The Heart of a Duke(75)

THE OFFICES OF Messrs. Shaw, Dodges, and Fuller, located in the vicinity of Gray’s Inn, occupied the second and third floor of Harcourt House. It was an imposing structure with Corinthian pillars lining the front entrance. Heavy gilded-frame oil portraits of past and present partners loomed over the dark paneled waiting room, as if guarding the legal reverence of the atmosphere.

Daniel was relieved not to be met by the same clerk who had attended Robbie and himself on their first visit to the offices. The young man who greeted them was less distracted and more amicable. Daniel wondered if it had anything to do with the dazzling smile Julia had flashed him—or he didn’t recognize Daniel with his bruised face, which he eyed warily.

“My apologies, but my father, the Earl of Taunton, had asked if I might assist his secretary in picking up some papers for him while I was in town,” Julia glibly lied, her expression both apologetic and embarrassed.

She waved a hand in Brett’s direction, who gave a low bow. “He is new to my father’s employ, and as my father did not have time to send word around that Mr. Curtis would be coming, he thought it best I accompany him to make the introductions. Once I do so, I will of course leave the business matters to you gentlemen. I do apologize if this is an inconvenience. However, he insisted Mr. Curtis speak to Dodges or Fuller himself, if that is at all possible. And of course, I have his card.” She withdrew it from her reticule and handed it to the clerk.

Daniel recalled Julia had handled all her father’s business for a short period; possession of her father’s card was trivial in comparison.

“No, no problem at all. Delighted to be of service to the earl.” The clerk bowed, his ginger head bobbing up and down like a pecking bird.

“Oh, lovely. Again, my father, the earl, would be so appreciative.” Julia lifted her hands and pressed them together, as if she would applaud his assistance.

Down the head bobbed, and he pushed his spectacles up his nose as they threatened to slide off.

“Why don’t you see if Dodges or Fuller are available?” Daniel interceded, having enough of the man’s obsequious behavior. He stifled his grunt when Julia’s elbow jabbed into his gut.

“No, rush, Mr. . . . ?” Julia flashed her blinding smile again.

“Tait, Mr. Tait.” The man nodded. “If you would care to have a seat,” he gestured to the waiting room. “I shall see what I can do.”

“Thank you,” Julia said. When they were alone, she turned on Daniel. “You cannot rush these things. We want his assistance, do we not?”

“I did not want him to get a crick in his neck from all his head bobbing,” Daniel said, unable to resist exchanging an amused look with Brett.

“It will be worth the pain, if he can be of assistance to the Earl of Taunton’s daughter,” Brett intoned. “How many times did you mention my father, the earl? Cleverly done.”

Julia cringed. “I know I sounded like a haughty aristocrat, but I feared a repeat of Daniel’s last visit. The clerk might dismiss the request of a mere lord, but he wouldn’t dare to do so with those of an earl.”

Brett laughed. “Understood.”

Julia settled on the settee, and Brett into one of the chairs, but Daniel found himself, as usual, unable to sit. His penchant was to pace, and he did so now as they waited. In a surprisingly short time, another man came forward to greet them. From his carriage, Daniel surmised this to be one of the partners, Fuller or Dodge.

He stood in the upright stance common among short men when they want to appear taller than they are. His thick head of hair was snow white. He started toward them, but paused, his bushy eyebrows arching as his gaze settled not on Julia, but on Daniel. After the hesitation, he continued and stopped before Daniel, bowing deeply. “Your Grace,” he said. “I was not informed that you were here. I was told my business was with Taunton’s new secretary. However, I hope I can be of more assistance to you than I was able to provide on your prior visit.”

Daniel opened his mouth to correct the man, but Brett shot to his feet and intervened before Daniel could reply, positioning himself between Daniel and the partner.

“Excuse me, but I work with His Grace. Brett Curtis, at your service.” He bowed low. “It was the Earl of Taunton who encouraged us to return. He was hoping you could review what you told His Grace on his prior visit, as he was not clear on everything discussed.” Brett leaned toward the man, his tone rueful. “My apologies, but details tend to elude him. Is that not right, Your Grace?” Brett raised his voice and faced Daniel, his back to the partner, his sharp blue eyes narrowed in warning.