Page 98 of The Paid Companion

“You are mistaken in that regard as well,” Elenora informed him. “I have had the privilege of making Mrs. Burnley’s acquaintance. It was obvious to me that she loves you deeply and would never do anything to hurt you.”

Uncertainty and confusion tightened Roland’s features. “You’ve met Juliana? I do not understand. How did that come about?”

“That is neither here nor there at the moment. Suffice it to say that I have complete faith in the depth of her feelings toward you, even if you do not. I have even greater faith in St. Merryn’s honor.” She turned back to Arthur. “Pray continue with your tale, sir.”

Arthur inclined his head. “It is clear that the villain arranged for me to see Burnley here this evening, assumed that I would follow him, discover him with the snuffboxes and leap to the conclusion that he is the man that I have been hunting. He no doubt intended the entire affair as a distraction to put me off the scent.”

“Yes, of course,” Elenora said slowly. “Whoever he is, he obviously knows that you and Mr. Burnley are not on the best of terms. He was certain that each of you would believe the worst of each other.”

“Huh.” Roland seemed to withdraw even farther into his corner.

Arthur exhaled heavily.

Elenora bestowed a bracing smile on both men. “The villain misread the pair of you rather badly, did he not? Then again, how could he be expected to comprehend that you were each far too insightful and intelligent to make such a dreadful mistake about each other’s intentions? He no doubt judged you both by how he himself would have reacted in such a situation.”

“Mmm.” Arthur was evidently bored by the conversation.

Roland grunted and examined the tips of his boots.

Elenora looked into the faces of both men and felt a disturbing prickle in her palms. In that moment she knew that whatever had transpired between Arthur and Roland a short time before, it had been a very near thing.

“Well, then, that’s over and done,” she continued, determined to dispel the grim mood. “We have a good many questions to ask you, Mr. Burnley. I hope you don’t mind?”

“What questions?” he asked, looking wary.

Arthur studied Roland. “Let us begin with you telling us everything you can about the man who suggested that you go to that room tonight.”

Roland crossed his arms. “There is not much to tell. I made his acquaintance a few days ago over a hand of cards. I won several hundred pounds from him that first night. Unfortunately, I lost the whole of that amount and more in the following days.”

“Was he the one who suggested that you visit the Green Lyon?” Elenora asked.

Roland’s mouth tightened. “Yes.”

“What was his name?” she pressed.

“Stone.”

“Describe him,” Arthur said.

Roland spread his hands. “Slender. Blue eyes. His hair is medium brown in color. He is about my height. Good features.”

“What of his age?” Elenora asked.

“In the same vicinity as my own. That was one of the reasons we got on so well, I suppose. That and the fact that he seemed to comprehend the difficulties of my financial situation.”

Elenora tightened her hold on the velvet bag in her lap. “Did he tell you anything about himself?”

“Very little.” Roland paused as though trying to summon up the memories. “Mostly we talked about how my present financial problems had all been created by—” He stopped abruptly and shot Arthur a quick, annoyed look.

“He encouraged you to blame me for your difficulties?” Arthur asked dryly.

Roland went back to examining his boots.

Elenora nodded reassuringly. “Do not concern yourself, Mr. Burnley. Your financial problems will soon be behind you. St. Merryn plans to invite you to participate in one of his new investment ventures.”

Roland jerked upright. “What’s this? What are you talking about?”

Arthur gave Elenora an impatient look. She pretended not to notice.