“Take all the profits,” Aaron said.
Reuben looked back at him. “She will be well-compensated for her work. It’s a fair offer, given how unproven she is.”
Of course, it was. Downright generous, truth be told. But Aaron wasn’t willing to give ground so easily. “It’s a fair offer if she’s paid what she’s worth.” He leaned back. “What are your terms?”
It was presumptuous of him to negotiate on her behalf like this. She hadn’t asked him to, but he’d be damned if he let her come out of this with a pittance. She could stop him whenever she wanted. Fortunately, she remained silent as she listened to him dicker with Reuben.
They haggled like fishmongers.
He kept an eye on her expression, watching to see when her eyes widened in surprise or narrowed in disagreement. She gave a slight nod when she approved, or so he assumed, and her fingers tightened on her teacup when she rejected an idea. He wouldn’t have known these small gestures a month ago, but he had made a study of her in the last weeks. He recognized her feelings in these small ways, and he prayed he guessed correctly.
“Are we in agreement?” Reuben finally asked after the details were hammered out.
Aaron turned to Lilah. She was the one who had to agree. Everyone waited on her, and he was struck anew at her regal demeanor. She was quiet, composed, and in the end, she had one question.
“When would I begin?”
“Today,” said Reuben.
“Immediately,” said Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
She shook her head. “Tomorrow. I must set my affairs in order at home first. This is a change, and I require a day to make the adjustment.”
It was more than a simple change. She was about to embark on an entirely different life, and she spoke as if she were swapping horses at an inn. He had to give her credit for nerve. So did the others as they exchanged a glance and nodded.
“You continue to impress, Miss Rees,” said Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
And even Reuben gave her a nod of approval. “Good show, Miss Rees.” Then he leaped up from his seat. “Well, I need to be off. There are more dragons about, more damsels in distress.”
“And are you helping the dragons or the maidens?” Aaron asked.
Reuben gave him a wink. “Depends on who has more gold.”
That was likely the dragons. But before he damned Reuben too much, Aaron had to admit that the man had come through for Lilah today. And he’d been a significant help to Diana and Lucas two years ago. That counted for something. So he stood up from his chair and shook Reuben’s outstretched hand.
“It’s never dull when you’re involved,” Aaron said with good humor. “I thank you for your efforts.”
“I expect to be richly rewarded for my work this night.” He bowed over Lilah’s hand. “Don’t forget that, Miss Rees.”
“I won’t, Mr. Bates.”
Then he turned to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, whispering something into her ear that made the woman giggle. And with a last bright smile, he headed for the door only to pause as he looked at Aaron. “You really are trying to help the veterans, aren’t you?”
Aaron nodded. “More than just them. But at the moment, they’re the highest priority.”
“Hmmm. Perhaps we should talk about that.”
“About what?” Aaron asked.
“Your priorities. I have some suggestions.”
Of course, he did. But Reuben also had a unique perspective on the people of London. One that was not ruled by the peerage or the royals. That was valuable to Aaron. “I should enjoy that immensely,” he said.
“I’ll be in touch,” he said. Then he winked one last time at the ladies and left.
Which left him and Lilah to make their excuses as well. He pushed to his feet, but she remained seated, her gaze on Mrs. Dove-Lyon. “You engineered this,” she said. “Why?”
“Goodness, no. I simply listened to smart people like yourself and Mr. Bates. I recognized an opportunity, and I enjoy doing favors for people in power.” She tilted her head toward Aaron.