“Professor Sudler’s Computing Engine,” replied the earl.
“Hell’s teeth. It’s . . .” The surgeon approached the behemoth and studied the intricate assembly of polished metal. “It’s extraordinary.” After another few moments of scrutiny, he shuffled over to join them at the table. “I imagine it’s connected to whatever devilry you’re investigating.”
“Yes,” answered Wrexford.
Henning’s gaze was still on the Engine. Like the earl, he had a great interest in scientific innovations. “How does it work?”
“We haven’t a clue,” confessed Charlotte. “You would have to ask Lady Cordelia.”
“Never mind the mechanics,” snapped Wrexford. “We have more important problems to solve.”
“Perhaps this will help.” The surgeon fished a soggy piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on the table. “You asked for a list of banks willing to work with scoundrels.”
Wrexford read it and then passed it to Charlotte, who quickly copied the names onto her notes before pushing it on to Sheffield.
“As for Annie Wright,” continued Henning, “no one has seen hide nor hair of her.”
“With good reason,” replied the earl. “She’s one of the enemy and has fled London.” A pause. “No doubt with her purse bulging with blood money.”
Charlotte bowed her head.
It was Sheffield who ventured to speak after several moments of heavy silence. “As to money . . .” He looked up from Henning’s list. “If these establishments are in league with criminals, what makes you think they will hand over the money, even if you’re successful in recovering the documents that show Woodbridge is the owner of Argentum Trading Company?”
“Because,” answered Wrexford, “I can be very persuasive when I put my mind to it.”
Charlotte folded her notes. “I suggest we all get some sleep, as we mean to put our plan into action tomorrow.” She glanced at Sheffield. “I know you wish to help, but—”
He cut her off with a dismissive wave. “I’m aware that my skills, such as they are, aren’t nearly polished enough to be of aid in what you have in mind. Still, I shall try to be useful. I’ve been tasked by Lady Cordelia to take charge of overseeing our legitimate business while she’s occupied with the professor and his Engine.”
Wrexford’s brows twitched upward, but he caught himself before making a caustic quip.
“I wish you all luck.” Henning lifted his near-empty glass in salute. “Here’s to kicking the bastards where it hurts.”
CHAPTER 25
“Thank you for coming.” Charlotte greeted her old friend at the entrance to the parlor and gestured for him to take a seat on the sofa. Much had changed since their childhood. Jeremy was now Lord Sterling, having unexpectedly inherited his cousin’s title and wealth. And she . . .
Well, her life had undergone even more momentous changes. But the bond between them had survived all the twists and turns of life.
“You’ve made this a very comfortable place,” he observed, looking around with approval at the paintings by her late husband and at all the other little touches of individuality that made a house a home.
“I owe you a debt of gratitude for finding this house.” It was Jeremy who had encouraged her to move from her first residence in London—a cramped, shabby place barely clinging to respectability—in order to put the past behind her and look to the future.
“I merely helped you with the paperwork. It’s you who made it come to life,” he replied. He shifted and reached behind his back to pluck a chunk of sharp-edged quartz and a shark’s tooth from among the pillows. “The Weasels appear to be thriving.”
She laughed and put the objects on the side table. “Hawk is enamored with the natural world and is showing great aptitude in sketching the specimens he collects. And Raven has a special gift for mathematics. Who would have guessed . . . ?”
They sat for a moment in companionable silence, the morning sunlight dancing in through the diamond-paned windows, filling the room with a buttery warmth.
“Life is certainly unpredictable,” said Jeremy softly. “And while there are many who believe that mere Chance is what shapes our fate, I like to think we have a say in our destiny, if we dare to believe in ourselves.”
Dust motes shimmered as they spun in a whisper of air.
“I’m glad you’ve reconnected with Lady Peake,” he added. “Family is important.” An only child, Jeremy had lost his parents to an influenza epidemic while he was attending university.
“Hartley has reached out, as well,” she said. “Though I confess I’m a trifle nervous about the prospect.”
“Don’t be, Charley. He was always the best of your brothers.” A pause. “He’ll be very proud of the brave, compassionate, and principled lady his sister has become.”
