“Wharton, fancy that.”
Royston jolted at hearing Havisham’s voice. “Havisham.”
The earl’s reddened face and short breath made Royston think Havisham had run to catch up with him.
Havisham took a few deep breaths, one hand on his hip. “I saw you coming out of an alleyway and called you, but you didn’t hear me.”
“I was lost in my thoughts.”
“I was thinking about asking you for a meeting,” Havisham said.
Not another meeting. “For what reason?”
“I understand I didn’t make myself clear during our last conversation and that I might have offended you.”
Instant tension tightened Royston’s neck muscles. “You made yourself very clear. I don’t need your money, Havisham, and I don’t want to steal from anyone.”
Havisham held up a hand. “I respect your decision, and I apologise for having offered you money you obviously don’t need. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
Royston chose his words carefully because he couldn’t forget Havisham’s kindness. “Also, I’m sorry to say that I find it hard to believe Mrs. Haywood is capable of blackmailing anyone.”
“Are you accusing me of lying?” The earl’s voice hardened.
“I’m saying you might be mistaken or there’s something else going on.”
“She’s a ruthless blackmailer, trust me. I’m sure she has a string of lovers she regularly blackmails.” Havisham hesitated. “I have a new deal to offer.”
“Havisham, please.”
“My new offer isn’t money. It’s something more important for you.” His icy blue eyes glinted as he came closer. “I offer you a seat in the House of Lords.”
Blimey. That caught Royston off guard. “Do you have the power to grant me a seat?”
“I wouldn’t have offered it otherwise. I’m the seventh Earl of Havisham and know the House of Lords well. I’ll support your case and present it to the lords myself. I can assure my fellow peers will follow me once I support you, and I’ll see that a seat will be yours. I just need you to help me.”
Dammit. “But to have the seat, I have to retrieve the material Mrs. Haywood has on you.”
“Exactly,” Lord Havisham said. “I appreciate your moral reservation about taking something from Mrs. Haywood without her consent. I was unfaithful to my wife. I can’t deny that. But Mrs. Haywood collected evidence against me and blackmailed me. I’ve walked away from the life of an adulterer. I want to take care of my children and my wife. Mrs. Haywood threatens to ruin everything my wife and I have built so far. Think about the consequences my family will face if Mrs. Haywood reveals whatI did. My wife will be devastated, and her father will destroy me. My family will be torn apart. Please. I need your help and discretion.”
Mrs. Haywood was undoubtedly doing something against the law and morally wrong. But Royston didn’t believe he could right a wrong with another wrong. Years ago, he wouldn’t have hesitated to say yes. Now he wasn’t so sure.
“What is more important, Wharton?” Havisham said. “Taking those bloody photographs or having the opportunity to help people?”
“Why are you offering the seat right now? Why not before?”
“I had no idea you wanted a seat. I spoke with Redvers at the ball. He was sorry because of a conversation he’d had with you and told me he could do nothing to help you.” Havisham shrugged. “I assumed a seat held more value than money for you.”
It did. “What will you do once you have those documents? What will happen to Mrs. Haywood?” Royston narrowed his gaze.
“Absolutely nothing,” Havisham said. “I’m not interested in revenge or destroying her. Besides, she doesn’t know I want to cut ties with her. She doesn’t suspect anything at the moment. I gave her the last batch of money three days ago and pretended everything was fine. I won’t see her again. In fact, I really don’t care about what she does. I simply want her to stop blackmailing me. Believe it or not, I don’t hate her, but I hate the leash she has on me. I want my life back.”
Well, if Mrs. Haywood wouldn’t be harmed by Havisham, and if Havisham wanted only to live a quiet life with his wife and family, then retrieving those documents might be worth it. Besides, should Mrs. Haywood find herself in financial trouble because Havisham didn’t pay her anymore, Royston would be more than happy to help her.
Also, blackmailing was illegal and morally wrong. But… no. Despite all those valid reasons, he’d left his criminal past behind. He wouldn’t become a thief again. He’d get a Parliamentary seat but on his own terms.
He touched the rim of his hat, his shoulders stooping. “I’m sorry, Havisham. I’m not in the trade anymore. I suggest you talk with Mrs. Haywood and find an agreement.”
Havisham slouched. “Think about it. We’ll talk again soon. ”
