"One sugar, s'il vous plait, Monsieur du Tourbillon," Aurelie Lacombe says graciously, flashing the older financier a demure smile as she holds out her tea cup. du Tourbillon seems quite charmed by the young woman, and it is easy to see why. Katerina herself has seen that look on many men's faces, being swept in by appearances and charisma. It was strange, particularly in light of how du Tourbillon almost came across as asexual when Katerina attempted to use her feminine wiles in their negotiations.
"My father, the Compter du Comtois ((Count of Comtois)), has sent me to investigate the viability of a sugar plantation in New Providence. With the recent treaties, and French recognition of British sovereignty over Rupert's Land and Newfoundland and cessation of Acadia and territory in Saint Kitts, he is optimistic that this dreadful war will soon draw to a close. As I am sure you would agree, there are ample opportunities in the calm between wars." She smiles, but her tone reveals her meaning, a hint that she recognizes Katerina and the others as pirates, or at best privateers.
Clearing his throat, du Tourbillon rises, bowing stiffly in his black and white vest and legging, "My dear Madame Lacombe, will you excuse me a moment while my associates and I retire to my charts? I won't be but a moment."
"But of course," says Aurelie.
Gesturing to the stairs for Katerina and any others inclined to discuss the business of the guns, du Tourbillon leads to an upstairs room in the hotel, quite a large room complete with a smoking lounge and small veranda. The bedroom was sealed by a pair of lightweight carved wooden doors. "I have sufficient wards here and the walls are thick. We have privacy, as much as one can in this world. You've come for another advance?" He arches his brow.