what she said. The last thing he expected was to be asked for money and to be offered a princess in return.
Both Johann and Francesca studied him intently obviously waiting for his reply. He cleared his throat. “Your Majesties. Do I have this straight—you are proposing that if I invest money into Challoner you will allow me to marry Lara?”
“And there will be a title to go with it, after you’re married, don’t forget. A dukedom, I would think,” Francesca said in a matter-of-fact voice.
“What does Lara think of this?” He already knew the answer to that one.
“She doesn’t know yet. It was important to discuss this with you first.” Francesca reached over and patted her husband’s arm as if to calm him. “After all, she will need to marry soon. It is very important that either Carl or Lara produce an heir to ascend to the throne when the time comes and it would appear at present Carl isn’t too interested in finding a bride.”
“So, as well as making an investment and marrying Lara, you would also like us to produce an heir.” He couldn’t believe he was having this extraordinary conversation. It was less than a week ago, he had been happily tinkering on his boat enjoying a few days break and now look at him.
Francesca smiled. “As far as the heir is concerned, it would seem you have already made a move in that direction.”
There was silence as he contemplated whether to correct the queen. No, it was up to Lara to do that, if she had any intention of ever doing so. “May I ask why you need the investment and for how much?”
Johann answered this time and Jack sensed he was a lot more comfortable discussing financial matters than babies. “We badly need an injection of funds. If you agree, our government advisors will go more thoroughly into the details but generally speaking, we haven’t been competitive in the exports markets and our economy has taken a dramatic down turn. Our main source of revenue is from tourism. This has dropped considerably in the past two years because we have been unable to invest resources into advertising. Most of the tourists prefer to visit the major European countries because these are heavily promoted in such places as the United States and Great Britain.
Jack rubbed his jaw, his mind racing. “How much are you seeking?”
“Well, this can be negotiated but somewhere in the vicinity of half a billion US dollars.”
He swore. He couldn’t help it. “That’s big money, sir. Why don’t you approach the major banks or blue chip investors?”
Francesca broke in. “Because, my dear Jack, you are our blue chip investor. Not only will your investment be used wisely but with a royal wedding, we can be assured this will lift the status of Challoner to record heights within the tourism markets.”
A royal wedding. He almost groaned aloud. This was going way too fast for him. And what about his beautiful bride? When was she going to be told about these grand plans? He ran a finger along the inside of his shirt collar trying to think of the best way to handle this without insulting his hosts.
“What if she refuses to marry me?” Try that one on for size.
“She won’t. It is her royal duty to do as we request.” Francesca was emphatic.
“Ma’am, you may think that, but in case you haven’t noticed, she is a pretty determined young lady with a mind of her own.”
“We are very proud of Lara’s independent streak and her academic achievements. But, you need to understand Jack, that since she was born, she has been raised to accept she is of noble blood dating back centuries. She has a duty to continue the royal line and obey the wishes of her parents—the king and queen.” Francesca turned to her husband, who nodded in agreement.
“Don’t you think it would be preferable for Lara to marry another royal rather than an Australian fisherman, ma’am?” Jack out-stared Francesca thinking she was one tough lady and Lara had a snowball’s chance in hell of going against her mother’s wishes.
Johann bent forward in his chair, taking his turn at persuading Jack that all of this was a very good idea. “Without wanting to be insulting to you in any way, the difference is that you are a very rich fisherman, Jack. Your reputation shows you are a highly respected and honest businessman with various successful portfolios, a man who is ideally suited to