“About making more money,” Byron said.
“Is that so?” Felington said, looking at Callum, “and you said I would not be interested. You know I love money, Langton.”
“This business venture has made a lot of people wealthy. I only decided to invite the both of you because you seem more dignified than the other men of theton,” Byron said.
“How much can I make from this business venture?” Felington asked, in a rather serious tone that bothered Callum.
“It all depends on the amount you are willing to invest. If you invest two thousand pounds, you could be as rich as the Prince Regent,” Byron said.
Felington gasped. “Is that so?”
Seeing that his friend was beginning to buy into whatever scam Byron was planning, Callum knew he had to step in.
“Byron, did you not introduce a business venture to Viscount Severyn last Christmas?” Callum asked. The color drained from Byron’s face.
“Do you mean the same Severyn that had to leave town after getting into debt?” Felington asked.
“The same one. I heard that he lost everything after investing in a bad business deal,” Callum said, “I wonder who introduced him to it.”
“I…I can assure you, Helton,” Byron stuttered, turning to Felington, “this business deal is fool-proof.”
“I suppose I could use extra money at this point, especially since I will be getting married soon,” Felington said, smiling from ear to ear.
“I have been meaning to congratulate you, my lord,” Byron said. At this point, Byron had turned all his attention to Felington.
“I will be giving you a gift for your wedding too. I suppose gold cufflinks would be nice,” Byron said.
Felington gasped. “You are a good man. Can we speak more about this business venture over some whiskey later?”
Byron nodded. “Of course, my lord. I cannot wait to tell you more about it.” With that, Byron left without a word to Callum.
“What a man!” Felington said, smiling.
“You do know that Byron is a fraud, don’t you?” Callum said.
“He seems like a sincere gentleman to me,” Felington said.
Callum chuckled. “If sincere means a man who has successfully wrecked someone financially, then he is a sincere man.”
“Oh, Langton,” Felington said, “why are you so distrusting?”
“And why are you so trusting all of a sudden?” Callum replied, “Byron ruined Severyn. I am sure that whatever business deal he suggests to you is a cheat.”
“What happened to Severyn is probably just a case of a business gone wrong,” he said, “but he said this business is a risk-free one.”
Callum shook his head. “Do not do it. Everyone knows that Byron is a sniveling thief.”
“I am sure he cannot be as bad as they say,” Felington said.
“Do not do business with this man, Felington,” Callum said sternly.
Felington laughed. “Why are you so concerned? It is not as though I really want to do business with him. All I want to do is have a drink with him and listen to what he has to say,” Felington said.
Callum shrugged. “I am simply trying to protect you. The decision to do business with him or not is yours.”
Felington draped an arm across Callum’s shoulder. “You are a good friend, Langton, but you do not have to be afraid for me. Speaking of being a good friend, I saw what you did today. You acted as a true friend would.”
“What are you talking about?” Callum asked.
