‘You would? I would’ve put good money on your avoiding me. That awful woman in your office was very rude.’
‘You were in the wrong– and you owe her an apology. MrsNapper is a respectable woman and deserves gentlemanly treatment.’
Arthur gave a harrumph to that, which was as much of a concession as Jacob could expect.
‘As for avoiding you, it is tempting, but I’m not a child in fear of a scolding. We must speak to each other like adults– like brothers– on this subject.’
Before Arthur could reply, Yarton returned triumphant with a steaming cup of camomile. ‘Will there be anything else, sir?’
‘No, thank you, Yarton. I’ll ring when the viscount is leaving.’
Yarton bowed and retreated, closing the doors behind him. It had proved a useful interruption because Arthur regrouped and decided on a less hostile approach.
‘Are you going to tell me what happened to you?’ asked Arthur.
‘Someone pushed me in front of Southwell’s carriage. Fortunately, he employs a skilled coachman and I escaped with only a battering. I’ve had worse falling from a horse in a steeplechase.’
‘You’re telling me someone tried to kill you?’
Jacob blew at the surface of his tea, enjoying the calming scent. ‘It wasn’t you then?’
‘Don’t even joke about it!’ Arthur’s expression sharpened. ‘Do you think it was one of us?’
‘One of us what?’
‘One of our class in society?’
‘It happened in Pall Mall– hardly the resort of the ruffians of the rookeries.’
Arthur ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. ‘Oh,Jacob, can’t you see? What you are doing will put both you and Miss Fitz-Pennington at risk!’
‘It is likely nothing to do with that, but a case we are working on, and no, I cannot give you any details.’ He risked a sip, but the tea was still too hot.
‘That is no better! If you get yourself caught up in such murderous situations?—’
‘Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it you I dug a bullet out of a couple of weeks ago when some madman tried to murder you? How is the wound, by the way?’
Arthur touched his chest and winced. ‘That’s beside the point and you know it. That was an aberration, and he was aiming for Lord Furness, not me. But you… You will be constantly dragging the Sandys name into the gutter! I won’t allow it.’
Jacob struggled to hold on to his temper.Breathe. Count to ten. Finally, when he felt in command of himself, he replied, ‘Tell me, Arthur, is the Sandys name one that belongs solely to you, or are all of Father’s children allowed to use it, at least until marriage in the case of the girls?’
‘You know the answer to that,’ growled his brother. ‘But I am the head of the family.’
‘You are the head of your branch of the family. I am a sideshoot, establishing my own branch, and this one chooses to define itself as one that is active in the pursuit of truth and justice, making itself useful to our clients.’ Jacob wondered with wry amusement why he was sounding so self-righteous; he blamed his brother for driving him to this. ‘We’ve been useful to the government and we’ve saved lives– that is nothing to be ashamed of. And if I choose to graft Miss Fitz-Pennington on to my branch, what is it to you?’
‘Then you will only produce bitter, despised fruit, if you want to persist in this ridiculous imagery!’
Jacob wanted to strangle his brother. Surely no jury would convict him; Viscount Sandys was a sanctimonious ass.
‘What fruit do you refer to?’ he said, studiously keeping his tone polite. ‘Our results so far have revealed the culprits in three murder cases and justice has been served upon them. Or perhaps you are referring to what offspring Dora and I might have once we are married? Then I will tell you that no children of ours will be bitter and despised; they will be loved and cherished. If anyone dares show them the least disrespect, then they will be cut out of our lives.’
‘You say that now?—’
He interrupted his brother. ‘The same goes for Dora– if anyone scorns her then he will answer to me.’
‘How many duels are you prepared to fight for that woman?’
‘Thatlady– and as many as it takes until people understand I am in deadly earnest about her.’
