Page 46 of The Wayward Duke
They followed him through a maze of wood-panelled corridors adorned with imposing ancestral portraits and Greek statuary – more displays of wealth.
The clerk rapped on the double doors before pushing them open. “The Duke and Duchess of Hastings, sir.”
Behind a polished mahogany desk sat Edgar Kellerman. At their entrance, he rose from his leather chair. “Duke and Duchess, welcome. What an unexpected pleasure.”
Something about his demeanour set Caroline’s teeth on edge. Kellerman’s features seemed a mask, readily donned or discarded.
A snake shedding skin.
“Mr Kellerman,” Julian said in greeting.
“To what do I owe the honour?” Kellerman asked, gesturing them towards the chairs opposite his desk.
Julian’s hand pressed against Caroline’s lower back. To an observer, his expression remained remote. But Caroline sensed his tension.
“I’ve heard some gossip about your Brazilian venture,” Julian remarked as they settled into the plush leather seats. He crossed one leg over the other – the picture of leisurely disinterest. “I’d like to apologize for my previous harsh words when we first spoke about it some months ago. It’s an ingenious scheme, from all accounts.”
Kellerman tilted his head. “I appreciate your interest, duke. But my ventures are often speculative in the early stages. I try not to speak of them prematurely and risk disappointment.” His attention shifted to Caroline. “I also know wives find these conversations tedious.”
Caroline forced a smile. “Don’t hold back on my account, sir. I never interfere with my husband’s business.”
Julian patted her hand. “Do allow my wife the pleasure of feeling involved, Kellerman,” he said. “I’ve come to discuss investments.”
“I’m delighted. But I understood you to be rather discriminating.”
“I am. And I’m told you’re worth my time.”
Reaching inside his coat, Julian produced a silver cigar case and extended it to Kellerman. After a brief hesitation, the financier accepted the gift with a deferential tilt of his head.
Julian placed his own cigar to his lips and lit it. He inhaled deeply, letting the fragrant smoke wreathe his patrician features before he continued speaking. “As it happens, I’ve recently found myself free of certain properties in the West Indies. A surplus of capital could be redirected towards your scheme if I’m persuaded of its merits.”
Caroline watched the entire performance in admiration. Her husband spun flawless lies with virtuoso skill.
Kellerman’s hooded stare turned calculating – scenting opportunity. “Of course,” he demurred. “Forgive my surprise, duke. It’s only that you seemed rather… firm in your reluctance towards investments of this nature before.”
“My inclinations are often complex, and my reasons are my own.” Julian reclined in his chair, one hand draped negligently over the carved arm. He tapped cigar ash into the finial dish, every movement screaming bored wealth and refinement. “I understand from my peers that you mean to corner the South American shipping market. All that lush, untapped land newly opened to commerce.” He paused, holding Kellerman’s gaze. “I’m interested.”
A definite gleam entered the hooded eyes. Even a whiff of ducal interest would grant Kellerman’s scheme legitimacy and influence.
“Well.” His thin lips stretched into a smile. “I admit, having a man of your eminence involved would be… advantageous.”
“The risks sound thrilling,” Caroline said. She filled her voice with honeyed sweetness befitting the useless aristocratic wife Kellerman took her to be. “I should adore an adventure.”
Kellerman’s expression turned indulgent as his stare settled on her. “Do you? I’d thought you a more retiring creature.”
Caroline resisted the urge to grind her teeth. Instead, she let girlish excitement spread over her face. “In my youth, certainly. But recently, I’ve been reminded how much I’ve allowed myself to settle.” She fluttered her lashes at him. “Haven’t you heard? I was nearly blown to bits attending the theatre with my husband. All of London is abuzz.”
“Yes, I had caught some idle chatter about an incident.” His assessing stare moved to Julian. “And yet you emerged unscathed. Impressive.”
Something close to possessiveness ignited in Julian’s pale gaze. “I protect what’s mine.”
The blunt words raised the fine hairs on the nape of Caroline’s neck. Spoken as both a warning and a dark promise.
“Some concern for your lovely wife’s safety might be wise in the future, duke,” Kellerman said. “Danger lurks in unlikely places these days.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about my safety. My husband is quite devoted in that regard.” She cast Julian a glance that she hoped read as besotted infatuation.
“Back to business, darling,” Julian said gently, redirecting the conversation. To Kellerman: “How much capital have you amassed?”
