“I misspoke.”
“I don’t think you did.”
William didn’t like Hawthorne’s bothersome questions, so it was most fortunate that the coach came to a stop in front of White’s, effectively ending their conversation.
ChapterSixteen
The following morning, William stood on the pavement and stared at Lord Wakefield’s townhouse. He had tossed and turned last night as he wrestled with what he should do to help Miss Holbrooke, and the only thing that made sense was to reason with her brother. It may be a fool’s errand, but he had to try.
He had just taken a step forward when he heard his name being called. He turned in surprise as he saw Hawthorne approaching him in high dudgeon.
“What in the blazes are you doing?” Hawthorne demanded, stopping in front of him.
“I am going to speak to Lord Wakefield.”
“That is evident, but it is madness.”
William shook his head. “Surely Lord Wakefield can be reasoned with.”
“Haven’t you been listening to anything that I have said?” Hawthorne asked. “Lord Wakefield is not a man that you can trust.”
“I daresay that you exaggerate. He cannot be as bad as you perceive him to be.”
Hawthorne frowned. “He will not do your bidding, no matter how nicely you ask.”
“I can be rather convincing.”
“I know you want to help Miss Holbrooke, but I can assure you that this is not the right course of action.”
“I thank you for your concern, but I know what I am doing.” William cocked his head. “Why are you here? How did you know I would try to meet with Lord Wakefield?”
“I listened to what you weren’t saying, and I knew you would do something foolhardy in an attempt to help Miss Holbrooke.”
“I have to do something,” William pressed. “I can’t stand back and let her be abducted.”
Hawthorne let out a frustrated sigh. “Then I shall accompany you.”
“There is no need—”
“Trust me,” Hawthorne asserted. “You do not want to go in there without me.”
Gesturing towards the door, William said, “After you, then.”
William followed Hawthorne towards the door and removed his calling card from his waistcoat pocket. As Hawthorne lifted his hand, the door was opened and a large, white-haired man answered the door.
“How may I help you?” the butler asked in a dry tone.
William extended his calling card. “Will you inform Lord Wakefield that I would like a moment of his time?”
The butler glanced down at the card and opened the door wide, ushering them inside. “Lord Wakefield has been expecting you, my lord.”
“He has?” William asked as he came to a stop in the expansive entry hall.
“For many days now.” The butler turned his attention towards Hawthorne. “Do you have a card, sir?”
Hawthorne removed a card from his jacket pocket and handed it to the butler.
The butler accepted the card and said, “Remain here, and I will announce you.”
