He quietly took an empty chair next to Sir Duncan, who was at his ease in his seat near the fire, and stood the roll on its end beside him on the floor.
“Right then, gentlemen.” Lord Hawthorn remained standing by the hearth, his arm resting along the thick mantel. “We have some matters to discuss that pertain to us all, in varying ways.”
His gaze drifted to Blackstone. “You, sir, are the principal instigator of this conversation.”
Blackstone blinked, then raised his chin. “You would be referring, of course, to my interests in the River Ban.”
“Yes. It is indeed those interests that have spurred a variety of enquiries and discussions.”
Blackstone frowned. “Enquiries? I know of no enquiries, my Lord. I believe I showed both you and Sir Duncan all the relevant documents. There was no need for further enquiry as far as I can see…”
“In that case, you need spectacles, sir,” snapped Sir Duncan. “Neither the Viscount nor myself is willing to put a signature to such a project as you are suggesting without a thorough review of the entire situation.” He spoke firmly and forcefully. “Which both our host and I requested. Before your arrival, as it happens.”
“My Lord,” Blackstone turned to the Viscount, his brows drawn together in a fierce scowl. “This is preposterous. All these matters were formally presented to Sir Duncan, and most recently to yourself. I am shocked beyond measure that you would question or seek further verification of the facts I have lain before you both.” His barely controlled temper revealed itself when he clenched his fists on his knees and glared at Lord Hawthorn, then at Sir Duncan. “I would hope that ill-health has not clouded or influenced any of these decisions…”
Richard cleared his throat before the Viscount could leap to his friend’s defence. “Perhaps it would clarify matters if I formally introduced myself, sir.” He kept his expression blank as he looked across the table at the other man. “I am a solicitor, currently employed by the firm of Durnford and Hutchins. Our firm was recently asked to produce a record of certain information relevant to the area including Forest Grange, Rosewood Park, and Myrtle Manor. The request came from Sir Duncan Aylmer, and…” he stood and strolled to a small sidetable, where he picked up a rolled paper, “here is the document that bears the most relevance to the matter, which I am now delivering to Sir Duncan, thus fulfilling the obligations of my employers.”
“What?” Blackstone leapt to his feet, fists clenched. “What ridiculous nonsense is this? You can’t possibly have…”
“He can’t possibly have what, Mr Blackstone?” Lord Hawthorn’s gaze was sharp enough to cut glass.
“He doesn’t…” Blackstone stopped, cleared his throat, and took a breath. “My apologies, gentlemen. I was quite naturally surprised to learn that this Mr Hawkesbury had anything to do with our mutual interests.”
He straightened, obviously fighting for control. “I had not thought that it was necessary to engage the services of a solicitor.” He glanced at Sir Duncan and caught himself up. “Although I’m sure it was a wise decision on your part, sir.”
“It was indeed,” answered Sir Duncan mildly. “I am a cautious man, Mr Blackstone. You don’t get to be my age without learning that almost nothing is what it seems on the surface. Especially a scheme requiring considerable financial outlay.”
Lord Hawthorn nodded. “Very wise.”
Blackthorne managed to collect himself, and Richard was just a tiny bit impressed, since it was clear to everyone in the room that his back was up against the wall. His word had been challenged, and he didn’t like it one bit.
“Would you care to review this document, Mr Blackstone? After Sir Duncan has seen it, of course.”
“What? Oh, well, I suppose so…although I cannot believe it will pertain to anything…”
Richard passed the paper to Sir Duncan as Lord Trease came to stand behind the older man’s chair and lean over so that he could also see.
“Aha. There. I thought so…” The Viscount’s finger pointed to the River Ban. “Your assessments were incorrect, Blackstone. The position of the River Ban has no bearing on the property lines of Rosewood Park and Myrtle Manor.”
“That’s absurd,” blustered Blackstone, hurrying to Sir Duncan’s side. “Let me see that…”
In a quick but effective move, Lord Hawthorn slipped the paper out of Sir Duncan’s hands and took it to a table by the window. “Here. The light is better.”
Richard followed, and between them, they were able to keep Blackstone from actually touching the paper.
But they couldn’t keep his gaze from fixing on the notations, flickering over the entire page, and even pushing past the Viscount briefly to rub a corner. At which point, Richard blew a breath of relief that everything had dried thoroughly.
“This cannot be authentic,” scoffed Blackstone, moving away from the table. “It’s quite wrong.”
“Are you questioning my word, sir?” The Viscount stared steadily back at him, his gaze cold. “This paper clearly shows where the property markers are located, and that is proof that your claims to part of the River Ban as a public waterway are invalid. Which, if I am correct, confounds your scheme to turn the river into a canal.” He took a breath. “I can only hope your investors will understand the error you have made. But I’m sure when you return their funds, they will find it in their hearts to forgive you.”
A slightly muffled snort from Sir Duncan broke the silence that fell after the Viscount’s words.
“This is an outrageous forgery,” Blackstone stared at the paper.
“Now, whatever would make you think that, sir?” Richard’s voice betrayed a few hints of ice. “As a solicitor working on behalf of a client, I could easily take that accusation amiss.”
“I was assured there was only one copy of this map,” bit out Blackstone.
