“One,” replied Baron Iglacias Rostov. His hostess, Sarah Booles, put a single lump of sugar in his teacup.
“Lemon or milk?”
“No, thank you.”
Miss Booles elegantly poured the tea and handed the cup to him even more elegantly. She was a nineteenth-century, independent woman, as she had demonstrated in subtle ways all through the introductions and lunch, but now she was serving tea in a most traditional British way. It was not obligation that motivated this ritual but a desire to honor her guest, and the Baron enjoyed it all the more.
Bob Packer, her male associate, had likewise been most assiduous, creatively assiduous, in fact. The two made quite a team, and Rostov could feel his normal reserve evaporating in the warm atmosphere they had painstakingly established and in the flood of sincere flattery (if he could call it that) these two were showing him now.
Cup of tea in hand, at the end of by far the best conducted get-acquainted lunch he had ever experienced, the wizard said, “Miss Booles, Mr. Packer, isn’t it time to get to the point?”
Without hesitation Mr. Packer replied, “Baron, you are an enthusiastic supporter of the Illyrian Railway spur that will open your valley.”
“That’s correct. I feel it will bring great benefits to the people of the valley as well as increase the value of my holdings.”
“And you’re aware that the Kalnichov family is also supporting this project?”
Rostov frowned slightly and took a small sip of his tea.
“I was aware they could benefit but I hadn’t heard they were active supporters. Given their conservative views, I’m surprised to hear it.
Frankly, the fact that I’m supporting it should have been reason for them to keep their distance. Are they being trouble?”
“Oh no, far from it. They have been investing money and favor in the project.”
“Who specifically?”
“Count Vladimir Kalnichov himself!”
Neutrally, the Baron remarked, “In reality, Lord Kalnichov no longer leads the family. He listens, then speaks for them. Who has his ear on this matter?”
Mr. Packer looked a little taken aback. Miss Booles answered, “The person who asked us to make contact with you: John Porter.” She smiled happily.
The Baron looked at her sharply. “John Porter? I’m afraid I don’t recognize the name,” he lied.
“He’s now Treasurer of Trilateral Industries, Limited.”
Rostov stared at his tea for another fifteen seconds. “Thank you. I remember him now. What do you know about your … employer?”
“He’s a very pleasant man,” answered Mr. Packer, tacitly confirming the wizard’s guess. “He forewarned us there was bad blood between you and the Kalnichovs he represents but didn’t give any details.”
“However, we did our own researches,” said Miss Booles. “There’s some history between your families, isn’t there?”
The Baron sipped, then spoke. “As you probably discovered, the Rostovs and Kalnichovs share the valley, they in the north, we in the south. Historical accident has kept the valley split long after it should have unified—it became a battleground among factions, sects, demagogues … Our families each protected one section. For the three generations since we Rostovs began to rule here, this has made us enemies to each other and pawns of others. Yes, the bad blood runs deep.”
The Baron sighed. “Of course, I expected some Kalnichov interest in this project, but I’m surprised that Mr. Porter turned out to be the one. But I reminisce. What is it that he wants?”
“He would like the route to run over Black Pass.”
“That would be of some benefit to the Kalnichovs, yes, although not as much as Spear Pass. But if I recall correctly, my engineers told me that crossing Black Pass would be much more expensive than either Spear or Mission Pass. Why Black?”
“It’s close to neutral to the two families. Mr. Porter is offering the extra financing it will take and continued Kalnichov support for the project,” said Mr. Packer.
“I will give the idea my consideration,” said the Baron, and finished his tea.
“This could be a step to reconciling the families,” said Miss Booles. “Times are changing, and families that don’t change may be swept before the tide.” She smiled and the Baron felt a curious warm breath blow over his heart. Perhaps … perhaps … perhaps the time for a change between the families had indeed come?
“Thank you, Miss Booles, Mr. Packer.” He shook their hands. “You’ve certainly turned this into a day of surprises. I will be back in touch.”
Baron Rostov exited quickly.