Chapter 55

Moving a candle to the room’s desk, Matthias sat down and wrote a note asking Nick to meet him at the far gate by the stables. That done, he retrieved his coin purse and shook out several coins. A guinea to the stablemaster to prepare his coach as quickly and quietly as possible on the morn, and several crowns for the stable hands who were to assist him. That, in addition to the vails he had already dropped them and the footman, ought to ensure things were done to his liking. Another guinea to the footman for delivering his orders to the stablemaster, and the letter to Nick. Perhaps two guineas, for it would be up to the footman to inform the party of their departure once they were missed.

As he rang the bell, he considered the option of making excuse for himself and Nick in person, but quickly dismissed it. It would do well for Nick to realize that the best part of being wealthy or titled was not being obliged to explain oneself.19