“I apologize if my arrival will create difficulties with your employer,” he said.
“I do not expect any problems. She is probably eavesdropping right now, so I will even be spared her curiosity.”
From out in the hall, very close to the entrance to the sitting room, a sharp intake of breath could be heard. Then very light footsteps, receding in sound.
“Expect her to tell parents that you visit frequently, have relatives here, and patronize the school with donations,” she said. “She is a sweet woman, and essentially honest, but this is her livelihood, and there is much competition.”
He smiled. He appeared quite kind. But then the light was soft here, due to northern-facing windows and the early hour.
“Didyou come to patronize the school?” she asked, when he did not explain why he had called.
Was that a slight flush she saw? Goodness, perhaps he had forgotten himself, quite literally.
“I have come to give you some names of lawyers who would serve your father’s interests well.” He reached into his coat and extracted a small sheet of paper.
“Thank you, but I have already engaged one.”
“May I ask which one?”
She considered not telling him. It was none of his business, at least not until the trial.
“Mr. Notley.”
“That is not a bad choice. Notley is diligent, sober, and honest.”
“I thought so.”
“However, he has little courtroom experience, being a solicitor. He can serve in that capacity in the criminal court, but he would be wiser to engage a barrister.”
“So he explained. We will do so, if it is necessary. He also said that if you were asked to prosecute, it meant very important people had an interest in the case. Is that so?”
His gaze locked on her. “Often.”
“Your brother the duke?”
“No.”
“Of course not. What possible interest would he have? I can think of no one else who might make a claim on you, however.”
“Honor makes a claim. Duty makes a claim. Above all else, justice does, Miss Belvoir.”
If you care about justice, refuse to be a part of this. She bit her tongue. It would be foolish to antagonize the man whom her father would face in court. “Why did you come here? What do you want of me?”
He walked over to the entrance, and peered out into the hall. Then he came and stood near her so he could speak quietly. “I have come to warn you. You must not go to Newgate again. You should remove yourself from this entire process. Allow Mr. Notley to work in your stead if you must, but tell him to do so discreetly and as counsel to your father rather than in your service.”
She did not like being talked down to, literally. Nor was she in the mood to take direction from Ives. She stood so she might better look him in the eyes. “Much as I would like to believe you have my best interests at heart, I am sure you do not have my father’s interests in mind at all when you issue this warning. As a prosecutor you will be an opponent to his interests. Withoutme, he will be easy pickings for such as you, especially if I remove myself.”
His head cocked to one side. His lids lowered. “Are you insinuating that I fear your involvement because it will cause meto lose?”
“It will certainly make your winning less assured.”
“Miss Belvoir, I am not here for anything having to do with me. I am concerned for you. There may be more to all of this than either of us knows.”
“Obviously there is. I have said from the start that my father is not the sort to be involved in such a crime. A monstrous mistake has been—”
A firm slice of his hand through the air cut her off. “That is not what I mean.” He sighed with exasperation. “Listen to me now. And believe that I am not speaking as a prosecutor, but as someone who knows more of this part of the world than you ever will.”
She sat again, to listen. Not because he commanded it, although her own will had little practice in meeting the challenge of one of similar mettle. She sat to listen because he was no fool, and his expression and voice convinced her that whatever he had to say must be heard.
