“Elsmore will protect the reputation of this bank,” James said, “and if that means spreading a bit of coin around to keep lips buttoned, he’ll see it done. I know him well, and I know how precarious a bank’s reputation is. You chose the wrong business to rob, Naylor.”

“Except,” a quiet voice said behind James, “he’s not robbing anybody. Why are you here at this late hour, James?”

Elsmore had silently closed the door behind James, though this was not a version of Elsmore James had seen before. His Grace wore no hint of lace or finery. He was attired all in black, even to his shirt and neckcloth. His head was bare, no watch chain, rings, or cravat pin lightened his attire. He was darkness made human, the opposite of the charming, sociable aristocrat James called cousin.

“Elsmore, I’ve caught a thief in the very act of robbery. I know this fellow. He’s doubtless traveling under false colors again. When last I met him he went by the name of Tolliver. Lurks in unsavory taverns, and I have reason to know he’s been keeping a close eye on this very bank. He knew of the Butterfield matter. Every measure was taken to keep that incident from becoming public, and yet, he knew. That alone should incriminate him.”

Elsmore advanced and James took a step back. James’s walking stick went sailing through the air, caught one-handed by the man still seated at the desk.

“You have been stealing from the aunties,” Elsmore said, almost pleasantly. “Stealing from the widows and schoolboys, even stealing from my sisters. I can only conclude you’ve also been stealing from the bank customers. Doing a little three-for-five transcribing in the ten-pound column, James? Indulging in some creative rounding where the interest-bearing accounts are concerned?”

Elsmore should not even know those terms. “You are mad. I make the occasional mistake, as anybody does when handling figures all day. If I’ve erred, I am happy to reimburse the bank from personal funds.”

Naylor, or whoever he was, snorted. “I suspect the other side of this handsome desk also has a drawer with a false bottom, Your Grace, but I’ve yet to pick that lock.”

“He admits to picking locks,” James said. “That man should be arrested.”

Elsmore remained between James and the door. “You will be arrested. You will be tried for stealing, possibly for embezzling, and the court will pass sentence on you without any attempt on my part to keep the matter quiet.”

“Elsmore, I am your heir. I am a manager at this bank, and if I am disgraced then you, the family, the bank…think, man. Do you really begrudge me the fruits of a little enterprise so much that you’ll bring ruin down on every employee and customer of this bank?”