Page 8 of Echo in the Wind

“And the French were taken with you,” said Wilberforce, “crowding around to hear your every word.”

Eliot winked at Joanna. “Pitt responded with great spirit, as always.”

The Prime Minister looked up, a droll expression on his face. “I paid a visit to Dr. Franklin, the American statesman in Paris. Now, there is an interesting man.”

The conversation continued as the men turned to London’s politics, still riding on the crest of their victory. “We have much to do,” said Pitt. “And being so near the coast tonight, I am reminded of the free traders who keep us afloat in tea. The East India Company complains of lost profits and the government of lost revenue. I shall have to do something about the rise in smuggling.”

“Stronger enforcement?” suggested Richard.

Joanna’s ears pricked at the suggestion.

Pitt pondered the idea. “I don’t think that would change the situation overmuch. There is simply too much coast and too many smugglers. No, something different is called for.”

Joanna could not hide her passion for the issue. Despite her inner voice urging caution, she had to speak up. “The East India Company’s monopoly on tea keeps the price far too dear for many. That and the high duty only serve to increase the demand for cheaper tea. What more incentive does a starving laborer or an out of work sailor need to become a free trader? They can earn more in one night of smuggling than they can in a week of toiling in the fields or plying their nets.”

The four men turned to her, astonished, as if a bird had alighted on her head. She pressed her lips together, knowing she had said too much.

“When did you gain an interest in the price of tea, Sister?” asked Richard, raising a brow.

“I read the newspapers and I am not immune to the talk in the village. ’Tis common knowledge.”

Pitt smiled at her. “Your sister is correct. The trade in smuggled tea is so great, the vast majority of the British people drink the smuggled brew. And brandy is no different. Why, even the cognac we drink tonight might be the result of such an enterprise. And without you being aware, Torrington.”

Joanna stifled a gasp and took a drink of her Madeira, forcing herself to display a calm appearance as if she was unaware the Prime Minister had just spoken the truth.

Richard sputtered, nearly spewing his drink. “I’m quite certain that is not the case.”

“You’ll find a way to stop the free traders,” Pitt’s friend, Eliot, encouraged him.

“First, I must apply myself to reducing the country’s debt,” said Pitt. “The American War has left our economy in shambles.”

Eliot, Wilberforce and her brother nodded, agreeing with Pitt’s assessment of the dismal state of the country’s economic affairs.

Joanna lost interest, as the men reached for other topics. She sipped her Madeira, glad for the security it represented against what she expected to be a dull evening of polite conversation.

She had already heard the most interesting news.

After a bit, Pitt and his friends were drawn away, leaving her alone with Richard.

Henry Addington, newly elected Member of Parliament for Devizes in Wiltshire, came to join them. “Nice party, Torrington.” Like the other men, he dressed in black, offset by a white waistcoat; his hair was powdered a dark gray. Tonight, Addington had arrived without his wife, who he told Richard had remained in London with their young children.

Joanna had met him several times before, as he was a good friend of her brother and a childhood friend of the Prime Minister. She thought him a bit pompous, but her brother appeared relieved to have his friend’s approval.

Addington droned on about some new bill he intended to propose. Of an age with her brother, he sounded much older than his years. She was barely listening when a man in a Royal Navy uniform passed them. Joanna considered the tall man with mild interest.

Richard broke off of his conversation with Addington. “Commander Ellis, welcome!”

The commander paused and inclined his head to her brother. He smiled faintly at Joanna. His uniform was that due his rank: a white-lapelled dark blue coat trimmed in gold with gold buttons, a white waistcoat and dark blue breeches with white stockings and gold-buckled shoes. To her mind, he had not yet reached thirty. He had an attractive face framed by dark hair. His eyes were clear blue, and his long aquiline nose was that of an aristocratic Englishman.

“Joanna, may I present Commander James Ellis of His Majesty’s Royal Navy?”

She offered her hand and Ellis bowed over it. “Lady Joanna, a pleasure. You grace the room with your beauty.”

A flatterer. “Thank you, Commander. Most kind.”

Addington greeted Ellis in perfunctory fashion. Richard introduced Addington as the new MP from Devizes.

“I know Devizes,” said Commander Ellis. “’Tis just east of Bath.”