“If it wasn’t for the scandal it would cause”—Will’s words came out as more of a growl than anything else—“I’d have the authorities take you away.”
Howden looked from Andrew to Will. “There are some transactions I must complete before I leave.”
Did the rogue really think he’d be able to stay? Will glanced at the ring of keys dangling from a fob on Howden’s waistcoat. “Give me your keys.” When the man didn’t move, Will repeated himself. “Give them to me, or I shall do myself the pleasure of taking them from you.”
Howden fumbled with the chain, then handed Will a ring of keys that matched the one he’d taken from Mrs. Villaret.
“You have until I count to thirty to leave the premises.” In an attempt to keep his temper, Will bit the inside of his cheek until he tasted the metallic tang of blood. “If you return for any reason, I’ll have you arrested for trespassing. That won’t hurt anyone’s reputation.”
Amazingly, Howden must have finally realized he was dismissed without a reference. “But where shall I go?”
“To hell for all I care.” Will’s jaw clenched as the rage he’d been holding back threatened to break loose. “You’re lucky I don’t kill you now. Come to think of it, if I see you again I shall.”
Howden bolted from the room. A moment later the sound of his heavy footsteps echoed up the staircase.
After taking a few deep breaths, Will nodded more to himself than anyone else. “I think that went well.”
Andrew rubbed his forehead. “I hate to say it, but he did have a point. Whoisgoing to take his place?”
Will’s mind went blank. He hadn’t actually thought past getting rid of Howden. “I thought you might, until I can find someone more permanent.”
“I’ll take it under consideration, but I’m not going to promise I’ll do it.” Andrew flicked open his pocket watch. “It’s almost eleven o’clock. I have to visit the tailor before my luncheon engagement. Which, as I told you, I will not be late for.” He clicked the cover shut, returning the watch to his waistcoat. “I suggest you have a conversation with your employees and get to know them. The clerk should be able to tell you at least a little about the company.”
Will had turned to gaze out at the harbor, and when he glanced back around, Andrew was gone.Damnation. He’d been serious. Will walked to the door, then stepped into the outer office. “You out there.”
The clerk’s head jerked up. “Me, sir?”
“Do you see anyone else?”
“No, sir.”
“Then I must be speaking to you, and it’smy lord.”
“What?” The young man stared at Will, his mouth gaping.
Will resisted the urge to find Andrew and demand his friend return. “I am Lord Wivenly. Therefore, I am addressed asmy lord.”
“Yes, sir.” The young man scrambled out of his chair, almost running to Will. “I mean, my lord.”
Progress. “How long have you worked here?”
The clerk’s eyes widened. “Two years, my lord.”
“Good.” Now what was he to say? Will tried to remember the last time he’d interviewed a man for a position, and couldn’t. Even his groom and valet had been hired on his behalf.
The clerk glanced nervously around. “When is Mr. Howden coming back?”
Will sat in the chair behind the desk. “Never, if he knows what’s good for him.”
“Oh.” The young man fell silent.
“What’s your name?”
“Smithwick, my lord.”
“Excellent name, Smithwick. You don’t happen to be related to the Sussex Smithwicks, do you?”
He frowned a bit before answering. “I might be, my lord.”
