The Complete Ravenscar Trilogy: The Ravenscar Dynasty, Heirs of Ravenscar, Being Elizabeth. Barbara Taylor Bradford

with Beaufield, Cliff and Dever, the three directors of Deravenels with unsavoury private lives. They can be blackmailed, I’m positive of that. Many of my other operatives have been spreading rumours about the Grants, rumours that have taken hold and paint them in a bad light. Yes, we are ready.’ Amos sat down and smiled as the others applauded him. ‘Thank you,’ he acknowledged.

      Neville said, ‘I think you have something to say now, Oliveri, do you not?’

      ‘I certainly do,’ Alfredo answered and rose. ‘Over the last few weeks I have kept you all informed about my old friend David Westmouth, and the situation in India. He has been working for us. I have received much documentation from him, which reveals the massive theft, and skimming, at our mines there. Westmouth is already on the high seas, en route to England, and he is bringing more evidence with him.’

      ‘When will he arrive?’ Edward asked eagerly, leaning forward.

      ‘Within the next ten days,’ Alfredo answered. ‘And as you know, Beaufield, Cliff and Dever are implicated in some of the stealing that has gone on in India, apart from their scurrilous behaviour which Amos discovered.’

      ‘So they are doubly condemned,’ Edward murmured. ‘I have good news to report, in that I have discovered I have many friends within the company these days, all of whom can’t wait to see the last of the Grants. We can rely on their unanimous support.’