Читаем A Dangerous Fortune (1994) полностью

"I did my best," Edward said plaintively. "You saw that, you were there."

Micky nodded. Unfortunately it was true. If Edward had been a brilliant manipulator of other people--like his mother--he might have defeated Hugh. But if Edward had been that sort of person he would not be Micky's pawn.

Pawn though he was, he might resist the proposal Micky had in mind. Micky cudgeled his brains for ways of persuading or coercing him.

They ordered their lunch. When the waiter had left Edward said: "I've been thinking that I might get a place of my own. I've been living with my mother too long."

Micky made an effort to be interested. "You'd buy a house?"

"A small one. I don't want a palace, with dozens of parlormaids running around putting coal on fires. A modest house that can be run by a good butler and a handful of servants."

"But you've got everything you need at Whitehaven House."

"Everything but privacy."

Micky began to see what he was driving at. "You don't want your mother to know everything you do...."

"You might want to stay with me overnight, for example," Edward said, giving Micky a very direct look.

Micky suddenly saw how he could exploit this idea. He feigned sadness and shook his head. "By the time you get the house I shall probably have left London."

Edward was devastated. "What the devil do you mean?"

"If I don't raise the money for the new harbor, I'm sure to be recalled by the president."

"You can't go back!" Edward said in a frightened voice.

"I certainly don't want to. But I may not have the choice."

"The bonds will sell out, I'm sure," Edward said.

"I hope so. If they don't ..."

Edward hit the table with his fist, making the glasses shake. "I wish Hugh had let me underwrite the issue!"

Micky said nervously: "I suppose you have to abide by the decision of the partners."

"Of course--what else?"

"Well ..." He hesitated. He tried to sound casual. "You couldn't just ignore what was said today, and simply have your staff draw up an underwriting deal, without telling anyone, could you?"

"I could, I suppose," Edward said worriedly.

"After all, you are Senior Partner. That ought to mean something."

"It damn well should."

"Simon Oliver would do the paperwork discreetly. You can trust him."

"Yes."

Micky could hardly believe Edward was agreeing so readily. "It might make the difference between my staying in London and my being recalled to Cordova."

The waiter brought their wine and poured them each a glass.

Edward said: "It would all come out, eventually."