The Formidable Earl (Diamonds in the Rough #6) - Sophie Barnes Page 0,28

all means.”

Simon sat and did his best to look as relaxed as possible. After all, the man he faced might be a devious scoundrel. He cleared his throat and straightened his back. “I’ve been discussing my investments with my secretary, and we both feel the time has come for me to expand my portfolio.” He tried a smile but Kirksdale merely returned a blank stare. “So I’ve decided to ask around, get a feeling for what might be lucrative at the moment.”

“A wise decision. I myself have recently bought into the Rockport Shipping Company based on the recommendation of a friend.”

“You won’t be sorry you did so. My own investment with them is swiftly growing.”

Kirksdale finally gifted Simon with a hint of approval – the faintest pull at the edge of his mouth and a flash of respect in his eyes. “I’m glad to hear it.” He reached for his glass of port and took a small sip. “The Plymouth and Dartmoor railway holds promise too, though we won’t know how well it does until it actually opens.”

“Hmm…” Simon leaned back and tilted his head. “I’ve been following the revolution in Greece. It does seem to be developing and could potentially lead to war.”

“Indeed it could,” Kirksdale agreed.

Simon hesitated. He didn’t want to appear too obvious, and yet he still had to gather the necessary information. Choosing his words carefully, he said, “Having been to war myself, I find the idea of profiting from it rather sickening.” Kirksdale raised both eyebrows. “That said, I also believe it’s important to support the munitions companies so our soldiers may be provided with superior weapons and enough of them.”

“I couldn’t agree more, but if you’re planning to send your funds overseas and invest in some factory producing rifles in Greece, I really must caution you against it.”

“And so you should, but that’s not my plan.” Simon gathered his thoughts before saying, “My father always told me to look ahead, past tomorrow’s anticipated outcome and to the future one might expect from the actions made in the here and now. So if there’s a chance Britain might get involved in the Greek fight for independence, betting on British munitions companies might not be the worst idea in the world.”

Kirksdale stared at Simon with the sort of piercing scrutiny that made his insides clench. The marquess took another sip of his port. “You’ve quite a progressive mind. A pity we haven’t discussed such matters before, but at least we’re doing so now. And to thank you for your insight, might I suggest looking into the Shadwell Gun Works? They’ve given me excellent returns in the past.”

“Really?”

Kirksdale responded with a pensive nod. He took a slow slip of his drink, then added, “They’re the most popular choice for the army.”

“Thank you. I appreciate the tip.” Simon stood, not too hastily nor too slowly. “If you’ll excuse me now, I promised Yates I’d join him for a drink.”

“And I must return to the news of the day.”

Simon dipped his chin in acknowledgement of the comment and walked away, pleased with the facts he’d gathered since it did make Kirksdale a more likely suspect than his very own uncle.

Good God!

When Miss Strong had mentioned Elliot, it had been terribly hard to maintain an inscrutable expression. But he’d had to. He’d realized that right away. If Miss Strong learned that he, Simon, was related to one of the men she suspected, she’d put a swift end to their arrangement. Of that he had no doubt. And since he wasn’t ready to give up her or their adventure just yet, he’d chosen to keep the information to himself.

“There’s a rumor going around,” Yates said, once Simon had taken a seat in the chair adjacent to his and acquired a brandy, “involving you and one of Amourette’s women.”

Simon almost spat out his drink but managed to force the liquid down his throat instead. “Hmm?”

Yates grinned. “So it’s true then? Looks like I owe Hawthorne two pounds. Wasn’t convinced you would actually dare to be seen in that part of Town. Almost threatens to damage the perfect reputation you’ve spent your whole life cultivating.”

“It was a onetime thing,” Simon said, trying to shake off the chill creeping over his shoulders. “I’ve no intention of ever going back there.”

“Because you’re barred from the establishment?” Yates gave him an amused look. “From what I gather you caused quite the ruckus.”

“A misunderstanding. Nothing more.”

“And would this misunderstanding by any chance have something to do with