15. Isla #3
Halfway through the lady’s diatribe, all humor left Jonto’s face and was quickly replaced by an icy glint of anger.
When Wilhelmina finished speaking, Jonto sat a moment before responding.
“I mean no disrespect, Your Grace, but I’ll not be dictated to.
That’s my land, and those are my people and I’ll be the one to say to whom they’ll report and when.
As I mentioned to your great nephew and his counselors, and as is written in my contracts with your kingdom, I’m not beholden to him as my sovereign.
I may own land in his kingdom and fly his flag beneath my own on my mainmast, but I’m not one of his subjects, and my fleet stands ready to back up the terms of that contract should it become necessary.
” He softened his gaze somewhat. “I understand that you intended to offer me your assistance, but I’m my own man and will run my estates as I see fit. ”
Isla listened to Jonto berating the Archduchess and wished she’d had it within herself to dole out the same to the older woman when she’d dictated what would happen with Windsong Hall during her absence.
But she’d never been the captain of an entire pirate fleet, and, as she was beholden to the King as her sovereign and therefore to Lady Pierpont as an Archduchess of the realm, she would have been out of line to speak to the great lady in such a fashion.
Those same lines that had appeared at the edges of Lady Pierpont’s eyes a short time ago reemerged, only there was no humor reflected in that steely gaze.
Anger flashed instead, and the Grande Dame leaned toward Jonto.
She stiffly pointed a finger in his direction, changed her mind, and visibly collected herself before sitting back in her chair.
Her nostrils flared as she took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“Perhaps I could have expressed myself better, Lord Jontoreaux. I’ll therefore offer myself to you and your man Vilmos as a resource should he find himself in over his head.
If you wish to have him visit me frequently during the first week, tell him I’ll make myself available should he come to call.
Also, please tell him my steward is available anytime should he require his expertise. ”
The affable admiral returned, and a mollified Jonto nodded.
“Thank you for that, Lady Pierpont. And since you’ve graciously offered, I’d be relieved if my steward could report to you in the first week and leave it up to you whether he should continue to do so in the following two weeks.
Should you see a catastrophe looming, I’ll leave a document with Judge Riordan expressly stating that you’ll have the final say in any matter critical to the running of my estates. ”
When Jonto looked at the judge, Riordan bent slightly forward at the waist to indicate his understanding. “Prepared within the hour, My Lord. I assume the agreement will stop short of giving Lady Pierpont permission to sell your land or fire any of your people?”
Jonto smiled graciously at the Archduchess when the older woman scoffed at the judge’s words.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to insist on that, My Lady.
It’s not that I don’t trust you. I do. However, I’ve learned over the years never to mix business with pleasure nor to allow myself to be soft when doing business with those I consider friends. ”
Once again, Wilhelmina’s eyes softened. “I see that your time on the seas has taught you many things, and more importantly, I see now, without a doubt, that those experiences have made you wise beyond your years.” She turned to James.
“After you prepare the documents and Lord Jontoreaux has signed them, have your man bring a copy to me to sign as well.”
James rose and straightened his topcoat. “If there’s nothing else, Your Grace, I’ll return to my office and draft the contract immediately.”
Celie set her glass on the side table and stood. “If you’ll excuse me as well, Your Grace, I’ll leave with Judge Riordan as I need to pack.” She turned to Isla. “If you pick me up at my flat, we can ride together to the docks in your carriage.”
Isla took a moment to consider her options.
“The sooner, the better, I suppose. But, Uncle James, I was thinking. Perhaps it would be wise to create a contract between Lady Pierpont and myself in case Montfort decides to force the issue of the King granting him my estates. Is there a way to temporarily give the Archduchess control of Windsong Hall and all of my assets? Only until my return, mind you.” She turned to Wilhelmina.
“Perhaps that may seem unwise to you, but I trust you and believe you have only my best interest at heart.”
Wilhelmina studied her for a moment and then nodded.
“I may have unfairly misjudged you. I’ve only watched you from a distance, and while I’ve been impressed with your business acumen up to this point, this latest blunder brought doubts concerning your judgment and common sense.
Yes, a contract between us is an excellent idea.
” She glanced at James. “Prepare that document as well and have it sent to me at the same time you send Lord Jontoreaux’s. ”
James nodded, and he and Celie started for the door.
Isla stopped them. “Wait, Celie, I’ll stop by your flat as close to three o’clock as possible. I agree that the sooner we board Lord Jontoreaux’s ship, the better.” She turned to Jonto. “Will someone be available to row us across the bay at that time?”
“I’ll be waiting for you myself, My Lady, to ensure there are no untoward incidents.” Both he and Isla rose as Jonto continued, “We should be on our way as well, Your Grace.”
And with that, the most remarkable day in Isla’s life had begun.