James stiffened. “She did.”
“And you did not commit,” Roderick continued.
“No,” James replied.
Roderick sighed. “You cannot keep her at Blackmere indefinitely.”
“I am not keeping her,” James said.
“You are delaying,” Roderick countered. “There is a difference.”
James turned back to him. “London complicates matters.”
“It also clarifies them,” Roderick said. “The men you seek move more freely there.”
James hesitated.
“And she belongs there,” Roderick added.
James’s expression hardened. “She belongs where I say she does.”
Roderick raised a brow. “Careful.”
James exhaled. “I will think on it.”
“You should,” Roderick said. “Before she decides for you.”
James said nothing.
Roderick glanced toward the door. “Shall we join her for luncheon?”
“In a moment,” James replied.
“The hired man’s employer has been named. Not publicly, of course, but enough for me to begin asking questions,” Roderick said quickly.
James leaned against this desk. “You intend to speak with Harrowby directly?”
“If necessary,” Roderick replied. “And it may be.”
James considered it for a moment. “It might be for the best.”
Roderick laughed. “You agree too easily.”
James’s mouth tightened. “If Harrowby grows uneasy, he may make mistakes.”
“Or grow cautious,” Roderick countered.
“That risk exists regardless,” James said. “You are better suited to provoke him than I am.”
Roderick’s expression softened slightly. “You trust me, then.”
James inclined his head. “I do.”
“Langford,” Roderick stated.
“Yes.”
“Do not let the investigation become an excuse,” Roderick said quietly.
