Dangerous in Diamonds - Madeline Hunter [74]
Sir Marcus smiled knowingly. He glanced around the chamber, then winked. “Then forgive us our presumptions and assumptions. However, should you decide to exploit these unfound minerals and require either partners or investors in a syndicate, I trust that you will remember our old friendship.”
Castleford nodded his head in what might be seen as assent. Sir Marcus seemed to have forgotten that their old friendship involved the man’s female cousin, a summer night seven years ago, and passion amid the trees of Hyde Park. Or was it St. James Park? Other than the blustering threats Sir Marcus had flung the next morning, the two had not spoken much before or after that until today.
He made good his escape and aimed toward the writing table. Along the way three more men waylaid him. Each one privately apologized for having overheard Sir Marcus and confided that he had a brother or cousin who could do far better than Drumblewhite or Cato. And, oh, if a syndicate were formed, he hoped His Grace would please keep the speaker in mind.
To each one he explained that any talk of new discoveries of minerals on any of his land was an unfounded rumor and nothing more.
Finally breaking free to complete his task, Castleford sat at the writing table. He took one of his calling cards from his case. On the back of it he wrote, “I am cold sober, so I expect to be received this time.”
He was blotting the card when a shadow fell over the table. He turned to find Latham trying to peer over his shoulder.
He slipped the card in his pocket. “You learned some bad habits in France, Latham. Your social behavior has become inexcusably rude.”
“I merely waited for you to complete your note before seeking some conversation with you.”
Castleford turned in the chair. “I can’t imagine why you would bother, since we have nothing to talk about.”
Latham put on his false face, the jovial one that inspired so much confidence among the easily duped sheep. He moved another chair closer and sat in it.
“We parted last time on a discordant note, Castleford. It will not do.”
Castleford thought it would do just fine.
“We need to talk about my father’s will and the oddity of those bequests to you,” Latham said.
“Should you not speak with a solicitor if you have questions? I never even read the will.”
“Do not pretend that you do not know the concern I have.”
“I never pretend. I would truly be befuddled if I were not too bored to be befuddled.”
Latham eyed him skeptically. “I think he made a mistake in giving those holdings to you. He was not well toward the end, I am told, and often confused.”
“So you think he mistook me for you? Wrote Tristan, the Duke of Castleford when he really meant to write my heir? By Zeus, that is confused.”
Latham ignored the sarcasm. “I obviously would like to keep the estate intact.”
“Would that your father had wanted to as well. I might be spared this conversation.”
Latham leaned forward and whispered in a sharp staccato of anger, “See here. I want to buy it back. The land. I will pay the going rate for good farmland, so you are not out anything except tiny estates too troublesome to matter.”
Castleford stood. “How generous of you. But I think not.”
He walked out of the club. Latham was on his heels the whole way.
“You did find something. I knew it. Damnation, he never intended for you to get richer off those bequests. If he had only known—”
“Ah, if he had only known. Those are among the saddest words in our language, don’t you think?” Castleford pulled on his gloves and gestured for the groom to bring his horse. “Calm yourself, Latham. Your face is turning that shade of red that speaks of a man tempting the limits of his health.”
Latham stuck that red face close to Castleford’s own. “I’ll see that you reap no profit from what is in that ground. I’ll contest those bequests and tie them all up in the courts so long that you will be dead before it is over.”
Castleford swung up on his mount. He looked down. “There is nothing in that land to provoke your avarice.”
“Those others in there offered you more, didn