Page 7 of A Wicked Business

Mr Knight nodded. “They have crossed swords before now,” he said, his lips twitching. “But this is exactly the kind of project she would wholeheartedly support.”

“Yes, I suppose it might be,” Belinda acknowledged, for the duchess was well known for being outspoken about the rights of women.

“Certainly it is. She has done much of the sort herself over the years, but she is a married lady, and a duchess, and therefore rather more immune to scandal than you are, my lady.”

There was a warning note to his voice.

“I’m not a fool, despite what you think,” Belinda said, the words a little sharper than she’d intended.

Mr Knight smiled and shook his head. “Oh, I do not think you a fool,” he said, though what he did think remained unsaid, and she suspected it was no more complimentary. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have another appointment this morning and I must take my leave of you.”

“But what of my project?” she demanded, aware he had neither agreed nor refused.

“I suggest we visit your Miss Ludlow with a lawyer to draw up a first draft of the contract. Would you be free on Friday morning, shall we say at ten o clock? I will meet you on the premises. You may forward the details to my office,” he added, handing her his business card.

“Very well, yes. Thank you,” Belinda replied, a little taken aback she had not had to work harder to gain his agreement. “I am in your debt, Mr Knight. I know this is not the kind of thing you usually do, and I appreciate your help most sincerely.”

“Oh, don’t thank me, my lady,” he said, his expression unreadable. “Whilst I wholeheartedly admire your intentions, you are about to invite a world of trouble to your door. I only hope you do not live to regret your decision. Good day to you.”

With that prediction of doom still ringing in her ears, she watched as Mr Knight executed an elegant bow and left the room.