“If he hasn’t said anything to you, then he likely corrected your errors and went on to the next set of figures. Not like Ballentyre’s clerks are models of accuracy and diligence these days.” Though Eddie’s books were increasingly in order, and that felt oddly satisfying.

James rose and dumped half a bucket of coal onto the hearth, an extravagance, for Eddie did not intend to tarry much longer.

“Our lady cousins are likely to marry this spring,” James said, stirring the coals to stoke the flames. “My days as keeper of the family exchequer are coming to an end.”

“I’d hardly say that. The aunties, the widows, the college boys, the pensioners…there’s much more than their ladyships’ pin money to oversee.”

James straightened, the poker in his hand. For a moment, illuminated by the rising flames, with the length of wrought iron in his grip, he bore little resemblance to a duke’s heir preparing for an evening of cards with his friends.

“That’s not the point, Eddie. The point is, you have allowed Howell the Hopeless to sniff at my books. The cousins are soon to be married. Elsmore will likely start hunting a bride after that, and with the joys of family life could well come an increased interest in the bank. I do believe it’s time I saw more of the Continent.”

“You just returned from Scotland.”

“If you are smart, which you believe yourself to be, you might consider a repairing lease in the north yourself.”

What nonsense was this? “I thought you were about to double your money with some scheme directed at our competitors? The Butterfield trick played on the unsuspecting?”

James lounged against the mantel. “That was before you told me Howell has had a go at my books, before dear cousin Samantha told me she has every confidence of following Rachel to the altar. The situation here is changing, and a prudent man doesn’t wait for change to overtake him.”

Eddie closed his account book and locked it into a desk drawer. “Elsmore was on the premises for most of the afternoon. Planted the ducal backside in his office and didn’t stir except to have a clerk bring him more ledgers. Very odd business.”

Very odd, unnerving business, which had inspired Eddie into occupying the seat behind his desk well past dark.

“I don’t like it,” James said, staring into the flames. “I most assuredly do not care for Elsmore nosing about the bank. Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”

“You were out.” And Eddie had had work to do. “You are frequently out. Ballentyre has developed the ability to waste three hours at lunch and an hour at each of his tea breaks. Elsmore will notice that, if he hasn’t already.”

Footsteps shuffled past Eddie’s closed door, the watchman stretching his legs no doubt.