Page 50 of Lady of Providence
This statement was met with some contemplation on behalf of all the partners in attendance, and Elizabeth knew it was one area she may lose, but she had to try.
“More partners means a greater division of the partner revenue.” Henry – of course – was the first to speak across the table, and Elizabeth nodded, willing herself not show any sign of chagrin, for any emotion she displayed could be used against her.
“This is true,” she said, and keeping a pointed look at Henry, she continued. “Which is why my second suggestion is that we could hold their partnerships in lieu until we have room within our partnership group to include them.”
“Do you mean until one of us croaks?” asked one of the elderly partners, his eyes wide.
“No, Mr. Donahue,” Elizabeth said with the slightest of smiles, which she hoped was reassuring. “Until there is financial space to add them, or until one of the partners chooses to leave of his own accord.”
She returned her gaze to Henry, as though suggesting he be the first to do so, but he looked away from her.
“I have no issue with having them in wait,” said Mr. Cartwright, and Elizabeth nodded, noting the response on the page in front of her.
“Although…” Henry spoke up from across the table, and Elizabeth inwardly groaned. Why could the man not keep his mouth closed? “Perhaps there is more advantage to be had from partners with connections. The Duke of Clarence, for example, has furthered our relations within the nobility. What could these two men do for us?”
“They would exemplify to other employees the merits of working hard for the bank. In addition, they would bring expertise and knowledge on the inner workings of our business,” she responded.
“Should that not be the role of the senior partner?” Henry challenged, and Elizabeth clenched her teeth so tightly that her jaw began to ache.
“It is a combined effort,” she finally said, and Henry nodded, in satisfaction this time, for he knew that he had won that round.
“On that note,” he said, “I would like to discuss some of our current — and former — clients.”
“That is the next topic on the agenda,” Elizabeth said. “Perhaps we could wait to conclude our current discussion?”
“Oh, I think it is all one,” Henry said. “Partners… clients… do they not go hand-in-hand?”
“All of the business of the bank could be considered to be of one entity,” Elizabeth said. “However, I find it more efficient to review one item at a time so that we do not become disorderly.”
“Oh, no one could ever suggestyou, Lady Elizabeth, of being disorderly,” Henry said with a smile, as though he were complimenting her. “Since you have all in order, perhaps you could share what has happened to one of our largest clients, the shipping baron, Sir Hugo? He was a significant account, both personally and commercially. It is a shame he has left.”
“Sir Hugo has left?” asked another partner, Mr. Lang, and Elizabeth felt rather than saw discontent beginning to rise around the table.
“Yes,” she said, cutting through the murmurings surrounding her. “Sir Hugo has decided to bank elsewhere, unfortunately. However, I am diligently working on securing clients of equal wealth and status in his place.”
“If Sir Hugo has left, have any others as well?” asked Sir Gray.
“Only a few small clients.”
“Have we replaced them?”
“Not yet.”
The murmuring intensified, and Elizabeth wanted nothing more than to rise out of her chair and run from the room. Her grandfather had taught her many things but never had he instructed her on how to handle a group of unruly men.
Although… her governess had taught her how to handle children, for her mother had hoped that Elizabeth would have a great deal of them. Elizabeth had been fighting the fact that she was a woman, but perhaps, now, she could use it in order to aid herself.
Elizabeth pushed back her chair, clasped her hands in front of her, and stood, waiting for them all to notice her. Finally, a few of the men observed that she was standing, and hastily moved to do so as well, for one should never permit a lady to stand while he remained sitting — whether said lady be the senior partner or not.
In a few moments, they had all risen, awaiting her next movement.
She smiled, enjoying the fact that there was some power that came from being a woman.
“Thank you, gentlemen,” she said. “Now, within the pages in front of you is a listing of our largest clients and the status of their accounts. As you can see, I have confirmed with most of them that they will be remaining with the bank. It is to be expected that my grandfather’s death has caused change, and I am well aware that the fact that I am a woman may cause some concern. However, I am sure that you can all attest to the fact that I have proven my ability thus far, and am committed to this bank. There are many potential clients I have been meeting with who are interested in coming aboard. I would ask all of you during this time of transition to put the bank’s interest first and also be on the hunt for anyone who would like to bring their business to Clarke & Co.”
She sat now, and the rest of them followed suit.
“I do have one question, Elizabeth,” said Henry, of course. “You say you are dedicated to the bank, but what happens when you marry? Then we will have yet another face, another transition, and perhaps the loss of more clients.”
