But, that could not be.
Entering the study, still deep in thought, he saw Kingsley standing before the fire holding a hefty tome, frowning in concentration as he studied the pages. He glanced up at Julian’s approach and grinned.Simon Thompson,Viscount Kingsley, had fair hair which fell in curls about his round face. His eyes were sky blue and his smile was that of a boy taking delight in the world around him. He was irrepressible.
“A translation of the Venerable Bede,” Kingsley grinned, “hisLife of Saint Cuthbert.Fascinating stuff.”
“Truly?” Julian retorted dryly.
Kingsley snapped the book shut. “No need to sound quite so skeptical, old chap. I have developed a curious mind since our school days.”
“I recall the build of dust on your books at Silverton. Something that was certainly not present on your cricket bat.”
Kingsley shrugged and smiled brilliantly. “I was young and callous. Now I am old and…”
“Shallow?”
“Somewhat.”
He helped himself to Julian’s preferred seat. Julian dragged a chair over to take a position opposite.
“It is unlike you to forget an appointment, Windermere,” Kingsley stated with a hint of chiding.
“Forgive me, Kingsley. I have an unexpected house guest who requires my attention.”
Kingsley’s left eyebrow went up. A sly smile broke out across his striking features. “And would that be a house guest of the female persuasion?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact,” Julian replied, not rising to the suggestion of innuendo. “I rescued her from a brigand the night before last.”
“A brigand? I have not heard of a new highwayman in these parts since Peter Clancy was caught and strung up. Do the night watchmen not patrol into these wilds?”
“Pah. The watchmen do not stir much beyond the boundaries of London as far as I can tell. But, the presence of the brigands is still unusual. I have not heard of highway activity for more than a year. This young lady was walking alone near the Theydon Mere on the Chigwell Road. Even without much criminal activity lately, that is never advised. Nevertheless, there she was.”
“Theydon’s Mere?” Kingsley asked suddenly. “The lake with the old boathouse?”
Julian had been about to speak but paused. “Yes, do you know it?”
“I passed by it on my way here from town. A lonely place indeed. What was she doing there alone?” Kingsley commented with concern creasing his visage.
“…Walking?” Julian shrugged. “I can’t say I know much more. She was accosted on the road. Almost had her satchel snatched. I chased the fellow away but, sadly, I could not apprehend the rogue. He escaped.”
“Well done, Windermere. A veritable chivalrous knight,” he grinned, “and this was the night before last?”
There was an inflection to his questions and sharpness to his eyes that gave Julian pause. His friend was sitting with one leg crossed over the other and hands hanging loosely, forearms resting on the arms of the chair. It was a pose of indolent relaxation. His fine, golden brows were level, eyes intent on Julian’s. His lips were pursed slightly. Julian wondered at the interest in the story. It certainly was a curious tale, but one that he had not expected to draw questions.
“Yes, it was. A young, local girl. From the village,” Julian added slowly.
Ester wasn’t from Theydon, of course. But Julian was intrigued enough by his friend’s response to the story that he decided to adjust the facts, searching for any further reaction.
“Strange for a village girl to be roaming around those parts with a satchel full of coins at night, one would think it might make you an easy target for any rogue lurking about. What reason did she give for her little jaunt?” Kingsley asked, interlacing his fingers on his knee, perplexed.
“Your guess is as good as mine, old boy,” Julian replied. “I warned her of the folly in it. Some family trouble, I gather. I have offered her shelter for a couple of days to help her regain her bearings.”
“So, she remains under this roof?”
“She does,” Julian affirmed. “Now, what was it you wished to discuss so urgently that it could not wait a few days?”
Kingsley stared at him blankly for a moment. Then he smiled, the same easy grin that Julian knew so well. “Ah, yes!” He clapped his hands. “I had my secretary compile a detailed summary of our joint business interests. I wish to discuss with you several promising investment opportunities that have recently arisen in York. I asked him to wait in the kitchen—excellent chap, but not a gentleman.”
“Kingsley, Harper has served you loyally since his employment commenced last year. To consign him to the kitchens is hardly grateful.”
