“I did, and I even brought a reply from his solicitor.”
Miss Baker glanced at the letter King held. He quickly tucked it behind his back, but Joshua plucked it out of his hands and passed it over to her. “I beg your pardon,” King argued. “That’s private.”
She merely turned her back on him and read the letter anyway. That gave him the chance to study her backside. It was nicely rounded. A moment later, she turned back, and he looked up at the sky as though he’d been doing that all along. “Your accounts have been frozen. Does that mean you cannot access your finances?”
“For the time being,” he said. No need to panic her—or himself.
“What does your man of business mean byyour present situation? Does this have something to do with the swarm of creditors at your house this morning?”
“My father, the duke, is in a spot of trouble,” King said. That was certainly one way to describe being found guilty of treason.
“There’s an attainder by verdict,” her brother chimed in helpfully.
Miss Baker’s eyes narrowed. “What’s that?”
“Nothing good,” King said.
“Don’t you think it’s time you explained exactly what you’re hiding from?” she demanded. “Why are your creditors closing in? Why are your accounts frozen? I’m beginning to think whatever you’ve done will cause your friends to desert you as well.”
“I haven’t done anything.”
She stared at him, those blue eyes beautiful and piercing.
“I give you my word as a gentleman.”
She sighed. “I’ve known enoughgentlemenin my life to be unimpressed.”
King straightened and began to object.
“But I’ll take it because I see the title of gentleman means something to you. But you cannot stay here. I assumed you’d have the seven pounds, fifteen shillings by now and be on your way.”
“I’ll have it soon,” he said. “My friends will be here any moment.” At least Carlisle would be here. His other friends might value their reputations more than their friendship, but King knew he could count on Carlisle. If only Rory was in England, he’d come to his aid as well. But Rory had been on the Continent since his wife’s death earlier this year. King had no way to reach him in a timely fashion.
“If you don’t have it yet, then you’d best earn your keep. The area behind the bar is still sticky with spilled spirits. Peggy could use your help.” She looked about. “Where is Georgie? I thought he would be outside with you.”
“He was. I gave him permission to play with his friend Danny.”
“Youwhat?” Both Joshua and Miss Baker practically yelled at him.
King took a step back. “Boys need time to play. He wanted to kick the ball.”
“And what if Ferryman sees him? What if he decides to snatch him and charge me a ransom?”
“Who is Ferryman?” King asked.
“Never mind! This would never have happened if you’d stayed inside and worked as I’d asked. Joshua, go find your brother and bring him back. Hurry.”
“I’ll find him, Vi.” Joshua put a hand on his sister’s shoulder. “Don’t worry.” He took off running through the now waning afternoon sun.
King looked at Miss Baker and saw the way her shoulder stiffened as her brother disappeared into Seven Dials. He had the feeling he should be the one comforting her. Instead, he had caused her more distress. Carlisle couldn’t come soon enough. He wanted out of this slum and away from Miss Baker and her family. He wanted clean clothing and something to eat.
“If I’m to be put to work,” King said, following Miss Baker back to the door to the Silver Unicorn, “might you advance me a small sum so I may purchase something to eat?”
She gave him an incredulous look over her shoulder. “You wantmeto giveyoumoney?”
“I’ll pay you back.”
“That I’d like to see.”
