Page 34 of Touched By a Traitor
Adams chuckled. “It’ll cost you extra if I need to murder your competition.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Andrew waved a dismissive hand, though his scowl remained. “I could commit the deed myself if that were the case. No, I need you to investigate her Cambridge degree. Find out whom she had to charm or… bribe.”
The last word came out with distaste, Andrew’s jaw tightening as he said it.
“Consider it done,” Adams said, his tone returning to business efficiency.
“And arrange half a dozen guards for Daisy’s birthday festivities.”
“Still concerned about Byron’s vindictive streak?” Adams asked, his tone sobering slightly.
“The man’s been spreading rumors for months. I wouldn’t put it past him to cause a scene at her celebration, especially with half of London society in attendance.”
“Understood. Discreet positioning around the ballroom?”
“Exactly. She shouldn’t even notice them, but I want every entrance covered.”
Adams nodded approvingly. “Consider it handled.” He turned to leave but hesitated at the door.
Andrew looked up from his papers. “Out with it, old friend. Your face suggests either indigestion or particularly juicy gossip.”
Adams’s shoulders relaxed as he turned back with a conspiratorial grin. “Lord Bridgewater’s betrothal has ended rather spectacularly. The lady apparently found her protection officer more appealing than his lordship.”
Andrew’s eyebrows shot up, and he set down his pen entirely. “Reliable source?”
“When have I ever led you astray?” Adams asked, straightening his cuffs with exaggerated precision. With a knowing smile and a bow that was more friendly than formal, he took his leave, pausing only to add over his shoulder, “I do so enjoy watching you in the throes of… professional interest.”
Andrew grabbed his quill and threw it at the closing door, Adams’s laughter echoing down the hallway.
*
As Andrew dismissedAdams, across town in the Inner Temple, Charlotte’s quiet morning was about to be disrupted. Her small office, usually a sanctuary of legal texts and case files, was today filled with the low murmur of laborers, brought in by the reluctant Mr. Philips, the solicitor.
Mr. Philips, an unhappy man forced into working with Charlotte by the Duke of Chatham, stood amid the bustling scene.
As barristers customarily did not solicit clients directly and rarely interacted with them, maintaining connections withsolicitors was of utmost importance. When Mr. Philips had initially refused to work with her as all others had, the duke had unleashed a torrent of threats, breaking the poor man’s resolve. Despite his numerous irritating habits, Mr. Philips was undeniably skilled in his work.
Charlotte was deep in thought, contemplating the best approach to present Lady Daisy’s case, when Mr. Philips opened the door to her private office. A handsome brunette breezed into the room, her arms outstretched in greeting. She was dressed in an exquisite deep burgundy wool gown, adorned with lace trim.
“Miss Charlie Morton, I am absolutely thrilled to make your acquaintance,” the lady exclaimed, clasping Charlotte’s hand with both of her own. “I am Daisy Creswell, and this”—she turned to a woman who had gone unnoticed until that moment—“is my dear friend, Miss Susie Grantham.”
Miss Grantham offered a shy smile and a polite bow. She was the opposite of Lady Daisy, with golden-blonde hair and warm hazel eyes. Charlotte found herself immediately taken with the open and down-to-earth demeanor of both ladies.
“Lady Daisy, Miss Grantham, it is an honor to make your acquaintance,” Charlotte said. She gestured for them to take a seat and rang for tea, though she held little hope that Mr. Philips would have the time to prepare it.
“I must apologize for this intrusion, Miss Morton,” Lady Daisy began, her voice filled with enthusiasm. “Susie and I were in the vicinity, and we simply had to meet you. Not only are you representing my case, but we’ve been following your career with great interest since you were discovered to be a woman. Not for the sensationalism but for giving all women hope we may travel the paths destined for us.”
“How kind of you to take an interest in my career,” Charlotte replied, genuinely touched.
“Andrew has told me all about your brilliance and your breathtaking beauty,” the lady continued, her smile radiant. “I see now he was entirely correct. You are absolutely stunning.”
“Oh my, that is quite the compliment,” Charlotte said, doubting Andrew would have paid her a compliment so openly to his sister.
“Those were his words, not mine,” Lady Daisy clarified with a sly grin.
As the three women settled into a comfortable conversation, the earlier bustle of the parlor faded into the background.
“Miss Morton, I cannot express how thrilled I am that you are taking on my case.”
