“These things are seldom a mistake, Jacob. There could be a connection somewhere in your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents’ family history.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I suspect that could very well be the case here.”
“This is so unexpected. I know very little about England beyond what I’ve written about them impressing our sailors. What do you recommend I do?”
“Well, you must go to London, of course. This isn’t something to treat lightly, and you owe it to yourself to find out everything you can about your family’s legacy.”
“But what about the paper?”
“The paper will be fine while you’re gone. Robert is an excellent editor, and if he has any questions, I shall make myself readily available.”
“I don’t know, Henry. What do I know about being a member of the aristocracy? I’m a journalist.”
“As much as you knew about running a newspaper. Nothing at first, but you’ll learn. You’ve got a good headon your shoulders, and I have the utmost faith in your abilities.”
“Thank you, but I don’t know if I’ll even accept it if this turns out to be true. My life is here in New York.”
“Don’t close your mind before you know all the facts, my boy. Without new challenges in our lives, things can get stale. It would be good for you to go to England and explore what this is all about. And don’t tell me that you don’t have the funds when we both know that you can easily afford the journey. For safety’s sake, though, don’t take too much ready cash with you. That makes you too tempting a target for pickpockets. I’d suggest you carry a bank note on your voyage to be redeemed at a London bank. That way, you’ll have plenty of funds to do as you wish while you’re there.”
“I guess I can do that, but it will mean I’ll be gone for at least four months, maybe as long as six or seven, depending on the situation over there. Can you handle things for that long?”
“Yes. We’ll be fine. You mustn’t worry. Your absence will give me the opportunity to pen a few articles I’ve been thinking about.”
“Before I leave, we must go to the lawyer’s office and draw up new ownership papers,” Jacob said. “With me gone for so long, you’ll need the controlling share to make any changes necessary. By the way, you’re always welcome to write articles. No need to wait until I leave.”
“It’s not necessary to change our agreement, Jacob. All will be well here.”
“Thank you for your trust in me, but I would feel better knowing that you’re legally in charge of the paper.”
“Well, if you insist, I’ll send a note around to the lawyer and set up an appointment for us.”
“Excellent. However, there’s one more item I wish to discuss with you.”
“Oh? Do you have a new idea for the paper?”
“Not exactly. What I’d like to discuss is the possibility of sharing some of the profits with the workers. According to the latest accounting, we’re performing well—actually, quite well indeed. Without our dedicated staff, the paper wouldn’t be thriving as it is, and I’d like to reward them for all their hard work.”
Henry’s eyes lit up. “That’s an excellent idea. What if we give the workers a supplemental paycheck this month?”
“Exactly what I was thinking. I truly believe sharing the wealth with our workers will make the paper even more lucrative,” Jacob said. “Perhaps while I’m gone, a picnic for the workers and their families can also be arranged once the weather warms up.”
“Yes. I’m sure Mrs. Williams would be delighted to organize the event. Who doesn’t enjoy a picnic? Is there anything else?”
Jacob shook his head. “No. That’s all I can think of for now.”
“Good. Now go book your passage to England. I have a feeling this trip may be life-changing for you.”
“I’ll go to England as you suggest and find out anyrelevant details, but I plan to head back to New York as soon as I can. Good day, Henry.”
“Good day, Jacob. Remember, keep an open mind.”
“I will,” Jacob said, leaving Henry’s shipping office, although he wasn’t looking forward to a late February crossing across the Atlantic.
Chapter7
London
