Page 76 of An Alleged Rogue

Tom hurried to the stable door and pushed it open. Phoebe urged Aria forward, and the horse trotted across the yard to the front of the house. Like an evil specter, the shadowy form of a large carriage loomed in the drive, and Phoebe’s heart began to pound.

“Go, Aria,” she whispered, touching her heels to her mare’s sides. “Go fast.”

Phoebe bent low over Aria’s neck. The gravel shifted and sprayed as they flew down the drive toward the road, but Phoebe had only one thought in mind: she must reach Adam before the gentleman currently in her father’s study disappeared in that waiting vehicle.

Chapter 24

Ensconced in a comfortable chair in front of the fire in Hadford’s study, with a glass of fine brandy in his hand, Freddie was the picture of contentment. As was all too common in the forger’s life, however, his appearance was deceptive. He was rapidly running out of patience and wanted nothing more than to take Hadford’s money and quit the place.

How much longer was his host going to dissemble before he came to the true reason he had invited Mr. Trevors to Charwell Park? They had already discussed the high price of sugar, the shoddy conditions at the docks on the Thames, the unseasonably warm weather, and the shocking lack of experienced gardeners. Was Hadford hoping such small talk would cause him to lower his guard, or was the gentleman simply afraid to broach the difficult subject? Perhaps a nudge in the right direction was in order?

“How long have you done business in Amsterdam?” Freddie asked.

“Several years.” Hadford abruptly rose from the chair he occupied opposite Freddie and walked over to his desk. He picked up a familiar letter and returned to his seat. Freddie’s senses tingled. Success was so close he could smell it in the air.

“As a matter of fact,” Hadford continued, “I asked you here because a Dutch associate reached out to ask for my assistance with a rather delicate matter.” He handed the letter to Freddie. “Perhaps you would be so good as to read this.”

Freddie kept his expression open and unsuspecting. He unfolded the correspondence and began reading the lines he already had memorized.

“Well now,” he said when he had finished. “This rather changes things, does it not?”

“It does indeed.” Hadford looked grim. “I am aware of your propensity for gambling, Mr. Trevors—and of how much it would damage your credibility amongst those of your ilk should word of your duplicity with Mr. den Haan reach them. May I suggest, therefore, that you pay my associate what you owe him now—before you leave my home—so that your reputation as a man of your word remains intact.”

Freddie raised one eyebrow. He had not given Hadford enough credit. The gentleman was making his threat without so much as a slight tremor to his voice.

“Blackmail, Hadford? Is that what you are suggesting?”

Hadford shrugged. “Call it blackmail if you will. I would prefer to call it a reminder of the importance of dealing honorably with a decent man.”

“Touché.” The irony of Hadford’s definition was not lost on Freddie. It was all he could do not to grin.

“I have been told that you prefer to travel with cash on hand,” Hadford said. “So I would suggest that you leave the amount you owe Mr. den Haan with me, and I shall ensure that he receives it forthwith.”

“And what guarantee do I have that you will not simply pocket the money yourself?” Freddie blustered.

“My word as a gentleman.”

There was no doubt about it. Hadford was good at this. His obvious integrity was almost enough to give Freddie pause. Almost. He patted his pocket as though searching for something.

“As much as I should like to consider that sufficient guarantee, Hadford, we are not so well acquainted as all that. I shall pay you half the amount today, and you may contact den Haan to tell him that the remaining five hundred will reach him within the fortnight.”

“What assurance do I have that you will make good on the second installment?”

This time, Freddie could not contain his smile. “My word as a gentleman.”

Hadford set his jaw. “That, sir, is already in question.”

“It is the best I can offer you.” Freddie withdrew a freshly minted one thousand pound note from his pocket and watched with satisfaction as Hadford’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I have only this one note with me. Take it and give me back five hundred pounds. I have need of that amount before I leave Berkshire.” He left the hint that he was headed to Ascot hanging between them.

Hadford had yet to reach for the note. “Leave the full one thousand pounds with me and you would leave here free of your debt.”

So it was to be a battle of wills, was it? Poor Hadford stood no chance.

“Not so easily done, I fear,” Freddie said. “As a businessman yourself, you know full well that it is unadulterated foolishness to invest everything in one place.” He shrugged. “There are other creditors . . .” He allowed the sentence to trail off.

Hadford’s expression tightened. “Even if I wished to accommodate you, I do not have five hundred pounds in the house.”

“But you have that amount in the bank.”