Elyse stiffened at Jerrold's biting comment. It was maddening how much pleasure he got from belittling people, yet fascinating that this stranger seemed completely unaffected by it.
Zach smiled to himself. So, the soon-to-be Lady Barrington wasn't easily manipulated by her fiancé.
"I have widespread business dealings," he said coolly, but his eyes never left hers.
"And some past dealings with your company," he added. "And by what I hear, it seems that you have crossed paths with that fellow who goes by the name of the Raven. I understand you've lost substantial cargo, not to mention several ships to this devil!'
"Ah, then you've had some dealings in the Pacific and the colonies of New South Wales, dangerous territory. I do hope you weren't a victim of that pirate."
"Many have suffered at the hands of the Raven." Zach carefully maneuvered the conversation. "He seems to be such an elusive fellow that I'm given to wonder if he truly exists. Perhaps the difficulty you've had in the South Pacific is due to your inexperience in dealing with the people there."
"The people!" Jerrold laughed incredulously, "I would hardly give the inhabitants of New South Wales the courtesy of that description. They're nothing but convicts and savages, the dregs of humanity, if you will. Of course, we anticipated certain difficulties in dealing with such people. But we can and will control the situation.
"After all," he continued, "there is a great deal of wealth to be obtained from the place. It's beyond me, how those insufferable Australians can even consider themselves equal to an Englishman, making demands for their own home government."
"I've heard of their intense dislike for all Englishmen," Zach replied.
"It is a temporary condition, I assure you," Jerrold continued. "In time they will come to appreciate what Britain has provided them when a good many of them should have gone to the gallows," Jerrold assured him.
Elyse drew in a sharp breath at his cruel remark, but St. James seemed unaffected.
"You are to be complimented for your sense of grace and humility, Lord Barrington," Zach told him. "You are a true example of an English nobleman."
Only Elyse seemed aware of the biting edge of St. James’ remark. Like his words, his gray gaze sparked with something that seemed almost threatening.
Jerrold smiled, thinking that perhaps he might have missed something in the exchange but unable to find anything in St. James’ response to take offense.
Zach hid the anger as he smoothly replied, "It is most fortunate for me that we have met. I should like to discuss business with you. At your convenience, of course. It is a most rare and precious cargo, one I'm certain you will find of great interest. Certainly someone who has your expertise with the colonials of New South Wales might be able to advise me on a purchaser for it."
"Yes, of course, and you seem to have arrived unscathed," Jerrold commented. "When a good many of us have experienced substantial losses on the high seas."
Elyse watched St. James. He seemed to be praising Jerrold, but she knew for a fact how disastrous the last two years had been for Jerrold and his father. They had lost several ships to a man known only as the Raven.
Their latest loss had been ships heavily laden with cargo at some remote place called the Barrier Reef. Most of the crew had escaped, but the financial loss of the cargo had been devastating. She knew of the details only through Jerrold's manager, who had shared the news with her grandmother's solicitor.
Elyse had used the heavy financial loss as an argument to persuade Jerrold that they should wait until the following year to announce their engagement. But he'd adamantly refused, informing her that it was nothing for her to concern herself with. He had been irritated with her for even suggesting it, informing her that he fully intended to take measures against any further losses. He hadn't elaborated how that would be accomplished.
She was aware that a good many marriages were often made for financial advantage. Until that moment last winter when she'd confronted him about the trouble in New South Wales, it had never occurred to her that Jerrold might consider their marriage just such a financial arrangement in consideration of her grandmother's considerable wealth.
St. James seemed well informed about Barrington difficulties, however. She could see the superiority waver in Jerrold's eyes and couldn't smother a feeling of satisfaction as he extricated himself from a conversation where he no longer had the advantage. She remembered how she'd once thought of him as commanding and confident. Now he often seemed little more than arrogant.
"We have many ships." Jerrold struck a polite pose. "Traveling to virtually every port in the world. Undoubtedly, we've carried your cargos as well. I should like to discuss it more with you." He turned to Elyse.
"Come along, my dear, we have other guests. "He effectively cut the stranger from their conversation.
Elyse begged off. She wasn't in the mood for polite conversations. "I need to speak with Lucy about something...You do understand?"
For a moment the air almost crackled with tension. Then Jerrold nodded. "Of course, 'women' things, no doubt." He kissed Elyse on the cheek. "Don't be too long, my dear." He turned and left.
She caught the look Lucy gave her, familiar from their days escaping unwanted suitors at one event or another, then her frown.
"I must find Andrew before he starts to worry where I've gone to," she improvised. And she was off, leaving Elyse alone with St. James.
A smile played at the corner of Zach's mouth. "We haven't yet had our dance of the evening. Surely that wouldn't be inappropriate since we've already been introduced and you are already spoken for," he said. He gave her a disarming smile. "Soon-to-be Lady Barrington," he added.
There was something in his voice and his eyes, and again she experienced the feeling that they had met before.
Zach turned his full attention on Elyse Winslow. He still had many questions he wanted answered, and Miss Winslow might prove an excellent source. Not only was she lovely, but she was intelligent. Which raised the question what was she doing with Barrington? However, it could be advantageous to use Jerrold Barrington's fiancé to learn what he wanted to know.
