Page 96 of Duke of Sapphire

He did not have an answer, and he was not certain he was ready for one.

CHAPTER 27

“Lord Redmont is below, Your Grace. He says he is in the area on business and requests a brief word.”

Henry set down his pen and looked at the butler for a moment.

“Show him to the blue sitting room,” he said. “I shall be there in five minutes.”

The butler withdrew. Henry sat for a moment longer. Then he stood and straightened his coat.

Redmont was standing at the window when Henry came in. He turned with a smile that had been assembled in advance.

“Sappherton.” He bowed. “Good of you to receive me. I was passing through—some business nearby—and I thought, while I’m in the neighborhood.”

Henry inclined his head. “Redmont. Sit down.”

Redmont sat, then looked around the room. “A fine room. I had not been to Sappherton House in some years.” He crossed one leg over the other. “You have your ward with you, I understand? The Scottish boy.”

“My cousin’s son. Yes.”

“How is he settling?”

“Well,” Henry said.

Redmont nodded, as though this was deeply interesting. “And the Duchess?” He said it with feigned warmth. “Such a swift marriage. It was a surprise to everyone, naturally. But she seems to be managing?”

Henry looked at him. “My wife is entirely well. Thank you.”

“Of course, of course.” Redmont leaned back, his expression turning calculating. “I only bring it up because…well, you see my position, Sappherton. By your hasty intervention, I missed out on a most lucrative alliance and the substantial commercial advantages that would have come with Lady Charlotte’s dowry. I consider myself due some manner of compensation.”

Henry’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Get to the point, Redmont.”

“My private agents tracking the northern post roads have turned up something rather significant regarding your family,” Redmont said smoothly. “A credible trace of your missing cousin, Nathan Drummond, and his wife. My men know the exact crofting community where they took shelter three weeks north.”

Henry went completely still. “And why bring this to me?” He already knew the answer, but he wanted to hear the marquess say it.

“Because business is business,” Redmont replied, leaning forward. “I want to take advantage of the extensive shipping connections and mercantile consortiums you command. Give me a vested partnership in your northern shipping lines and priority access to your trade networks, and my men will hand over the exact notes of where Nathan Drummond can be found.”

Henry sat in silence, carefully weighing the proposal. The temptation to find Nathan and put Ian's heart at ease was immense, but as he studied Redmont’s placid, opportunistic expression, cold pragmatism took over.

He knew the man’s reputation too well; Redmont was thoroughly untrustworthy, driven solely by profit and underhanded leverage. If there truly was a valid lead to be found in the north, Henry was entirely capable of uncovering it through his own trusted channels without binding his trade house to a man like Redmont.

“No,” Henry said flatly.

Redmont blinked, his smile faltering a fraction. “You refuse actionable intelligence concerning your own flesh and blood over business pride?”

“I refuse to barter with a man whose word carries no weight,” Henry replied, rising from his chair. “If my cousin is to be found, I will find him myself. Our business is concluded.”

Redmont was not pleased. His eyes turned sharp as if he was stung by the rejection. Standing up unhurriedly to mask his irritation, he let out a dry, pointed laugh.

“A pity,” Redmont murmured, adjusting his cuffs. “Though perhaps impulsiveness runs in the family. One cannot help but wonder at the sheer haste of your wedding, Sappherton. It has certainly given the ton plenty of fodder. Tell me, are you managing the endless whispers and questions about the legitimacy of your sudden match?”

Henry stood tall, his voice dropping into a dangerous, icy register. “I will be direct with you, Redmont. My wife’s choices are her own. They were her own before she married me, and they are her own now. I do not discuss her decisions with other men, nor do I tolerate malicious insinuations about my household. We have covered everything.”

Redmont met his gaze for a long, tense moment, then inclined his head mockingly and reached for his hat and gloves. “As you say. I meant no offense. Merely concern for her sake.”

“I am certain of that,” Henry said, and it landed exactly as he intended.