Changes

John Aislabie thinks that Thomas Hawkins has arrived at Aislabie's country mansion to investigate murder threats. That's part of it but Thomas' main reason is to carry out a command from Queen Caroline connected to the recent South Sea Bubble scandal. The command was phrased nicely enough, but the sinister intent was clear: Tom's failure or refusal means loss of Kitty, the person he loves most in the world. Those murder threats are a little concerning though…

The action takes place at the beginning of the 18th century in the wake of the real life 'South Sea Bubble' scandal. In 1711 the South Sea Company was formed, thus named as it was granted sole trading rights with South America. The company's stocks sold quickly and well, being seen as a get rich quick scheme. Then, as with many get rich quick schemes over the centuries, the company grew too fast for its own good. Inevitable collapse followed, rendering the shares worthless and ruining many companies and individuals in the process. Sir John Aislabie actually existed and was one of the prime promoters of the shares so not Mr Popular and the perfect potential victim.