“Want I should take care of yer problem, sir?” the hired man asked, smiling with relish.
Winter’s stomach churned. He did not want to kill her—nor have someone else do it. Standing, he crossed the room to his writing desk and retrieved the letter that had come only an hour before. A boy had brought it. All his post went to another location before reaching him. He remained ever cautious about being discovered.
Dear Sir,
After speaking with knowledgeable sources and investigating the state of my niece’s company, I present a counteroffer for you to consider. Lady Montrosewill accepta sum of one hundred thousand pounds in exchange for her father’s controlling shares of the company, the warehouses still in his name located in Yorkshire, and even hishouse,if it is your desire.
I believe this compensation to be more than equitable and look forward to your letter.
Yours, etc.,
Edward Gardiner
He scoffed in disgust. Winters would not even dignify the missive with a response. “What do you know about this man?” He tossed the letter at Jarvis. “You investigated Miss Montrose’s adopted relations.” He should have known Lady Montrose would stick her nose in his business.
“Gardiner’s in imports an’ exports. Owns warehouses in Cheapside—done well fer ’imself. Very good ’ead for business. You ain’t gonna talk ’im down. I wager ’e already offered you a bargain.”
“I am very aware of what my company is worth!” But he did not have the assets to purchase Montrose’s share—not at that price. The amount he had offered Miss Montrose was less than half the value of everything listed in Gardiner’s letter.
“The only way to get yer ’ands on it now is to—” Jarvis made a slicing motion across his throat.
Winters sighed and sat down. “I had hoped it would not come to this.” Not again.
“The girl walks in the park every day. Takes a footman with ‘er, but I can deal wit ’im easily. Quick grab ’n the job’ll be done. You’ll get yer business, and I’ll get me cut.”
“Of course, of course.” Sighing heavily, he waved a hand. “Do what you must. But do not get caught.”
“Got an idea, I think. There’s a bounder turned up when I looked into our problem. ’Ad some kind o’ fallin’ out with Darcy years ago. Down on ’is luck now. Let’s see if we can get ’im to do the dirty work fer us.”
Winters nodded in agreement. Best to keep their hands as clean as possible and let someone else take the risk. “Give him whatever he wants in the way of compensation—within reason, of course.”
Jarvis grinned wickedly, and Winters sighed in resignation. He knew that if Jarvis had any say in the matter, his mark would not see a farthing. More likely, he would end up taking a permanent dip in the Thames.
He did not acknowledge Jarvis’s departure. Instead, he took his seat before the fire and stared into the flames in stony silence. Time was running out. Dangerous men waited to collect on his debts, and he could not put them off much longer. Even now, he hid within his house, afraid to step outside for fear that they would find him and take what they were owed—out of his hide, if necessary.
He had no doubt Jarvis would succeed. The man wasterriblypersuasive. Winters had met him by chance whilst traveling. What he had done before entering Winters’s service was a mystery, though he suspected that Jarvis had run with smugglers. He operated with stealth and cunning and would do anything his master required—so long as he was paid.
Of course, he wanted half the business profits in time, but Winters had no intention of keeping him that long. Jarvis believed him soft. But even he did not know what Winters was capable of. No one did. No one alive, at any rate. And he meant to keep it that way.I suppose it is inevitable that the girl be dealt with,he thought.
The door opened a few hours later. “Did you accomplish your aims?” Winters asked without turning to look at the newcomer.
“O’course I did—said yes straight off. Seems ’is grudge against that wealthy nob goes deep.” There came the sound of movement as Jarvis rummaged about. He came to Winters’s side with a decanter and two glasses. He watched as Jarvis set them down and then filled them nearly to the brim. Then he raised his glass and toasted: “To fat profits.” Winters took the offered glass and took a sip. It was cheap wine, but he savored the bitter flavor before swallowing. “To our future, indeed,” he muttered, raising his glass to Jarvis. “May it come sooner rather than later.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
February 14, 1812
Darcy House, London
Darcy
Hegrinned,reassuredbyElizabeth’s playful words. Whatever had pulled him away, she did not hold it against him. Glancing at the clock, he grimaced. He had three hours to wait before his meeting. Wickham had insisted upon discretion, and Darcy would honor the request, unpleasant as it was.
He likely wants money for whatever information he has to give.Darcy would do anything to protect Elizabeth, and so went to his safe and withdrew a bag of guineas. He held a veritable fortune in his hand for a man of Wickham’s status. Whatever the blackguard had to say had best be worth every bit.
Georgiana played the pianoforte for an hour, and though he listened with fondness, his mind wandered. He tried to read but abandoned the book, turning instead to estate business. Nothing held his attention. Anxiety pressed against his chest. What danger now threatened the woman he loved…after all she had already endured?
The hour finally came to depart, and he donned his outerwear, patted his pocket to make sure Wickham’s‘fee’was secure and left the house. Hyde Park was close, but he would not go there directly. Instead, he circled the block and entered the park by a lesser-used gate, the sort thetonseldom frequented. He slipped inside, glancing around as he did. Darcy continued through with casual ease, resisting the urge to look over his shoulder. He hoped no one followed. He strolled down the path, swinging his walking stick as though he had no care in the world.
