Page 45 of Murder at Somerset House (A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery #9)
W rexford sighed after hearing Charlotte’s report of all that von Münch had learned regarding Eddy and her mother. “I suppose I must admit that you are a better judge of character than I am.” He looked up. “But don’t repeat that to von Münch.”
Charlotte turned away and began straightening the books on his work counter to hide her smile.
“Speaking of whom,” he added, “I trust you encountered no trouble during your trip to the Tower Menagerie?”
“Save for a trio of larcenous ravens who stole Peregrine’s hat for an interlude, all went exceedingly well. Eddy was enchanted with the legendary birds,” she answered.
“I daresay she had an interesting conversation with them.” The rational part of his consciousness continued to rebel against any ideas that held a whiff of mysticism.
But scientific curiosity countered such thoughts.
Wrexford reminded himself that the finest scientific minds in Britain—Faraday, Brunel, Hedley, and the young Francis Ronalds—didn’t yet understand such powerful forces of the cosmos as electricity and magnetism.
So it was best to keep an open mind.
“She did,” confirmed Charlotte. “The ravens felt a malignant force is stirring. They warned her to be alert for trouble.”
“I wonder if she could ask them whether they’ve seen a tall, broad-shouldered Frenchman with a hitch to his gait in Town,” he said dryly, “and if so, where his hideaway is.”
“I don’t think that they converse in such straightforward language,” replied Charlotte, a note of wry humor shading her words.
“A pity,” he responded. “The birds have been cosseted and treated like royalty for centuries. One would think they could do something useful to earn their supper.”
Their light banter was interrupted by Raven, who appeared in the doorway of the adjoining library, now dressed in his usual well-worn clothing. “I slipped in through the scullery and changed out of my uniform, so that Eddy wouldn’t see me and ask any uncomfortable questions about my activities.”
“Wise thinking,” said Wrexford. “How did the first day go?”
Raven gave a nonchalant shrug, but the earl noted the gleam of boyish excitement in his eyes. “It’s all hustle and bustle, and the babble of voices is so deafening that it’s a wonder that any of the traders can hear themselves think.”
A grin twitched at the corners of his mouth.
“Actually, I found it very interesting. Mr. Ricardo quickly taught me the basics of my job and then had me accompany him as he made the rounds of his regular trading partners, introducing me as a new addition to the messenger boy contingent. However, we’re going to be careful that I’m not seen as his shadow but merely one of the many scamps who run errands for him.
That way, it will be easier for me to flit around without drawing notice. ”
“I suppose it’s too early to ask if the French have taken any further steps to throw Britain’s financial markets into chaos.”
“Mr. Ricardo says we must be patient,” said Raven. “For now he’s analyzing stock purchases and sales to see if he can discern if any trading patterns are out of the ordinary.”
“Time is of the essence,” muttered Wrexford.
“I’ve just heard from my contact at Horse Guards that Russia, Prussia, and Austria have agreed to each mobilize 150,000 men to help our present Anglo-Dutch army in Brussels fight Napoleon.
But because of their petty bickering at the Peace Conference in Vienna, they are dragging their feet on getting their forces to move.
It’s uncertain whether any of those reinforcements will reach Wellington before Napoleon decides to move east and strike while he has the advantage. ”
“Oiy, Mr. Ricardo is well aware of that,” replied Raven.
“He seems to have a full understanding of what information, both real and false, is circulating through the Exchange and driving trading.” He patted back a yawn.
“Come tomorrow, Mr. Sheffield and I will be at the Stock Exchange at the opening bell and see what more we can learn.”
“My sense is that there is some downward pressure on bond prices now the fact that Napoleon has entered Paris and seized power is common knowledge,” confided Ricardo on meeting with Sheffield and Raven the following morning on a side street near Capel Court.
“The decline is not yet alarming. People are understandably nervous over the news from France. However, I shall keep a close eye on things. There are always everyday rumors and innuendos which cause market fluctuations, but they usually correct themselves. What we’re looking out for is an elaborate web of falsehoods and deceptions which will be difficult to counter and cause major volatility in the market. ”
“I imagine the government will be looking to quickly raise a huge amount of money in order to finance any coming conflict,” said Sheffield. “The last thing it can afford is a market in chaos because of misinformation.”
