“I knew it!” Percy announced triumphantly.
Barrett’s was uncomfortably busy that night. It was full of people, red-faced men laughing toothily and playing billiards, drinking too much brandy and spilling it everywhere so that there were sticky patches wherever you put your hand.
Of course, such behaviour would not have been tolerated at White’s, but this wasnotWhite’s, and that counted for a great deal.
Percy was already pleasantly flushed with brandy, and leaned forward with a grin, patting Henry’s knee.
“I’m glad for you, you know. You deserve a little happiness.”
“Why are you congratulating me? Miss Fairfax does not like me.”
“I think you can earn her favour.”
“Then I think you don’t know Miss Fairfax very well. She’s far too clever and stubborn to be swayed by anything like that.”
“There you are, you see! Youdoadmire her.”
“I never said that I didn’t admire her. It would be impossiblenotto admire a lady in business, especially one of her quality.”
“Fine, fine. But let’s discuss the more interesting matters. Do you intend to court her?”
Henry swallowed hard.
Wasn’t that a question?
“I… I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? Then let us decide, without delay.”
“Us? My dear Percy, this is my matter, not yours.”
“Hmph. If you say so. If you like the girl, why not tell her?”
“It’s not so simple. I’m in business with her.”
“With her father.”
“And also with her. She has a stake in that business too.”
“Well, good for her. Do you mean to say things would get awkward if she said no?”
Henry bit his lip. “Well, yes. That’s exactly what I mean. I have to be professional. What if she thinks I’m after the whole business?”
“Well, prove to her that you’re not. Earn her respect. That’s something you can certainly do, Henry. Go slowly, don’t go barging in. See how she feels about you. Do you have any inkling what she feels for you, by the way?”
“I don’t think she likes me very much.”
“Ah,” Percy sat back in his chair, considering. “Well, that’s a pickle, and no mistake. I’d better think on that for a moment. Oh, my brandy is finished. Do you want another?”
He made a few vain attempts to signal the footman, but the poor man was rushed off his feet and didn’t look their way. Sighing, Percy got to his feet.
“I’d better go and order at the bar. I’ll be right back. I’ll fetch two.”
Not waiting for a reply, Percy went swaggering off across the room, whistling as he went.
Henry sat back in his own seat, feeling tension twinge at the bridge of his nose.
Percy’s on top form today.
