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Distasteful Business ....
Nov. 14th, 2008 03:25 pmHaving reviewed the status of the logs at Dover, I can only conclude that it's a wonder more contraband is not secreted into the country.
The Calais charger d'affaires made contact with the proprietress of the offending enterprise and demanded that she present herself to us for an explanation. Laid the whole thing on her husband, apparently, claiming she and her nephew had no idea that he planned to use their legitimate business as a screen to smuggle in insurrectionist materials. Confiscated the goods, of course; the rest of the assets are currently being held pending the Committee's decision whether to cite a fine and treat this as a first offence, or to revoke their license out of hand.
Of the husband, there is, predictably, no sign. I am not convinced that the woman is not protecting him, but she claimed that he passed away shortly after they received their letter of approval. Have requested proof of his demise, pointing out that its convenience is not lost on us. However, if he truly were solely responsible, and is now no longer part of the operations ... well, it may be possible to argue in favour of a second chance.Especially if
The nephew was also contacted and, she says, he shall be in Calais by end-of-day to answer for his uncle's radical behaviour. Tempted to stay and hear it for myself, but the last two weeks have put me considerably behind and there is much awaiting me in London and at the Manor.
I shall give the lad another hour, I think, and if he has not yet arrived, leave instruction with the Dover agent. He at least does not seem as prone to incompetence as his French counterpart.
(It is also maddening to be so close to France and yet have no leisure, nor have made any arrangements, to pass through the wards and spend a little time with Mother and Amanda - but perhaps this spring we might secure traveling papers. Both Narcissa and Amanda would like the chance to visit, I think.)
The Calais charger d'affaires made contact with the proprietress of the offending enterprise and demanded that she present herself to us for an explanation. Laid the whole thing on her husband, apparently, claiming she and her nephew had no idea that he planned to use their legitimate business as a screen to smuggle in insurrectionist materials. Confiscated the goods, of course; the rest of the assets are currently being held pending the Committee's decision whether to cite a fine and treat this as a first offence, or to revoke their license out of hand.
Of the husband, there is, predictably, no sign. I am not convinced that the woman is not protecting him, but she claimed that he passed away shortly after they received their letter of approval. Have requested proof of his demise, pointing out that its convenience is not lost on us. However, if he truly were solely responsible, and is now no longer part of the operations ... well, it may be possible to argue in favour of a second chance.
The nephew was also contacted and, she says, he shall be in Calais by end-of-day to answer for his uncle's radical behaviour. Tempted to stay and hear it for myself, but the last two weeks have put me considerably behind and there is much awaiting me in London and at the Manor.
I shall give the lad another hour, I think, and if he has not yet arrived, leave instruction with the Dover agent. He at least does not seem as prone to incompetence as his French counterpart.
(It is also maddening to be so close to France and yet have no leisure, nor have made any arrangements, to pass through the wards and spend a little time with Mother and Amanda - but perhaps this spring we might secure traveling papers. Both Narcissa and Amanda would like the chance to visit, I think.)
