Page 57 of The Truth Serum
“Er, um, yes, my lady. One moment.”
She stood waiting, her gaze travelling over the narrow space. Books and papers lay everywhere, and she itched to read them all. She’d never been to a publisher before, and she found theplace intriguing. Damn, it was hard to keep her air of aloof aristocracy when surrounded by books in the making!
“Good morning, Lady Rebecca. How may I help you today?”
She turned as Mr. Newman’s greeting. “Good morning, sir. Is there a place we could speak? Someplace private?”
“Yes, right this way.”
He led her to his office which was moderately clean compared to everywhere else. Nothing on the floor, a small window, and a very large desk covered in books, though these appeared to be account books.
At Mr. Newman’s gesture, she found her seat. He took his, a moment later. “Would you like—”
“Why were you arguing with Lord Nathaniel?” she interrupted.
“Er, I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”
Time to bring out that arch look again. She did so, then abruptly abandoned it. Acting haughty wasn’t in her nature. “Let me explain. I have known Lord Nathaniel since we were children. I’ve stood by his side when our families quarreled.” That was an understatement on so many levels. “I have only his best interest at heart.”
“I’m sure that’s true,” he said, clearly confused as to why she was telling him this.
Now it was time for the big lie. “I know all of his secrets,” she said. “Or nearly all. And I am in a position to help him over certain difficulties. If, perhaps, he should need the assistance.”
He frowned. “I fail to see what help you could provide.”
“Are his accounts in arrears?”
The man’s eyes widened. “Er, no, my lady.”
Oh hell. She was in the wrong then. “Then it is you who are defaulting in payment?” That was what Nate had said, hadn’t he?
“Uh, no! Er, I mean, his account… I…” He straightened in his seat. “It is not appropriate for me to discuss these things with a lady.”
She nodded. He did have a point. First, women were rarely included in financial matters. Second, she had no claim to Nate’s business matters. “Very true,” she said. “But you see, I am in a position to help you with what you want.”
“You are?”
“A new manuscript, yes?”
Mr. Newman’s relief was palpable. “So you do know.”
She did now. “I told you as much, didn’t I?” And now she owed Nate a huge apology. “Did you think he would give you what you want if you resist paying him what he is owed?”
He man snorted. “The money will be paid when—”
“The money will be paid now.” She leaned forward. “I am only middling with accounts, sir. I can add and subtract better than most. Percentages come easily to me. And I am a fair hand at deciphering appalling handwriting.”
He frowned at her.
“But my brother, the Earl of Estril, is a veritable genius. He sorts things out for all our friends. It would take him no time at all to figure out what is owed Lord Nathaniel.”
“There is no need for that!” the man said stiffly.
“Well, that is excellent news!” she said as she pushed up from her seat. “Once those accounts are settled, then I am sure I can help Lord Nathaniel with his promise to you.”
“And what exactly do you do for Lord Nathaniel?” Mr. Newman’s tone wasn’t exactly insolent, but it did suggest more than a friendly relationship.
“I sometimes act as his secretary when I’m in town. Appalling handwriting, that man.” She tsked. “I wonder how you decipher it at all.”
