Her father focused on her. ‘You believe you can manage the accounts better than the captain?’ His tone was amused rather than insulting, and the girl took it as encouragement.
‘Every man makes mistakes. He has no one checking his work.’
The captain stiffened in outrage. ‘Sir, I have served you honestly and loyally since—’
‘No one questions that, Captain Banakos. You are honest and thorough.’
‘Yes—’
‘But I should like to see what my adoptive daughter can do.’ He shrugged. ‘It is only one crate of tea and another of spice. If it is a complete loss, then I can afford it.’
That gave Cedric a shock. He had thoughtThe Integrityunder the sole control of the East India Company. That connection was how Graham had gotten him such a nice berth on the ship. It was a surprise to realise that the ship was privately owned and not by the captain, but by Lord Wenshire.
‘I should like to accompany her, if I may,’ Cedric said, speaking impulsively. ‘I want to see how she negotiates.’
The girl arched her brows at him. ‘Do you mean to look over my shoulder when I check the account books too?’
‘Thank you!’ he said, even though she had meant the words sarcastically. ‘I’d love that.’ He looked at the father. ‘If you don’t mind.’
Lord Wenshire frowned at him. ‘Why would you want to?’
‘You have told me about her temple. Hundreds of souls, several buildings, similar to a cathedral at home.’
‘Larger,’ Lord Wenshire answered.
‘My mother complained about managing a staff of twelve. Imagine being in charge of a kitchen for hundreds.’
‘I did not cook,’ she said quickly.
‘No. But you kept track of the food, yes? The shopping?’
She nodded.
‘And I have seen her bargain.’ They had made a supply run since he’d climbed aboard. He had gone on it mostly to get off the boat for a time. But watching her bargain was like watching a maestro at work. ‘I should like to see how she managed all that.’
Captain Banakos didn’t like it. No man liked being questioned by a girl, but he had no say when the owner of the boat agreed.
And so began Cedric’s education in accounting. From a girl.