Page 63 of The Scandalous Love of a Duke
A fellow victim of John’s cold heart.
She bobbed a brief curtsy.
He bowed slightly, clutching the brim of his tall hat.
‘I would say good day, but this weather makes it less so, does it not? Where are you off to in such a hurry?’ His tone was friendly if a little hollow, like John’s.
She blushed and met his measuring gaze.
She had spoken to him at church a few times. He’d never ignored her, but nor had he made any particular effort to associate with her.
‘I am in search of ribbons.’ She forced a light tone into her voice, as he had. ‘I heard you have left the Duke’s service, Mr Wareham. I was sorry to hear it.’
His expression darkened. ‘Yes, well, life is not fair, is it, Miss Spencer?’ His tone soured. ‘One does not always have what one ought.’ He smiled suddenly, although there was still hardness behind his eyes. ‘Would you care to join me for tea at the inn? We could perhaps mourn the hand of fate together? I know you suffer from gossip.’
She had not expected that, but he probably lacked company. She knew he had no family locally and had rarely socialised in the community, even though they all held him a little in awe. But… ‘I am in a hurry, Mr Wareham, perhaps another time.’
‘Yes, indeed then, another time,’ he said. ‘Good day, Miss Spencer.’ He bowed slightly again and lifted his hat.
‘Good day.’ She bobbed a brief curtsy and then they parted, but she could feel his eyes on her as she carried on along the street.
15
‘Is this all we have?’ John stated, exasperated.
Harvey smiled lightly.
Did he think this was amusing? John was not amused.
Harvey had gathered numerous pieces of information, but the key to finding the lost money was still missing. He knew where Wareham had been born, to some actress, in London, as an illegitimate child, with no named father. John knew where Wareham had been raised and schooled too. He’d been to Eton and then Oxford. So they also knew there was some wealthy benefactor in Wareham’s life. Probably the unnamed father. And John now knew Wareham had been in his grandfather’s service ever since leaving Oxford. But what good were those facts?
John wondered if Wareham had been ripping the old man off since the beginning. If so there might be thousands stored away. The estate had been haemorrhaging money in every ledger John had reviewed.
He had brought them all up to town so Harvey’s staff could start calculating the total loss.
Wareham was probably currently living a merry life on it too. He had made no attempt to disappear, he was still in Ashford and John’s grooms still watched him.
Phillip had made more progress regarding the loan; he had discovered it had been an investment rather than a loan. Wareham had been stung by a man of his own ilk. He’d invested in a canal building scam. The rogue who had promoted it had disappeared with Wareham’s funds. Wareham had tried to use the duke’s name to get his money back.
‘My solicitors are still searching for an account in Wareham’s name, Your Grace. We know the investment was not made in cash, so the account must exist.’
John wished this over with and sorted. His eyes shut for a moment.
‘Is Your Grace worried he will make some other move?’ Harvey asked.
John’s eyes flew open. He had let himself relax too much and Harvey had seen through his guard. John had not previously thought to hide his thoughts and emotions from Harvey, but since this thing with Wareham John’s trust had grown even less.
The word ‘trust’ spun John’s thoughts to Katherine and whenever she came to mind, it was her eyes he saw – bright blue eyes burning into him as they accused him of lacking trust and being spoilt.
She had called him two people, the two people he knew he was, but he was fast becoming just the one. The one he had never wanted to be. His grandfather’s monster, who shut everything and everyone out, including her. He had shoved aside all thoughts and feelings for her. He had a duty to fulfil and a public life to lead.
‘Your Grace,’ Harvey prompted.
‘I don’t know what to expect from him,’ John answered. ‘He knows all of my grandfather’s business. Is that not risk enough?’
Harvey nodded. ‘I have warned all the stewards to be cautious, Your Grace. We can also move your accounts if you wish?’
‘Yes,’ John said. ‘Please move them. Agree some code with the other stewards too, so they will know when communications come from you. When does the new man start?’
