Jonathan gave his cousin an ironic look. “On the opposite side of the equation, may I point out that Cecily has accepted my proposal of marriage, and as far as the mining problem goes, like most minor disasters, it can be repaired and remarkably no one was hurt. It is not a significant amount of my wealth anyway.” “Browne threatened me when I dismissed him. I admit I was a bit surprised. He’s a quiet and self-effacing man upon first impression and I’d been dealing with him for nearly a year.” It did seem logical enough that the former business manager might be responsible for the fire and the damaged equipment, but they had no proof. “Would he go so far?” James frowned, sprawled on the opposite seat of the carriage. “I wouldn’t have thought so, but we know for certain he was embezzling and your father had left in his notes that he was beginning to suspect him as well. He was certainly the first person the foreman for the mine named in the missive he sent me.” It was irritating to imagine deliberate malice, but at that moment they pulled up to the ducal mansion and Jonathan’s attention was diverted to what might be one of the most important interviews of his life.
