An Unexpected Love by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller Page A

deposit a portion of the funds in your bank.” Jonas hoped his promise would be enough to hold the banker at bay. Right now Jonas wanted to escape the old man and his prying questions.
    William motioned to a waiter. “I still believe we have sufficient time for lunch. And I want to hear more about this new undertaking of yours.”
    Jonas was losing patience. How could William possibly know if they had sufficient time to dine? He didn’t even know when they were due to meet with the judge—unless Mortimer had confided that information, also. “As I said earlier, I’d like nothing more than a quiet lunch. But perhaps later in the week?” Jonas stood and tapped Mortimer on the shoulder.
    Snodgrass bobbed his head, causing several tufts of white hair to dance in a slow-motion waltz. “I suggest Wednesday. And I’ll expect a full report about this new investment opportunity and what the judge has to say.”
    Jonas touched his index finger to his pursed lips. “Not so loud, William. I will meet you here at the club on Wednesday. Shall we say one o’clock?” He knew any attempt to depart without setting a time and date would be futile. If need be, Jonas could have his clerk cancel the appointment.
    Separating Mortimer from his chair proved nearly as difficult as his own attempt to escape William. Jonas finally braced his hand beneath Mortimer’s arm and hoisted him out of the chair. He hoped a dose of brisk autumn air would prove enough to clear Mortimer’s mind. The carriage driver approached, but Jonas waved him on. “We’ll walk. Please follow. In the event we need you, I’ll wave you forward.”
    “I’d rather ride, Jonas. I’m somewhat weary.”
    “You’ve had too much to drink. The walk and fresh air will do you good. You need to regain your senses or this meeting with the judge will be for naught. Now breathe deeply.” Jonas held tightly to Mortimer’s arm and led him down the street. “And the next time we have a meeting, do not indulge in alcoholic beverages beforehand. Do I make myself clear?”
    Although Jonas had his doubts the lawyer would keep his word, Mortimer mumbled agreement. If Mortimer muddled today’s meeting with the judge, Jonas would have no choice but to discharge him.
    “If you hadn’t been late, I wouldn’t have had my second glass, or my third, or—”
    “Don’t blame your bad habit on me. Right now we need to concentrate on winning over Judge Webster. If I’m to gain his allegiance, he will want assurance his name and position will be protected. Otherwise, I doubt he’ll agree to sign off on the paper work.”
    The fresh air appeared to have a restorative effect upon Mortimer. “You let me worry about the judge. We go way back, and I don’t expect any problem from him. As long as you’re willing to line his pockets and keep your lips sealed, he’ll agree to whatever I propose. He’ll make certain you’ll be able to manipulate your niece’s inheritance without interference while the records will give every appearance of legality.” The lawyer stopped midstep and waved at the carriage driver. “And now, if you have no objection, I would prefer to ride the remainder of the distance to Judge Webster’s home.”
    Jonas followed Mortimer into the carriage, and the two of them rode in silence. Mortimer appeared thankful for the opportunity to rest, so Jonas dwelled upon how he planned to benefit from Fanny’s inheritance. He’d invest it, of course, and reap himself a fine profit while doing so—and the foolish girl would be none the wiser. The fact that his father had bequeathed a full one-third of his estate to Fanny continued to rankle Jonas, but knowing he would soon gain complete control of her inheritance helped assuage his anger.
    Before long, he could make a large investment in George Fulford’s patent medicine business. And along with his previous investment in the company, he would soon be the largest stockholder—next to Fulford himself, of course. If