Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Coutts Bank
‘I’m afraid we can’t divulge any details of a client’s holdings.’ Mr Jefferson looked resolute if somewhat pained to deny a favoured customer his request. ‘I’m sure you would understand as you benefit from the same discretion.’
Jacob sighed inwardly. He wasn’t going to get anywhere, was he, with a direct request, and certainly not by standing in the middle of the marble-tiled banking hall in full view of the great and the good who banked here?
He would have to ask Julien, but he imagined the young man’s finances were stuck in probate waiting for a court ruling to clear him as the heir to all his father owned.
That might not get him the answer in time.
‘I do understand. I was hoping that an enquiry about a deceased person would be looked on differently.’
Mr Jefferson sniffed. ‘We do not serve individuals, but families. We must think of them when we deal with the affairs of a person who is no longer with us. Oh, my lord.’ He bowed to the man behind Jacob.
A hand clapped Jacob’s shoulder, uncomfortably, like a bailiff’s heavy mitt. ‘Jefferson. I hope my brother hasn’t been giving you any trouble?’
It would be Arthur, wouldn’t it? He was probably here to count his pennies as his mistress was draining his ready cash like a plug pulled from a sink.
‘Not at all, sir. I was merely explaining to Dr Sandys that I am unable to give him any information regarding another client.’
The viscount rocked on his heels, hands behind his back. ‘Oh? Was he asking about me?’
‘What? No!’ protested Jacob. ‘How could you think that?’
Arthur gave him a wintry smile. ‘You have always been curious.’
‘I was asking after a person who is of interest in a case I’m investigating – a deceased person, the Comte D’Antraigues.’
Arthur curled a lip. ‘The murdered Frenchman? Shocking business. What has he to do with anything?’
‘When I was here a few days ago Mr Jefferson here mentioned that there were rumours flying about a bank. I’m interested because one of the owners is the brother of a man who saved my life in the retreat from Corunna.’
‘How close did you come to death?’ asked the viscount with some heat. There were details of his life in the military that Jacob had softened for his family.
‘Close enough to make its acquaintance. Anyway, I looked into the matter and discovered the rumours connected to the late comte, along with the suggestion that he was disloyal to his adopted country.’ The bank manager pursed his lips, clearly unhappy to have been caught out gossiping.
‘I investigated and found that, contrary to the rumours, the comte was dedicated to the fight against Napoleon, valued by the government and our allies, and no collaborator.’ He said this with an eye to Mr Jefferson spreading rumours that would benefit Henry Austen’s bank.
‘However, it appears that the comte did possess something that his killer wanted – and I wondered if it was all the while safely tucked up in the strongroom as I was told he banked here.’
Arthur crossed his arms and looked at Mr Jefferson. ‘Is this true? Did the comte bank here?’
Jefferson folded himself in half in his agony of torn loyalties, twisting his hands together. The living won out. ‘Yes, my lord, he was a valued customer.’
‘We are all valued customers,’ observed Arthur in his most lordly tone.
‘My brother’s enquiry seems simple enough.
He’s not asking you how much money the man had, nor asking you to spill any secrets that would harm the living.
He has merely asked whether the unfortunate man had a strongbox here.
His heirs would like to know that too, I’ve no doubt. ’
‘And I will apply to Julien, the new Comte D’Antraigues, should the answer be in the affirmative,’ said Jacob. He stood shoulder to shoulder with his brother, knowing that two Sandyses in a row would have an intimidating effect.
Mr Jefferson crumbled. ‘I will check our records. One moment.’ He scurried away.
‘Thank you,’ muttered Jacob.
Arthur was scowling. ‘I hope he doesn’t fold so early if someone asks after my holdings.’
‘You are safe.’
‘How do you reckon that?’
‘You aren’t French and you aren’t dead – a living English lord is what Mr Jefferson seeks to serve most faithfully.’
They took a seat on a bench at the side of the banking hall, Arthur pressing a hand to his chest as he sat, Jacob lowering himself gingerly. Arthur gave a grunt of laughter.
‘We are a pair of old crocks, aren’t we? How are you recovering from your brush with the cobbles of Pall Mall?’
‘Much better today, thank you. I only had bruises. How are you? No sign of infection?’
‘No, I’m healing well.’
They watched the customers swirl through the doors and out again. Money, the lifeblood of the city, was in its most tangible form, dispensed from the grilled counters and into pockets. Larger sums were carried away in promissory notes.
‘Was it coincidence that you are here this morning or were you following me?’ asked Jacob.
‘You flatter yourself. I have an appointment – for which I am now late.’
‘If you need to go—’ He started to rise.
‘Sit down,’ said Arthur. ‘They can wait for me. I’m pleased to have crossed paths with you. William has been bending my ear about your future. A private marriage, he suggests, one that we don’t have to acknowledge but will satisfy your moral qualms. How about it?’
Jacob tamped down the anger that swelled in his chest. How typical of William to suggest a half measure! ‘What good would that do Dora? People would assume she is my mistress, and our children would be considered bastards – two outcomes I am anxious to avoid.’
‘You preached that it was your Christian duty. If you are right before God, what matter the world?’
‘Unfortunately, the world does matter.’
‘But your lady seems not to mind, so why should you?’
‘You misunderstand her if you think that.’
Arthur chewed on his lip, struggling to keep what he really wanted to say inside.
Jacob sighed. ‘Go on: say what you must.’
‘I fear she is only after your money and social rank. This is a test. If she really loves you, she will agree to an arrangement that is in your own best interest.’ It came out in a rush.
Jacob laughed at that. ‘Really? That is what you think? You think she will fail the test?’
‘There’s probably some affection in the mix, but it won’t last if it doesn’t come with benefits.
She would be a fool not to care for her future.
An actress only lasts as long as her beauty.
She must feather her nest now. It’s how the world works.
She stands to gain by a public marriage, but you will lose. ’
Jacob saw Mr Jefferson returning so stood up. It was as well to bring this discussion to an end before he had a public quarrel with the viscount. ‘I know you believe that, Arthur, so I pity you.’ He took a step forward. ‘Mr Jefferson?’
The man was already shaking his head. ‘No strongbox for the late comte, Dr Sandys. In fact, now I recall it, he kept much of his worldly goods tied up in his art collection, and that he displayed on his walls, not in a bank vault.’
Jacob thanked him and took his leave. He turned to say farewell to his brother, but the viscount was already being ushered away by the head of the bank to a private meeting, younger brothers not invited. He raised a hand to bid him goodbye, but Arthur did not look back.