“What a surprise,” Papa said under his breath.
“I, for one, would like to hear more about your clinic, Master Chen.” Mama cut in smoothly, her emerald gaze warm and her smile genuine. “Hypatia has shared her admiration for your pedagogy, and I must say I am impressed that you’ve established such a unique clinic in London.”
Glory sent her mother a grateful look. Although Mama appeared every inch a duchess with her cinnamon hair arranged in ringlets, her voluptuous figure draped in a fringed cassis-colored walking dress, she retained the friendly and down-to-earth manner that had once made her an excellent businesswoman. Born into a working-class family, Mama had not forgotten her roots nor made any attempt to hide her origins since marrying Papa. Her lack of pretension had, ironically, garnered the respect of high society.
That and the fact that she, a fossils shop owner and former barmaid, had managed to land Papa, who’d once been dubbed the Duke of “Ransom”—a witty amalgamation of his titles and reference to his ability to steal female hearts.
“Like many things in life, my work at the clinic started by chance, Your Grace,” Wei said politely. “During my sea voyage to London, many of the sailors had problems performing their duties due to their opium use. The captain even threatened to abandon them at the next port. Since I had assisted my shifu in treating this problem, I convinced the captain to let me have a go at helping these men. I encountered success, and when I arrived in London, the captain continued to send me clients. Word spread, and over time I was able to help people from all walks of life stop their use of opium and instead engage in more healthful practices, such as kung fu.”
“What a novel approach,” Mama said.
“I suppose your countrymen have advanced methods for treating the opium habit,” Papa said with grudging interest. “Given the prevalence of the problem in China.”
“Due to the smuggling of opium into China by foreign interests,” Wei said flatly.
“You will find no argument from this quarter.” Creases deepening around his mouth, Papa rotated his teacup a quarter-turn in its saucer. “The opium trade is a disgrace and stain on our national honor.”
“Papa is one of the foremost advocates in the House of Lords against the opium trade,” Glory said proudly. “In fact, he has a plan to educate the public about the atrocities and to introduce a bill to ban the unlawful commerce.”
“The plan will soon become a reality.” Papa’s eyes had a zealous gleam. “At the house party, Emmett Rothwell agreed to back my campaign and roped in several of his well-connected cronies as well. We are gaining momentum, and if all goes smoothly, I hope to introduce that bill next month.”
“Jolly well done, Papa,” Glory said happily.
“Papa deserves credit for his commitment to the cause. While Mr. Rothwell has clout, it was your father who convinced the guests with his eloquent arguments. He worked day and night at the house party,” Mama said proudly.
“Not every night, Maggie mine.”
Papa smiled lazily at Mama, and she blushed.
“And the effort was not mine alone,” he went on. “Rothwell’s nephew and private secretary, Matthew Winslow, took up the banner as well. He orchestrated several key meetings with new donors to the campaign.”
“You are far too modest, darling.” Beaming at Papa, Mama raised her teacup. “We are so proud of you.”
“It was nothing really,” Papa said.
But he looked rather pleased as they toasted him.
Glory thought that Wei was looking at her father with new respect.
Soon thereafter, her brothers began pestering Wei again.
“Will you teach me some kung fu after lunch, Mr. Chen?” Horatio wheedled.
“Me too!” Not to be left out, Theo exclaimed, “I wish to have lessons too.”
“That will be up to your parents, Masters Horatio and Theodore,” Wei said gravely.
Papa shook his head. “Lads, I am not certain—”
“Please, Papa,” Theo cajoled. “We want to learn how to smash boards and swallow swords!”
Glory stifled a smile as her parents exchanged dubious looks. Theo’s arguments weren’t exactly helping his cause. When it came to negotiation, the ten-year-old still had a lot to learn.
“If Glory gets to learn kung fu, then so should we,” Horatio stated. “It would not be fair otherwise.”
Her other brother, on the other hand, was a more seasoned negotiator. He was at an age where fairness was the principle by which everything was measured. He kept track of the privileges accorded to each sibling and at what age each was allowed to do what. As Papa had dryly remarked, Horatio would someday make an excellent man of business.
“Whether Glory continues her lessons is a matter still up for consideration,” Papa said. “I would not tie my argument to that particular ship as yet, lad.”
