“Tell Wentworth I’m back. If you say that I need an appointment one more time, you’ll pick up your teeth off the floor,” he roared.
“Tut tut, Major, we need finesse. Violence will not do.” Wentworth himself spoke from the doorway, a picture of English tweed and pomposity.
Jamie swallowed the need to tell him where to put his finesse, stormed past him into the office, and sank into a chair across from Wentworth’s desk.
The older man moved with considerably more dignity, spoiled only by the amused look on his face. He raised an eyebrow. “Major?”
“There are conditions,” Jamie said.
Wentworth did not appear surprised. “Indeed.”
“First, keep Mrs. Haley out of this. You will stay far away from her.”
A broad smile spread across Wentworth’s devious face. “Easily promised,” he said. “I will assign a clerk to the guardianship process. You may have to warn her away, however. I’m under the impression you sent her to me.” He looked ready to laugh. “Any more?”
“I won’t take money,” Jamie insisted.
“Possible. But you may want to reconsider,” Wentworth objected.
“There’s more. Do not mention me to the Foreign Office,” Jamie went on.
Wentworth swallowed a chuckle. “Who shall I give as a source? A down-at-his heels English major? What will they make of that?”
“They can make whatever they damned well please. There are enough shabby majors in Europe to choose from.” They both knew that to be true.
Wentworth sobered. “No mention of Major Bently in dispatches regarding Castellimonte?”
“No mention of any kind.” Jamie held his eyes steady on Wentworth’s. “What is the usual phrase, ‘our contact in Castellimonte’s circle’?”
“The euphemism for servants,” Wentworth murmured. Jamie understood the man’s knowing expression.The bloodhounds in London won’t accept that for long. Hell, Glenaire won’t accept it for a moment.His friend would sniff out deception. It would buy time, though, and that’s what Jamie needed. Time to see to Nora. Once she had legal claim, he would leave.
“Accurate then,” Jamie shot back.
“My dear fellow, no servant can report what is said over port once the ladies are dismissed. You are about to be catapulted into that circle,” Wentworth pointed out.
Jamie snorted. “I beg to differ. I’m hardly about to become the House of Savoy’s new confidant.”
“On the contrary,” Wentworth said. “I have it on good authority you will receive a dinner invitation this very afternoon.”
The servants no doubt. Damn. Deeper and deeper.
“There may not be anything of value to report,” Jamie suggested.
“Oh there will be. Report everything and let me sort it out,” Wentworth ordered.
“No mention in your dispatches,” Jamie repeated through gritted teeth.
Wentworth sighed. “As you wish.”
Jamie rose to leave.
“Major,” Wentworth called. “Take the money.” Before Jamie could open his mouth to refuse the cursed money, Wentworth went on, “Or do you intend to live off your wife’s money entirely?”
Jamie’s jaw snapped shut; he stood frozen in place.
“Shall I set up a discreet bank account? She needn’t know, of course.”
He thought furiously. With money, he could buy his own shirts. He could find small gifts for Nora and Isabella.Hell, I could acquire some damned handkerchiefs for the next time she needs them.With his honor long gone and his pride in tatters on the floor of Wentworth’s office, it made no difference.
