‘Mr Ward.’ The banker mopped his brow again, dislodging his spectacles in his haste. ‘I was surprised to see him,’ he said, straightening them with trembling fingers. ‘I had heard he was injured.’
‘Are you sure it was Henry?’ asked Talek.
‘On that I have no doubt. Bold as brass to such an extent I questioned my own reasons for being uneasy. After all, he had your signature and had every right to withdraw whatever amount he chose to. However, you have always warned me in advance of large withdrawals in order that I can ensure there is money available, when he returned the next day I felt uneasy and began to suspect—’
‘I haven’t signed anything to make such a large withdrawal.’
‘He presented your signature. I saw it myself.’
‘Whatever he showed you, it was not by my hand.’
Mr Williamson began to worry the handkerchief in his hands. ‘I did not doubt the signature until he returned to make another withdrawal. I should have refused the first.’
Talek rested his hand on a high-backed chair. He remained calm, as his fingers tightened on the spiral of carved wood in his palm.
‘You know, as well as I do, you could not if he had both signatures. He has legitimate access to the account, just as I do. He must have forged it. My concern is . . . what he intends to do with it.’
‘What should I do, Mr Danning?’
‘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?’
