"Old Lord Barrington died several years ago. The son inherited the family fortune, and the grandson will inherit everything he's built up, the title and the fortune."
"And made from the sweat and blood of our people at Resolute and the other stations back home," Zach replied, contempt in his voice.
Tobias continued to reveal the information he'd gathered throughout the morning. "They have a large town house here in London. The Barrington offices are on Regent Street. Most of the family business is handled there. And there are several country estates. The largest is in Lincolnshire. And," he paused, "they own practically every warehouse on this waterfront. You're probably renting space from them for that wool." He watched Zach carefully for a reaction to that last statement.
A dangerous smile lifted the corners of Zach's mouth. "As you would say, my friend—'not bloody likely'! I had Sandy make certain he found an independent owner. I'm not about to pour any more money into Barrington's fat purse. Where is this London town house?"
"Highgrove," Tobias replied. "It's not likely you'll get an invitation to visit. Their usual houseguests include the nobility, even a member or two of the royal family."
"There's always a way, Tobias. Have you forgotten how charming I can be when I want something?" His eyes darkened to cold slate. "After all, we have something in common—Felicia Barrington."
Tobias wiped the perspiration from his upper lip with a handkerchief. There was no point in holding anything back. If he didn't tell him everything, Zach would find out for himself. It was always that way. The man had an uncanny ability to ferret out things, as if he could see beyond what a person was telling him… or leaving out.
"There's a fancy get-together this evenin' in honor of young master Barrington," he added, replacing his dampened handkerchief in his vest pocket. He glanced at Zach speculatively from beneath the sweep of frosty eyebrows.
"What sort of get-together?"
The chill in those silver eyes could cut into a man's soul. It had been the same with his father. Tobias remembered that same look, long ago in Nicholas Tennant's eyes. The memory sent an uneasy chill down his spine. The conversation held on that day had become too personal. He'd pressed too hard, freely giving information about his own past, then asking the same of his friend, to receive only that cold stare in response. He'd never asked again.
"Lord Barrington's son is to be married according to what I was told. The engagement is being celebrated," Tobias replied, knowing full well what the next question would be.
"And where is this get-together being held?"
"The bride's grandmother is hosting the event. Lady Regina Winslow is well-placed in society. I believe the girl was American-born, so I hear." Tobias straightened the fabric of his vest. "It's to be the social event of the season."
"No doubt," Zach nodded. "It would be the perfect opportunity to meet Felicia Barrington. What shall I wear?" His gaze met Tobias’ squarely, a glint of challenge in it.
His old friend very nearly fell off the barrel. "It's impossible!" He was thunderstruck. "You must be daft, boy! Haven't you heard a word I've said? These are powerful people! Invitations aren't handed out to common people, much less ex-convicts, or the son of a convict."
"Ah, yes. The bloody class structure." Zach squared his wide shoulders, fixing Tobias with a deadly gaze. The light in those gray eyes hinted at a trace of deadly humor.
"Then I suppose we shall just have to be certain an invitation is extended. Certainly an exception might be made for a member of the nobility visiting London."
"What the devil are you talking about?" Tobias came up off the barrel. "We don't know anyone like that! Impossible!"
Zach arched a brow. "That's what the Crown and Barrington Shipping said when the Raven lured all those ships out onto the Barrier Reef. They said it was impossible that it could be the work of just one man."
"Yer mad! Yer bloody mad! You'll be caught and hanged."
"For attending the social event of the season? I think not." Zach winked at his friend. "I merely want to give the happy couple my fondest wishes, and to find out what I can about Felicia Barrington." Zach straightened as a thought came to him.
"I'll need a place to live while we're in London, perhaps in Highgrove," he suggested. "You mentioned it's a fashionable place to live."
"You think you can just bloody walk in and buy a place? Those are old family homes of the aristocracy. They don't sell them unless there's a very great need."
"I have a very great need. But I have no desire to own property in England. With the wealth of these people, surely one house can be found vacant, its owners possibly vacationing elsewhere. Find such a place. And servants," he added as an afterthought. "Everything must be perfect."
"Is that all?" Tobias roared. "Surely there must be something else you'll be wanting?"
Zach nodded. "I'll need a carriage and horses. Sandy will be my driver." His enthusiasm gained momentum as he laid out his scheme. "And I'll have need of a tailor. The rest can be taken care of tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? How generous of you!"
Zach raised amused eyes to his friend. "Inform the tailor that we'll need evening wear for two gentlemen. And pick out suitable fabric for yourself,your grace."
"My what!"
Zach stood back, studying his friend.
