Another shake of the head. “I shouldn’t think so. The house is up for lease. The family solicitor will likely know how to contact her, though. Archibald Mason is his name. I believe his office is on Tothill Street. It was a dreadful business! Clarence Fairfax was a good man and a fine physician.”
“Yes, dreadful indeed.” Not wishing to be drawn into a conversation, Julian tipped his hat. “Thank you for the information, sir. Much appreciated. I bid you a good day.”
Julian went back the way he’d come, toward Grosvenor Place, where he hailed a cab, intent on seeking out the solicitor the neighbor had mentioned. He hoped the fellow would at least have a forwarding address for Annabelle or be able to provide more detail about her intentions. As it happened, his hope was short-lived.
“Miss Fairfax is currently traveling abroad, Mr. Northcott.” Archibald Mason cleared his throat and pushed his spectacles farther up his nose. “I’m afraid I cannot say when she might return to these shores.”
The clip-clop of a horse-drawn carriage drifted in from the street, the sound synchronizing perfectly with the tick-tock of the clock on a nearby wall. Julian glanced at the clock briefly, though his mind did not register the hour. It was too busy trying to figure out whyAnnabelle Fairfax’s solicitor was lying. “There is no forwarding address?”
“Since she is traveling, no.” The man cleared his throat again. “May I ask how you know the lady, sir? I confess I do not recall her ever mentioning your name to me.”
Julian saw no reason to lie. He met the man’s gaze. “Miss Fairfax and I met briefly several weeks ago. I learned of her father’s death through the newspaper report. Since I’m in London, I thought to call on the lady to pay my respects.”
“I see.” The fellow gave a thin smile. “Well, I regret that will not be possible.”
Julian blinked as comprehension flared to life. “You’re protecting her, aren’t you?” His chair creaked as he leaned forward. “Why would that be necessary, Mr. Mason? Is Miss Fairfax in danger?”
A tic appeared beneath the man’s left eye. “I cannot say more than I already have, sir. If you’d care to leave your contact information with me, I’ll make sure Miss Fairfax gets it when next she is in touch. Unfortunately, I don’t know when that will be.” He got to his feet. “Now, I do have other appointments today, so with respect, I must call an end to this one. Do you wish to leave a card?”
“Yes, I do.” Julian rose to his feet as well, reached into his waistcoat pocket, and handed a card over. “This is my brother’s address. My father’s London house is currently closed.”
Archibald Mason regarded it, one eyebrow arching as he did so. “I appreciate your concern for my client, Mr. Northcott,” he said, “and I bid you a good day.”
*
“That’s it?” Josiahshook his head. “That’s all he had to say?”
“That’s all.” Julian heaved a sigh and flopped onto the settee. “I don’t believe she’s traveling abroad, though. I believe she’s still inEngland, and Archibald Mason is fully aware of her location. He’s protecting her, Joe, I’m guessing from the fellow she was meant to marry. I can’t criticize him for that. He’s doing his duty.”
“Maybe if you pushed him,” Josiah said. “Y’know, throw your societal status in his face. Nephew of an earl and suchlike. He might be a bit more forthcoming.”
Julian frowned. “I could never do that. It’s disrespectful to Uncle Isaac.”
“I’m not saying you use the name. Just the title.”
Julian shook his head. “No, can’t do it. The fellow has my card and said he’d pass on the information when and if he can.”
“Or he might just drop it in the waste-paper basket.” Josiah cocked his head. “So, is that it? That’s all you’re prepared to do for now?”
“I don’t see what else Icando.”
“Hire someone. A private investigator.”
Julian groaned. “Come on, Joe, that’s taking things a bit far, don’t you think? I mean, if you look at this entire venture from an impassive standpoint, it translates to me tracking down a young woman I hardly know, a young woman who clearly prefers not to be found. Yes, it bothers the hell out of me that the girl has deemed it necessary to go into hiding, but steps have obviously been taken to ensure her safety. I’ve done all I can do for now, or at least, all I’m reasonably able and willing to do. Besides, to take things further might do more harm than good.”
Josiah grimaced. “You’re giving up, in other words.”
“I’m capitulating to circumstance,” Julian replied, with a shake of his head. “Am I disappointed? Yes, very. But all at once, this endeavor feels like a bootless errand. I have obligations elsewhere and I cannot ignore them. At this time of year, I should be at Highfield. Not here, traipsing around London trying to locate a woman who doesn’t want to be located. Maybe, if and when the solicitor tells her of my visit, she’ll contact me.”
“And if she doesn’t?”
Julian shrugged. “Then I suppose I’ll have to take a fatalistic approach and assume a liaison with Miss Fairfax was never meant to be.”
“Hmm.” Josiah nodded, his frown indicative of thought. “Well, in that case, feel like getting drunk?”
Julian opened his mouth to refuse but hesitated. “Yes, actually,” he said, after a moment. “I do.”
“Ever been to The Elysium?”
