“Because he’s spending money he’s expecting to gain.” Lucas was even more convinced that Greywick was blackmailing Chatterwood, and placing a bet on the side to tidy up another large sum. As underhanded as it was, Lucas gave credit to the man for being resourceful.
“I’m not certain how this pertains to our mutual friend.” Meyer’s expression shuttered, and Lucas forced the patience he certainly didn’t feel after such a long night of no sleep.
“Because I have reason to believe your father . . . has created some circumstances that will once again inflate the earldom’s wealth. I’m not in a position to mention exactly what those circumstances are, but I do have a few additional questions. The answers to those questions just might allow you the freedom to break the betrothal,” he added quietly.
Meyer’s gaze sharpened. “Then by all means, continue.”
“How long has your father been pushing the alliance between the lady and yourself?” Lucas was careful to never mention Liliah’s name, for insurance against eavesdroppers.
Meyer gave a shrug. “About a year. But I do remember him mentioning it once before, maybe four years ago? It wasn’t a large push, just a suggestion. In the past year it became far more insistent.”
Lucas nodded. It was near five years ago that the situation with Catherine happened, so the timelines almost coincided, at least enough. “Would you consider your father a confidant of the duke?”
Meyer frowned. “They have had several closed-door meetings. Once there was shouting, but I wouldn’t say they confide in one another.”
Lucas turned his gaze to the path before them. “Are you aware of any reservations your father has toward Lord and Lady Grace?”
Meyer didn’t answer for a moment, and Lucas turned his inquiring gaze to him.
“If what you’re saying is true about the current state of the my father’s affairs, then an alliance with the Graces is one he wouldn’t entertain,” he answered cryptically.
Lucas paused in his steps, waiting for Meyer to elaborate.
“What I am about to tell you is of the strictest confidence.” Meyer started.
Lucas nodded.
“Lady Rebecca confided in me about two months ago. Her father’s investment in the West Indies faced a huge loss after a storm. Their estate is not as endowed as it was earlier. There’s hope it will once again thrive after the next year’s investment returns, but for the time being, there isn’t much to spare.”
Lucas closed his eyes. “I see.” He met Meyer’s anguished expression.
“So, that would make a union unhelpful for either family.”
“Yes.”
“But a duke’s daughter . . .” Lucas let the words linger.
“Would be a huge asset to a poor estate,” Meyer murmured. “I see.”
“Don’t we all.” Lucas sighed. “I need to ask a favor of you.”
Meyer gave a curt nod.
“If your father, or if the duke suspects that we are aware of what is going on, they will likely move forward the wedding. I need time to collect evidence and play my hand if this is going to work. Can you play along for the time being?”
Meyer agreed. “It isn’t as if I have a choice either way.”
“Let’s see if we can give you some more options, shall we?” Lucas offered a smile.
Meyer didn’t return it, rather he frowned. His expression bespoke of a myriad of questions, but he continued with the one of most importance. “Then what of Lady Liliah?” he asked in a hushed whisper.
Lucas’s brow pinched, then he realized that he hadn’t made his intentions clear. “We’ll see about regularizing the situation posthaste.” He offered a slight grin.
Meyer gave a disbelieving look. “Truly?”
“It seems that we are not all immune to her charms, like you,” Lucas admitted.
Meyer gave a small smile. “Well then, I can most certainly get behind this plan.”
