Page 49 of Terms of Trade (Trade Wind 4)

Kicking Elijah as subtly as she could—which was to say, not very—Helen managed to silence her brother. But then she wanted to kick herself, for four Siderises watched her with curiosity and amusement.

Something more tinged Nicholas’s gaze. That couldn’t be…admiration?

“Your interest in trade suits you,” he said quietly.

Nicholas and Helen ignored everyone else at the table, who sat in open contemplation of this quiet utterance.

The moment was interrupted by the arrival of two servants carrying a massive gleaming silver tureen. As the soup course was served, Sirena explained that she’d selected a recipe forpotage à laWindsor, from Queen Victoria’s former head chef, believing it suited to winter with its oxtail broth, base of cream and white wine, and hearty chicken and noodles. After complimenting the aroma as soup was ladled into her bowl, Helen asked when the exhibition would take place.

“Next year, over the summer. There will, of course, be space for American contributions—and items from other colonies.”

Elijah choked on his wine. “America is Britain’s colony no longer!”

“Yes, yes,” Vassilis replied readily.

Even as her brother’s tension diffused, Helen’s heart sank. Elijah had been right; the event sounded fascinating.But I won’t be in London anymore by then.

“The Commission has just formed, but our work begins straight away. Prince Albert isdetermined. The exhibition will draw visitors from every class, of all ages, ladies and gentlemen. The Great Exhibition is to be for everyone!”

Not for me, Helen thought wistfully, wondering where in the world she would be by the summer of 1851.

Pen paused between spoonfuls of soup and shared what she would like displayed, her list ranging from gemstones to telescopes.

Her father nodded. “So there shall be. ButIwantmachines. Looms. Steam engines. Machines will do what used to take hours or days by hand! As the prince says, we’ll show the world a better future!”

Nicholas looked at Elijah. “Captain Miller, what say you about modern machines? Are you prepared to tradeAlacrityfor a steamship?”

“May Poseidon drown me before I command a ship with funnels spewing filth every which way! I’m young as captains go, but set in my way—and that way is to live by wind and sail.”

“It’s on one of my father’s steamers that your silver was delivered in such haste,” Nicholas replied without heat.

“I thank you for it.” Elijah looked at Vassilis and dipped his head, but when he raised his Miller blue eyes, they glittered. “Especially since I wasn’t the one who had to stand on the deck of such a vessel.” With the caprice of wind, he winked at Pen, and everyone laughed.

Nicholas looked from Elijah to his father. “You’ll find yourself more understanding of Captain Miller’s pride when you visitAlacrityon Thursday. If you’re lucky, Helen will be on hand to explain the fineries of the ship’s construction.”

Elijah turned to Helen. “I’ve invited the Siderises to the docks to watch history being made.”

The news, however nonchalantly delivered, came as a shock, and she couldn’t hide her misgivings.

Pen’s gaze searched hers. “After Nicholas’s reports, I’m terribly excited to see the ship! You’ll be seeing your brother off on a long journey and moving into the townhouse. Surely, you’ll need some company?”

Helen was flooded by her competing reactions to the interest in her well-being.

“Thursday?” Sirena asked, saving her from speaking. “Oh, yes, I can be there as well!”

Helen nodded her thanks to the servant removing her soup bowl and stared at the intricate blue-and-white patterns on the bone china plate that replaced it.

“Splendid!” Elijah declared. “Say, Vassilis, this exhibition of yours. Save room for tea leaves, why don’t you? By then, all of England will have heard about the Great Tea Venture of 1850! I’ll bring you a fine chest to display—a specimen from the swiftest tea delivery in English history!”

Vassilis considered this, then gestured for the goblets to be refilled. Once everyone lifted their wine, he wished the endeavor brilliant success. Helen took only a ceremonial sip of wine, her throat tight at the idea of a more public farewell to Elijah than planned.

She looked up to find Nicholas watching her, but he soon addressed his father. “Your ability to persuade others in commerce is well known,Patéras, but you would learn something from Helen had you heard her discourse on the tea that makes its way to…our small island.”

Remembering her comments, she couldn’t help but exchange a smile with Nicholas.

“How did you describe the leaves of abomination that currently reach our shores?”

Elijah chuckled.

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