Page 89 of Restored

He wanted to be done with it.

“The members value the discretion I provide,” Kit said. “So we would have to find a way of reassuring them on that score. I could not sell without being satisfied that they were fully protected.”

Sharp’s gaze searched his face. “I understand,” he said at last. “It only makes sense after all—that’s where the real value lies. Your members pay through the nose for safety. It’s a nice little earner, Kit, and I admit, it would fit well with my other businesses.”

“So,” Kit said, “can you guarantee their safety? It all rests on that.”

Sharp met his gaze. “Guarantee? No.”

Kit’s disappointment at that response was crushing. He tried to hide his reaction but feared it must be obvious to Sharp.

“In that case,” he began, “I don’t think we can—”

“The real question is not what I can or cannot guarantee them,” Sharp said. “It’s whether they can trust me. So, we’ll ask them.”

“Ask them?” Kit echoed.

“Yes,” Sharp said simply. “You’ll tell them you’re selling up and I’m buying and we’ll give them the choice to leave or stay. If they want to leave, fine—and you’ll destroy all their membership records. Or, they can stay with me as the new owner. I’m reasonably well known now, with my own clubs, so they can judge for themselves whether they’re prepared to trust me.” He paused. “I’ll give you seven and a half thousand for the club regardless of who stays, and another two and a half if more than two-thirds stay.”

Kit swallowed hard. It was a very fair offer.

“Fifteen thousand,” he said coolly, “Guineas, not pounds. Plus the extra two and half if you get over two-thirds of the members,andyou keep on all the staff at the same wages.”

Sharp laughed. “You cheeky sod,” he said wonderingly. He thought for a moment. “Ten thousand guineas then. Two and half more if two-thirds stay—if nine-tenths do, I’ll make it fifteen all-in. And I’ll keep the staff, but you won’t remove so much as a stick of furniture from the reception rooms or a single spoon from the kitchens.”

Kit’s head was swimming. “Done,” he said faintly.

Sharp held out his hand, and Kit took it.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” Sharp said.

22

Henry

When Henry arrived home, his butler advised him that Lord Frederick was in the breakfast room and had asked to be informed as soon as his grace returned home.

“Shall I inform Lord Frederick that you are back, your grace?”

“No need,” Henry said. “I’ll go and speak with him. I could do with some breakfast in any event.”

Freddy looked up from his plate when Henry opened the door.

“Good morning, Freddy,” Henry said. “Did you sleep well?” He went to the sideboard and filled a plate before returning to the table and settling down.

“Tolerably well,” Freddy said. “You?”

Was there a note of challenge in that question, or was Henry imagining things? Mildly he said, “I did, thank you. Could you pour me some tea?” He pushed his cup and saucer towards Freddy who lifted the pot, poured him a cup, and pushed it back.

“How is Mr. Redford?” Freddy asked.

“He’s fine,” Henry said. “And very grateful to you for your intervention last night.”

Freddy shrugged. “Anyone would have done the same.”

“No,” Henry said. “In point of fact, no one did—only you.” He smiled. “I can’t tell how proud I am of you for that.”

Freddy flushed, his mouth curving briefly into a smile before he cleared his throat and said, “May I ask you something?”