Silk and Shadows(18)

"Perhaps." Peregrine took a small sip of his port. "Is there a particular railway or project you have in mind?"

"The London and Southampton," Weldon said immediately. "Southampton is one of the most important ports in the country, and a railroad connecting it with London can't help but be successful. Part of the line was constructed before the company failed last year for lack of funds. Now most of the shareholders are desperate and will accept virtually any offer for their stock. It won't be hard to accumulate a controlling interest. After that, enough new capital will have to be raised to finish building the line, but when it is complete, the L & S will be the most profitable railroad in Britain."

Elaborately casual, Peregrine knocked ashes from the tip of his cigar. "If the company is a guaranteed winner, why couldn't the present board attract new investment?"

"A very pertinent question," Weldon replied. There was a subtle shift in the atmosphere as he began to realize that this was a meeting of equals. "The fact is, investors have been wary of the London and Southampton because there has been a problem with lawsuits about the amount of compensation paid for taking rights-of-way. There is one particular landowner who was a ringleader in filing the lawsuits. However, I have reason to believe that he is now willing to be more reasonable."

"I assume that you are looking for other investors to join you in buying up a controlling interest in the company, and you would become chairman of the board?''

"Exactly. Immodest though it sounds, I assure you that no one else can turn the L & S around as well as I," Weldon said. "Why, would you prefer to be chairman yourself?"

"Not at all. I have no interest in the daily operations of a business. I prefer to concentrate on finance and leave management to others." Peregrine leaned back in his chair. "I agree that there is great profit to be made in railroads, if one chooses the right companies. I'll need to study the figures and learn more about the legal situation before making a commitment, but I find your proposition most interesting. May I prevail on you to send the relevant information to my man of business?"

Weldon's eyes gleamed. "I was hoping that you would say that, so I brought a summary with me." He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a folded sheaf of documents. "If you want more detail, send me a list of questions."

"Very good." Peregrine tucked the papers away. Now for a subject that was even more interesting. "I have a favor to ask of you, Sir Charles. Not concerning business, but pleasure. All great cities have places where gentlemen may find... shall I say discreet, sophisticated entertainment?"

He paused to sip his port. "Unfortunately, the best establishments are difficult for a stranger to find, and often admittance is impossible without a personal introduction from an existing patron. While my friend Lord Ross Carlisle has been most helpful, he is too much the scholar to be well-informed on this subject. I assume that a man of the world like you can direct me to someone more knowledgeable about such things."

Weldon could have disclaimed personal knowledge, or referred Peregrine to another man. Instead, a different kind of gleam came into his eyes, part calculation of the benefits of performing this kind of favor, and part something else, something dark and avid. "I would consider it a privilege to take you on a tour of he best establishments, Your Highness. London offers everything a man could desire, from simple peasant fare on the streets to the most exotic epicurean delights."

Peregrine released a mouthful of cigar smoke. His enemy had taken the bait. Something valuable was sure to result. "It will be interesting to see if what London offers will seem exotic to a man who has known the pleasures of the Orient."

From the way Weldon's pale blue eyes narrowed, he was irritated by the suggestion that London vice might be inferior. "I will match the amusements of London against any other city in the world. For the right price, anything can be found here. Anything.'' He ground out the stub of his cigar and stood. "By the end of the evening, you will concede that I am right. Come."

* * *

They took Weldon's closed carriage, which Peregrine was interested to note was dark and anonymous, with no coat of arms or other identifying marks. As they rode through the dark streets, Weldon said, "Under English law, it is illegal for a man to earn money from prostitution, but not for a woman. That is why most such establishments are run by females." He lulled a periodical from a side pocket of the carriage and handed it to his guest. "This might interest you."

The magazine was called The Exquisite. Peregrine opened it and saw that under headings such as "Venus Unveiled," it contained descriptions of women. He skimmed several pages, seeing phrases such as: a delicate blonde, as elegant in her manner as any lady born, but most robust in her performance; and dark-haired, full-figured, an expert in the best French techniques. "Interesting," he commented. "A catalog of courtesans."