Читаем A Dangerous Fortune (1994) полностью

"Beneath the dust there is a mineral called nitrate. It's used as a fertilizer, much better than dung. It can be shipped all over the world and sold for high prices. The reason I want you to stay in London is to take charge of selling it."

"How do we know this stuff is there?"

"Delabarca has started mining it. It has made his family rich."

Micky felt excited. This could transform the family's future. Not instantly, of course; not soon enough to solve the problem of how he would live with no allowance. But in the long term ...

"We have to act fast," Papa said. "Wealth is power, and the Delabarca family will soon be stronger than we are. Before that happens, we have to destroy them."

Chapter TWO

JUNE

Section 1

Whitehaven House

Kensington Gore

London, S.W.

June 2nd, 1873

My dear Florence,

Where are you? I hoped to see you at Mrs Bridewell's ball, then at Richmond, then at the Muncasters' on Saturday ... but you weren't at any of them! Write me a line and say you're still alive.

Affectionately yours,

Hugh Pilaster.

*

23, Park Lane

London, W.

June 3rd, 1873

To Hugh Pilaster, Esq.

Sir:

You will oblige me by not communicating with my daughter under any circumstances whatsoever henceforth.

Stalworthy.

*

Whitehaven House

Kensington Gore

London, S.W.

June 6th, 1873

Dearest Florence,

At last I have found a confidential messenger to smuggle a note to you. Why have you been hidden away from me? Have I offended your parents? Or--which heaven forbid--you? Your cousin Jane will bring your reply to me. Write it quickly!

With fond regards,

Hugh.

*

Stalworthy Manor

Stalworthy

Buckinghamshire

June 7th, 1873

Dear Hugh,

I am forbidden to see you because you are a gambler like your father. I am truly sorry but I must believe that my parents know what is best for me.

Sorrowfully,

Florence.

*

Whitehaven House

Kensington Gore

London, S.W.

June 8th, 1873

Dear Mother,

A young lady has just rejected me because my father was a gambler. Is it true? Please answer right away. I must know!

Your loving son,

Hugh.

*

2, Wellington Villas

Folkestone

Kent

June 9th, 1873

My dear son,

I never knew your father to gamble. I cannot imagine who would say such a wicked thing about him. He lost his money in a business collapse, as you have always been told. There was no other cause.

I hope you are well and happy, my dear, and that your beloved will accept you. I continue much the same. Your sister Dorothy sends her best love, as does,

Your Mother.

*

Whitehaven House

Kensington Gore

London, S.W.

June 10th, 1873

Dear Florence,