The gesture melted the coldness that had seized Jacob on realising the world knew about his marriage plans before he was ready to tell them. His old schoolfriend was prepared to risk the viscount’s displeasure to stand in his corner. ‘Thanks, Knighton, but this is something I have to do alone.’
‘Thank God for that!’ With a rueful grin, Knighton got up. ‘Best of luck, old chap.’
Jacob put his hat back on. ‘I’ll see you at the club– if I survive.’
When Jacob arrived at the office, he found Susan alone at the desk. He came in, half expecting his brother to leap out from behind the door.
‘Where is everyone?’ he asked.
Susan’s lips curved, twitching her beauty spot, a style from yesteryear that she still sported. ‘We are all busy as bees. Alex is meeting his friend in the River Police, something about identifying a body they pulled out of the water at Putney.’ Susan grimaced at that. ‘Ren and Hugo are taking the day off afterfollowing the faithless husband last night. I’m going through their report now. I believe we have enough for the wife.’
Nothing out of the ordinary then.
‘However—’ She put down her pen and mock-scowled. ‘I will have you know that I won’t put up with any rudeness. I’m too old for that kind of thing.’
He blinked at her, not comprehending. ‘I’m sorry. Have I done something to offend you?’
‘Not you, love, your pain-in-the-arse brother.’
‘Bloody hell.’ Jacob sank into the visitor’s chair. ‘What did he do?’
‘He stormed in here about an hour ago and demanded that I produce you as if I were a conjuror with you stashed in my hat like a rabbit. When I told him you were working and would he like to leave a message, he told me that he was a viscount, that I was a bloody nobody, probably of immoral persuasions, and that his disgrace of a brother must present himself at the family mansion at once or suffer the consequences.’
Jacob let his head fall back as he gazed hopelessly at the ceiling. ‘Did he spell out what the consequences would be?’
‘Funnily enough, I didn’t ask. I told him I didn’t like his tone, viscount or no, and that he should make an appointment if he wants you to meet him because you are very busy earning your living.’
‘Oh, Susan, thank you.’ Jacob knew that was a reply that would have only infuriated his brother further, but he would’ve loved to have heard that put-down. ‘Did he make an appointment?’
‘What do you think?’ Susan smirked. ‘What’s he in high dudgeon about in any case?’
‘The newspapers announced that Dora and I are getting married.’ He just had to persuade the reluctant bride to go the last inch.
Susan gave a squeal of pleasure. ‘Oh, I do love a wedding. Does Lord Muckety-Muck not approve?’
‘You got it in one.’
‘Well, he can shog off. Dora’s a fine lass and you’re lucky to get her.’
‘Exactly my sentiments on the matter.’ Jacob’s first response had been to go immediately to the family home on Grosvenor Street, but now he thought better of it. Susan was right; he had his damned living to earn and a job to do. The viscount would have to get in line and be polite about it.
His other brother was another matter. He owed William an announcement in person at least, because William and his wife, Charlotte, had welcomed Dora into their home during the investigation of the Earl of Elgin’s case. He would do that before he went in search of the Foreign Office contact of Knighton’s.
But first, his mother. Jacob quickly wrote a letter to her and dropped it in the bag for Kir to take to the Post Office.
‘Thank you for sending the viscount away with a flea in his ear,’ he said to Susan. ‘If he returns, or sends a messenger, say that I’m out on calls but will get to him when I have an opening.’
Susan chuckled. ‘I think I can do that.’
‘I’m off to see my other brother?—’
‘That’ll burn the viscount’s bum, to be second in line.’
Vivid but accurate. He grinned. ‘—then to Whitehall so don’t expect me back before you leave for the day.’ He picked up his hat. ‘Any news from Dora?’
‘She was heading to Barnes so I’m not expecting her back until later this afternoon. Do you want me to tell her?’
‘Ah, yes.’ What was the probability Dora would hear about the article before he had a chance to warn her? She was unlikely to have had time to read the newspaper and there was no reason to think anyone she was meeting today would make the connection. He certainly didn’t need to send messengersrunning after her to warn her because that would only alarm her. ‘Use your discretion. Tell her if she needs to know, but otherwise I’ll explain this evening.’
