Chapter Forty-Seven

Raven announced, “Prince Sergei Romanov, Nicholas’s brother.”

Samantha asked, “Was this a scheme on their part to inform on each other? But that doesn’t make sense. His Highness always gave the impression of concern and care for his younger brother. Is Prince Sergei so jealous of his brother he would attempt to hurt him and his assets?”

“Remember that Prince Nicholas joined our cartel on behalf of his brother also. It is my belief that Prince Sergei was duped by a woman.” Raven smiled, and said, “I know you still have questions. So bear with me. The plot is complicated. At the moment I can only guess it is someone connected with the gaslight company, but there are many persons in high places who might be the culprits. I will not be pointing fingers until I know who it is.”

Raven mentioned that when he left Winston House, he would meet with Prince Nicholas to inform him of the latest events. It was his belief Prince Sergei had not planned to sabotage the cartel’s efforts. He attributed the actions were of an inexperienced young royal who was manipulated by an accomplished courtesan in the intrigues of politics.

“Why would Countess Sofia want to betray the man to whom she was a mistress?” asked Samantha.

“It is well known that both princes were bored with their current situations and had sought other relationships. It is my belief that Sergei’s mistress, Countess Sofia, older now, wanted to secure funds to maintain her through her latter life. A sad circumstance to say the least, but somewhat understandable, even though the years have been kinder than most. Young princes do tire easily, and tend to look for younger women.”

Samantha nodded. “A woman scorned can be dangerous.”

“Some men do not treat their mistresses well,” Raven emphasized with a glance to Samantha.

“What happens next?” asked Winston.

“I will meet with Prince Nicholas today and then see the Prince Regent soon. We will soon be able to prove who wished to sabotage us. Up to this point, there is no evidence, just allegations. Even though the Prince Regent and I are of different parties, we are Englishmen first. I believe I can convince the Regent of our noble intentions to co-exist with the current company and will offer him an honorary membership, also.”

Raven chose his words with care. “It is not a crime to attempt to get information on a possible competitor. If nefarious means were used to get this information, that is quite another thing. However, to date, all we know is that the approval of the charter has not been given.”

He further explained that the demand of a promissory note in debt is not unknown in politics and assured that after his two crucial meetings with Prince Nicholas and the Prince Regent, he would be in a better position to decide their actions. “I am pleased that the people I care about in this room are clear of any allegations. It means much to me.” He glanced at Samantha and gave her an assuring smile.

“In the meantime, ladies, be careful. We’ve not identified the mastermind yet. Winston, engage footmen to accompany the ladies when they leave the premises. This is a necessary precaution.”

“We do not need footmen, Raven,” Samantha argued. “They will just get in the way.”

Lady Minerva gave Samantha another look of steel.

“Do you have footmen, Your Grace?” Lady Minerva asked.

“Yes, they are in my coach and await me,” he answered, to Samantha’s surprise.

“Is it your belief that there are men who would like to see you dead?” Samantha asked Raven.

“Yes.” His shoulders dropped for a second and then firmed.

“But why kill you?” asked Samantha.

“Because I can make our cartel work, and it would be a threat to the current company. Their gas prices are costly for sale to the highest bidder. Usury is a better word. It is a burden to our laborers and merchants to afford such energy and yet progress forward. Imagine what it could do for our middle classes as well as the poor who labor. Our cartel would bring competition and in a short time, lower prices. We would affect their profit basis.”

Winston asked the inevitable question, “How will lower profits for both companies benefit anyone?”

The answer was simple. “Our cartel has other profit-makers, each one intertwined to the other. It is our conglomerate as the holding company that would make the ultimate profit. It is possible some start-up ventures might have a temporary loss to get established.” He explained that this was done in large businesses all the time.

“Thank you for all this information,” Lady Minerva said, as she curtsied. “I now go in search of my reticule. Brandon, listen to His Grace, and get additional footmen. The danger is not yet over. What Raven has said is that his life and ours could be in danger. I still have a lot of life to live.”

“It is time for me to depart. Winston, I will keep in touch with you,” said Raven.

Samantha showed him to the door. He stepped through, and because he debated whether he could presume to kiss her hand once again, he took no notice of anyone but Samantha.

However, in good cheer and elation with his mind still on her, Raven decided to be somewhat gallant, took her hand, and kissed it. “I have missed you so much,” he said and his lips on her hand sent shivers up his spine. The excitement was still there.

Her pleasing voice and her lovely demeanor encouraged him further. He said. “We have much to discuss, Samantha. May I call on you tomorrow? We could visit the National Museum. Perhaps you and your aunt would like to visit Ravensmere again without additional guests?” He turned away to descend the steps.

She called out to him, “Raven?” A radiant smile was bestowed to him. “I have important news to tell you.”

As he turned to her, one foot on the upper step, he said with a grin, “It’s time we picked up where we left off, my lady.” He was never happier than at this moment. “You are everything beautiful to me. I cannot envision my life without you, Samantha, for I love you with all my heart.”

Raven’s heart raced in happiness. His eyes drank in Samantha’s glowing beauty. Raven was about to speak to her when a voice called, “Yer Grace.”

Raven turned his attention to the broad, sturdy frame of the man who walked to the bottom of the steps and with a quick hand removed a pistol from his coat and pulled the trigger once. “Compliments of an old friend, Yer Grace.”

Raven fell. His head hit the hard stone steps. His impeccable white shirt crimsoned with spewing blood.