‘I’ve never met them,’ said Eliza. ‘I’ve heard the countess is a very pretty woman, but our paths have not yet crossed. Doubtless, when the season starts again, we will meet. It will be very sad that it is a tragedy that gives us something in common.’
‘And Henry?’
‘He’s not mentioned them, but I can ask.’
Jane patted Eliza’s shoulder. ‘No need, sister; I’ll ask him at dinner.’ The server returned with an impressive stack of brown-paper-wrapped parcels. ‘It looks like you might prefer that to be the subject of conversation rather than your shopping bill.’
Chapter Twenty-Three
Coutts Bank
‘I’m afraid we can’t divulge any details of a client’s holdings.’ Mr Jefferson looked resolute if somewhat pained to deny a favoured customer his request. ‘I’m sure you would understand as you benefit from the same discretion.’
Jacob sighed inwardly. He wasn’t going to get anywhere, was he, with a direct request, and certainly not by standing in the middle of the marble-tiled banking hall in full view of the great and the good who banked here? He would have to ask Julien, but he imagined the young man’s finances were stuck in probate waiting for a court ruling to clear him as the heir to all his father owned. That might not get him the answer in time.
‘I do understand. I was hoping that an enquiry about a deceased person would be looked on differently.’
Mr Jefferson sniffed. ‘We do not serve individuals, but families. We must think of them when we deal with the affairs of a person who is no longer with us. Oh, my lord.’ He bowed to the man behind Jacob.
A hand clapped Jacob’s shoulder, uncomfortably, like a bailiff’s heavy mitt. ‘Jefferson. I hope my brother hasn’t been giving you any trouble?’
It would be Arthur, wouldn’t it? He was probably here to count his pennies as his mistress was draining his ready cash like a plug pulled from a sink.
‘Not at all, sir. I was merely explaining to Dr Sandys that I am unable to give him any information regarding another client.’
The viscount rocked on his heels, hands behind his back. ‘Oh? Was he asking about me?’
‘What? No!’ protested Jacob. ‘How could you think that?’
Arthur gave him a wintry smile. ‘You have always been curious.’
‘I was asking after a person who is of interest in a case I’m investigating– a deceased person, the Comte D’Antraigues.’
Arthur curled a lip. ‘The murdered Frenchman? Shocking business. What has he to do with anything?’
‘When I was here a few days ago Mr Jefferson here mentioned that there were rumours flying about a bank. I’m interested because one of the owners is the brother of a man who saved my life in the retreat from Corunna.’
‘How close did you come to death?’ asked the viscount with some heat. There were details of his life in the military that Jacob had softened for his family.
‘Close enough to make its acquaintance. Anyway, I looked into the matter and discovered the rumours connected to the latecomte, along with the suggestion that he was disloyal to his adopted country.’ The bank manager pursed his lips, clearly unhappy to have been caught out gossiping. ‘I investigated and found that, contrary to the rumours, thecomtewas dedicated to the fight against Napoleon, valued by the government and our allies, and no collaborator.’ He said this with an eye to Mr Jefferson spreading rumours that would benefit Henry Austen’sbank. ‘However, it appears that thecomtedid possess something that his killer wanted– and I wondered if it was all the while safely tucked up in the strongroom as I was told he banked here.’
Arthur crossed his arms and looked at Mr Jefferson. ‘Is this true? Did thecomtebank here?’
Jefferson folded himself in half in his agony of torn loyalties, twisting his hands together. The living won out. ‘Yes, my lord, he was a valued customer.’
‘We are all valued customers,’ observed Arthur in his most lordly tone. ‘My brother’s enquiry seems simple enough. He’s not asking you how much money the man had, nor asking you to spill any secrets that would harm the living. He has merely asked whether the unfortunate man had a strongbox here. His heirs would like to know that too, I’ve no doubt.’
‘And I will apply to Julien, the new Comte D’Antraigues, should the answer be in the affirmative,’ said Jacob. He stood shoulder to shoulder with his brother, knowing that two Sandyses in a row would have an intimidating effect.
Mr Jefferson crumbled. ‘I will check our records. One moment.’ He scurried away.
‘Thank you,’ muttered Jacob.
Arthur was scowling. ‘I hope he doesn’t fold so early if someone asks after my holdings.’
‘You are safe.’
‘How do you reckon that?’
