He could almost hear her thinking, trying to reason it through. “I won’t tell you his name, so don’t bother trying to figure it out.”
“Or perhaps he is close to my father? Or Frank Tripp?”
Damn it. She was circling the correct answer and he couldn’t allow that. “Do you agree or not?”
“Could I arrange for a meeting with this man outside of the fundraiser?”
The particular man Jack needed would never agree. “You could, but the legal aid society won’t get my donation in such a case.”
She huffed in response, a sign of annoyance, he supposed. But that didn’t bother him. Whether she liked this or not wasn’t his concern. He just needed her cooperation.
“Let me out here.” She rapped on the roof. The carriage slowed and began making its way to the curb.
They were still several blocks north of the legal aid society. “We haven’t arrived yet.”
“I would rather walk.”
Stubborn girl. He reached down and retrieved her fan. “You might need this, then.”
She took the fan. “The fundraiser is Saturday,” she informed him, as if he wasn’t perfectly aware.
“Yes, I know.”
“Evening dress. I’ll meet you outside at eight o’clock.”
He couldn’t help but grin. “I’ll be there.”
She reached over him to throw open the door. Without waiting for anyone to hand her down, she climbed out of the brougham and jumped to the street. “Good. After that you may consider my debt wiped clean. You’ll never see me again, Mulligan.”
The door slammed shut and she disappeared into the crowds of people on the walk. Jack tried to find her in the chaos of carts, shoppers, bootblacks and hawkers. But she was gone.
“Want me to follow her?” Rye called from the front.
“No.”
“Never seen one so eager to get away from you. Usually you’re scrapin’ the ladies off, not the other way around.”
Jack drummed his fingers on the side of the carriage. Justine was hell on a man’s confidence. If he were a weaker man, he might take offense.
A slow smile spread over his face. Good thing he wasn’t weak. Not in the least.
Chapter Six
When she arrived at the legal aid society, Justine went straight to Frank’s office. “Hello?”
“Come in,” her brother-in-law called.
When Justine entered the office, her stomach sank. Mamie was there, as well. Justine had hoped to tell Frank of the donation and avoid questions from her older sister today. Sadly, that was not to be. Best get this over with. “Do you have a moment?”
“Barely.” Frank waved her closer. “Come and settle this dispute for us. Then I have something for you.”
“Dispute?”
Mamie gestured toward her husband. “He’s being difficult. We are discussing the fundraiser.”
“Oh, good. I must speak with you about the fundraiser, as well.”
“Fine, but first my question. As for the reception, I want to serve Moët, but Frank says to go with something less expensive. What do you think?”
“Moët. Nearly everyone there that night will know if you serve low-quality champagne.” Probably not Jack Mulligan, of course. She’d only seen him drink beer. Did he care for champagne? You’ll soon find out.
“Exactly!” Mamie pointed at Frank. “I told you. If you want proper donations, then this must be a proper fundraiser.”
“Fine, but every penny you spend is a penny we cannot use for the legal aid society.”
Mamie patted his hand. “I’ll raise enough to cover the cost of Moët, my hardworking and handsome lawyer.” She glanced at Justine. “Now, what did you need to say about the fundraiser? I hope it’s not in relation to the hors d’oeuvres because I’ve already set that menu.”
“No, it’s not about the food. I wanted to let you know that I’ll be bringing an escort.”
“Oh.” Mamie paused and studied Justine. Understandable, as the family had never seen Justine with a man before at any event. Or ever. “Do I know him?”
She pretended not to hear the question. “And he has agreed to make a substantial donation to the legal aid society.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” Frank said, rubbing his palms together. “How much is substantial?”
Justine cleared her throat. “Fifty thousand dollars.”
Papers fluttered from Mamie’s hands onto the floor and Frank’s jaw fell open. “Fifty thousand?” Frank repeated. “Are you serious?”
“Very. He has agreed and I don’t believe he’d go back on his word.”
“Who?” Mamie squeaked as she retrieved her papers. “Who is this?”
“A friend. You’ll meet him at the event.”
“I’d rather have a name now,” her sister said.
“You won’t get it.” Justine could be stubborn, too.
“That means you do not wish for me to know. You think I won’t approve.”