Page 70 of The Wayward Duke
“You’re reckless, disobedient, a danger to my sanity, soon to tear open your slowly mending wound…” He ticked the points off on his fingers.
She drew herself up. “I’m more charming than you and apt to get answers. I can ask Richard what he knows about the landlord.”
Julian ground his teeth. He was relieved Grey and Caroline had never been intimate, but that didn’t mean he liked the man. “We’re not involving Grey. And we’re not involving you.”
“Richard collects blackmail material like some people collect debts, and he’s still in town. All I have to do is ask him for the name and details of the landlord for the offices on Threadneedle Street.” She examined her fingernails. “And I could give you this information if you let me come along.”
His jaw went hard, knowing she was right. “Fine.”
“Good.” She tapped her charcoal against the canvas. “And we won’t go as the Duke and Duchess of Hastings. Kellerman ran off once because he was alerted to Wentworth’s men closing in.”
She was too clever. “No risks, Caroline.”
He clenched his jaw so hard it was a wonder his teeth didn’t crack. She was the most maddening, stubborn, vexing—
“While you stand there fuming, be a darling and disrobe for me, will you?” She gave him a look over her shoulder. “I’ve gone much too long without sketching your form properly. You’re utterly glorious when you brood.”
With a long-suffering sigh, Julian began unbuttoning his shirt. “You’re impossible.”
“Mmhm, yes, I know.” She made a motion with her hand. “Trousers off.”
“You’re going to pay for this later, once you’ve fully recovered,” he warned.
Her lips curved. “I certainly hope so.” Caroline turned back to her easel. “Do try to look imposing. I’m drawing you as Hades.”
He bit back a smile, settling onto the divan.
29
The cobblestone street glistened as Julian and Caroline approached the unassuming brick building. A small wooden sign creaked beside the entrance, identifying it as the offices of Talbot’s Property Management.
“You are not to use Grey’s information until I give the word,” he murmured.
Caroline resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Of course. I’ll let you and your charming manner do all the talking.”
He did not look amused.
The bell above the door announced their arrival with a cheerful jingle that seemed out of place in the dreary office. Ledgers and documents perfumed the air with the tang of ink. The man seated behind the narrow desk glanced up from his scribbling.
“Good day. How might I be of service?”
Julian flashed a smile. He looked like a wolf baring its teeth – a man unaccustomed to feigning charm. “Mr Talbot, I presume? My man of business wrote to you yesterday to arrange this meeting. Alexander Heyward, at your service. And this is my wife, Mrs Heyward.”
“Ah, yes, of course.” The clerk cleared his throat. “I did receive word you had expressed interest in leasing property. My apologies for the cramped office. We’re in the process of expanding.”
Julian waved away the stammered explanation with careless aristocratic grace. “Think nothing of it. I’m certain you’ll soon have premises to rival the finest in the City.”
“You’re too kind, Mr Heyward. Now, how might I assist you today?”
“My wife and I only just arrived in London after some years abroad. We’re eager to make a few smart investments.” Julian flashed an easy conspiratorial smile. “I’m determined to avoid the follies many family fortunes are squandered on. Lavish country homes sitting empty eleven months of the year and so forth.” He gave a careless shrug. “I prefer pursuits with more lasting rewards. Wouldn’t you agree, my dear?”
Caroline fluttered her lashes up at her husband and nodded.
Julian patted her hand indulgently before redirecting his attention to the clerk. “You come highly recommended for your discretion and shrewd eye. I understand you’ve placed several gentlemen in excellent business premises. I spoke to one recently—” He paused and glanced at Caroline. “Remind me of his name again, darling? Began with a K, if I recall correctly.”
“Mr Kellerman, dearest,” Caroline supplied sweetly.
“That was it. Kellerman. The offices on Threadneedle Street. But I noticed his establishment appears to have closed up. Did he have a partner I might speak with, sir?”
