The King's Engraver: A tale of art, espionage and crime by Chris Lethbridge

Author:Chris Lethbridge [Lethbridge, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A Time a Place a Story
Published: 2023-10-07T00:00:00+00:00

Some weeks later, the India conspirators gather again, this time beneath the blossom of a Lambeth orchard. It is early evening on May Day. The remnants of the dawn celebrations lie all about them. Empty flagons of cider, tangles of bright-coloured bunting, baskets of sweetmeats trampled underfoot by eager children who are now sleeping in the shade some yards away. It is an unlikely setting for Gwynn and the Bryer brothers to be discussing finance with William. But now that the secret is out he feels Mary may be reassured by more open dealing.

William has seen a first list of prints to be acquired for sale in India. The costs are higher than expected. He will need to borrow thousands of pounds. But the Bryers claim to have a solution to this fractious issue of credit.

‘It is as old as the Greeks and the Romans.’

‘The Phoenicians even, the greatest traders in the ancient world.’

‘Respondentia, you say?’ Gwynn rolls out the word with some disdain.

‘It sticks somewhat on the tongue.’ William agrees.

Jack is taking another gulp of cider. He wipes the back of his sleeve across his lips and tries once more. ‘Well,’ he says, ‘as I understand it…’

William smiles as Gwynn’s brow creases even deeper. ‘Let us hope you understand as well as the lawyers who no doubt swim in these waters.’

Bryer’s eyes narrow but he continues. ‘The Respondentia Bond is a loan against the value of goods aboard a ship. When the ship arrives at port, the goods are delivered and the money is paid back.’

‘So we borrow money against the prints we load on to Mears’ ship?’

‘Yes. They lend you a sum, say five hundred, a thousand pounds, then they give you a bond for the rest plus interest, payable when the ship returns. Payable out of the profits.’

’ And while the ship is on the high seas we can use that Bond to borrow more money, which we pay back when we get our profits.’

Gwynn pours himself a glass of mead. ‘So, in summary, the Egmont must make it in one piece to the Bay of Bengal, the prints must sell at the highest possible rate, and some eighteen months after leaving England the dear Captain must deliver our money safely home. Is that your view on this?’

There is silence.

‘Meanwhile we live in uncertainty and debt.’ says William.

‘And all of the above requires the approval of the blessed Linnell and Triquet, your guarantors.’

A nod from both the Bryers is finally forthcoming.

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