Sir Thomas was beginning to reveal himself as something of a shadow of their host, obviously trying to ingratiate Hart by mirroring him in all aspects. Each time Hart crossed and uncrossed his legs, the baronet repeated the gesture. When Sir Thomas scratched his left nostril, almost immediately after Hart had done so, Fraser had to cough to suppress the snort of laughter.
“Is something the matter?” Sir Thomas asked.
“Not at all,” Fraser replied. “I’m finding our conversation most insightful. It’s a wonder more business isn’t conducted in private homes rather than in clubs. A man in his home is less likely to conceal the truth.”
“Are you accusing Hart of being deceitful when conducting business?” Sir Thomas asked, nodding toward their host. But other than casting the baronet a sharp glance, Hart said nothing.
“No, you misunderstand me,” Fraser laughed. “I’m just saying I’d prefer to discuss business in the comfort of my home, where matters can be discussed less formally.”
“Is that why you’re wasting all your cash on that mausoleum?” Sir Thomas asked. “So you can conduct your business in it?”
Hart frowned at Sir Thomas, then he addressed Fraser. “Are the renovations finished?”
“Almost,” Fraser said. “I should be able to move in next week. It’ll be a relief to save on the rent on my lodgings, and it strikes me as efficient use of resources to live and conduct my business in the same building.”
“But not a good marriage prospect,” Sir Thomas said.
“How so?” Fraser asked.
“No future wife would relish her home being taken over by offices and clerks,” he said. “Ladies value their privacy and should be kept away from matters of business. What say you, Hart? You wouldn’t want your sister—any of your sisters—to live in such an environment?”
Could the man be any more transparent?
Hart said nothing, but Sir Thomas rattled on.
“You have an extraordinary approach to business,” he said. “A businessman must follow established procedures to succeed. Hart, would you not agree?”
“Perhaps,” Hart said. “But I’d argue that undue restriction stunts innovation.”
“I don’t understand…”
“I think,” Fraser said, “our host is saying that in order to evolve, a man must challenge the laws he’s expected to adhere to.”
Sir Thomas shook his head. “The world would disagree with you.”
“That doesn’t mean it can’t be done,” Fraser said. “Consider Edward Jenner, the perfect example of a case where challenging the boundaries of expectation has greatly improved the world.”
Confusion clouded Sir Thomas’s expression, but Hart nodded in agreement. “He was a fellow countryman of yours, was he not?”
“Aye,” Fraser said. “I followed his work with interest and read his obituary in the papers earlier this year. He was derided by the clergy for being ungodly because he tested his vaccine on a child. Yet, that test has saved more lives than any of us could ever hope to do.”
“I’ve never heard of the man,” Sir Thomas said. “Was he a friend of yours?”
“He studied at St. Andrews some ten years before me,” Fraser said, “but I’d argue that he’s a friend to every man, woman, and child, who has been prevented from catching smallpox.”
“Quite so,” Hart said.
Sir Thomas glanced at Hart, then nodded vigorously. “Oh, that Edward Jenner! Of course, yes, exactly so, indeed. A very fine man.”
The temptation to indulge in a little sport was too great.
“I see you’re a perceptive man, Sir Thomas,” Fraser said. “I’d be interested to hear your opinion on some of my own initiatives. In particular, with regards to the provision of benefits to employees in addition to their wage.”
“Such as?”
“The right to medical care, for one,” Fraser said, “and an annuity for life when they’re no longer capable of working.”
Sir Thomas hesitated and glanced at their host. “I’d be interested to hear what Hart has to say.”
“Naturally,” Fraser replied, “but I’m sure we’d both like to hear what you have to say first. Mr. Pelham was telling me in Whites only last week that you’d told him how invaluable you were to Hart and that he viewed you as a great proficient.”
Hart raised his eyebrows. “Is that so?”
Sir Thomas colored. “Present company excepted, Hart, but Pelham’s a typical example of a commoner trying to impress a duke. He must have exaggerated for your benefit, Molineux.”
Hart leaned back, seemingly unaffected by Sir Thomas’s insult about commoners. Fraser doubted whether Hart or Pelham, for that matter, could ever be accused of exaggeration.
Or sycophancy. Sir Thomas had revealed an aversion to the working man. Why, then, had he befriended Hart and followed the man around like a gundog?
There must be only one reason. Delilah—and, more to the point, her not insubstantial dowry. Sir Thomas’s love of cash, of which Hart had plenty, surpassed his dislike of the lower classes.
Before Fraser could respond, a footman entered, brandishing a silver salver bearing a single card. He approached Hart, who picked up the card and read it.
“Forgive me, gentleman, I must take my leave,” he said. “Supper must wait. Please excuse me, it’s a matter of urgency.” Hart’s expression changed to one of satisfaction, and for a moment, Fraser caught a flash of cold triumph in his eyes. Most likely, a business rival was about to be crushed.
He rose from his seat, issued a bow, then exited the room, the footman in his wake.
Sir Thomas gestured toward the decanter. “Another sherry?” he asked. “I could ring the bell for someone to serve us.”
“No, thank you,” Fraser said. “Now our host has left, I should go.”
“Quite so.”
Fraser rose and stretched out his hand. Sir Thomas took it, a self-satisfied smile on his face.
“I wish you every success in your business ventures, Sir Thomas,” Fraser said, “unless, of course, we emerge as business rivals.”
“If we find ourselves in pursuit of the same assets, I believe I’ll emerge the victor,” Sir Thomas said.
“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
Sir Thomas tightened his grip, pulled Fraser close, and lowered his voice.
“You must think me a fool,” he said.
“Of course not.”
“Perhaps you believe your barbaric Scottish ways are more likely to secure the spoils.”
“I don’t understand you,” Fraser said.
“Yes, you do.” Sir Thomas’s face twisted into a scowl. “Shall I tell you what I think?”
“If you must,” Fraser said.
“You should leave her alone.”
“Who?”
Sir Thomas let out a huff. “Don’t be a fool!” he said. “Leave Miss Hart alone and stop pestering her.”
“I wasn’t aware I was pestering anybody,” Fraser said. “Miss Hart knows her own mind. If she found my company abhorrent, I’d be the first to know.”