Page 56 of Reforming Lord Neil

Chapter Twenty-Three

With bank notes from the jeweler in hand, and a line of credit that made him rethink everything he once had about the worth of a ten pound note, Neil went directly to a tailor. He had no intention of commissioning a full set of clothing, but if there was anything the tailor had completed for another client, Neil might be able to bribe the clothing and a few alterations out of the shopkeeper. He followed the same successful line of thinking to obtain a pair of gloves. Shoes were impossible, but he had his fine pair from before the marquess’s exile. They just needed a bit of attention.

Money made the world an easier place to navigate, to be certain, but he only had so much. And he meant to save most of it. But he would not escort Teresa to the court on St. Helen’s street dressed like a pauper.

Neil had nearly left the shopping district when he spotted a shop window full of brightly colored fabrics and a beautiful display of shawls in the window. He went inside and came out a quarter of an hour later with three packages more.

He had chosen a dark blue shawl for Mrs. Godwin, a rosebud pink for Caroline, and a delicate white shawl for Teresa.

Their family had been kind to him. The shawls were a simple way to express his gratitude. Hopefully, that was what Teresa would think. Their conversation in the park that morning had skirted into dangerous topics. He would not leave her, as he promised, but if they had dwelled on the subject much longer he might have said something imprudent. Such as asking if he could stay indefinitely, if only to be near her.

Foolish nonsense more suited to poets than someone of his age and station in life.

Neil was back upon the street where they were staying when he saw Mr. Clapham again. The man paced upon the pavement across the street from the house. Why did he bother staying there? Teresa would not come out of the house again until morning, and certainly no one would permit the villain inside.

Pretending to ignore him, Neil went up the steps to the house. He deposited his things on the table but kept his hat when the butler came forward to take it. “Not necessary. Tell me, is there a way to get out of the house without being seen?”

“There is a side door that goes into an alley, my lord,” the butler said, not batting an eyelash at the strange request. The sign of a well-trained servant.

“Is there a reason you are sneaking out?” Inglewood’s voice carried down from above.

Neil glared up at him. “If there were, your shouting about it would hardly help matters.”

The earl came down the steps at a leisurely pace, unhurried and feigning disinterest. “I do not generally condone secretive actions, but whether you come or go is of no interest to me.”

“Yet here you are, asking as though you wish to know.” Neil heard the biting sarcasm in his voice and ground his teeth together. The time for petty disagreements had passed. “Mrs. Clapham’s brother-in-law is across the street. He has been there at least two hours. I mean to question him, but if he were to see me coming directly from the door to his place on the walk, he might scamper away before I give him a proper warning.”

A most peculiar expression appeared on the earl’s face. Complete indifference changed into surprise. “I cannot say I have ever seen you care this much about the welfare of any person other than yourself before this summer. First it was Lady Fox, now an impoverished widow. Neither lady has anything of value to offer you in return.”

Impatience mounting, Neil gestured to the front door. “There is a man out there who has made it a point to cheat and lie to a woman under his protection. I wish to take a moment to tell him he is not welcome here. Might I have your leave to do so, my lord?”

Inglewood crossed his arms, appearing to consider the request. “I think I will come with you.”

“Have it your way.” Neil stalked through the corridor behind the butler, and Inglewood followed. They were out into a narrow alley in moments, where the greater houses could accept deliveries and such. Neil led the way through to the street, around the corner, and then directly behind Clapham. The blasted thief was so occupied with his watch of the house that he did not realize Neil was upon him until Neil tapped him on the shoulder.

Clapham turned, and Neil had the satisfaction of watching all the color leech from his face.

Neil lowered his chin a fraction of an inch, lifting his eyebrows as though surprised. “Mr. Clapham. How unexpected. I did not think to see you until tomorrow. At court.”

Moving casually to the other side of the gentleman, Inglewood flanked him. “This is Mr. Frederick Clapham?” The earl’s famous stony expression kept him from appearing no more than bored. “Not entirely what I anticipated for one of such low morals.”

The nervous gentleman looked from the earl to Neil. He had to know Inglewood’s identity, given he had tracked Teresa to this house and whatever information his solicitor had given. But Neil had no intention of making a formal introduction, throwing Clapham even more off balance.

“I had hoped to speak to my sister-in-law,” Clapham finally said, looking at Neil. He squared his shoulders and thrust his chin out. “Family should not have to resort to court to work out their differences.”

“Family also should not lie, cheat, and steal from one another. Do you not agree, my lord?”

“Certainly. But it seems not all the gentry have learned such a lesson.” Inglewood shifted subtly, angling more toward Clapham. His eyes narrowed. “It is such a shame, too. My wife declares Mrs. Clapham is a dear creature, worthy of close friendship. I dislike thinking of all Mrs. Clapham has had to endure these many months. Lord Neil, how has such a gentle woman borne the hardship placed upon her?”

Neil’s lips curled upward. “With grace and dignity. Mrs. Clapham impresses me daily with her fortitude in the face of all the adversity she is forced to endure.”

The way Clapham drew himself up, puffing out his chest, was almost comical. The man might have every appearance of a gentleman, but as soon as he spoke he revealed himself to be a sniveling coward. “You must let me speak to her. Poor woman merely does not understand the way these things work. I have done my duty by her, of course. I did not turn her out of her house, she chose to leave. Certainly, the courts need not become involved—”

With a wave of his hand, Neil interrupted the buffoon. “I have no interest in discussing any of that with you. Indeed, I had rather not speak with you on any subject.” Neil stepped closer, and when the other man tried to back away he remembered Inglewood behind him and stiffened. “I only require you to listen to me, very carefully. Mrs. Clapham is now friends with very powerful people. Not me, of course. You know well enough my situation, as you attempted to use it to your advantage already, but the man behind you has more influence in this county than practically anyone else. You have acted dishonorably, proving yourself a cowardly wretch taking advantage of someone who ought to have had you as her champion.”

Neil lowered his voice, speaking with something akin to delicacy. “He can ruin you with one word. And I? I will stand as protector at Bramble Cottage so long as I am needed.”

Clapham swallowed. He looked from Neil’s glare to over his shoulder at the indifferent expression of the earl.