‘So able that the business is now bankrupt and closed down.’
‘I believe that was caused by the sudden demise of her husband, sir.’
He turned to give her a searching look. ‘You seem to know a lot about the shipping industry, Miss Manley.’
‘I’ve lived close to the river all my life.’
‘But this sort of business is not the usual subject of conversation in polite circles, or so I’ve been led to believe.’
‘Then my upbringing must have been lacking in social graces, sir. My father believed that girls should be educated to the same standard as boys, and that women have much to contribute outside the home as well as within its four walls.’
‘A radical view, certainly.’ He turned away, concentrating his attention on Maria. ‘Now you’ve seen my office, what do you think? Perhaps I should have some embroidered cushions or a few vases of flowers.’
‘That would make it much more comfortable,’ Maria said, smiling. ‘It is a very masculine room, Phin. Perhaps a couple of pictures on the wall would make it a little more cheerful.’
It was obvious to Caroline that Phineas was merely humouring his cousin and she suspected that he was laughing inwardly, although he maintained a straight face. She picked up a copy of Lloyd’s List and searched for the name of her uncle’s ship, the Esther Manning, but it was not amongst the expected arrivals. On the other hand there was no bad news, and that gave her cause for hope. What had befallen the vessel was anybody’s guess, but she felt a huge wave of relief and she could not wait to share it with Sadie and the boys. A sudden feeling of homesickness almost sucked the breath from her body, and she was beginning to regret her rash decision to accept the position at the Colvilles’ establishment. It had been taken for the best of reasons and the worst of reasons, and perhaps she should have given it more thought. Now she was embroiled in Maria’s troubles and they far exceeded her own. Even if she wanted to walk out on the Colville family she knew that she could not. Maria’s sad story had touched her heart, and she could not simply abandon her.
‘So where exactly does your interest in shipping lie, Miss Manley?’
Caroline looked up with a start to find Phineas watching her with a calculating expression on his classic features, as cold and impervious as those of a marble statue.
‘I suppose it’s the thought of being able to travel abroad that appeals to me,’ she said evasively. It was obvious that in his mind all women were scatterbrains, but that suited her purpose as it deflected attention from herself, leaving her free to observe him and the workings of his company.
His eyes narrowed and, for a moment, Caroline thought he was going to question her further, but he turned his attention to his cousin. ‘Well, you’ve seen me in my office. Does that satisfy your curiosity, Maria?’
‘A little,’ she said with a nervous giggle. ‘But I would like to see over one of your ships, Phin. If it isn’t too much trouble.’
‘That could be arranged, but I doubt if Grandmama would approve.’
‘Need she know?’ Caroline asked casually. ‘It sounds like a very interesting outing.’
‘An outing?’ Phin’s lips curved in a cynical smile. ‘I wouldn’t call it that, but maybe the reality of life at sea would dispel some of the romantic notions you young ladies harbour.’
‘Oh, Phin! You do say such cutting things,’ Maria said, sighing. ‘I would love to see over one of your ships, and I agree with Caroline. There is no reason to tell Grandmama anything that might upset her.’
‘Very well. I’ll arrange it for tomorrow afternoon, but I won’t go behind Grandmama’s back – she must be told. However, it just so happens that the Colville Star is in port and I intended to inspect her anyway. You may accompany me, if you wish.’
Maria clapped her hands. ‘I do, Phin. I can’t wait.’
‘What about you, Miss Manley?’ Phin asked silkily. ‘Does the prospect please you also?’
Caroline met his amused gaze with a steady look. ‘It will be interesting, but might I suggest that you broach the subject to Mrs Colville as you seem to be the only person who might be able to influence her?’
‘Yes, please do so,’ Maria added eagerly. ‘You know that you can wrap Grandmama around your little finger.’
What Phineas said to his grandmother remained a mystery, but his powers of persuasion had never been in doubt. After luncheon next day, suitably dressed for the occasion in cool cotton-print gowns, lace mittens and straw bonnets, Maria and Caroline were driven to the docks in the Colvilles’ landau. The Colville Star was similar in size to the Esther Manning, and Phineas introduced Maria and Caroline to the captain, who was a great deal younger than she had expected. She had met a few of her father’s seagoing officers, and most of the captains had been middle-aged men with years of experience in ship handling. But, as she studied his craggy, weathered features, Caroline realised this man, who could not be a day older than thirty, had seen more of the world than many people twice his age. The corners of his intensely blue eyes were crinkled, as if he had spent most of his life gazing out to sea. He was polite but careful in his dealings with Phineas, and for that she could not blame him. One step placed wrongly might mean instant dismissal to an ordinary member of staff, but Caroline had a feeling that this man was too valuable to dismiss on a whim. Phineas was treating him with more respect than she had previously noted when he was speaking to his subordinates, while Maria seemed to have been struck dumb, and was gazing at the young captain wide-eyed with admiration.
Phineas glanced round the deck with a nod of approval. ‘Everything seems to be in excellent order, Captain Barnaby. I’ll have a word with you later, but perhaps you would be kind enough to show Miss Colville around. My cousin is eager to learn more about our business and this seems a good place to start.’
Captain Barnaby’s cheeks flushed beneath his tan and he cleared his throat. ‘Of course, sir.’ He glanced at Caroline, his sandy eyebrows raised in a mute question.
‘I will escort Miss Manley,’ Phineas said firmly. ‘She has also expressed an interest in the shipping industry and I am curious to learn her opinion.’
‘Aren’t you coming with us, Caroline?’ Maria asked anxiously.
‘Apparently not, but we’ll be close behind you.’
‘Indeed we will.’ Phineas proffered his arm to Caroline. ‘A quick tour of the ship will suffice, Captain. Lead on.’
‘Why did you do that?’ Caroline demanded when Maria and the captain were out of earshot. ‘You know how nervous she is.’
‘No harm will come to her on board a Colville ship. Captain Barnaby is a staid young fellow and certainly no ladies’ man. But the truth is I wanted a private word with you and I knew that this was my best chance.’
Caroline withdrew her hand from his arm. ‘Really? I can’t think what you might have to say to me that can’t be said in front of Maria.’
‘I want to know what your business is with my family, Miss Manley.’
‘I don’t know what you mean, sir.’
‘I think you do. We met once briefly on the foreshore. You were with two young boys, who were being threatened by a pack of mudlarks. What is your reason for obtaining such a menial position, when you are obviously well educated and used to better things in life? Who are you, Miss Manley?’
‘I am your cousin’s companion, Mr Colville.’
‘That’s no answer.’