Sir Henry snorted in disagreement. ‘I made significant losses funding your father’s trading expedition to the Japans. In fact, it’s his fault I’m bankrupt now. The sale of his cottage barely covered a single interest payment. The debt is hereditary. So, as his son and the sole survivor of the shipwrecked Alexandria, you carry the burden of your father’s debt.’

‘My father wasn’t to blame for your losses!’ argued Jack. ‘As an investor, you knew from the start the risks of such an expedition. Father was employed to pilot the fleet, not guarantee you returns on your investment.’

‘He may have piloted the fleet on its way there, but he didn’t pilot it back, did he?’ countered Sir Henry. ‘The way I see it, your father is directly responsible for the trading mission’s failure. You yourself told me that he navigated the fleet to the wrong port!’

‘Not true! We were blown off-course by the storm,’ argued Jack. ‘He died defending the ship from pirates!’

‘Hmm, such a tragic loss … But there is no avoiding the fact,’ Sir Henry went on, ignoring Jack’s protests, ‘that, as his sole surviving male heir, you inherit that debt. A debt you will repay a thousandfold by sailing back to the Japans and recouping my losses.’

‘I won’t go,’ stated Jack boldly.

Sir Henry narrowed his eyes. ‘Oh yes you will, because you see, Jack – Jess is your collateral. My guarantee that you’ll return from Japan with a handsome payload. If you succeed with this trading mission, I’ll consider ending my engagement to your sweet sister –’ he gave Jess an oily smile – ‘as much as that would break my heart.’

‘You don’t have a heart!’ Jess shot back. ‘Your only love is money.’

Sir Henry shrugged off the accusation. ‘And your brother’s love for you, my dear, is why he will return to Japan.’

Jack glared at Sir Henry. He knew he was being emotionally blackmailed, yet what could he do about it? ‘But I’ll be away for at least two years, if not more!’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll take very good care of her,’ replied Sir Henry.

Jack clenched his fists. Although he lacked a weapon, he just might be quick enough to get his hands round Sir Henry’s throat before Sir Toby could get a shot in. Akiko, sensing he was preparing to attack, flexed her fingers in readiness to unsheathe her katana. Yori began drawing in a deep breath, filling his lungs for a kiai strike …

Then from the courtyard below came the sound of panicked screams. Footsteps clattered up the echoing staircase, then pounded along the corridor. A moment later a wide-eyed and gasping servant scrambled through the fireplace into the room.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ demanded Sir Henry, peering out of the window to see his guests dashing for their coaches and horses. ‘What has happened down there?’