“It started several years ago,” she said. “I had only been living here a year before it began. Samson had heard about the airship plans from the captain of a Portuguese vessel that was wrecked off the Canary Islands. It was what he’d been envisioning all his life. He made inquiries from some people he thought might help, and one day the Owl came to visit. For a fee, the Owl learned that Duke de Valasco owned the plans and would give them up in exchange for the assassination of his elder brother. So—again with the Owl’s help—connections were made with the Prussians, who had a reputation for excellence. The duke didn’t wish the assassins to be anyone in Portugal who might be traced back to him and Samson didn’t wish to use anyone with an English affiliation, so the Owl—or someone the Owl considered a loyal confederate—served as the go-between. Then there was the matter of paying the Prussians for the work. Something had to be found that would be of extraordinary value to those who could make use of it. That’s where Black came in. The Owl introduced them to each other. Black told Samson about the book and about what he wanted from Fell. The scheme took over a year to put in place and had some fits and starts. But I told Samson from the beginning not to put too much trust in Black. That was one time he disregarded my advice, and I believe he’s yet to pay for it.”

“A scheme that must’ve run on many wheels,” Matthew said. “Tell me this: if Lash really only wanted the airship plans, why did he include the others in this auction?”

“He wasn’t certain the Prussians could get the plans. They might have failed in the attempt, or been caught, or whatever. He—and I—thought it best to bring others into the fold. Once again, the Owl took care of this through his contacts. You can be sure he’s nearly as powerful—or as ambitious—as Professor Fell once was, but his true talent is in diplomatic communication. And another reason: when Samson builds the airship he wants to be sure there are other markets for the vessel if the Royal Navy refuses to buy it. In that regard, he’s announcing his name to the guilds that the ones upstairs represent.”

“I don’t think Victor’s guild is going to be too pleased,” Matthew said.

She shrugged. “Everyone here understands that it’s business. Yet Samson draws the line at personal threats, and it was a wise thing to show them what crossing that line will do.”

Matthew nodded vacantly; he decided another line should be crossed. “What are you to Lash? Besides his business advisor and a source of rather cruel entertainment?”