Page 27 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 7
The euphoria Frederick felt did not wear off as the day progressed.
“Mendon, I’m off to the FLIP to give them the insurance policy on Barton. I shouldn’t be long.”
Mendon bowed. “Your Grace.”
Frederick saw him smile as he shut the door behind him. It was a lovely day for a walk. He decided to visit Hobart after his business was done.
“Hello, Your Grace,” the clerk bowed. “How may I help you?”
“I’ve come to see Fergusson. Is he available?”
“This way, Your Grace.”
Frederick was led into a well-appointed conference room used only for visitors.
Frederick sat. Fergusson came in and bowed. “Your Grace.” He sat across from Frederick and folded his hands.
“Fergusson, I have an unusual request of you. My policy for Barton St John, the Duke of Hamilton was misplaced for a short period because of an unfortunate event. I would like you to hold it in my stead, and I will send His Grace here to retrieve it and his money. There won’t be a problem?”
Fergusson shook his head, “Not at all Your Grace. Wait here, and I will be back with a receipt.”
Frederick greeted Hobart with a bear hug. Hobart poured some whisky and sat, offering Hobart a glass. “You, my dear brother, found my insurance policy.”
“Did I? And how did I do that?”
“It was behind the drawer. I just came from the FLIP to celebrate with you and to brainstorm on how to make that miscreant pay.”
“FLIP?”
“First London Insurance Partnership. So did you arrange for him to be tailed?”
“Yes, that’s happening now. Shall we wait for his next move, or should I arrange for him to confess his sins.”
“Let’s wait. He won’t wait long to do something. When he sees something he wants, he goes after it. Something interesting may come out of his tail.” Frederick and Hobart had another drink then Frederick went home.
“Mendon,” Frederick said.
“Your Grace.” Mendon bowed. “You had a visitor while you were gone.”
Frederick grinned. “Did I? I’m sorry to have missed my dear friend.”
“He asked me to inform you that he will return.”
“I would have expected no less,” Frederick said and headed for his office. He passed the parlour and decided to drop in.
He entered and bowed to Amelia, Louisa, and Percy. They returned the greeting, and Amelia smiled.
“Good afternoon. If you ladies wouldn’t mind, I would like to steal Percy away from you. Not for long.”
He turned to Percy. “Could you join me in my office in fifteen minutes?”
“A pleasure.” He bowed.
Frederick penned a missive to Barton.
Barton,
