The Darwin Affair by Tim Mason

Author:Tim Mason
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Published: 2019-07-17T16:00:00+00:00

The gout was acting up again. Sir Jasper slowly made his way up the marble staircase of the Athenaeum Club to the dining room above. Sir Richard Owen, climbing one step at a time at his side, fairly radiated impatience.

“I believe I have things well in hand,” wheezed Sir Jasper. “One of my shipper friends in Hamburg has put forward a young anarchist for the task, and I think he’ll do.” Sir Jasper paused yet again, one hand clinging to the iron rail, the other clutching his stick. “My friend had one of his spies stand drinks for the chappie, and the report is he’d do the deed gratis.”

Two other members, Charles Dickens and his close friend, the artist Augustus Egg, overtook them on the stairs and quickly disappeared above. Owen watched them trip rapidly up the steps with barely concealed irritation, which delighted Sir Jasper.

“You’ve called off your man, I trust?” said the latter.

“My man?” said Owen. “Decimus Cobb was your man until recently. I believe he has been in your home at your invitation. He’s never been in mine.”

“The fellow’s a lunatic. Doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Suggested I had a tumor! Infernal cheek. Saw my man in Harley Street. Said it was a load of rubbish.”

“By the way,” said Owen, “Officer Field is no longer a problem. I used my influence to have him dismissed from the Metropolitan Police.”

“Really? Odd, my Fleet Street friend, reporter chappie, told me the man was dismissed for gross insubordination. Nothing to do with your influence.”

Owen’s lips disappeared. Lunch was going to be an ordeal.

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