He took a sip of his brandy and frowned thoughtfully. “But there is something else, something I can’t identify as yet. He and Mr. Tidemark have another‘irritation’between them that has nothing to do with the business. That requires separate investigation and thought.”
“It should be interesting to see them thrown together for a house party.”
Mr. Martin nodded. “I would agree. Keep a watchful eye on their interactions.”
“Does he have aspirations for Lady Darkford?” Lakehurst asked.
“Yes, I believe he does; however, he is coy at this time because of what is between him and Mr. Tidemark.”
“I believe my sister likes him well enough as a friend. I don’t know if she would favor him as a suitor. You know, don’t you, that he looks very like the late Marquess?”
“You mentioned something to that effect the other day to me but the others don’t know.”
Ellinbourne nodded. He looked around at the rest of the company. “Mr. Stillworth looks like he could be a twin to the late Marquess, though they are only cousins. His hair is darker and he is maybe an inch taller, but otherwise they are nearly identical. For that reason, I do not believe Cassie would favor his suit.”
“How near are they in age?” Mr. Martin asked.
Ellinbourne shook his head, his brows drawing together as he considered the question. “I don’t know. From something my sister said, I gathered they were very close in age, maybe a month apart at most?”
“And he’s the son of Mr. Tidemark’s sister?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Have you learned anything of Mr. Farrow? Something about that always smiling face strikes me as devious,” Lakehurst said.
Mr. Martin laughed. “He is on the far, far outer fringes of the princes’ set.”
“Really? I wouldn’t have thought him to come up to even that level.”
“He and his associates ape the royal hangers-on. They attend the same entertainments where they might catch a glimpse of the prince and his cronies so they might say‘when I attended the races with Prinny yesterday’…” he said in a voice mimicking Mr. Farrow.
Everyone laughed.
“But that takes funds. Is he wealthy?”
“I’m told his grandfather made a fortune as a cotton mill owner who branched into coal hauling.”
“Odd combination.”
“It was to move coal to his factories before canals were built in Lancashire. He was later one of the early investors in the canal business in Lancashire.”
“Smart man.”
“One may not say as much for his prodigy,” said the Duchess.
“Actually, Mrs. Tidemark appears to be the least of the family. Rupert Farrow, Mrs. Tidemark’s eldest brother, keeps the business interests going and is wealthy and respected in Lancashire. As the youngest, Mr. Harrison Farrow was coddled by his mother. My source who has knowledge of the family says so long as Harrison Farrow does not get in debt, his brother continues to allow him a rich allowance to keep him out of the way.”
“How did you learn all this?” Lakehurst asked. As an author he had a natural curiosity for information. The knowledge Mr. Martin had, though he was a Bow Street agent, seemed out of the realm of his purview as a London centered officer of the law.
He grinned. “The Gentlemen’s Trade Club.”
“Of course!” the Duchess said.
“You’ve heard of this club?” Lakehurst asked. “I’ve never heard of it.”
She nodded. “It was started by your Aunt Elizabeth’s friend, Lady Norwalk.”
“Yes! Helena wrote to me about her!” Ann said excitedly.
