“And you, sir. My apologies for descending upon you when you’ve only just returned, but I have an important matter to discuss.”
“Of course.” Melbourne gestured toward the chairs before his desk only to turn and smile broadly at Joseph. “Does it have something to do with Frances?”
Joseph blinked, uncertain as to what he referred. “I’m sorry?”
“I heard you might have an interest in my daughter. Is that what you’ve come to talk about?” Before he could answer, Melbourne clapped his shoulder. “I must say, it would make investing in your bank even easier.” He laughed only to slowly sober as he took in Joseph’s remorseful expression. “Do I have it wrong?”
“I’m terribly sorry.” Joseph didn’t know what to say. “That isn’t the case. Miss Melbourne is a lovely young lady. However, my interest lies elsewhere.”
“I see.” Melbourne’s frown didn’t bode well.
Yet Joseph wasn’t about to pretend to be interested in his daughter to gain his agreement to invest in the bank. “I understand if you decide not to participate, of course.”
“Then what is this pressing matter you wanted to talk about?”
“It’s regarding Mr. Henderson.”
“You mean Reverend Henderson?” Melbourne looked more confused by the minute.
“Actually, according to Reverend Elliott at the Anglican church in Bexley, who is a longtime acquaintance of my family, Henderson is a fraud. He was never ordained.”
“What?”
“Shocking, I know. The church where he holds sermons wasn’t assigned to him either. It seems he appointed himself to a position that doesn’t exist. He’s gathering what he calls true believers who are willing to hand over their possessions and join him to live in a monastery in the north.”
“Are you certain you have your facts correct?” Melbourne’s anger and disbelief were obvious.
“Yes. I’d be pleased to ask Reverend Elliott to tell you himself.” Joseph had no doubt the man would be happy to. On more than one occasion, he’d expressed his displeasure with Henderson to Joseph after Joseph’s father decided to change churches.
“I would like that. As you may know, my wife’s sister and brother-in-law are very taken with the man.”
“I wanted to tell you as quickly as possible with the hope you can help share the news. I believe anyone who gave him money should demand that he returns it.”
Melbourne sighed and shook his head. “What is this world coming to when such men walk among us, not blinking an eye as they deceive?”
Joseph didn’t have an answer, though he didn’t think the problem was a modern one.
“I’ll send word to my brother-in-law immediately.” Melbourne studied him for a long moment. “Are you certain you don’t have an interest in my Frances?”
“I’m sorry, sir. She is lovely, and I’m certain the right man will come along, but it’s not me.”
Melbourne shook his head again. “Her shyness makes it difficult for others to come to know her. That was one of the reasons her mother thought the house party would be a good idea.”
“I thought perhaps Mr. Sinclair had caught her interest.”
“Hmm. I only heard your name and a long list of your attributes.”
Joseph didn’t know what to say, uncomfortable at the idea of Miss Melbourne speaking about him. She’d seen him and Harriet holding hands the night of the ball. Surely, she knew they were attracted to one another. But perhaps all this had been behind the reason Harriet had left the house party without saying goodbye to him.
“I appreciate your visit nonetheless. Send word when Reverend Elliott is available.”
“Of course. I’ll be in touch.” Joseph walked toward the door.
“Garland?” Joseph turned back and Melbourne dipped his head. “Thank you for letting me know.”
“You’re most welcome.” Joseph departed, only to come upon Miss Melbourne descending the stairs to the foyer. He drew to a halt. “Good afternoon, Miss Melbourne. I just stopped by to speak with your father.”
“You did?” Her eyes went wide with surprise followed by what almost looked to be alarm.