Page 72 of A Duke Changes Everything
“Tell me what’s happened.”
“In two words? Lord Calvert.” Spencer stood and approached a teapot and cups set on a tray near his desk. He poured as he continued. “He has engaged in a campaign of near military precision. Choosing those noblemen with the most sway, the wealthiest friends, to poison their minds against you and the club.”
“I’m here to meet with him, hopefully this evening.”
“Are you?” Spencer lifted his teacup and shot Nick a pleased glance over the rim. “You agree with Iverson and Lord Huntley, then?”
No, not really. But Nick would swallow the whole matter like a child took bitter medicine, hating every minute of it. Still, he knew compromise was necessary to resolve a messy legal battle he’d loathe far more.
“Perhaps I’m learning, Spencer. Maybe you have to let them win a skirmish now and then in order to win the battle.”
“Being a duke agrees with you then, sir?”
“Not at all.” The title itself had taught him nothing. If he’d learned anything it was because of one petite dark-haired lady with sparks in her eyes and a heart for wounded, hopeless creatures. “But I know there are times a man must cut his losses and walk away.”
“Excellent.” Spencer returned to his desk and handed Nick a folded pile of papers. “I’ve gathered all of Lord Calvert’s vowels.”
Nick narrowed an eye at the man as he went on merrily sipping his tea. “You were certain I would agree to forgive the man’s debts?”
“I was certain you would do whatever was necessary to restore the success of Lyon’s. As would I, sir.”
“Thank you, Spencer.” When Nick started out toward where he’d asked the coachman to wait, his factotum followed.
“Will you be returning to London as you’d intended? Or will you be remaining at your castle in Sussex?” Spencer’s normally calm tone faltered. “While I will do as you bid, sir, there is much here that would benefit from your oversight.”
“I plan to wrap up estate matters soon.” Nick glanced through a multipaned window that led onto the gaming floor. There were more gentleman at tables than he would have expected from the sounds, but he still felt guilt at leaving his business behind for so long. Would Calvert have succeeded in his campaign against Lyon’s if he’d been in town to deal with the man’s mischief?
The minute the carriage started onto evenly paved streets, Nick knew they were drawing close to Iverson’s townhouse. A bit of tension returned to ride the muscles of his shoulders. He didn’t relish another confrontation with Lord Calvert, but he was feeling more generous than he had in years. He’d buy the nobleman’s compliance, as he had with Lord Lyle.
Every man had his price.
An unusual number of windows in the house were lit at Iverson’s for a man who lived alone and often grumbled about possessing so many empty rooms.
The pretty housemaid blushed as she always did when Nick came to call.
“Is he at home?” he asked. “He’s expecting me.”
“You’re not here for the dinner party then, sir?”
“Dinner party?” Nick heard the bouncing voices of conversation as soon as he stepped across the threshold. A woman burst into throaty laughter and several gentlemen’s responses came in a cheerful chorus.
“Lyon, you came.” Huntley sauntered into the hallway. “Iverson showed me your message. Did you receive mine?”
“No.” Nick shot Huntley an accusing glare. “Was it to warn me there’d be a party?”
“I didn’t know about the dinner myself.” He held up his hands in mock surrender. “But you know I’m always prepared for a party.”
“Of course you are.”
“I feel confident saying that every party is better with me in attendance.” He looked even more pleased with himself than usual. “But business first. I convinced Calvert to come,” he explained. “He’s waiting for both of us in Aidan’s study.”
“Good, let’s get this over with.”
“Indeed.” Huntley clapped Nick on the shoulder. “If we can get Calvert to desist with his menace quickly, perhaps we can join the party.”
“I’m afraid the meal is finished, my lords.” The housemaid looked truly bereft to deliver the news. “But we’re serving drinks in the large drawing room.”
“I desperately need a drink, but first we must find Mr. Iverson.”
