* * *
“I must see your book.”
The man stepped back for a moment in surprise at William’s request, but William held his ground, looking at him steadily as if he fully expected him to obey without question.
“Are you a patron here, my Lord?”
The man was short but stocky, with a tightness about his expression, appearing to be a little more defiant than William had expected.
“I am not.” Speaking honestly, William shrugged. “But I must see your ledger nonetheless.”
The man shook his head.
“I am sorry.”
William glanced towards Lord Wiltsham. He had to find a way to see the ledger, but he was not certain what to say which would allow him access. There was, of course, the choice to take the ledger by force if it was required, but he would rather not do so.
Lord Wiltsham’s lips quirked.
“Come here a moment, my good fellow.” Lord Wiltsham cocked his head to the left and, after a moment of doubt, the fellow stepped nearer. From where William stood, he could hear Lord Wiltsham’s low tones and saw how he stooped just a little, as if to make out that there was some very great secret to be whispered in the man’s ear.
“We come on the King’s business.”
A flash of shock rushed through William, but he held himself tightly, making sure to nod when the little man looked at him.
“It is not something that we wished to tell you. It is a matter of great delicacy. The gentleman we seek is of interest to the King, but as yet he cannot make this known to anyone, for fear that society will hear of it. My friend here was not certain you could keep such a secret, but perhaps he was mistaken in that regard. After all, you appear to be most intelligent, eager to make certain that all propriety is followed.”
The man’s gaze traveled towards William, and William spread his hands.
“I am sorry. I have no intention of insulting you in any way, but you must understand that the King’s business can only be undertaken in the greatest secrecy. You are not known to me, and I am not known to you. Therefore, I thought it best to remain steadfastly silent.”
“I quite understand.” A thin-lipped smile crossed the man’s face. “I can be trusted. I keep a great many secrets, as is required of me in my profession. The King can trust me.”
“I am sure he will be most grateful. Might we now look at your ledger?”
Lord Wiltsham gave the man a small smile as William’s breath tightened in his chest. The small man considered for a moment longer, tilting his head just a little.
“But of course, anything for the King.”
Without further complaint, the small man returned to his desk, picked up the ledger from behind it and handed it directly to Lord Wiltsham, rather than to William as though he had taken personal insult over William’s lack of trust in him. Lord Wiltsham studied it for a few moments, then passed it to William
William did not hesitate. Searching avidly with his eyes, he ran his gaze down the ledger, searching desperately for the one name which would answer all of his prayers. There had been quite a few patrons the previous evening, and for a few seconds, William was afraid that he would not find the gentleman in question.
And then, he found it – the name which had to be the one he sought.
Running his fingers over it, William narrowed his eyes, hurriedly searching the rest of the page for any other gentleman who had a title that began with the same letter.
There were none.
His heart leaped in his chest as he snapped the ledger shut before looking toward Lord Wiltsham. His friend gave him a small nod.
“Thank you. We have found what we are looking for.” William gave the small man a brief smile. “I will make sure to tell the King of your willingness in this. I am certain that he will offer a few words about this establishment to his many friends and acquaintances.”
The man’s eyes flared.
“But of course. I would do anything for His Majesty” He bowed low, as though he were acknowledging the King himself. “I am only glad that I could be of assistance.”
William and Lord Wiltsham did not waste another moment, turning on their heels as they marched sharply out of Donley’s and into the fresh air. The night was dark, and nobody saw them emerge. William stopped short, his breathing coming in ragged gasps as he put his hands on his knees and bent forward, hardly able to take in that he now had the name of someone connected to the loss of his fortune.