The Cocoa Conspiracy Read Free Page B

character, and how best to convince a group of conflicting personalities to come to a common consensus,” said Saybrook.
    “It is all a matter of training, I suppose,” replied Mellon.
    “And passion,” said Arianna softly. “I believe that one must care deeply about something to do it well.”
    Mellon regarded her for a long moment. “I know your opinion of Society, Lady Saybrook—”
    “It’s the same as mine,” interrupted Saybrook. “We both abhor the mindless conformity, the vicious gossip, and the gleeful attacks on anyone who dares to defy the petty-minded rules.”
    His uncle expelled a sigh. “I—”
    “But that said,” Saybrook went on, “we will be happy to attend the Marquess of Milford’s party, if you feel that our presence will be of any help to you and your negotiations.”
    “It would be extremely helpful,” answered Mellon, looking much relieved. “Don Pedro Gomez Havela de Labrador, Spain’s envoy to the Conference, is a very proud man, and quick to take offense at any imagined slight. He and Lord Castlereagh, our representative, don’t rub together very well.”
    “So in other words, if an English lord who happens to understand the quirks of Castilian character could manage to flatter Labrador’s vanity, he might be more amenable to supporting our government’s proposals.”
    “Clearly you understand politics just as well as you do cuisine,” replied his uncle.
    “More than I care to,” muttered Saybrook, threading a hand through his dark hair. “When should we be ready to leave for Gloucestershire?”
    “In two days,” said Mellon apologetically. “It wasn’t until yesterday evening that we received final word that the Spaniards had consented to come.”
    “It doesn’t matter. We have no other plans,” Arianna lied. The trip to visit a noted botany expert and his conservatory of rare tropical plants in Cornwall would simply have to be postponed to a later date, no matter that Saybrook had been looking forward to it. “If you send over the list of expected activities, I shall have Maria begin packing our trunks.”
    “Oh, it will be the usual array of superficial entertainments,” replied Mellon. “The men will spend much of the day slaughtering birds on the marquess’s grouse moors while the ladies will amuse themselves indoors. There will be riding, picnics and scenic walks. And at night, there will be endless eating, drinking and dancing.”
    “Put that way, how can we resist?” she said.
    Mellon let out a brusque chuckle. “Quite easily, I imagine. Nonetheless, I am very grateful.” He rose. “In truth, you might not be as bored as you think. With such an international array of guests, the interlude is bound to offer some interesting diversions.”
     
    “I shall cancel next week’s appointment at Kew Gardens,” said Arianna, looking up from her list as Saybrook returned from seeing his uncle to the waiting carriage. She then added another notation. “And I shall write to Professor Turner and tell him we must put off our visit.”
    “I would much rather be scrabbling in the dirt of his hothouses than dancing attendance on a crowd of overfed aristocrats,” groused Saybrook as he settled into his favorite armchair and propped his booted feet on the hassock.
    “As would I.”
    “And what about my manuscript?” he said. “I need to consult some of Turner’s reference books to complete the current chapter.” Drumming his fingers on the worn leather, he scowled up at the ceiling. “How the devil can I write a book when I have such distractions?”
    Arianna remained tactfully silent, as did the painted putti overhead.
    He expelled a harried sigh. “But I couldn’t very well refuse Charles, could I?”
    “Have another cup of chocolate,” she suggested. “Perhaps it will help sweeten your mood.”
    A laugh rumbled in his throat. “Forgive me. I’ve been in a sour frame of mind all morning, and my uncle’s request was like . . . a splash of