Page 85 of My Gentleman Spy
Chapter Thirty-Four
“This isthe right thing to do. The only thing,” Will muttered to his reflection in themirror.
Day by day the barriers were coming down between Hattie and himself. Small but sure steps of progress were being made in his campaign to win her heart. Today he would take the first big step on the path he now saw set out before him. Today he would do as he and Hattie had agreed. He would meet with EdgarWright.
Contrary to his usual habits he was up early and ready to leave the house well before midday. Before heading to White’s, he planned to stop by his usual coffee house on Oxford Street and fortify himself with two strong cups of their best Braziliancoffee.
Slipping out of the house, he made a point to avoid Hattie. He didn’t need her changing her mind at the last minute. She was recovering well from her injuries and only last evening had broached the subject of when Will thought she might be well enough to return to St.John’s.
At White’s club, Will checked with the day attendant. True to his sources, the man confirmed that Edgar Wright was indeed in attendance at the club just beforeluncheon.
It would have been simple enough to have called upon Hattie's brother at his home, but Will decided their first meeting should be in public. He had no way of knowing how Edgar would react to the knowledge that his unwed sister was living under the same roof as a youngwidower.
He penned a note and asked that the club attendant pass it on toEdgar.
While he waited, Will took a seat in an alcove. Seated facing the front door, he recited the first few words he planned to say. A well-rehearsed initial greeting always helped to establish control at the beginning of ameeting.
The attendant soon returned and escorted Will to where Edgar Wright wasseated.
“Mr.Wright?”
Edgar looked up and Will saw the look of recognition cross his face. Hattie’s brother rose from his chair and offered Will hishand.
“We meet again. William Saunders at your service sir,” saidWill.
Once seated in the chair opposite to Edgar, Will took a minute to undertake a closer study of Hattie's brother. They were quite similar in looks. They shared the same warm brown eyes and light straw- colored hair. He was pleased to note that Hattie did not have the same long, almost equine facial features as didEdgar.
“You sent a note asking to see me,” saidEdgar.
Will took in a long slow breath and fixed him with a steelygaze.
“I have come about your sister,” hesaid.
Edgar's eyes narrowed, mistrust evident in them. Their meeting at St. Paul’s cathedral had not been the sheer chance he had been led tobelieve.
“If my sister has been troubling you or the members of your household for donations, I apologize. Rest assured that she will not be bothering you again for a very long time. If ever. My parents have taken her with them on a mission toAfrica.”
Will noted the tone of anguish in Edgar’s voice. He did not expect to ever see his sisteragain.
“No, I have not come about her philanthropic work. What would you say if I told you that Hattie is in London and that she is living under my protection?” repliedWill.
Edgar's demeanor immediately changed. He leapt from his chair and stood over Will. His hands were held out in front of him ready tostrike.
“What have you done with her you blackguard? If you have hurt her I will end your very existence,” hesaid.
The sideways glances from other members of the club set Will's nerves on edge. He did not like being the center of attention, even parties made himuncomfortable.
“Please resume your seat Mr. Wright you are causing a scene. Until you do I will not continue this discussion. I have come here in good faith and with only the guarded blessing of your sister. If it were up to her, I would not be here at all. Now sit down,” saidWill.
The look on Edgar's face was one of shock. He was clearly not a man used to having another speak to him in such a fashion. He snorted at Will's command, but did as he wastold.
“Well?” said Edgar, resuming hisseat.
“Hattie is safe and living at your parent’s house. I have recently taken over the lease and reside at that sameaddress.”
Considering Hattie's recent injuries Will knew his statement regarding Hattie’s state of health to be a misrepresentation of the truth. But since Edgar would discover the truth about Hattie soon enough, Will decided he didn't need to cloud the discussion with that piece ofnews.
The first thing he needed to do was to establishtrust.
