Dr. Fox drew back his shoulders. “Well, enough of that. I am here for the canal meeting.”
“You are most welcome, though I feel honor-bound to caution you that, as an investment, I can’t guarantee it will generate a high rate of return. I see the project as more beneficial for those of us who live here.”
“I understand. Regardless, I’d like to help.”
“That’s good of you. And I am not too proud to admit we need it. Well, help yourself to refreshments and have a seat. We will begin shortly.”
The physician nodded with a wisp of a smile and walked away to claim a chair.
Thomas appeared at Frederick’s elbow. “Who is that?”
“Dr. Charles Fox.”
“Fox? The mad doctor?”
Frederick frowned. “I don’t like that term and neither does he. He’s here as a potential investor in our canal scheme.”
“Yourcanal scheme,” Thomas corrected. “Too much dashed bother in my view. But why ishehere? I thought Marina’s doctor was from farther afield. Bristol, was it not?”
“He used to live there. Now he practices near Cheltenham.”
Thomas shrugged. “Even so, I am surprised he’d come. Perhaps he likes to stay busy, as you seem to do.”
Frederick sent his brother a weighty glance but did not bother denying it. He did like to keep busy. It distracted him from thoughts of the unpleasant past.
Eight other men arrived, two acquaintances traveling together from the Malvern district, Mr. Wigley, Mr. Russell, Esq., the Reverend Mr. Gilby, and three others—merchants and men of industry—who arrived one after another and headed straight for the buffet table. Lord Deerhurst, he realized, was noticeably absent even though Frederick had chosen a meeting date well before Parliament was scheduled to begin its next session.
He repressed a sigh and swallowed his disappointment on a bitter sip of coffee.
Frederick was just about to call the meeting to order when one more person entered the room. Lady Fitzhoward. Had she come to read periodicals or write letters? Had she not seen the sign? He hated to be rude, but he had paid a significant sum for the private use of the library.
He walked over to speak with her quietly. “My lady, I hope you are feeling better. I am sorry, but we are having a meeting in this room. We should be finished by four, if you would like to return then?”
“Yes, I know. Why do you think I am here?”
“Oh. Forgive me, I ... I am grateful for your interest, truly.But as I told Dr. Fox a few minutes ago, as an investment, I don’t know that this particular canal spur will generate a high rate of return. I see the project as beneficial for those of us who actually live here rather than for someone with no connections to the area.”
She held his gaze, hooded eyes steely. “Are you asking me to leave?”
“Heavens, no. Only being honest with you.”
“Then I will stay. Unless you object to a female being present?”
“Not at all. Your interest is unexpected but welcome. Do help yourself to refreshments, just there.”
Lady Fitzhoward took a slice of cake and, foregoing the chairs in rows, sat in one of the cushioned armchairs at the back.
Frederick walked to the front of the room and addressed the ten prospective subscribers, wishing there were more of them. He went on to explain his vision for the project—a spur connecting their parish to the River Severn and the Worcester and Birmingham Canal beyond.
He described the scheme, referencing the drawn plans, cost estimates, and benefits in terms of reduced prices in coal shipments, lumber, and other imports as well as readier access to markets for local bricks, pottery, and gloves.
At some point during his speech, he glanced back and noticed Lady Fitzhoward pick up a magazine and begin flipping through it. Was he such a boring speaker? He tried not to let her obvious inattention distract him and pressed on.
When he finished, he looked up to ask for questions and noticed that the woman had fallen asleep in her chair. So much for her interest! It did not bode well.
A time of discussion and debate followed. A few gentlemen were undecided while two refused outright to participate, decryingthe expense and the vague nature of the return, not to mention the time involved in pursuing such a scheme all the way through Parliament.
The three merchants and men of industry, seeing the benefits to local trade, willingly agreed to take shares. Together they pledged significant backing.
