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“You could almost buy a port dock with that kind of money,” Grant chimed in.
Ben shrugged. “I’ll get around to that someday, but in the meantime, I’d like to invest in the Bashful. How soon could you start?”
The trio stared at each other and realization of their success slowly dawned on them. Smiles stretched across their faces and Mouse held out his hand to Ben. “You’re a pip, Benny!”
Ben laughed and shook his hand. “I believe I’m going to enjoy this partnership more than most.”
Grant slammed his hand on the table, making all the remaining cutlery rattle. “This calls for another toast!”
“We can’t, you goon,” Chase scolded him as he held up one of the wine bottles. He shook the glass and revealed the droplets on the bottom, all that remained of the drink. “You drank it all.”
“There’s more where that came from,” Ben assured him as he turned his face toward the kitchen.
As if on cue, the door swung open and David scurried out with another bottle clasped in his hands. He came up to Ben and, with a bright smile, held out the bottle. “Grandma said you were needing this, Your Excellency.”
Ben grinned as he took the wine. “Your grandmother was quite right, David, and thank you for bringing it out so quickly.”
David bowed his head and disappeared back into the kitchen. Ben plopped the bottle on the table and grinned at us.
“Now let us celebrate.”
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
“I think I celebrated too hard.”
The soft moan came from Mouse. One side of his face lay against the table and he looked a little green about the gills.
Grant had a stupor-like look on his face as he leaned back in his chair. “But it was good.”
“How would you know?” came Chase’s muffled question. He sat beside me with one hand over his face. “You drank it all too fast to enjoy it.”
Grant wagged a finger at him. “That’s where you’re wrong, Chase. I drank it quickly so my whole body would tingle with the sensation of it.” He earned an eye roll from both of his compatriots.
Ben stood and stretched his arms above his head. A quick look out the window told him that the sun would soon be setting. “If you gentlemen are done with your merriment, you’re welcome to any of the bedrooms not already occupied.”
Mouse perked up. “You mean it?”
Ben smiled and nodded. “I mean it, and you may stay here for the duration of the tract, if you so desire.”
Chase and Grant stared at each other for a moment before they looked up at Ben and spoke in unison. “We accept.”
Ben bowed his head. “Then speak to my lovely housekeeper in the kitchen-”
Hannah poked her head out of the swinging door. “You can have those at the top of the landing. Breakfast is served at seven, and if I catch anyone in my kitchen after nine I can’t answer for the consequences.” And with that dire warning handed out, she ducked back inside.
Ben offered me his arm. “Shall we go for an evening stroll?”
I stood and looped my arm around his. “I’d be delighted.”
We strolled from the room, and I could overhear the trio whispering among each other.
Grant was the first to speak. “Ninety barons!”
“And then he goes for a stroll like it was nothing.” The last was spoken by Mouse with more admiration than surprise.
“I’d need a stroll, too, after doing that,” Chase quipped.
We stepped out of the front door and I took a deep breath. There was a slight chill in the air and the salty taste of seawater tickled my nostrils.
