Page 24 of Sir Durham’s Disarming Asset

“I thought my so-called companion would perform that service.”

Rafe smiled, but his lips were thin. “You have had four days and reviewed how many vitae?”

“Countless.”

He teased her with a rueful smile. “And interviewed how many?”

Oh, he had her there! “Three.”

“Precisely. Which is why James is your man, even when we have found your appropriate companion.”

“And you are not my man?” She pronounced the last two words with a nuance that narrowed Rafe’s green eyes on her.

“I will not always be with you.”

So you say. “Well, James! What rules do you have for my actions?”

Rafe nudged his foot against hers. His gaze told her to stop being a vixen. “He keeps you safe. You treat him well.”

She sent the footman an apologetic smile. “I will. You and I will travel the City in good company. Now…” She turned her attention toward Rafe once more. “Tell me what you know about the reputation of this solicitor.”

“Your father hired him, so he must be excellent.”

She scowled. “My father could be led.”

Rafe looked surprised. “To what?”

“Make bad decisions about people.”

“He made good decisions about politics. Joined the rebellion against Britain. Befriended Washington and Jefferson.”

“And had a mistress in Alexandria who stole all of Mama’s jewelry.”

“Well, I did not know—”

“I was in the house when she came. I was eleven, and I remember that very well. She picked me up by the collar of my gown and stuffed me in the linen closet. All the while, she told me how she hated my father and mother, and how Papa would not buy her the house she wanted in Washington. Hmm. Yes, she was so in love with Papa that she robbed him. My father could be cold and devious. I did not pity him.” She rolled her shoulders. “So please tell me about this man, Silas Carter.”

“I have never met him. I have heard he is difficult to work with, so be aware we may have to urge him onward. One friend of mine, Lord Appleby, tells me he has worked with him. Appleby’s wife, Vivienne, was an émigré, the daughter of the Vicomte de Neufchateau. After Bonaparte changed the rules on old aristocracy’s rights, Appleby and Vivienne applied for restitution of her family’s chateau. But Bonaparte is not inclined to do that lately, as you might imagine.”

“Because France and Britain are at war. I understand.”

Rafe set his teeth. “Bonaparte does not give back land.”

She nodded, a sarcastic look on her face. “The people would howl.”

“Instead, he awards the spoils to his own supporters. His generals. His sycophants.”

“Why not?” she asked. “A true despot.”

“I will tell you, too, that Silas Carter is an expert in foreign rights to property.”

“Of French émigrés to their former possessions?”

Rafe raised his brows. “Americans as well.”

“Has he won legal rights to property for others?”

“Appleby says he has.”