“One moment,” the inside voice called out.
Presently the door was opened by Lord Comerford, who stood scowling at Thomas.
“What are you doing here after you disgraced yourself by lying to me about your engagement?”
Thomas had been prepared for the Lord’s insult and said calmly, “Your daughter and I are good friends. There should be no need for disharmony between our families.”
“You should have thought about that before you put out that lie.”
“I was simply trying to help Helena.”
“And you accomplished just the opposite.”
Thomas was uncomfortable standing at the door and he asked, “Might I come in?”
His Lordship turned to his right as though he was seeking permission from someone else. “No. We have nothing to say to each other,” he finally responded.
“Certainly, we can be gentlemen about this,” Thomas said, as he pushed by Comerford and stepped into the room, only to be surprised by seeing his uncle standing with a drink in his hand at the back of the room, out of sight of the open door.
“Uncle? What are you doing here?”
It was obvious his uncle had been hiding from him.
“His Lordship and I are conducting some business,” Wilcox said stepping forward, seeming to be confident in his relationship with his Lordship.
Thomas first looked at Comerford, then back to his uncle. “I am sorry to interrupt. So, a quick question to you, Your Lordship—I assume you are no longer interested in my proposition to you.”
“That is quite correct,” he said. “And you may show yourself out.”
Thomas nodded, “Your Lordship.”
“Your Grace,” Comerford replied.
As Thomas left he shot a quick glance at his uncle. “I expect your mother has invited you to the ball?”
“She has.”
“Until then…” he said and left.
Chapter 21
“Well, that was awkward,” Wilcox said to Comerford after Thomas had left.
“Not for me. Your nephew is a scoundrel, as far as I am concerned,” he answered, “And as are you. It seems to run in the family.”
Wilcox put on his most insincere smile and said, “Come, Your Lordship, it takes one to know one. You can hardly claim the high ground with your past history.”
“I would rather not discuss that,” he said grumpily.
“I am certain you would not, but nonetheless…”
“Let us conclude our business. I am beginning to feel ill having you around.”
“Until my client pays you that is. Then… I expect you will feel much better.”
“What exactly does your client need from me to make this putrid deal move forward?”
Wilcox reached into his coat and pulled out a paper and handed it to the Earl. “These documents and this information. You may gather the information and send them to my estate. I shall make sure the deal moves forward from there.” The Earl nodded. “Then I shall leave you.”
