The smile reappeared. “In my line of work, my lord, a relaxed atmosphere is essential. Now, what can I do for you?”
Brought to a sense of his duty, Alex pulled himself together. It was evident plain speaking was in order with this man. “It’s about Miss Appoline Greenaway.”
An intent look came into Vergette’s eyes, which did not veer from Alex’s face. It was singularly unnerving.
“Indeed, my lord Dymond. And what have you to do with Miss Greenaway?”
Alex’s neck-cloth felt a trifle tight. Ridiculous. He had nothing of which to be ashamed. “I’m acting for her. That’s why I wanted to see you. She’s given me an authority for you to disclose her affairs to me.”
He fished in his pocket for the letter he’d directed Apple to write and drew it out. Vergette made no move to take it.
“I repeat, my lord, what is your interest in Miss Greenaway?”
Incensed now, Alex hit back. “None, sir! Happened upon her by accident, if you must know, when she was trying to make her way to London to see you.”
The unnerving stillness of the man caused Alex to clam up, unwilling to expose Apple’s folly to a fellow he was fast coming to believe would prove wholly unsympathetic. His silent glare at last brought the smile back into Vergette’s face, though it was only faintly reflected in his eyes, which remained wary.
“I do beg your pardon, Lord Dymond. I’m afraid I harboured unworthy thoughts of your motives for a moment.”
“My motives? What the deuce are you talking about?”
Vergette inclined his head. “How did it come about that you happened upon Miss Greenaway, my lord?”
Thoroughly ruffled, Alex brought it out flat. “She held me up!”
The brows rose. “Held you up?”
“She sneaked into my coach and asked me to take her to the next stage. When I refused, she produced a pistol.”
Vergette’s lips twitched and his shoulders shook. The fellow was amused. Relief swept through Alex.
“An enterprising young lady, Miss Greenaway.”
“You don’t know the half of it,” said Alex with feeling.
“No doubt you will enlighten me further as to Miss Greenaway’s present whereabouts?”
“Took her to my sister’s. She’ll be safe enough there and chaperoned, which is more to the point.”
Vergette nodded. “Do I assume rightly that your business with me is to press her request for me to intervene on her behalf with these marriage plans?”
The fellow was astute, one had to give him that. Alex resolved to put his cards on the table. “Point is, she don’t like this Cumberledge fellow. No reason why she should. And these guardians of hers appear to be intent upon getting hold of her trust by means of marrying her off to him. As I understand it, he’s Greenaway’s partner in the wine business Apple’s father left.”
“Yes, she told me as much in her letter.”
Something in Vergette’s voice made Alex suspicious. “You knew already? Before she wrote, I mean.”
He chose not to answer this, giving that enigmatic smile again. “My lord Dymond, may I ask what you intend by Miss Greenaway?”
“I mean to keep her safe from her people until she’s of age. That is, if you won’t stand her friend and refuse to break the trust.”
“You do realise the trust comes into its own in a matter of weeks, do you not?”
“Apple thinks so, yes.”
The lawyer’s brows drew together. “A singular pet name, my lord?”
He laughed. “Nothing to do with me. By Miss Greenaway’s account, it was her father’s invention.”
