The Barrister's Challenge_A Regency Romance by Johanna Evelyn

Author:Johanna Evelyn [Evelyn, Johanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Johanna Evelyn
Published: 2019-10-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

LINCOLN'S INN GREETED him like a second home, the familiar scents welcoming him into the grand old building. Walter walked straight to Mr Welch’s office to discuss the Vanderbilt case.

When he entered the old barrister’s office, Mr Welch’s wrinkled grey eyes widened in surprise.

“Mr Longman! Back so soon?”

“Only for a day or two,” he said quickly. “I wanted to reaffirm my dedication to the Vanderbilt case. I have received your letters and reviewed every detail, memorizing them. I’ve already hashed out a strategy. But some things aren’t adding up. I need to do some digging to make sure I’m on the right track.”

He didn’t know when he would be able to make time to devote to both cases. He needed to get to the bottom of who murdered Daniel and why, but his ability to provide for his family hinged on solving the Vanderbilt case.

Mr Welch held up a hand, and Walter slowed his speech to a stop. His mentor cocked his head in confusion. “You are returning back to Wallingford?”

“Yes, just for another few days.” Walter watched anxiously as Mr Welch steepled his fingers together.

“My dear boy, I understand how much this case means to you.”

“Everything, sir.” He broke in, his mouth going dry. He sensed Mr Welch’s next words would not be pleasant.

“The counsel—myself included—believe you are under too much stress and trauma at this time. They wanted to go ahead and reassign the case to Mr Bamber, but I convinced them to hold off a few more days. Time is not on your side, Mr Longman.”

Walter leaned over Mr Welch’s desk, his hands splayed over the cool wood. “I swear to you I can handle this case.” His voice was earnest. “I only have a few more matters to wrap up at home, then I’ll be here, devoid of distractions.” He pushed the picture of Patience to the back of his mind. He’d already made his decision about her. All he needed to do was put his plans into action and pray it didn’t take her too long to get over him. He knew it might never happen for him.

Mr Welch peered up at Walter, his lips pressed firmly together. Walter held his breath, waiting for the answer he sought. Finally, his mentor let out a long sigh, leaning back in his chair.

“I trust you, Mr Longman. I will keep the counsel off your back for a few days more. But this case can’t wait forever, and it needs England’s sharpest minds devoted to it.”

“I understand, sir.” Relief rushed through Walter, pierced by some slight anxiety. Small doubts pressed on him as he wondered if he truly was the best person for the case. With everything with which he was currently dealing, he was already worn too thin for his liking.

“Thank you,” Walter said. “I won’t disappoint.” He hoped he would be able to make good on his promise.

“See that you don’t,” Mr Welch said. “Your reputation isn’t the only one on the line here. I have vouched for you, knowing you have the capacity to rise to the top.

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