‘Put a hold on the account. No more withdrawals until I have spoken to him. We have wages to meet, bills to pay. Whatever he has in mind he has not confided in me.’

‘This is most irregular—’

‘But it can be sorted,’ replied Talek, crisply. ‘I have known Henry for years. I have never suspected him of duplicity.’

Mr Williamson’s shoulders sagged in relief. ‘I thought I should inform you.’

‘You did the right thing. I hope you will forgive me for not offering you refreshments. Grace, please ask the housekeeper to show Mr Williamson out.’

As if on cue, the housekeeper arrived, before Grace reached the servant’s bell.

‘Show my friend out and inform the stables to have the trap made ready. I have some business to attend to.’

‘You will inform me of the outcome?’ asked the banker as he prepared to leave.

Talek did not reply, his mind already elsewhere.

‘He will, Mr Williamson,’ Grace reassured him, ‘and thank you for informing us of your concern for the transaction.’ She escorted him to the door.

Talek’s clear, sombre voice halted them on the threshold. ‘Mr Williamson, ensure that no one is to withdraw any more money until you hear from me directly. I don’t care what tale Mr Ward spins. Not a farthing, do you hear? Not even if his life depended upon it.’

Grace showed Mr Williamson to the door and was about to return to the drawing room when Talek marched out.

‘Where are you going?’

‘To find Amelia. Perhaps she can shed some light on this.’

Grace hurried after him. ‘Talek, wait. We need to talk.’

‘Not now. I must sort this first. We can talk later.’ He addressed a passing servant. ‘Where is my sister?’

‘The library, sir.’

He nodded his thanks. As he headed for the library, he shouted again for his horse and trap to be prepared, immediately. The servant ran off, as Grace hurried after him.

* * *

Amelia looked up in surprise as they swept into the room.

‘Henry has made a large withdrawal from our bank account. Do you know what it is for?’

Amelia shook her head, confused. ‘Are you sure?’

Talek began to pace the room in agitation. He wanted to confront the man himself, but until his horse was ready, interrogating his sister was all he could do. Only Amelia knew nothing — or even wanted to accept it.

‘I refuse to believe that Henry would withdraw such a large amount, and I’m sure there would be a legitimate reason for doing so, if he had.’

‘Did you request it?’

‘Of course I did not.’

‘And as I didn’t, that means the major shareholders were unaware. Why would that be so if he was not up to something?’

Talek looked out of the window. The horse and trap had yet to appear. He turned impatiently and began to pace again.

‘So you knew nothing of his plans?’ he asked her.

‘No. I am sure Henry would have a good reason for doing such a thing.’ She looked to Grace. ‘He would never do anything wrong . . . would he?’

Talek heard the hesitation in her voice and glanced back at his sister.

‘He wouldn’t.’ Amelia attempted to touch his arm as he walked by her. ‘Talek, please calm yourself. We have known Henry for years. He is a good man.’

Talek looked less convinced, but he nodded. Whether it was to reassure his sister or himself, Grace could not tell.

‘I told Mr Williamson it was nothing I could not sort out.’ He stared hard at the floor as if he hoped to find the answer there. ‘Has he said anything at all? You were as thick as thieves before his accident.’

‘No nothing.’

Grace came to stand beside him, silently urging Amelia to tell her brother all that she knew, but Amelia refused to look at her.

Talek turned away, frustrated. ‘How long does it take to harness a horse?’

‘You know very well how long,’ soothed Grace. ‘Be patient.’

‘He had better have a good excuse. Has the man taken leave of his senses? He would have emptied out our account if Mr Williamson had not refused him.’

Word came that the trap was outside and waiting for him.

‘Where are you going?’ asked Amelia.

‘Where do you think? To his house. I want him to explain himself.’

‘Give him a chance to explain,’ pleaded Amelia. Talek ignored her and strode from the room.

Grace hurried to Amelia and took her hand. ‘I have to tell him about Henry. He is going to find out anyway.’

Amelia clutched her hand. ‘Do you think Henry is really up to something? Do you think it has something to do with the new clay contract?’ Her face crumpled when Grace remained silent. ‘You do, don’t you!’ Her lips began to tremble as tears welled in her eyes. ‘Then I really have betrayed my own brother. Go! Quickly! Tell Talek everything, but not my part in it. I could not bear Talek knowing that.’

‘I will.’

Tears rolled down Amelia’s cheeks as Grace stood up. ‘I trusted Henry. I would have given my life for him. He’s lied to me.’ Amelia began to sob.

Grace gently squeezed her hand between hers. ‘He has lied to us all, Amelia,’ she soothed, ‘but Talek will find a way out of this mess, so do not fret.’

‘He will never forgive me,’ she wailed.

Grace slipped her hand from Amelia’s grasp, concerned Talek would leave before she could speak to him. ‘I have to go. I’m sorry.’