expenses?”
“We would be applied to, the purpose of the funds would be explained, and we would agree, or not, according to the circumstances.”
“Can you imagine a situation where you wouldn’t agree?”
“Your hypothetical duchy sounds as though it would be efficiently managed, and as its legal custodians we wouldn’t have cause to decline releasing funds for bona-fide purposes.”
“I see.”
Disappointed to have learned so little, Sebastian brooded upon his lack of progress. Anthony’s next words snapped him out of his reverie and caused him to sit bolt upright.
“The same could be said about personal loans, of course.”
Sebastian arched a brow. “The trustees are permitted to borrow from the duchy?”
“It’s not an unusual occurrence in such circumstances,” Anthony said with a neutral smile. “After all, the trustees would be giving extensively of their time and expertise to ensure the estate flourished.”
“Would both trustees require monetary support?”
“Not if the heiress’s immediate guardian was comfortably situated.”
Sebastian felt a moment’s relief. This didn’t absolve Lady Abigail’s uncle, of course, but went some way to confirming her assertion that Bevan was independently wealthy. Wilsden, it would appear, wasn’t similarly situated. Now that was interesting. The man was a common sight at Court, being a prominent member of the Carlton House set, staunchly loyal to the Prince Regent and considered by all who knew him to be beyond reproach.
“For what purpose would personal loans be granted?”
“Were they to be so then their purpose would remain confidential. Only the senior partner would be party to that information.”
Sebastian crossed a booted leg across his opposite knee, took an appreciative sip of Anthony’s burgundy and contemplated this latest intelligence. “Would you be concerned about these hypothetical loans being repaid?”
“I would imagine they’d normally be repaid within the time scales specified, and with interest.” Anthony looked Sebastian directly in the eye, his expression one of mild concern as he abandoned all pretence at hypothesis. “But, as to the latest one, that’s altogether another matter.”
Sebastian sat forward. “Why is this one any different?”
“Because it’s exceedingly large. So large that it aroused my curiosity as to its purpose and my concerns about the borrower’s ability to repay it.”
“You think the borrower might have difficulty meeting his obligations?”
“Most assuredly, but since it was agreed by my senior—”Anthony shrugged. “Hypothetically speaking, I can scarce voice my concerns publicly.”
“Anthony, I appreciate this is asking a lot, and you know I wouldn’t put you in the position, were it not important.” Anthony looked at his friend, his expression now openly curious. “Are you able to reveal how much the loan was for?”
Anthony considered this request for some time before responding in the affirmative, causing Sebastian to let out an oath of astonishment when he learned the precise figure.
“That is a vast sum. When was it granted?”
“Three months ago.”
“I see.” Sebastian rubbed his chin, pausing to choose his next words with care. “Can you discover the purpose of the loan, without compromising your position of trust?”
“Yes, but only if I’m prepared to go snooping.”
“Ah well, never mind. It was just a thought and, anyway, you’ve already given me much to think about.”
Anthony smiled. “I’ll see what else I can discover. I’m uneasy about the whole business myself, although I couldn’t precisely say why. The price for my assistance is that you reveal the nature of your involvement as soon as you’re in a position to do so.”
“Agreed.” Smiling, Sebastian offered Anthony his hand to seal their bargain.
***
Life within the ton left Abbey with far less leisure time than had been the case in the country. Were it not for the fact that
“We would be applied to, the purpose of the funds would be explained, and we would agree, or not, according to the circumstances.”
“Can you imagine a situation where you wouldn’t agree?”
“Your hypothetical duchy sounds as though it would be efficiently managed, and as its legal custodians we wouldn’t have cause to decline releasing funds for bona-fide purposes.”
“I see.”
Disappointed to have learned so little, Sebastian brooded upon his lack of progress. Anthony’s next words snapped him out of his reverie and caused him to sit bolt upright.
“The same could be said about personal loans, of course.”
Sebastian arched a brow. “The trustees are permitted to borrow from the duchy?”
“It’s not an unusual occurrence in such circumstances,” Anthony said with a neutral smile. “After all, the trustees would be giving extensively of their time and expertise to ensure the estate flourished.”
“Would both trustees require monetary support?”
“Not if the heiress’s immediate guardian was comfortably situated.”
Sebastian felt a moment’s relief. This didn’t absolve Lady Abigail’s uncle, of course, but went some way to confirming her assertion that Bevan was independently wealthy. Wilsden, it would appear, wasn’t similarly situated. Now that was interesting. The man was a common sight at Court, being a prominent member of the Carlton House set, staunchly loyal to the Prince Regent and considered by all who knew him to be beyond reproach.
“For what purpose would personal loans be granted?”
“Were they to be so then their purpose would remain confidential. Only the senior partner would be party to that information.”
Sebastian crossed a booted leg across his opposite knee, took an appreciative sip of Anthony’s burgundy and contemplated this latest intelligence. “Would you be concerned about these hypothetical loans being repaid?”
“I would imagine they’d normally be repaid within the time scales specified, and with interest.” Anthony looked Sebastian directly in the eye, his expression one of mild concern as he abandoned all pretence at hypothesis. “But, as to the latest one, that’s altogether another matter.”
Sebastian sat forward. “Why is this one any different?”
“Because it’s exceedingly large. So large that it aroused my curiosity as to its purpose and my concerns about the borrower’s ability to repay it.”
“You think the borrower might have difficulty meeting his obligations?”
“Most assuredly, but since it was agreed by my senior—”Anthony shrugged. “Hypothetically speaking, I can scarce voice my concerns publicly.”
“Anthony, I appreciate this is asking a lot, and you know I wouldn’t put you in the position, were it not important.” Anthony looked at his friend, his expression now openly curious. “Are you able to reveal how much the loan was for?”
Anthony considered this request for some time before responding in the affirmative, causing Sebastian to let out an oath of astonishment when he learned the precise figure.
“That is a vast sum. When was it granted?”
“Three months ago.”
“I see.” Sebastian rubbed his chin, pausing to choose his next words with care. “Can you discover the purpose of the loan, without compromising your position of trust?”
“Yes, but only if I’m prepared to go snooping.”
“Ah well, never mind. It was just a thought and, anyway, you’ve already given me much to think about.”
Anthony smiled. “I’ll see what else I can discover. I’m uneasy about the whole business myself, although I couldn’t precisely say why. The price for my assistance is that you reveal the nature of your involvement as soon as you’re in a position to do so.”
“Agreed.” Smiling, Sebastian offered Anthony his hand to seal their bargain.
***
Life within the ton left Abbey with far less leisure time than had been the case in the country. Were it not for the fact that
Similar Books
