Page 78 of A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke

“There, the information you requested. And now I propose we move forward with this transaction.”

“Wait a minute… just a minute. Ain’t doin’ nothin’ till I take a look at what’s you brought me.”

“Very well,” Wilcox grumbled, and he stood and paced the room as Ezra examined the documents.

When he was finished, Ezra looked up and nodding, said, “Hmm. Looks to be in order. Now, we can talk business.”

Wilcox went back to the table and sat. “First shipment then,” he said. “We have a warehouse that is secluded, off a back channel and ready for your occupation. And I have arranged for the ship to dock at night. Your goods can be unloaded by dawn and will be available for retrieval at your discretion.”

“And the date?” Ezra asked.

“It can only be approximate—the vagaries of shipping being what they are. But I shall notify you by messenger when the exact day is known. But it should be around this date.” He wrote on one of the papers he had given Ezra. “And the deposit we agreed upon?”

“Half. Is that correct?”

“It is.”

Ezra slid a pouch of gold sovereigns across the table to Wilcox. He picked it up and weighed it with his hand.

“They are all there, mate. I may be a scoundrel, but I pay me debts. It is what keeps me in business.”

“I never doubted,” Wilcox said. “And I shall make the final arrangements and keep you posted, my good man.” He paused and asked, “And my cut?”

“When I get the goods and pay the other half.”

* * *

“I say, Thomas, Lady Alderman is every bit as charming as you say,” George said to Thomas after Prunella stepped out of her study for a moment during their presentation to her.

“And the very last person I expected would be interested in investing with us,” Thomas added.

Shortly she returned. “Gentlemen, I had a quick word with my mother and she is in agreement with me. We would like to take a twenty percent share if we may? She is rather fond of Ascot week and hopes that one ofourhorses gets entered at some point.”

“And wins,” Thomas said with a laugh.

“Of course. That goes without saying.” She went to her desk and sat. “To whom shall I make the cheque?”

Thomas said, “First let us get the shareholder agreement to you. Then, once it is signed, we will accept your cheque. It is best to go by the book—so to speak.”

“As you wish.”

George nudged Thomas and indicated they should accept the cheque now if she was willing to give it, but Thomas shook his head.

“Now, as our business is concluded, might I give you a tour of the gallery? You expressed an interest in seeing my collection,” she said as she stood up from her desk and came around to join them. “Lunch should be served shortly but I believe I can give you a quick tour. Then, if you wish to see more after lunch, I would be happy to accommodate.”

“I think I shall pass,” George said. “I am much more interested in horses than paintings. But please go enjoy yourselves. I need to organize our papers for our next appointment, in any case.”

“Then shall we?” Thomas said, offering his arm to Prunella.

She smiled, took his arm, and they left her study and walked to the library that was used more for her art works than for books. The library faced the front of the house with many windows, so the room was well lit. Prunella let go of Thomas’s arm and stood back to let him wander the room by himself.

“Ask any questions you wish, but each painting is labeled, and you should have no difficulty identifying the work and the artist,” she said.

Thomas was much impressed by the quality, variety, and scope of the many fine works. Finally, after a few moments he stopped before one—a particularly fine portrait of a woman.

“Ah, I see you have an excellent eye,” she said, “That is one of my favorites as well.”

“Is it of you?” Thomas asked, a little puzzled by the dress the lady was wearing.