“Correct,” said Ricardo. “Whatever Gaudin has up his sleeve will be elaborate and carefully crafted. Remember, it took Lord Wrexford weeks to track down the truth about the telegraph hoax—and he knew what he was looking for. I’m certain that the French will be exceedingly clever in spreading multiple layers of misinformation in the market to misguide traders.
And once rumors or false information take hold, it can set off a panic. ”
“H-How do we stop him?” queried Raven.
“You’ll be of help in spotting trouble, lad,” answered Ricardo.
“As you make the rounds to collect sales slips of the various transactions made by the traders on the floor who are working with me, I want you to loiter by the other major stock-jobbers and listen for information on their business. I’ll also send you to the clerks on the upper gallery with routine documents, giving you a chance to ask questions.
It’s natural for a new boy to be curious about the Stock Exchange.
If you hear anything out of the ordinary, come tell me immediately. ”
Ricardo’s usual smile had given way to a far more solemn expression. “We have to stay alert at all times. The trading floor can be a volatile place. Rumors can spark a selling frenzy. So we must be prepared to improvise.”
He eyed Sheffield. “However, for now, we simply want to be ready to stimulate sales if the downward trend continues, in order to to keep the market stable. As one of the major stock-jobbers, I can give favorable deals to fuel interest and spread word through the grapevine that I deem it a good time to find profitable investments.”
Sheffield nodded in understanding. “Your word alone will have a great deal of influence.”
Ricardo consulted his pocket watch and then clicked the case shut. “The Exchange will open in precisely two minutes. Let us head to the main entrance and get to work.”
The next week, however, proved uneventful.
Trading remained within its normal fluctuation patterns, and the activity was calm enough that Ricardo sent Raven home early each day so that he could continue to work with Cordelia on the mathematics for computing complicated interest rates.
However, Charlotte had made it clear that she wouldn’t allow his involvement with the stock market demands to interfere with his regular schoolroom studies, so for the moment, the townhouse at Berkeley Square was settling back into its usual routine.
“My pigeons are done with trying out their wings on the rooftop and have completed the short training flights from the gardens and the mews area back to their nests. They are now ready to make their first real test of finding their way home,” announced Eddy as she entered the breakfast room on the morning of the next lesson day for the Weasels.
“I was thinking that perhaps I could take them to Hyde Park later today. It’s just the right distance for their next big challenge. ”
“That’s very exciting.” Wrexford looked up from his newspaper. “I am meeting with Herr von Münch later today, and we have several meetings to attend. However, I shall arrange to meet him at the Stanhope Gate, so that I can accompany you for the testing before we head off.”
“I can manage on my own if you are too busy,” said Eddy.
“I’m never too busy to help you with your projects,” he answered. “Besides, for the time being, I don’t want you to go anywhere unaccompanied.”
She looked about to argue, but then merely nodded. “I—I understand.”
“We would be happy to help transport the carrying boxes,” offered Hawk, and then darted a quick look at Charlotte before hastily adding, “assuming, of course, that the training trip can be made after our lessons with Mr. Lynsley are done.”
Charlotte regarded the earl and raised her brows in question.
“Yes, that will be fine,” he responded.
“Speaking of Mr. Lynsley …” Eddy crumbled a bit of toast between her fingers. “I was wondering … that is, might it be possible for me to join the lessons? Moreen was very good about tutoring me, but when I listen to the Weasels talk about geography and history and …”
She hesitated for a fraction. “And mathematics, it all sounds so interesting, and I would … I would like to learn more about the subjects.”
“Why, I think that’s a splendid idea,” exclaimed Charlotte. “I have always been of the opinion that a female ought to have the chance to be as well educated as a male.”
“But I would only wish to do so if the Weasels don’t object to my presence,” Eddy added.
Hawk bit his lip and shot a surreptitious glance at his brother.
Raven, who was studying a series of scribbled equations in his notebook as he ate his porridge, looked up after Peregrine gave him a discreet nudge.
“What?”
Peregrine quickly whispered something in his ear.
“Of course you are welcome to join us.” Raven made a face. “Why wouldn’t you be? But just so you know, Mr. Lynsley gives us a lot of extra work to do between our lessons, and he doesn’t tolerate any excuses.”
“I don’t mind schoolwork,” answered Eddy.