Pearl let her go and shuffled back to Cowasj.
He watched Dorian sailing away. “Next time. Do you think Mrs Armstrong needs a medic?”
“I think it’d be better if we take her to a practitioner before returning to Gladstone.”
Cowasj nodded and kicked a pebble. It bounced on the water surface before disappearing into the lake’s depth.
A frisson of nervousness coiled around her. It was her best chance to talk to him, and this time, she couldn’t be accused of having sought the prince’s company.
“Prince,” she started.
“Yes?” He turned towards her, charmingly elegant in his jodhpuri blue suit.
“I was thinking of what you told me about Mr Blackmoore-Smith. I’d really like to know what happened to him. He’s a family friend.”
The warmth in his gaze dissolved, replaced by cold assessment. “As I told you, unless you know the whereabout of Miss Pearl, I’m afraid I can’t say more.”
“Can’t you tell me at least how the bankruptcy happened?” She dug her fingers in her reticule. The tight bodice of her dress pressed against her ribs when she sucked in a breath. “Please.”
His jaw clenched, but his shoulders slumped a fraction. “There was no bankruptcy. A fraud was involved. An investigation is ongoing, thus I must skip a few details. I lost a large investment as well, and my partners are in serious trouble.”
No bankruptcy? “What kind of fraud?”
A long pause stretched. The distant echo of Julia’s laugh filled the silence.
“A man led me to believe he could invest my money and make it grow in a relatively short period.” He waved a hand. “I won’t bother you with the technical details. The core of the fraud is that at first, the investment went well. The stock seemed to be excellent. Every partner was satisfied with their earning. This heaven lasted only a few months. The investor vanished right after he convinced us to increase the amount of money to be capitalised. I had no reason to doubt him and gladly approve a larger venture. That was the last contact I had with the investor.”
Oh, Lord. It was Pearl’s turn to churn. Father had fallen into a financial trap and lost everything. He must be ashamed and worried. Surely, that was the reason he hadn’t contacted her. “Are the police searching for this investor?”
Cowasj pressed his lips. “I can only say they’re doing everything to recover the money, although it seems a desperate task. The fraudster left no trace.”
What if Father had done something stupid and chased this fraudster? What if he put himself into danger?
Mrs Armstrong tottered towards them, her face ghostly pale. “I do apologise for this.”
“Don’t worry.” Pearl rushed to her and helped her sit on a bench. “I think we all had enough of boating for today.”
