Page 76 of My Kind of Scoundel
Eleanor’s hand fluttered to her chest. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I care about you, Theo. I always have.”
They stared at each other, the world around them fading away.
But then a burly fellow stormed out of the solicitor’s office, complaining about the extortionate fees. “It’s criminal, that’s what it is.” Spittle flew from his mouth. “I’m the one owed money, yet I have to pay through the nose just to send a letter.”
He stormed off, waving his fists and cursing the law.
Eleanor straightened when Theo held the door open. “I’d have a few sovereigns ready,” she said. “I suspect information comes at a price.”
The clerk, a young fellow whose trousers were too short, brushed a greasy lock of hair off his brow and came to greet them.
Eleanor spoke before the clerk opened his mouth. “We have a meeting with Mr Thatcher. Don’t bother checking your diary. We’re here on official business.” She presented the letter. “If Mr Thatcher fails to grant us an audience, he will be required to answer our questions at Bow Street.”
Theo watched with glowing admiration. She would make an excellent enquiry agent, but he couldn’t bear the thought of her chasing criminals at night.
The clerk stuttered and eventually said, “Wait here. I’ll fetch Mr Crump. He’s in charge while Mr Thatcher is in Brighton on business.”
Crump, an elderly man thin enough to slip through gaps in the paving, came hobbling out of his office using a walking cane for support. He observed them and frowned. “Mason said there were men from Bow Street.”
Eleanor smiled. “We’re investigators acting on behalf of Lord Melbourne, the Home Secretary. He asked?—”
“I know who Melbourne is, but I haven’t the faintest clue why it should concern me. Show me the letter.”
Theo presented the document, grateful it was vague. “As you can see, that is Melbourne’s official seal. You’re required to answer questions about a matter of national security. We’re investigating the possibility that a French spy is operating in London.”
Crump’s bottom lip quivered. “A French spy? Surely you can’t think anyone working here is involved.”
“May we discuss the matter in your office,” Eleanor said. “I’m sure you understand this is a sensitive subject.”
The fellow showed them into his office, a cluttered space that smelled of damp coats and old books. They occupied the chairs near the desk and waited for Crump to settle into his worn leather seat before pressing him for answers.
“I trust what we say here shall remain confidential,” Eleanor said.
Crump nodded. “Of course.”
“You have a client who made an unusual request. Lady Lucille Bowman invited Lord Wrotham’s creditors to apply to you to have their bills settled. Can you confirm that is correct, sir?”
The man mumbled, clearly worried about discussing such high-ranking individuals. “A client’s personal wishes are confidential.”
“I’m sure you’d agree there is nothing criminal about paying one’s debts,” Theo said. Having one’s betrothed pay them was utterly shameful. “Perhaps you require more information.”
Eleanor took that as her cue to list the debts that had been paid. She mentioned the bookshop in Highgate and the perfumer in Covent Garden. “The owner of Breadwell’s confirms you paid his debts on behalf of Lord Wrotham. As the person who delivered the letters on Lady Lucille’s behalf, there is little you can tell me I don’t already know.”
Crump rubbed his forehead. “Yes, but how is this related to a search for a spy? And if you know this much already, what do you hope to learn from me?”
“Understanding the lady’s motives is crucial in our hunt for the spy,” Eleanor said, sounding convincing. “You willtell us what she said when she gave you the funds to pay Lord Wrotham’s creditors.”
“It will give us a better understanding of the situation,” Theo pressed. “I see no need to mention your office other than to inform Lord Melbourne we received your full co-operation.”
Crump considered them before saying, “The lady dealt with Mr Thatcher, but I was party to their conversation. Lord Wrotham’s bills were excessive, amounting to over seven thousand pounds. She said it was a small price to save a lady’s reputation.”
“How many creditors were there?” Eleanor asked.
“Twenty or more. The viscount has wasteful tendencies.”
Theo gave a mocking snort. “I know. He’s my cousin.”
Crump’s cheeks coloured. “Forgive me. I did not mean?—”
