself. It is the same with the nabobs. They try far too hard. Not all of them, mind you. But most.”
“I believe I shall never look at pigeons the same. Or nabobs, for that matter.” Since it was clear that Lord Blackstone had no knowledge of Nash’s ship, it was time to bid the man farewell.
He did not deny Lord Blackstone was a man of information, of all varieties, but his oddities prevented Nash from feeling as though he could truly rely upon anything he’d presented.
Which meant he was as partial to Johnathan’s offer now as he had been when he walked through the door of this peculiar place.
Nash stood. “Thank you for your time, Lord Blackstone. If you’ll forgive me, I have?—”
“Do you wish for a tour of the club?” Lord Blackstone also stood, rounding his desk to join Nash.
With how intensely he had to crane his neck, Nash felt like a giant.
“It is my policy to wait until a gentleman is officially blackballed to extend an invitation, but with your streak of bad luck and the upcoming vote at White’s, it is only a matter of time until it is so.
You might as well have a look around before you leave, to determine if the club would be a good fit. ”
Was Lord Blackstone so certain Nash was to be blackballed? He supposed he likely was if his name had made the potential member list. Another disappointment. “I truly wish I had the time, but unfortunately I have promised a young lady that I’d meet her at Hyde Park.”
“Ah, yes! The lovely Miss Bradshaw.” He shook his head as though he could hardly believe it. “I hear congratulations are in order. Do you have a date for the wedding yet?”
How the devil had he already heard of their betrothal? “Not yet, no.”
Blackstone grimaced. “With the current state of things, I wouldn’t wait too long to wed her. It’s a female’s nature to select the most secure and competent mate, and well ...” He lifted his hands as though the answer was obvious.
The realization hit like a lead cannon ball to the abdomen. “The most competent mate doesn’t pick the chair with the broken leg?”
Lord Blackstone gave an enthusiastic nod of agreement. “Perfectly said.”
Six years ago, Nash had set out to prove that he was not only competent but that he was someone of note.
Now, all he wanted was to show Cecily he was worthy of someone like her.
No. Not someone like her. He wanted to prove he was worthy of her.
What did he have to show for it? A lost inheritance.
A wrecked ship. An uncertain fortune. A pitiable reputation.
And now he was about to give up his hope of forming a shipping company— a plan that would have eventually allowed him to return to England—and instead return to India indefinitely.
It was no easy task, ignoring the crushing weight that had settled over Nash, but he managed a cordial nod.
“Yes, well, I shall be sure to consider that.”
“Good. Good. And I shall keep my ears open for news of your ship. If there is anything else I can assist you with in the meantime, do not hesitate to ask. At some point, I would also very much like to hear about the plans regarding your shipping company.” Nash was not the least bit surprised Lord Blackstone had heard news of this as well.
“With how outlandish the shipping costs of the East India Trading Company have become, it would be good to see some competition, particularly now that private citizens can trade in India. Not that the EITC will be eager to share the wealth with a privately held company, but the time has certainly come that they do.”
That was precisely the reason Nash had wanted to start his own private shipping business. He saw a need—a great need—and he knew precisely how to meet it. “Though I agree wholeheartedly, it’s proving difficult to find investors when my one and only ship is currently unaccounted for.”
“White’s is not the only place that has gentlemen of means, willing and eager to invest. Furthermore, the fine members here at Blackstone’s, for one reason or another, have all taken a turn with misfortune.
I cannot think of a group of men that would more likely understand your plight and support you in it.
As long as the investment is sound. Which, considering what I know of you and your previous dealings, I do not doubt it is.
” Lord Blackstone opened the door. “But this is not the time for such introductions. Not when you have a young lady awaiting you.”
Nash hesitated. Cecily and the Rothsburgs were technically no longer expecting him.
And it would be helpful to know if he could garner any interest in his company before answering Johnathan.
Particularly from a group of gentlemen that could be exactly the sort he was looking for—wealthy misfits like himself.
If Nash were to prove himself a capable man, a man worthy of Cecily, now was his chance. Perhaps his last chance. “On second thought, I have a little time to spare.”