Lord Geoffrey
576 Words
Lord Geoffrey~
Nigel Willoughby
Jorendon
Nigel closed his office early. He was rarely the one locking up, but Brunet was off on his assignment. He started down the Hall of Ministers. A second set of footsteps echoed behind him. Nigel slowed to catch a reflection in the mirrors.
“Sneaking out early?” Geoffrey Langdon hailed him. “I know, never question a diplomat on his comings and goings. I had a lad keeping an eye out. I hoped to have a word. Unofficially.”
The Minister of Coin seemed to be on the hunt for something.
“This isn’t the best time, Lord Geoffrey. Perhaps in the morning.”
“Are you headed home?” said Langdon. “I could ride along. Take my leave when we arrive. My proposal will not take long.”
Nigel had no time for games, but he would prefer securing Langdon’s allegiance, however temporary, over leaving him vulnerable to Deighton’s influence.
“Very well. Please, join me.”
“G’day, m’lords,” the footman greeted them. “Nice day to be gettin’ out o’ the office early.”
“Good day, Tum.” Langdon’s ready reply surprised Nigel, but not the footman. “A fine day, indeed.”
Langdon settled across from Nigel. He straightened the seams on his trousers and the buttons on his cuffs before broaching the matter.
“I recently learned you and I shared an acquaintance. A good man. Lost to us, now.”
“Oh?” Nigel was accustomed to losing acquaintances in his profession, but few he categorized as good men. “Perhaps your friend’s condition isn’t…permanent.”
“My friend was an innkeeper in Ellard.” Langdon paused. “The Pelican.”
How interesting. The Langdon family was every bit as old, powerful, and Surdisi as the Southalls. Unlikely champions of those victimized by such power. Still, Nigel had no clue what became of Fehan Elliott, so he had nothing to risk giving away. Perhaps he had something to learn.
“A tragic loss, I agree.”
“No one was better than the Pelican at taking those in dire straits and helping them…” Langdon waved his hand. “Disappear.”
“He had perfected it to an art,” Nigel agreed. “He will be sorely missed.”
“He is sorely missed. The need didn’t stop with his loss.” Langdon steepled his fingers. “I propose to help to fill that void, at least in the most urgent situations.”
“Why?”
“What do you mean, why?”
“I find it the most important question to pose in any discussion. Why do you wish to pursue an endeavor that has recently gotten a man killed?”
“Because the Pelican once helped someone who mattered to me. Because helping is what decent people do.”
He’d never given much consideration to Geoffrey Langdon’s character. In fact, he was certain the Church would find fault with some aspects of the man’s life. Even more reason to make him an ally.
“Your proposal?”
Langdon leaned back. The perspiration on his lip belied his casual pose. He was putting himself at risk or someone he held dear.
“There is a certain lady of means. Old family. Cream of Jorendon society. One of the most influential women in Innis.”
“That narrows it to a select few.” To one, actually.
“She has the connections and resources to arrange disappearances. She intends to take on the Pelican’s role.”
“Here in Jorendon? Admirable, but too risky.”
“I agree, but she is adamant. That’s why I am enlisting your support. Lend her the same protection you gave the Pelican.”
“My protection wasn’t enough in the end.”
“She understands the risk. She won’t be dissuaded.”
“No, I expect not,” said Nigel. “Lady Helena Prescott is a formidable woman.”
Langdon paled at the name. “I didn’t intend to give her away. Do not make me regret coming to you.”
“Lady Helena may count on my protection until a more suitable replacement is in place. Once a new Pelican is established, you and I will see she is not tempted to reprise her role.”
Langdon blew out a sigh. “Agreed.”
“And you will remember my cooperation, should I ever need yours. Do we understand one another, Lord Geoffrey?”
Chapter 31
- Writer
