Page 57 of Courting Claudia
“No details, Middleton, not without payment. Do you think I’m daft?”
“Yes, actually. I won’t give you one penny without knowing more details. I have no reason to trust this time will be any different from the last.”
“There was a time when you trusted me.”
“Yes. And I paid dearly for that. I won’t make that same mistake again.”
“Very well. I’m sure you remember that little piece you wrote a few years back that indicted Edwards on those embezzlement charges.”
Derrick fought the sudden urge to crawl across the table and rip out Richard’s larynx. Slimy bastard.
“That story was only partially true, as you might have gathered. Although I must say that Society’s treatment of you and your father’s paper after that incident was quite unwarranted.” He sighed dramatically. “But when you have the chancellor of finance against you, what can be done?”
“Get to the point, Richard. I have work to do.”
“Yes, well, I have the real story. The complete truth, and believe me, it will solidify your paper’s reputation. I thought you knew about it. I thought you’d somehow discovered the truth and that is why you were sniffing around Claudia, but I was wrong. Although I can’t imagine you—or anyone—intentionally courting her for no valid reason.”
Derrick’s jaw clenched. He squeezed the arm of the chair and mentally counted to ten. “You never intended to marry her, did you?”
“It was not my preference, but eventually her father would have seen to it that we married. I was angry at first, but after some thought, I realized that you saved me. I should thank you, really. But without that dowry money, I’m afraid I can’t.”
“Bastard.” Derrick stood. “Get the hell out of my office.”
“Suit yourself. But do reconsider my offer. This time you won’t regret it.” He tossed his calling card onto Derrick’s desk and strode out.
Chapter 12
Kennington knocked on the door, then waited. After a moment with no answer, he knocked again, this time more forcefully with the end of his cane. Where was the stupid sop?
Footsteps rapped a beat on the interior hall. No doubt Richard himself, since he could no longer afford servants. Worthless man.
The door opened. “What are you doing here?” Richard asked.
“That’s no way to greet an old friend. Invite me in.”
“We’re not friends.”
“Invite me in anyway. We have business to discuss.” He didn’t wait for Richard to move out of the way, rather he pushed the door open with his cane.
“I spoke with Claudia earlier. You and I have no more business. Claudia is getting married.”
Their business would be finished when Kennington said it would be and not a moment sooner. Kennington waited until they were seated in the tiny study. Papers littered the desk, and books were scattered about on the floor. He never would have suspected Richard was so disordered.
“Lose something?”
“No.” Richard smiled smugly. “I found it. Why are you here?”
“You may think our business is finished, but I have another plan.” He needed Richard in the family, needed to keep him near lest the truth of Kennington’s past be revealed. But in his family, he could tighten the purse strings and ensure Richard kept quiet. “You give up too easily. You’re weak. That’s always been your problem. But there is still time. We can fix this minor setback in our plans. Go and get her. Take her across the border. Marry her tonight.”
“Have you gone mad? Their engagement has been announced in the papers. Everyone is talking about it. Marrying her now would not save anyone’s reputation. Besides, I’m rather glad I don’t have to marry her. Never cared for her, really.”
He stomped his cane on the floor. “We cannot allow her to marry that man.”
“The truth of the matter is, I’m glad she’s marrying Middleton. I was angry at first; I hadn’t realized she was so willing with her favors. But I never really wanted her, you see. I only wanted what your status could give me, but that’s over with. No one listens to you any longer. I’m finished with you. I’m free to do as I please.”
“What makes you think you don’t need me anymore?”
“I am no longer in need of your assistance to better my position in Parliament. I have influence on my own now. People know me; they respect me.”