Southern Gold by Jude Thomas

Author:Jude Thomas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jude Thomas

Chapter Twenty

Meg is uneasy. Why would a gentleman who takes a carriage from his office in Rattray Street wish to speak with the likes of them? She shall not trouble Alf at present, but she questions Billie several times to no avail, other than to be told that this Mr Northey firstly asked if she knew someone up the Rise and now wishes to visit them with regard to a matter of benefit.

Meg takes her time, but when she enlightens Alf she concludes by stating, ‘I suppose it can do no harm. We have nothing to hide and we live in a public house, so if this gent wishes to sup here we cannot stop him. But I cannot meet with him until late evening, or maybe mid-morning for five minutes if I ask ahead. Let him see how he goes with that.’

And so Edwin finally arrives at the Abbeyleix and is ushered into the private parlour. He presents himself as prepared: not to seem superior, nor too servile, and ready for a raft of reactions. ‘Just be yourself, Northey,’ James Ogilvy had counselled. ‘You are an agreeable enough chap.’

‘Madam and sir, Mr and Mrs Maguire, firstly please let me thank you for allowing me to present myself in person.’

Meg and Alf exchange a silent note that although this gentleman is far from the usual patrons or individuals who visit here, his deferential introduction is not in the least patronising or awkward. Well, a little hesitant maybe. They know from experience the devious ways of most tricksters; let Mr Northey continue with his say.

‘Please let me assure you that nothing is amiss, nothing at all. You have my card and can easily check on my credentials, which show me to represent Northey Solicitors. Your young lad will have told you that we have met on occasions in Rattray Street, where I have observed his intelligence.’ Edwin does not want to overplay it, and his audience gives no hint of their own impressions.

‘And so I am here today to introduce an organisation set up for the benefit of boys. Oh, please do not take offence.’ He senses a slight jib. ‘I am in no way suggesting your boy is in need of benefit in the usual sense, no indeed. But – ahem – may I continue to set out the scope of my client’s organisation?’

The Maguires imperceptibly affirm, never taking their eyes off Edwin. They have assessed the introduction and are watchful of body movements and facial expressions. The words are not so important, initially.

‘Thank you and – ahem – I shall begin. Firstly, I must ask of you that our discussions will remain strictly confidential, and that is on both our sides. Therefore, if you allow me to proceed, or if you do not wish me to, I must ask that for the time being, until it is agreed otherwise, this is to be discussed with no soul other than between yourselves and myself. What do you say?’

Alf and Meg look briefly at each other and give a slight nod.

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