“I congratulate you both,” Bane said, and Drake nodded. He wondered if the couple had encountered investors who did not want to work with a woman. Those investors were fools, in Drake’s opinion. His own father’s fortune was based on recipes developed by Colin’s mother, and Frannie was far more involved in the management of the business than Colin.
Drake could name any number of other merchants, artisans, and traders whose enterprises depended on a talented female member of the family. Even in the upper classes, women often took a role in business. The whole neighborhood knew that Lady Marple continued to manage her son’s estates, even though he was of age.
The brothers had several more questions, but the upshot was not in doubt. Drake turned over and over in his fingers one of the small forks that the prototype had turned out, all the same, all perfect except for a little finishing and polishing. Changing the shape would be as simple as changing the die inside the machine.
“Two thousand pounds in return for a fifty percent share, twenty-five percent for each of us,” Bane said.
“A forty percent share,” Pentworth responded, with a glance at his wife. “Twenty percent each.”
That was the percentage the brothers had hoped for.
“Done.” Bane held out his hand for Pentworth to shake and Drake offered his to Mrs. Pentworth. Then Bane shook Mrs. Pentworth’s hand and Drake, Pentworth’s. They had a deal. Given the potential for industries outside of cutlery making,Drake and Bane expected to make back their investment in three or four years, and after that, any earnings would be pure profit.
Money working for them, just as Father had recommended.
