Sheffield stiffened. “I’m aware of my reputation—admittedly richly deserved—as a beef-witted fribble. So you’ve every right to be sarcastic. But I wish . . . I wish to change.” He drew in his breath. “And so . . .”
Wrexford put down his glass, cursing his rapier tongue.
“And so I have a business proposal to present to you,” blurted out Sheffield as he pulled a sheaf of papers from the leather portfolio he had tucked under his arm. “Assuming, of course, that you’re willing to listen, instead of falling into a fit of laughter.”
Am I really such an unfeeling friend?The thought wasn’t a comfortable one.
“Let us go down to the study,” he replied, “where we may spread out your documents and have a careful look at everything.”
“Thank you.” Sheffield’s look of gratitude made him feel even more like an arse.
The earl led the way down the stairs to a comfortable room filled with carved bookshelves, leather armchairs, and an overstuffed curio cabinet of scientific oddities. The massive desk had a well-used look, its age-mellowed pearwood top nearly invisible beneath the stacks of scientific journals and books on chemistry.
Wrexford quickly cleared a space for his friend’s papers and then took a seat as Sheffield arranged his documents in several neat stacks before clearing his throat.
“Seeing as we shall soon be capering in a ballroom, I won’t dance around the tree. I would like to ask you for an investment to start a business.” His friend gestured at the papers. “You will find all the details there—what it is, why it will be profitable, the financial projections for the first phase of operation.” A pause. “And the number of shares you shall receive in the company.”
Sheffield tugged a little nervously at his cuff. “Please take your time in reviewing the material. If you have any questions, I shall endeavor to answer them.”
A silence settled over the study, stirred only by the whispery flutter of paper and the muted crackling of the banked coals in the hearth. As Wrexford read through the pages, he found himself growing more and more impressed. The details of the business were presented in an articulate and well-reasoned outline, and the projection of profits was quite conservative. All in all, it appeared a very professional proposal.
He looked up. “I take it you have partners in this endeavor?”
“Yes,” answered Sheffield. He didn’t elaborate.
Curious, the earl replied, “Might I ask whom?”
His friend hesitated and averted his eyes. “I would prefer not to say, if you don’t mind.”
Wrexford couldn’t help but raise a brow.
“Notfor any unscrupulous reason,” added Sheffield hastily. “I think you’ll approve of them. But at the moment, I’m not at liberty to reveal that information.”
“Very well.” Wrexford decided to respect the request but then went on to ask some lengthy questions related to the matter of costs and profits and the actual running of the business. He could easily afford the requested investment, but it wasn’t a paltry sum. And he knew that if the business failed, his friend would feel ashamed of squandering the earl’s money.
Sheffield answered the queries with a calm confidence, showing an excellent understanding of the proposed company, including his own role. “Because of my family connections and my entrée into Society, I’ve assumed the main duties of raising investments. But I’m also involved in choosing what imports will appeal to the aristocracy. One of the partners is highly skilled in doing the complex financial projections, and one of them has expertise and contacts in the world of shipping.”
After a bit more probing, Wrexford was satisfied. “It appears a very solid plan.” He scribbled out a note and sealed it with his signet ring. “Take this to my banker tomorrow and he’ll give you the funds.”
His friend expelled a breath, a flicker of relief lighting beneath his lashes. “Again, my thanks. I owe you a debt of gratitude, Wrex.”
“Actually, you don’t,” he replied. “I’ve no intention of taking any stock from you. I’m happy, simply as a friend, to invest in your future, and wish you great success.”
“No!” Sheffield fisted his hands and made no move to pick up the promissory note. “I’m not asking for charity.” There was a tone in his friend’s voice that he had never heard before. “This is a business deal and will be done as such—or not at all.”
“As you wish,” agreed Wrexford, though a frisson of unease tickled down his spine. He fervently hoped that his friend’s partners were competent. If the company failed, Sheffield would, he feared, take it very hard.
His friend gathered up the papers before pocketing the note. “You had better begin dressing,” he murmured, glancing at the mantel clock. “The ball begins soon, and you’ve promised to lead Lady Charlotte out for the first waltz. You can’t leave her standing like an abandoned flower, left to wilt in the shadows of the wall.”
The chiding, however oblique, stung. “Do you truly think I would leave Lady Charlotte in the lurch?”
Sheffield flushed. “No, of course not! But . . .” His words trailed off in a muted rustling as he placed the documents back in his portfolio.
“But what?” asked the earl softly.
There was a heartbeat of hesitation before his friend reluctantly replied, “But there are times when your sentiments are . . . difficult to discern. They often flicker between day and night . . . reflecting the warmth of the sun or the coolness of the moon.”
It was an astute observation, admitted the earl. “Perhaps it’s simply my fate to be contrary. The dark and light sides of my nature are constantly at war with each other.”
