*
Arms folded, Josiahleaned against the door jamb. “Good luck,brother,” he said, as Julian pulled on his coat. “I’ll see you at one o’clock, hopefully with Annie hanging off your arm.”
“From your lips to God’s ear.” Julian studied his reflection in the hall mirror and straightened his collar. “I suspect getting past Archibald Mason’s defenses will be nigh on impossible.”
Josiah shrugged. “Set the formal claptrap aside and tell him what lies in your heart.”
Julian threw him a doubtful look. “He’s a solicitor, Joe, not a priest.”
“Trust me.”
“I’ll think about it.” Julian opened the door. “But if I have to wait a few more hours to see her, so be it.” His heart skipped at the mere thought. “In any case, I’ll see you at one o’clock.”
He stepped out into the morning rain and hailed a cab. Not a half hour later, he stood before Archibald Mason’s desk.
“Mr. Northcott.” The solicitor stood and extended his hand. “It’s good to see you again, sir.”
“Likewise, Mr. Mason.” Julian shook the man’s hand. “Thank you for taking the time.”
“You’re most welcome,” Mason replied, retaking his seat. “Sit, please, and tell me how I might help you.”
Julian wondered if the man knew the truth of Annie’s birth. In any case, his approach merited discretion. “Basically, sir, I’m here for the same reason as before,” he replied, as he sat. “I’m hoping to have an opportunity to speak with Miss Fairfax who, I’m told, is staying with your good self and your lady wife.”
“I see,” the man replied. “Then if you’d care to leave a message, I’ll be sure to deliver it to Miss Fairfax this evening.”
“This evening?” Julian cleared his throat. “Actually, I’d hoped to speak with the young lady sooner than that, if possible.”
The solicitor’s brows rose. “Is there a matter of urgency I should be made aware of?”
“No. That is, nothing alarming, I assure you. It’s simply a matter of…” he hesitated. There was nothingsimpleabout the matter at all, and a verbal dance around the issue would serve no purpose.
“…tell him what lies in your heart.”
Julian drew breath and leaned forward slightly. “To hell with propriety, sir. The situation is this. I’m in love with the lady and I’m damn well certain she is in love with me. However, a situation has recently arisen which has led Miss Fairfax to believe she is no longer worthy of me. And I swear to you, Mr. Mason, nothing could be…” He swallowed over the sudden dryness in his throat. “Nothingcould be further from the truth. I came to London to find her, to set things straight, and I will not leave the city till I have done so. Obviously, the sooner this issue is resolved, the better. For her, and, God knows, for me.” He swallowed again. “Please.”
Archibald Mason sat completely still for a moment, his expression remarkably unchanged. Then he shifted in his seat and frowned. “While I appreciate your predicament and your eagerness to resolve it, sir, the most I’m able to do is to let Miss Fairfax know you are here in London and looking for her, but that will not be until later today. Are you residing at the same address as before?”
“I am, yes.” Julian pinched the bridge of his nose. “Is there any way at all I might call on her this morning?”
“At my private residence?” The man shook his head. “That is not an option, sir.”
Julian heaved a sigh. “I will not insult you by offering a bribe, Mr. Mason. Must I beg, then?”
“Neither one would make any difference, Mr. Northcott.” Archibald Mason rose to his feet, and extended his hand. “I regret if this is not quite the answer you hoped for. It has, however, been a pleasure to see you again.”
Julian regarded the man’s outstretched hand, and was tempted, momentarily, to do something he had never done, which was to usethe family name in an attempt to force that hand. But the mere thought of doing so left a sour taste in his mouth. Instead, he stifled another sigh and then rose, slowly, to his feet. “I understand, sir, of course,” he said, as he shook the man’s hand once more. “I shall wait for Miss Fairfax’s response, then. Thank you. I appreciate your time and consideration.”
As he turned to leave, Mr. Mason spoke again. “I believe you’re familiar with the lady’s London address, are you not?”
Julian paused. “Yes, I am. Chester Street.”
A brief smile appeared. “As I thought.” He cleared his throat. “Miss Fairfax has been spending quite a lot of time at the house of late, sorting things out. Not an easy task for her, I’m sure you understand.”
Julian’s heart quickened at the inference. “Might she be there this morning?”
“I couldn’t say,” he replied. “I cannot, however, prevent you from going there to check.” He smiled again and gave a nod. “I appreciate your discretion, Mr. Northcott, and bid you a very good day.”
*
