still loved Georgiana, but it was still something she was perfectly capable of doing.
“I recalled hearing you mention you want to invest in another ship, correct? Well, I heard the Earl of Ferndale might be able to help with that in some way. I talked to him briefly earlier, and he seems keen to do business with you.”
Since the woman Walter had been looking at was now out of sight, he turned towards his mother and said, “Lead the way.”
Sylvia went ahead of him, weaving through some of the other guests as he followed behind her. Soon, she approached a tall gentleman, who was wearing a mask identifying him as Osiris.
“Son, I would like you to meet the Earl of Ferndale. Lord Ferndale, this is my son, Baron Bartlett, about whom I was telling you earlier.”
Walter bowed slightly at the earl, as he said, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Ferndale.”
“If I am right, then the pleasure will soon be all mine,” was the reply as Sylvia left them to talk business.
“My mother mentioned you might be able to help me add another ship to my business,” he began.
“Yes, I own a dockyard which builds and repairs ships. I often buy a damaged ship from its owners and sell it after it has been repaired, so I am sure I can find whatever you need.”
“That sounds excellent,” he replied. “I was hoping I might find someone to partner with me in the buying of a ship, to share the risk and the cost of fitting one out.”
“I understand perfectly. I have no difficulty with that. In fact, I may be willing to sell you a share of one of the ships I already own, so I could be your partner, if you think it would suit you. Tell me, what size ship are you looking for?”
“I was thinking of something a little larger than the two clippers I have at present going between England and France, but I don’t want it to be too large. Something around 200 tons would suit me nicely.”
“That is an easy size to work with. Where do you plan to send her?”
“I want a ship that can go down to Italy and Greece and buy goods from there. I look forward to seeing what ships you think would be best for that sort of trade,” Walter said, eager to excuse himself, so he could look for Georgiana.
“Ah, that sounds splendid! Do you intend to sell good English commodities there, as well? You would have to open a shop there, but I know people and can put you in touch with them.”
“Thank you for the offer, but I do not intend opening up any shops in those countries, at least, not yet. However, I do intend to see about shipping goods to shops already there. My uncle knows a few people in Italy he can put me in touch with,” he replied, trying to be polite and yet firm.
“And how soon are you planning to buy? I have some fine specimens at present.”
“I am not in any great hurry,” Walter told him, getting the feeling Lord Ferndale would be happy to arrange the whole thing that very minute. “I can come out to your dockyard soon to see what you have, if that is acceptable to you.”
“We can meet tomorrow morning, and I will take you there, though I hope you realize I have more ships than I can show you at the dockyards. Some of them are currently on voyages, but I have all the details about those. I could probably recall some of the information now if you would like to—”
“Tomorrow morning would be ideal, my lord,” he quickly interjected. “I am after all, supposed to hosting this ball. Is nine in the morning too early for you? Shall we meet at your manor or at mine?”
“That is fine. My manor is closer to the dockyard, so it is better to meet there.”
“I will see you then,” he replied.
Seemingly satisfied with the result of the conversation, Walter was relieved when Ferndale finally left, probably to trap someone else into a conversation about ships.
At that moment, the orchestra began to play, and he found himself scanning the room for that blue dress once again. Once he spotted it, he was pleased to note the lady seemed to be alone and heading towards the refreshment tables. He quickly walked over to intercept her.
While he could not be certain the young lady clearly dressed as