Roo felt a cold chill run up his back.
Masterson said, “I propose a new syndicate, gentlemen. We shall be the Krondor Grain Traders Association. Would you draw up the papers, Mr. Lender?”
Then he turned to Roo and stuck out his hand. “Welcome to our syndicate, Mr. Avery.”
Roo stood and solemnly shook hands with his three new business partners. As the other men moved away from the table, Masterson said, “We’ll post your name as a member, and you’ll be able to join us up there.” He pointed to the private upper gallery, restricted to members only. Roo had served coffee up there, but would never have been allowed to set foot there otherwise. “I’ll see you to the door.”
Lender left as well, and Masterson put his hand on Roo’s shoulder as they walked toward the main entrance. “When can you have your gold here, Rupert?”
“Within the next two days, Mr. Masterson.”
“Call me Jerome.”
“Call me Roo; everyone does.”
“Very well, Roo. Get it here as soon as possible, and Lender will send word to your office when the papers are ready to be signed.”
As they reached the door, Roo saw Duncan entering through one door. Through the other came an older man, whom Roo recognized as Jacob Estherbrook. But next to him walked a young woman so beautiful that Roo almost stumbled. He saw Duncan’s mouth open at the sight of her.
She was perfect, thought Roo. Her hair was done up in a current fashion that framed her face in curls, and ringlets hung down the back of her head, a halo of gold. Her eyes were enormous and the blue of late winter skies, and her cheeks held a hint of blush. Her figure was slender and she carried herself like royalty.
“Ah, Estherbrook!” said Masterson. “There’s someone here I want you to meet.”
Estherbrook nodded as Masterson opened the swinging gate at the rail, ignoring the flustered-looking waiter who had tried to get there first after opening the door of the carriage from which the Estherbrooks had descended.
“Sylvia,” said Masterson, nodding in greeting.
“Good day, Mr. Masterson,” said the girl with a smile that made Roo’s blood pound.
“Jacob Estherbrook,” said Masterson, “one of our most important members, may I present to you our newest member, Mr. Rupert Avery.”
Estherbrook’s expression remained unchanged. But something about his eyes bothered Roo. Estherbrook said, “Grindle and Avery?”
Roo said, “It’s now Avery and Son, sir.” He held out his hand.
Estherbrook regarded the proffered hand a moment, then shook, a quick grip and release that made it clear this was no more than a formality. Something in his manner communicated to Roo that Mr. Estherbrook didn’t think much of Barret’s newest member.
Then Roo caught himself being regarded coolly by Sylvia, and now he was certain: the Estherbrooks of Krondor didn’t particularly care for the company of. one Rupert Avery. Roo slowly turned toward Dash, while finding himself unable to take his eyes off Sylvia. “Ah . . .” he began. “May I present my new assistant?”
Sylvia leaned forward ever so slightly, as if to hear better. “Yes?” she asked quietly.
Dash took control. “Dashel,” he said with a smile and deep bow. “I believe you know my grandfather.”
Estherbrook said, “Indeed?”
“Duke James,” said Dash with feigned innocence.
Instantly Estherbrook’s and his daughter’s manner changed. He smiled and she beamed, and as her smile broadened, Rupert felt his pulse pound even more furiously. “Of course,” said Estherbrook, taking Dash’s hand and gripping it warmly. “Please remember me to your grandfather when next you speak with him.”
Sylvia turned her radiant smile on Roo. “You must come to dinner soon, Mr. Avery. I insist.”
Roo could barely speak as he nodded. “I would love to.”
Dash turned to Masterson with a grin. “We must be going, sir. We’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Good day, then,” said Masterson, the farewell echoed by Estherbrook and his daughter.
Dash gently propelled Roo out the door and reached out to take Duncan’s arm and turn him around as they stepped through the portal into the street. To the gaping cousins he said, “You’d think you two had never seen a pretty face be-fore.”