Too Clever by Half by Nancy Yeager

Author:Nancy Yeager
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2018-11-28T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 5

“N ow you’re courting her?” Fairbank dropped into the chair behind the large, mahogany-carved desk in his study and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Just a day had passed since James had come up with what had seemed to be, at the time, an inspired plan for keeping Lady Tessa’s secret. But he could hardly share that nefarious motivation or the fact that it was all a ruse with Fairbank.

“I can’t imagine the duke will be pleased to learn the finalists for his Trust’s annual prize are now courting,” Fairbank said.

James shifted uncomfortably in his own chair, suddenly cast in the role of chagrined student sent to the headmaster’s office. Which, of course, had never happened to him in all his years at Harrow, or at Oxford after that.

For his part, Granville seemed infuriatingly relaxed. He sprawled in his chair and gazed with what could only be described as affection at the glass of excellent tawny port Fairbank had poured for them. “This situation,” Granville said with a grin, “is exactly why I withdrew myself from the board’s selection committee.”

James cast a sidelong glance at him. “Really? I thought surely I’d heard that the duke excused you from service.”

Granville grinned wider. “Semantics, mate. Right up your alley. And your paramour’s, too, I reckon.”

James propped his elbows on the chair arms, took a calming breath, and turned his attention back to Fairbank. “My lord, the courting isn’t our greatest concern right now. I’ve actually come to speak to you about a graver matter. It’s about this Mr. Pettibone.”

“Have you learned something about him?” Fairbank asked.

“No, and not for lack of trying.” James casually dropped his voice. “He seems to be an enigma. And so, I had hoped—”

Fairbank held up his hands in front of him. “Whatever rumors you might have heard about me, Mr. Alcott, I assure you, they’ve been exaggerated.”

“Of course.” Granville grinned, seemingly oblivious to just how unhelpful his presence had proven to be.

“I’ve only heard, sir, that you know many people. And I hoped that among your acquaintances, perhaps someone would know of this Pettibone.” He frowned. “If my suspicions are correct and he has disreputable designs on the lady, that could taint the duke’s contest more than any harmless courting ever could. And of course, Lady Tessa being a friend of your daughter...”

He paused, letting that sink in. While Fairbank’s professional reputation was a mix of mystery and rumor, his devotion to his sole daughter was undisputed fact.

Fairbank sat in silence for a moment, then sighed and unfolded his legs. “The duke is a Harrow man, and we look out for our own. Perhaps there’s something I can do for you, Mr. Alcott. Wait here.”

When he left the room, Granville pointed to James’s full glass sitting on a corner of the desk. “Are you going to…?”

James shook his head. “Since seeing Swimmer inebriated for an entire day and night, I’ve had difficulty rousing interest in spirits.”

Granville stood and picked up the untouched drink, then sat. “I’ll see for myself soon enough.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.