Page 20 of Bargaining for the Barrister
Louisa was very good at forcing smiles, and this one was most definitely forced. “The pleasure was all mine.”
y
Paul had no time to change from his dirt-strewn clothes before meeting Mortimer again in the library after his horse ride. When he entered the room, Mortimer was pacing in front of Paul’s makeshift desk by the window.
“It seems you are still determined to push forward with your case.” Paul kept the disappointment from his voice and took his seat at the table, pulling his notes toward him.
Mortimer wrung his hands together. “Did you find a solution for me?”
“Sit down or send for a drink. I cannot speak with you like this.”
Mortimer took a seat across from Paul and brushed his dark hair out of his eyes only to let it fall back into place. “Better? Now, tell me everything.”
“Where’s your list?” Paul put his hand out and rubbed his fingers together.
Mortimer pulled out a wadded piece of paper from his jacket, smoothed it, and dropped it into Paul’s hand.
Paul spread the paper flat and attempted to decipher Mortimer’s scribbles.
Under how the couple would be happier with a divorce, Mortimer had listed more money, less fighting, and a chance for a better future. The next column listed what Mortimer would miss.
It was empty.
Paul picked up his pen and pointed to the word money. “How will you have more money after you are divorced? I remember Nettie’s wedding settlement is what allowed you to marry in the first place.”
Mortimer scowled. “I could invest more. Nettie’s meddling prevents me from the ventures with the most potential for profit.”
“The riskier ones?”
Mortimer shrugged. “All investments are a risk, but they’re also the fastest way to get rich with minimal effort.”
Paul had no desire to argue that he valued Nettie’s judgment over Mortimer’s. “What about Nettie? What will become of her?”
Rubbing his soft jaw, Mortimer shrugged again. “Lady Felcroft could take her back as a companion.”
“Not after the scandal of a divorce. A man can walk away with little thought of his past, but a woman never comes out unscathed. I recently heard of a woman who moved to America, pretending her husband had died. She chose that life over staying in England and living with Society’s derision.”
Mortimer rubbed his jaw again, pinching the thick skin under his chin. “Nettie won’t run away. She’s stronger than most.”
Raising a brow, Paul thought on the tone of admiration in Mortimer’s voice when he spoke of his wife. It was a sorry thing to see money push two people apart. There was real pain in his friend’s eyes, and no doubt Nettie was suffering just as much, if not more. Paul saw no reason to discuss the other two things on the list, as they would not hold up in court.
“Nothing here is going to make your life any easier once you’re divorced. If there were a good reason, I wouldn’t hesitate to help you, but the law does not make exceptions.”
“You said you’d help!” Mortimer growled. “I’m going to be forced to sell my favorite horse to pay my debts.”
“I am trying to help, can’t you see? Spend more time on your list. And, for heaven’s sake, bring a complete one next time. I need more to work with than a series of half-hearted complaints.”
Mortimer ripped the paper from his hands. “I will. In the meantime, search your books for a solution. I’m counting on you.”
Chapter 9
Paul was seated next toMiss Cox at the dining table. Although his riding excursion had ended hours earlier, his time had been wrapped up in helping Mortimer that afternoon, and he had neglected their guest the entirety of the day. Without Lady Kellen and Lord Reynolds present, there was a more intimate feel to dinner, which also led to a greater sense of awkwardness. The polite thrum of conversation waned as the second course was served.
His mother broke the uncomfortable silence. “Miss Cox, how was your walk with Paul this afternoon?”
“Walk?” Confusion crossed her brow.
And a line of guilt crossed his.
