Page 7 of Ashes and Understanding
“When is this meeting?”
“Tomorrow afternoon, near the docks. Royal Exchange is hosting a tour of their facilities, followed by a discussion.”
Darcy’s brow furrowed slightly. “The docks are an unconventional venue.”
“They want to show potential investors the scale of what is at stake,” Bingley explained. “The warehouses, the goods being insured—it is meant to drive home the importance of the venture.”
“I suppose there is some wisdom in that approach,” Impulsively, Darcy made a decision. “I will join you, if you will allow it. If only to see whether this is as promising as you believe.”
Bingley grinned broadly. “I knew you would see the potential. Your insight will be invaluable.”
“Let us hope it proves worthy of my attention,” Darcy replied, though a faint smile softened the sharpness of his words.
“Darcy, you will find it compelling,” Bingley assured him. “And who knows? Perhaps this will be the start of something significant.”
“Perhaps,” Darcy said, his gaze distant as he considered the implications. “But let us leave the future to unfold as it will. For now, I had best be on my way— I have much business to attend to.”
Bingley laughed. “Now that’s the Darcy I know.”
∞∞∞
The air near the docks was thick with the scent of salt, damp wood, and the faint tang of smoke. All around, the narrow passageways between stacks of lumber and crates of shippedgoods seemed to be alive with the ceaseless movements of commerce. Distant squawking of gulls mingled with the cries of laborers unloading the cargo from ships and the creaking of timber from the wooden walkways above the stinking river water.
Darcy stepped out of the carriage his boots meeting the cobblestones with a solid thud. Beside him, Charles Bingley adjusted his coat, his gaze sweeping over the bustling scene with evident curiosity. Around them, the road appeared to be almost swaying with the backdrop of ships straining against their moorings.
A man in a dark overcoat approached briskly, his polished boots and confident stride distinguishing him from the workers around him. He approached Darcy and Bingley, his face splitting into a wide, practiced smile. “Gentlemen! Welcome.”
Bingley extended a hand. “Mr. Cartwright, thank you for the invitation for my friend here. Darcy, might I have the honor of introducing you to Mr. Cartwright?”
Darcy nodded and Cartwright bowed in greeting. “We are honored to have such a distinguished gentleman here today.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly. “I am here to learn. It is quite the operation going on down here.”
Cartwright beamed. “Indeed, the lifeblood of London’s economy. Shall we begin?”
They were ushered into a modest meeting room overlooking the river. Maps and charts lined the walls, and several other prospective investors were already seated, murmuring among themselves. They fell silent as Cartwright gestured for everyone’s attention.
Once all eyes were on him, Cartwright began his presentation with practiced ease. “Gentlemen, the docks represent not only the heart of our city’s commerce but also its greatest vulnerability. Fires, theft, and natural disasters pose significant risks. That’s where our firm steps in—to ensure that merchants, landowners, and the economy itself are protected.”
He spoke at length about the history of property insurance and the evolution of reinsurance, emphasizing its importance in spreading risk. Darcy listened with careful attention, his brow furrowing slightly as Cartwright described their reliance on underwriters and fire brigades.
When Cartwright paused for questions, Darcy broke the silence. “You mentioned underwriters. How are they selected, and what is their process for assessing risk?”
Cartwright’s confident smile faltered briefly before he answered. “Our underwriters are highly experienced, chosen for their expertise in the field.”
“And the inspections?” Darcy asked. “Are they frequent? Comprehensive?”
“Well,” Cartwright hedged, “it varies. The industry is still evolving, as you understand. We rely on the reports provided by property owners and occasional follow-ups from our team.”
Darcy’s expression remained neutral, but his silence spoke volumes. Beside him, Bingley cleared his throat lightly, attempting to ease the tension. “I imagine it is a challenge to inspect every property thoroughly, given the volume you manage.”
“Precisely,” Cartwright said quickly. “Our focus is on efficiency and trust.”
Darcy’s expression remained impassive, but he noted the vague answer. “But surely there aresomestandard practices in place?”
“Of course, of course,” Cartwright said quickly. “Our methods are rigorous, I assure you.”
The tension eased slightly as the presentation concluded, and the group was led outside for a tour of the docks. Cartwright gestured expansively at the bustling scene. “Gentlemen, this is the heart of London’s economy. Every barrel, every crate you see here represents livelihoods, commerce, and progress.”
