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Nicholas nodded, understanding why he was perplexed. He couldn’t justify his decision to himself in any way that made sense—and he would sound mad if he tried to explain it to anyone else.
Chadbourne waved a hand elegantly. “In any case, you needn’t worry about the absence. Do what you must, and safe travels, old friend.”
Nicholas was relieved at the acceptance, though it was precisely what he’d expected. He didn’t take it for granted, but after a decade of dedicated employment, he believed he was allowed this caprice. “I’ll return within the week. Thank you, David. And you’re welcome—for ridding you of your house guest.”
“He’s not unwanted, but I’m certain he’ll be glad to depart. Restless, he is, poor man.”
Back in his carriage on the way to his office, Nicholas marveled at his own lack of conscience or regret. Since yesterday, every step of the way it felt as if some form of providence was at work, whether it was Helen Gray landing in his arms, his father’s readiness to aid him, or happening upon the clergyman.
It was too early to say whether the Miller siblings would take issue with his terms, but Nicholas's resolve was steady. His terms would soon be theirs to take or leave
∞∞∞
Elijah didn’t once complain about the sights and smells of London during the carriage ride to Nicholas Irons’s office. They traveled in total silence, aware they would leave afterwards either celebrating or despairing.
Without the silver, they would have no choice but to set sail for South America on a guano run. Irons had been right to note the labor-intensive nature of clipper ships. Compared to other merchant vessels, they were costly to build and their holds compact.
As such, it took highly valuable wares to justify a clipper operation. Aside from opium or slaves—out of the question to Elijah and Helen—bird manure was the only commodity left to fetch enough profit.
It wasn’t only the indignity of fillingAlacritywith foul-smelling fertilizer that bothered Elijah and Helen. The crew, too, was invested in the financial outcome of tonight. Clipper work was dangerous and demanding, making recruitment a challenge. Captains often resorted to outright criminality to form a crew—drugging unwitting sailors in port and smuggling them aboard, where they would waken at sea and often endure brutality from the captain and fellow sailors in addition to the grueling labor.
Elijah’s crew consisted of willing men…for now. His leadership accounted for only part of that. He had promised them a bonus if they returned from China, but their loyalty was subject to change. Sailing to Peru in search of guano instead would not just risk Helen’s and Elijah’s lives by placing them at the mercy of ship and sea—mutiny could become the greatest peril.
Helen’s eyes were stark as she stepped down from the carriage and took her brother’s arm. She pulled him to a stop within a few feet, needing a moment to gather herself.
He spoke without looking at her. “I’ll not beg, no matter what.”
“No begging.” She squeezed his arm. “Whatever happens, we’ll find our way.”
Within minutes, they sat in Nicholas Irons’s candlelit office while he inspected the agreement they’d concluded with the tea purchaser. After setting it aside with a curt nod, he did not keep them in suspense.
“The silver is yours—provided you agree to certain terms.”
Before relief even registered with Helen, Elijah spoke. “What terms?”
Nicholas specified a share of the profits on the high end of the figures Elijah and Helen had been prepared to accept. Consistent with their earlier discussions, Elijah agreed to the proposal.
“Second, I wish to purchase all your lumber.” He named a fair price, though it was lower than recent offers.
Elijah looked to Helen, and after she blinked once to signal agreement, he nodded to Nicholas.
“Next, you’ll provide passage to Hong Kong to a trusted acquaintance. He’s a good man, and his presence on board will provide half the reassurance I need that my silver is safe.”
Helen tilted her head, wondering about his language in multiple respects. “Yoursilver?”
“Yes, Helen. Mine. Lord Anterleigh is not interested in this venture. This investment would be personal.”
Elijah leaned forward, not hiding his surprise. “You have that much silver at the ready,andit’s not gained by opium?”
“If we conclude an agreement tonight, I sail for Spain tomorrow. There, I can access silver that doesn’t come from opium. I’ll have it here in time for you to leave for China within the week.”
Not quite believing their fortune, Helen wasn’t ready to embrace it until she heard the rest of the terms. She looked at Elijah, who sat tensely as he considered the passenger request.
After another moment, he nodded. “With your assurances, Irons, I agree to provide a stateroom for the fellow.”
Helen still had questions. “You said this passenger provides but half the reassurance you need. What’s the other half?”
Nicholas Irons turned to her, and in the warm candlelight, his eyes looked like those she’d seen in a museum last week—in a painting of a tiger—and they focused on her.I ought to feel more afraid than I do.
