Spying Juliette and Agatha, he dropped the paper on the desk and rose with a quick bow.

“Sir David,” Mr. Nighly said, “Miss Agatha Montgomery, daughter of Garfield Montgomery. She wishes to access her father’s vault here, and she has both paperwork and the key.”

Recognition dawned, and deference came over his face. How much money must Mr. Montgomery have banked here that mention of his name caused such an obsequious reaction?

“Please, do come in. Sit. Bardwell,” he snapped at the secretary, who’d followed them in, “fetch some tea for the ladies.”

The narrow-nosed secretary departed, and Mr. Nighly followed him out. Agatha took one of the elegant chairs before the desk, perching on the edge, her papers in her lap.

“Miss Montgomery, do allow me to express my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. He was a great man of business and philanthropy, as you know.” He glanced at Juliette, who took the other chair.

Agatha stirred herself. “Thank you. This is my dear friend Lady Juliette Thorndike. Her father is the Earl of Thorndike. Perhaps you know him? She has come to support me during this difficult time.”

“Of course. Lady Juliette. It is a pleasure. Now, what may I do for you today, Miss Montgomery? You wish to obtain access to a vault?”

Agatha produced the paperwork once more. “My father’s accountant and his solicitor prepared these.”

Sir David perused the letters, his expression grave. When he had examined each page, he set them on his desk.

“Very well. Everything appears to be in order. If you ladies will come with me? Or would you prefer the tea first? It should be here momentarily.”

A tap on the door announced the arrival of the tea tray, and though Juliette would have preferred to get on with their business, she wouldn’t be rude to the secretary. Agatha looked grateful for the hot beverage, which soon added color to her cheeks.

As they left Sir David’s office and started down the long, marble-lined hallway, two men approached, and Juliette couldn’t quell her smile. However, she gave no indication that she recognized one of the men, for she did not know if it would be proper under the circumstances.

The Duke of Haverly felt no such restraint. “Lady Juliette. A pleasure.”

“Your Grace, it’s very nice to see you again. I hope you are well, and your duchess?”

“We are both quite well. Charlotte would be pleased to see you sometime soon if you can spare the time to call.” His eyes missed nothing, and his tone was merely pleasant. Then it dropped.

“Miss Montgomery.” He took Agatha’s hand between both of his, bending a kind look upon her.

“Your Grace.” Agatha bobbed a quick curtsey.