Noah was unaware of Sam’s presence until he felt a light touch on his back. He turned then, to smile. ‘Your cousin has shown a keen interest in transatlantic trade and the Indies sugar plantations in particular.’
Sam bowed. ‘Cousin Tommaso. I believe we know rather more about how such plantations operate than we entirely care to. Noah especially so.’
‘Sì. He described the slave auction he witnessed.’ He crossed himself. ‘Such a wicked thing. For are we not all God’s children?’
SìNoah rather thought the Pope would not turn down a share in sugar profits should they come his way.
Tommaso Cardinale eyed them both, shrewdly. ‘You speak excellent Italian, gentlemen. My cousin not surprisingly. Your mamma taught you, no?’ Sam nodded. ‘And, perhaps in turn, you taught your friend?’
mammaSam s
