Very Good, Sir. #3
The least he could do, since his evening was already ruined, was give her some guidance in seeking another. “It does not work the way it does in the other courts, like Chancery, that is true. The hiring of lawyers for criminal cases is admittedly crude in comparison.”
“I understand completely. I was told what to expect, and that it is customary for those who argue in the Old Bailey to anticipate payment coming to them another way.”
“That is certainly true for barristers like myself.”
“My only concern is the extent and timing of such payment. Paying up front might make sense to you, since you will then know you have been paid, but I, on the other hand, will not know you in fact defended until you are committed by the trial being under way. Would the end of the first day of the trial be equitable?”
He had thought she understood how barristers were not paid directly, but apparently not. “Miss Belvoir—”
She held up a hand. “Please, allow me to find out what I face, before I lose my nerve.” She stood and began pacing nervously.
“Since we are strangers, I would appreciate if this payment were of the most basic sort. Would that be agreeable to you? I am worried I will be grievously shocked or repulsed if more adventure is sought under these circumstances. Oh, dear, you appear taken aback by that. Have I made a blunder in attempting to make that demand? I suppose, if it is absolutely necessary, I might consider a small range of alternatives of the milder variety. If you insist, that is.”
Taken aback did not do justice to his reaction. Her assumptions, now clear, stunned him. He was torn between being very amused and highly insulted.
“I suppose I should also make sure I understand what is expected, as to the amount of time involved, so I do not—”
“Miss Belvoir, I must insist you stop. As a gentleman I must, although I confess a profound curiosity as to the time involved.” He went to her, took her hand, and led her back to her chair.
“When I said I would not accept financial remuneration, I did not mean I wanted other payment. Certainly not the kind I believe you have alluded to.”
“But I was told—”
“So you said. In my case, you were told wrong.” Not in every lawyer’s case, however. He pictured her trying to hire a solicitor without much money. There were those who would strike the bargain she outlined.
She looked up at him, confused. “Are you saying you will do it for free?”
“I am saying that barristers do not get paid by clients, they are engaged by solicitors who take care of such things. Barristers will be insulted if you offer to pay them like they are tradesmen.”
“So I must first find a solicitor and have him ask you. Instead of one lawyer I must hire two.”
“You must find a solicitor to investigate, but I will not be the barrister he engages to argue the case in the courtroom. I cannot be the defending lawyer. When you mentioned your father’s name, I realized I have already been approached to serve on the other side.”
“Other side?”
“Prosecutor.”
She looked away. She remained immobile and silent for a long count, while her pale face took on a very rosy hue. She shot him an accusing glance. “You might have stopped me sooner.”
“I would have if you had made your meaning clear at the outset.”
“I think you did not because in your mind you were laughing at me.”
“Miss Belvoir, laughing is the last reaction a man has when a woman offers herself with such specific and lengthy detail.”
Those lashes lowered. “You do understand I would have never said any of that if I did not believe it to be required in order to help my father.”
“Your devotion to him is laudable.”
He expected more reaction. Anger, perhaps even tears. Certainly more umbrage that he allowed her to get in so deep in describing her alternate payment.
Her forthrightness about it all fascinated him, as did her clear and passionate articulation of the terms. She had said enough, euphemistically, to suggest she was no innocent and not averse to adventure given a different circumstance.
. . . Intelligent
Uninhibited
Passionate
Accommodating . . .
No, that would never do. Pity.
She turned those eyes on him fully. She gave him a good look. He saw her mind working at something. Hesitation flickered, then resolve. “I wonder, sir. Are prosecutors ever persuaded to put forth something other than their best efforts?”
Considering the currency under discussion, it was probably the most enticing bribe he had ever been offered. “Not this one.”
“Forgive me for asking, and for insulting you, but I had to try.” She stood, which brought her close to him. Her crown reached his nose. “I am sorry to have taken your time, and at an unsuitable hour at that.”
She walked toward the door.
“I will find out about the charges,” he said. “That way you will know what you face, at least. Leave your address with my man, and I will make sure you are informed.”
She turned. “Thank you. That is very kind, coming from someone I must now see as an adversary.”
“It is the least I can do, considering all you were willing to sacrifice.”
She blushed deeply, turned on her heel, and strode out.