Page 49 of A Scandalous Love for the Enticing Duke
“Excellent, you do know your heritage, Mr James. Now, are you willing to speak?”
The man immediately bowed and began to stutter as he attempted to speak. “Y … your gra … ce. My Lord … my apologies. Please, forgive my impertinence. I did not know whose presence I was in. I am willing to tell you all that you wish to know.”
An hour later, Benjamin walked out of Lackley’s with much more than he had bargained to learn and a grin on his face. It turned out that Victoria had been parading herself with a simple alias – the black widow, and had told Lackley that she needed the documents to get rid of people who were trying to take over her husband’s fortune. It turned out Lackley was not so sensible, after all for who wouldn’t know that Birmingham holdings belonged to the Duke of Cambridge? Well, he supposed a man could be dumb and blind for the right price. Who would turn down fifty pieces of gold coins?
There was more … Victoria had returned today to ask for three more forged documents showing false ledgers between Sheldon and Sons, and three other companies. She had given Lackley two hundred gold coins to have them ready by the morrow. The morrow was when the elopement had been arranged to take place. If the Duchess was making such moves, then it meant that somehow, she had come to know of their plans. It was just as well that the letter from Jared had arrived just in time. Catching her here had made everything much easier and now, they were two steps ahead of her again. He had managed to reach a suitable agreement with Lackley, one that would benefit them both. Perhaps, the wedding would not take place on the morrow any longer, but that was okay. He knew just what to do. This time, he was certain that things would not go wrong. First, he had to deliver a letter to Isabelle, informing her of this new development. Then, he would meet with the man who had the power to end all of this.
On days like this, he had to confess, he rather enjoyed being twenty-second in line to the throne.
Chapter 32
Williams Birmingham was a man that anyone would describe as a man of few words. A simple man who lived by different rules and did not conform to societal norms. He loved his wife, dearly and adored the three beautiful daughters she had birthed for him. All of whom had grown into wonderful ladies, soon to become women. Yet lately, he could not have helped feeling like he was being left out of a lot of things that were taking place in this household. This saddened him for in times when he was not too busy, he made sure to keep himself abreast of all that was happening in his household. He saw things, was aware that a lot was changing, still, when he asked questions, he got elusive answers.
He had been involved in his daughters’ upbringing and had let them know at every point in time that they could confide in him, and they always had, until now. He supposed it was part of growth. Perhaps, there were now things they reckoned they could not tell their father. He knew they could not tell their mother either for the girls had never been close to their mother. So, he found consolation in the fact that they were so close knitted and could confide in each other. However, today, his heart felt gladdened for it was as though the dark clouds had cleared and now, there were only silvery clouds.
It had begun yesterday when all the girls had been present for breakfast for the first time in a while. More than that, they had all seemed in high spirits, laughing and conversing as though all was right in the world. It had continued all through yesterday until today. Once or twice he had caught them whispering in hushed tones. It thrilled him, and he wanted more of these. When he had approached Agnes some days ago, she had insisted it was simply cold feet. All the times he had spoken with Eleanor, she too had insisted she was only sad because she would miss her sisters, especially since the romance between Isabelle and the Duke seemed to be blooming.
He reckoned that the the blues were finally over, and he now had the daughters he knew, back. It was a good thing, wonderful indeed, and now he had peace in his heart. That peace was soon disrupted as Edward announced that Benjamin Witherspoon had come to call on him. A proposal so soon, he wondered, as he commanded that he be let in.
“Your Grace. Thank you for agreeing to see me.”
Williams rose with a smile as he went to shake the other man’s hand. “I can think of no reason why I would not, Witherspoon. You are always welcome here.”
The young man smiled in response as he accepted the handshake. As they were equal in rank, he needed not to bow, and Williams was not one to care for those things, anyway.
“I hope that will not change when you discover what has brought me here, My Lord.”
Williams ears stood at that. What was Witherspoon on about? “I am hardly your Lord, Witherspoon. It should be the other way around. You are royalty after all, yet you care not for such affiliations. You are too humble.”
“Ahh. Alas. The star accuses the moon of shining so bright.”
This caused Williams to give into hearty laughter. The young Duke was such a delight. He was a gentleman through and through, and it gladdened him that Isabelle had chosen such a man.
“Now I see why my daughter has taken a liking to you. Come, let us sit while we discuss what has brought you here.”
“I am afraid, Your Grace we cannot remain here. There is a matter of urgency, and I would you come with me, right away. There are things that have been happening in this household that you must know of.”
Williams who had already been leading the way to the sofa stopped and turned around. He had so many questions, but something in Witherspoon’s voice told him he would not get his answers in this room. So, deciding quickly, he announced, “Very well then. Thankfully, I am dressed to go out. I shall only fetch my hat and ask that my coach be prepared.”
“Mine is ready and waiting, so there would be no need for that – except if you prefer to ride in your carriage, that is.”
“Of course not. I have absolutely no reservations with riding in yours. Give me a moment while I fetch my hat.”
Williams got his hat from where it rested on his desk and fit it atop his head, then they were on their way. As they stepped out of his home, he spoke with Edward.
“Tell my wife that I have been invited by …”
“It would be best if you simply told her you stepped out for a bit and would be back in no time,” Benjamin cut in.
Williams looked from him to Edward who was waiting on his Lord’s word. The look in Witherspoon’s eyes requested that he be trusted. For some unknown reason, he felt compelled to do just that. So, to Edward, he nodded and said, “Just as the Duke has said.”
Then, they were on their way to nowhere he knew, at the time. As soon as they left his townhouse behind him, Benjamin beat him to it.
“I know you have a lot of questions.”
He looked at the man who sat across from him and nodded. “As I should.”
“Then allow me to share this with you. Perhaps, by the time I am done, all your questions will be answered. I only ask that you keep an open mind. In due time, all that I shall tell you now will be proven. Then, it will make sense.”
