One of the footmen at Nelson’s club had handed Sebastian a note on his way out of En Garde. The note had been from Latham and simply asked Sebastian to meet him at Whites. He wondered if it had something to do with Latham’s sister or a matter concerning Eastern Star Shipping. Even though he no longer worked for the line, he still had shares in the venture.
“My lord. I have a message for you,” a footman said, extending a silver salver with a note. The missive, which had the Latham crest on the seal, made him wonder if Latham had changed his mind about meeting. On the other hand, the delicate scent of violets was definitely not indicative of his friend. Curious, Sebastian broke the seal and began to read:
My dear Lord Soren,
I pray you do not think me forward in writing this missive, but you mentioned at the Clarence ball that should I ever have need of you, I should send word.
And so, I am.
Would you be able to call on me at your earliest convenience?
Yours Sincerely,
Miss Katie Latham
“Slice, my good man,” a deep voice said from behind.
Sebastian stood and shook hands with his friend. “Latham. I took the opportunity of ordering a decanter.” Sebastian poured the fine, burnished gold liquid into the other glass on the side table and handed it to Latham.
“Thank you. There’s a definite nip in the air and this will surely hit the spot.” Latham settled in the leather club chair angled across from Sebastian, enabling them to converse comfortably while enjoying the fire. He took a sip of cognac and sighed. Setting the glass down beside him, he stretched out his legs.
“Nice touch, Slice.”
Sebastian arched his brow in question.
“The roses, I mean. To my sister.” He smiled. “Is there something I should be concerned about?”
“Merely a gentlemanly gesture,” Sebastian replied, taking another sip of his drink.
“I understand,” Latham said with a nod before sipping his cognac. “Frankie is nearing her term, as I’m certain you discerned last night, and last evening’s ball was the last Societal event for her. We’re returning to our estate in Sussex for the birth of the baby,” Latham said. “And so that I can deal with some estate matters.”
“Will your mother and sister go with you?” Sebastian asked. He felt relieved Latham hadn’t questioned his plans with Katie.
“Mama and my aunt plan to return with us, but Katie discussed staying, although I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
Sebastian felt an odd tightening in his stomach at the mention of Katie’s plans. He’d begun to think of her as Katie in his thoughts. Somehow it felt right to do, although he couldn’t fathom why. “Why are you not sure?”
Latham took another sip of his drink. “The Dowager Duchess of Clarence has graciously invited Katie and our cousin Paula to stay with her in London. On the one hand, I’m relieved that Katie is feeling better about going back out into Society, but on the other hand, I’m worried because we won’t be here.”
“You’re worried about her staying with the dowager?” Sebastian asked. “She’s more formidable than any general in His Majesty’s army.”
Latham chuckled. “I agree with you there. I know Katie will be in good hands with the dowager, who is as concerned about Katie as the family is, but I would feel better if you could keep an eye on my sister on her outings. That is if you have time.”
“Of course I will,” Sebastian answered without hesitation. He was doing this to help and nothing more, although he couldn’t help but wonder if this had something to do with Katie’s message asking to see him. “But I sense there’s something more here.”
“You’re damn good at what you do, but I often wondered if you read minds.” Latham paused and scrubbed his hand through his hair. “As you know I was unable to catch the bastards who attacked my sister and her fiancé last year. Wendel’s uncle is a judge for God’s sake, and even he could not find the killers. It’s as though they completely disappeared.”
“I understand how maddening that has been for you. I regret not having been here at the time, I would have offered my assistance.”
Latham nodded. “That is why I wanted to speak with you today. Not just to ask you to watch over Katie, but to share something that has been roiling in my gut for months. You see, I don’t think this was a simple case of a robbery escalating to violence.”
“You think Colborne was targeted specifically?”
“Yes, and perhaps my sister as well.”
“Why do you think she and Colborne were targeted?” Sebastian persisted.
“The scene was too coincidental…almost too perfect for the crime,” Latham said. “It reeks of having been a planned assault. Except, I don’t know why…or by whom.”
