Charlotte House Affair 01 - My Particular Friend

hesitation, a hesitation she used to survey our caller. He was tall and languid, affecting an air of detached amusement. His hair was dark and unruly and spoke of reckless youth, although I thought it already receding. His eyes were a warm brown that further added to his relaxed manner, and I could see that in Miss Streetham’s eyes his insouciance would raise objection. I too found his manner offensive, considering the seriousness of the situation, although I admit my views were prejudiced by that knowledge of him I had.
    ‘There is no change for the worse with my brother, I hope?’ he asked suddenly, any hint of amusement gone from his manner.
    ‘No Edward, George remains fevered and prostrate with grief,’ Miss Streetham said, the accusation in her tone very clear.
    He could not meet her gaze or even mine and instead turned to Charlotte, who said, ‘I am sorry to not have better news, sir, but perhaps we could have more hope of alleviating your brother’s suffering if we had a better idea the cause of it.’
    Miss Streetham gave a small sound at this, not quite a gasp but definitely a sound of puzzlement. I too was confused by my friend’s statement.
    ‘I thought the cause of his distress was obvious—his financial interests,’ he said.
    ‘Yes, sir, that is certainly the cause of it, but the severity of it, that is another matter. It would help if I knew something of your brother’s character. Miss Streetham, of course, sings his praises but I cannot expect her to be impartial. I know from experience, however, that a sibling’s appraisal can be far more revealing.’
    ‘Of my brother I can only tell you that he is … there is no more honest and forthright fellow in all England. His honour is unimpeachable.’
    ‘Yes,’ Charlotte said, lingering on the sibilance. ‘That sounds more like an accusation. His forthrightness and honour sound at odds with the reports of your own character.’
    ‘The reports that say I am a scoundrel and a disgrace to our family name? Yes, I am afraid all that is true.’
    ‘Then I would have every reason to believe that you stole the map from your brother’s office, the map showing the realignment of the canal, and then sold it.’
    ‘Good, finally I am openly accused! And finally I can deny it. I did not sell that map, not that I wouldn’t put it past me. But I didn’t and I am sorry that for once my brother’s business acumen has failed him.’ He turned to Miss Streetham. ‘I am very sorry for the trouble that has befallen George and that it should have affected you as well, Miss Streetham, heartfully sorry.’
    He looked at her with what I thought genuine sorrow. She looked for a moment as if she might accept his words, but finally she spat out, ‘I don’t believe you!’ before rushing from the room. I thought her words affected him, but he might merely be dissembling.
    During this small drama Charlotte was silent, seeming to weigh what she had heard and finding something amiss, although I had heard nothing more obvious than what might be an outright lie. She now returned her attention to our guest who still looked in the direction taken by the emotional woman.
    ‘Do you deny being in your brother’s office?’
    ‘No, I was there on the day to which I am sure you are referring. I saw Miss Streetham arrive and I hastily left. She has no taste for me you see, and George was not there so there seemed no reason to remain.’
    ‘And can you explain your presence?’
    ‘Oh yes, I was there to beg for money from George, who would most certainly have given it to me.’
    ‘And you did not take the map?’
    ‘This verges on being tiresome, Miss House. The map was there when I left.’
    ‘But you knew of the map before your visit?’
    This was a question for which Mr Haversham seemed unprepared.
    ‘I … yes, in a way. I met George in Bath a few days previous. He was obviously upset and had confided to me that … certain changes needed to be made in the alignment. He said he had bet wrong and lost and I … I uncharitably compared his bets to mine.’
    ‘And did you know that news of the re-alignment might be beneficial to some while disastrous to others?’
    At this he would not meet Charlotte’s eyes upon his answer. ‘Yes, I knew that. You must understand, Miss House, that I might have acted upon this information had I been able. I’m no longer as young as I pretend, as your friend’s observation of my hairline will attest. Like my brother, my