“Ludwig’s profits will double. Possibly triple,” Jeremy continued. He had analyzed every possible scenario and noneof the numbers lined up with those provided by the current owners. “The greater the risk, the greater the reward. You, Bash, and Gold are simply going to have to decide if you’ve the ballocks to go all in.”
“It’s not me who requires convincing. As I said before…”
“Yes.” Jeremy stared knowingly back at the other earl. “However, considering you’re known as London’s most charmed negotiator, I shouldn’t be concerned, eh?”
Baxter snorted. “True.”
“And as for these gang bosses,” Jeremy went on, “I’ve discussed the issue with a handful of Bow Street Runners. But I wouldn’t mind a little help with manpower once we decide to raid, once I know more of the specifics.”
“How many?”
“Twenty men. More if you can.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem. Just do me a favor and try to give me a few hours’ notice. I’ll need to bring substitutes into the club.”
Jeremy nodded. The idea that he might be able to clear his brother’s name was one he couldn’t let go of. Or perhaps, the notion refused to let go of him.
Unfortunately, it was also possible the information he discovered could do just the opposite.
That thought summoned an elephant to sit on his chest.
Damn Lucas, and damn Blackheart, and damn them both to hell that they would turn their backs on his brother so easily.
“Is this orphan of yours the same one you’ve taken into your home?”
Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Women talk too much. But, yes, he is.”
“Your newfound compassion knows no bounds.”
“Lady Lydia didn’t allow me much choice. If I didn’t take him in, she would have taken him home with her to Heart Place.He’d have robbed her blind.” Jeremy shrugged. “It’s a small thing, and I might as well take advantage of any information he provides me. It won’t be long before the boy tires of earning honest wages. But before he does, there’s a chance he could lead me right to this Farley fellow.”
Lydia would be hugely disappointed, and Jeremy felt an inkling of guilt for not making all of his intentions clear to her. But if he had, she would have only had questions. And she would have defended Ollie most ardently. They would argue. Her cheeks would flush, and her cobalt eyes would sparkle with passion, causing him to forget what they were arguing about in the first place and give into other, counterproductive urges.
Urges that could only end in further heartache. Jeremy unclenched and clenched his fists. Because both his cock and his heart protested the assumption.
Baxter drew his horse to a halt again and glanced down at his fob watch. “Keep me appraised, Tempest. But I’d best turn back. My countess will be expecting me to break my fast with her.” Tipping his hat, he grinned. “Give my best to Lady Lydia.”
Jeremy stared after him—a man who, born on the wrong side of the blanket, had elevated himself to become a bloody earl. As the white mare pranced toward the park exit, Baxter road away, his posture as noble as any man born into a title. Damned fellow knew far too much for his own good.
Jeremy couldn’t help but wonder what else he knew.
CHECKING IN WITH OLLIE
Having met with two of the seamstresses at Madam Chantal’s and arranged for them to come up with some designs for potential uniforms, Lydia stood waiting for her driver outside of the Bond Street shop with her maid and exhaled a long sigh.
As busy as she’d kept herself over the past week, it was impossible to keep her mind from going back to the day Jeremy had kissed her.
Twice, he’d kissed her.
Twice.
But since then, it had become quite apparent that he’d decided to avoid her.
Rather than bring the contract to her himself, Jeremy had sent it via messenger. As promised, he had indeed included the requirement that she not visit the Tuesday Warehouse unprotected, and it was an enforceable clause.
But most importantly, the contract ensured that the orphanage would be funded for eighteen months from the date of opening. She could not convince herself the clause was worth arguing over in the face of his generosity.
Even if Jeremy had told her he was only doing this at Baxter’s insistence.
