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he stared at Noah as if seeing him for the first time.
    â€œI wasn’t eavesdropping!” he denied heatedly. “I woke up when I heard Lyle’s knock. I thought he might have important news of some kind, so I got dressed and started over to see what the problem was.”
    â€œGo on.”
    â€œI was about to knock when I heard him mention something about a Joshua Smith and secret meetings. It was then I realized that you had no intention of coming for me, so I went back to my room,” he finished angrily. “I want to know what’s going on, and don’t try to hedge.”
    â€œIt’s a business matter. Nothing to concern yourself with.” Noah tried to pass over his inquiries, but Matthew was not about to let the matter slide.
    â€œOn the contrary, I think there is every reason to concern myself. I told you how I felt about your excluding me. Obviously you’re planning something, and I want to know what it is.” He was greatly irritated by the fact that, again, his brother had not consulted with him.
    â€œThe only thing I’m planning is the fastest way for us to make money,” Noah bit out, finding his younger sibling’s growing habit of challenging him most annoying. “In detail, if you must know, when we made port I instructed Lyle to try to make contact with Joshua Smith in hopes that the group he represents might be interested in purchasing the Sea Pride ’s arms shipment.”
    â€œI see. And what group is it this Smith represents that you have to conduct your business with him in secrecy meetings?”
    Noah answered coolly, “I was given Smith’s name by a contact in London.”
    â€œWhat contact?”
    â€œI don’t know. It was all done very furtively. He did not give me his name, nor did I ask for it. It seems Smith is a middleman for a very active rebel group here in the colonies, and that his group is definitely interested in purchasing the Pride ’s arms shipment.”
    Matthew’s expression was aghast. “You’re not serious?”
    â€œI am most serious. I have the goods that, hopefully, these people want, and I intend to get the best possible price for them. As I said, it’s a simple business matter,” Noah dismissed easily.
    â€œThere’s nothing simple about betraying your own country!” Matt was suddenly outraged.
    â€œMatthew”—Noah’s voice was icy—“weren’t you the one who earlier today was ready to forsake our dear old homeland and settle here?”
    â€œThere’s nothing treacherous about my wanting to remain here and begin life anew. These colonies are a part of the Empire. But, Noah…” His confusion over the changes in his brother’s personality was very real. “I don’t understand what’s happened to you. You’ve become so cold-blooded…so mercenary. It started with the damned duel, and now…”
    At the mention of the duel, Noah’s piercing silver gaze glittered dangerously, but he didn’t speak as Matt continued.
    â€œHow can you even consider selling the weapons to the highest bidder regardless of affiliation? Where is your conscience? If you sell those arms to the men who are advocating independence for the colonies, they might be used against soldiers of the Crown. You already heard that merchant in the taproom saying how dangerous things have become.”
    Noah shrugged coolly. “It’s not my concern who uses the weapons or for what cause they’re used. All that matters is that we get the best price for our merchandise. Whoever pays the top price will get the goods.” The steely edge to his tone left no doubt in Matt’s mind that he was very serious.
    â€œIt seems to me that you’re selling your soul,” Matthew disparaged.
    â€œI have been forced by circumstances to become a businessman. Nothing more, nothing less.”
    â€œThere’s more to this