“Y-yes, Your Grace.” Thoreux was a slight man with ink-stained fingers and the hunched posture of someone who spent his days bent over account books. He quickly tucked the ledger under his arm, his gaze darting nervously toward the door. “I was expecting Her Grace. There must be some misunderstanding.”
“No misunderstanding at all.” Damien smiled with practiced nonchalance as he settled into the chair behind the desk. “Her Grace is otherwise occupied this morning. I’ll be handling any business matters in her stead.”
Thoreux’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “With all due respect, Your Grace, perhaps I should return another time when Her Grace is available.”
“Nonsense.” Damien gestured to the chair opposite. “As her husband, there should be no confidences kept from me. Please, sit.”
The man remained standing, his discomfort palpable. “I really must insist, Your Grace. The duchess’s instructions were quite specific regarding discretion.”
Damien’s ears pricked. A secret. Interesting.
“Ah, my wife has many secrets of a business nature,” Damien observed casually. “I assure you, I’ve noticed several curious entries in the household ledgers—investments that I allow her to engage in.”
He had seen no such thing, but the calculated guess hit its mark. Thoreux’s fingers tightened on the ledger.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss Her Grace’s personal financial matters,” Thoreux replied stiffly.
“Come now.” Damien smiled disarmingly. “I’ve spent considerable time in the East, where unconventional banking arrangements are common practice. I admire entrepreneurial spirit, especially in areas traditional banks neglect. The docks, for instance.”
Thoreux’s eyes widened slightly. “You’re familiar with maritime investments?”
“I’ve made a few myself.” Another calculated fabrication. “Good returns, if one knows the right captains.”
The tension in Thoreux’s shoulders eased fractionally. “Her Grace has quite the eye for opportunity.”
“So I’ve gathered.” Damien gestured to the chair again, and this time Thoreux hesitantly sat. “I simply wish to understand the full scope of our shared interests. For instance, your business is…?”
“I operate a small shipping office near Wapping,” Thoreux admitted reluctantly. “Specialized cargo, primarily textiles from India and China.”
“China!” Damien exclaimed with perfectly calibrated enthusiasm. “I’ve recently returned from there myself. Fascinating markets in Canton. And your office is located…?”
“Near Bell Wharf.” Thoreux shifted in his seat. “Her Grace’s investment allowed me to expand operations last year.”
“Investment, not loan.” Damien noted the distinction. “She takes a share of profits, then?”
“A modest percentage.” Thoreux’s expression suggested he felt he’d already said too much. “Your Grace, I’m not comfortable discussing—”
“Does she have many such arrangements in the area?” Damien interrupted smoothly. Eleanor had connections in precisely the neighborhood he needed to investigate. The coincidence was almost too perfect.
Thoreux cleared his throat. “Her Grace supports several small enterprises. She has a particular interest in creating opportunities where few exist.”
“And I imagine such a network provides other benefits,” Damien suggested. “Information, perhaps? Eyes and ears in parts of London where a duchess wouldn’t normally venture?”
The man’s face closed immediately. “I should go, Your Grace. Her Grace will expect my report another time.”
Damien knew he’d pushed too far. “My apologies, Mr. Thoreux. I’ve overwhelmed you with questions.” He stood, extending his hand. “Please, convey my admiration to the captains at Bell Wharf.”
Before the man could reach the door, it swung open to reveal Eleanor, her blue eyes sharp with displeasure.
After dismissing Thoreux to another room, she turned to face Damien, arms crossed. “That was entirely inappropriate.”
“Merely taking an interest in our financial affairs,” Damien replied innocently.
“You’re using my business connections to aid your search,” Eleanor said, stepping closer. “My people trust me, Damien. If you compromise that trust by involving them in something that could destroy us both…”
“Their knowledge could prove invaluable. Would you deny me the chance to save my brother?”
She moved close enough that her skirts brushed his legs. “I know the sort of places that search will take you. The question is whether you understand what that association will cost both of us.”