Page 43 of Lady Charlotte and the Lending Library
“James Landry wants the land Thorne’s Lending Library sits on. He has already bullied the neighboring shopkeeper into vacating the premises.” Ashford paused. “Now he is harassing Mr. and Mrs. Thorne.”
Jacobsen sat back in his chair and nodded several times as if making up his mind about something. “Mr. Thorne is always late with his rent. It is just a matter of time until his shop closes.”
“Mr. Thorne has a contract with you; the contract is valid for two more years.”
“Unless the man defaults,” Mr. Jacobsen replied blandly.
Ashford lifted a corner of his mouth. “He won’t.”
“You seem very sure, my lord.” Mr. Jacobsen frowned as he leaned forward in his chair.
“Tell Mr. Landry I don’t like his tactics. That shop will never close. I guarantee it.” He stood up, as did Cecil. The cigar smoke hanging in the room was giving him a migraine.
“I will tell him, Lord Ashford. You know your words sound like a challenge. Mr. Landry loves a challenge.” Mr. Jacobsen shook his head and sighed.
He replied grimly, “As do I, Mr. Jacobsen. As do I.”
When they were once again back outside, Ashford took a deep breath. Although the air may not be fresh and clean on the busy street, it was a relief from Jameson’s smoke-filled office. The mist had faded, although the day was still overcast.
“What is your opinion of the man?” he asked Cecil when they were seated in the carriage.
His friend replied thoughtfully, “Mr. Jacobsen is merely interested in making a profit, although I did get the impression he is well aware of how dangerous James Landry can be if thwarted.”
* * * * *
“Eeek!” Edith put a hand to her breast. “Oh, my goodness! It’s, it’s a dead- I think it’s a dead mouse.”
“Oh heavens!” Charlotte stepped around the small dark bundle of fur on the pavement, a short tail peeking out from under the animal. “I’ll tell Robbie.”
Led by Louisa, the three girls hurried into Thorne’s and away from the lifeless creature.
“Good afternoon, Robbie,” Charlotte said to the clerk, adding softly, “I’m sorry to tell you this but there is a dead mouse in front of the library.”
The boy let out a low whistle. “Again? There was one yesterday as well. Mr. Thorne saw it before we opened the shop. Normally he wouldn’t have been out front, but he looked out to make sure that nasty man was well and truly gone.”
The ladies took their seats in the sitting area. Edith held a handkerchief to her nose, her eyes closed. Louisa removed a sterling silver vinaigrette from her reticule, opened the lid, and took a deep breath of the contents inside. Charlotte blew out a breath, willing the image of the poor dead animal from her mind.
“Do you think it was Mr. Landry?” Louisa asked after a moment, closing the lid of the vinaigrette.
Charlotte nodded. “It has to be. We rarely see dead animals on this street. The only food establishment nearby is Gunters, and I’ve never heard of their having vermin.”
She observed Robbie exit the shop with a small canvas bag after whispering something to Mr. Thorne. The boy was gone only a few minutes, and when he returned, he re-entered the shop via the backroom, no bag in hand.
Mrs. Thorne came out of the backroom a moment later. Edith put away her handkerchief and Louisa her vinaigrette.
“Good afternoon.” Mrs. Thorne smiled, a remarkable sight to behold. “I am delighted to say trade has picked up quite a bit in the last few days.”
The bell over the door tinkled. Two ladies and a gentleman Charlotte didn’t know entered the shop. Mrs. Thorne observed her husband greeting the new arrivals before returning her attention to Charlotte and her friends.
“Thank you for visiting our shop,” Mrs. Thorne said awkwardly and proceeded to return to her office behind the backroom door.
Charlotte blinked. “How extraordinary!”
“She knows how to smile,” Louisa said in wonder.
Edith merely beamed.
“What did you do, Edith?” she asked her friend.
