A Visit From Sir Nicholas by Victoria Alexander Page A

flattered.
    "Your uncle took it upon himself to make certain we were all aware of your accomplishments. Besides, it's difficult to hide a knighthood even if you did not remain in London long enough for your friends to applaud your success. I know I probably mentioned it in a letter, but I should add my congratulations in person."
    "Thank you," Nick murmured, pushing aside a touch of guilt at his elusive behavior on his last visit.
    "Beyond that, as I had my own investments, I could not fail to note the success of yours. You will find I have followed your lead and hold stock in several of the same areas you have shown an interest in, including," Jonathon grinned, "your steamship line."
    "Are you serious?" Nick stared in amused disbelief.
    "Wickedly clever of you, I thought, to use the new docks at Southampton rather than London, what with the convenience of the railway lines and all."
    "Ships are getting bigger," Nick murmured, then shook his head. "Surely I would have noticed if you were among my investors."
    "You have always been far more aware of obstacles in your path than anything or anyone trailing along behind you."
    "Even so, I would have noted your name on the lists of stockholders."
    "Not if I used another name." Jonathon got to his feet and offered his hand to Nick. "May I introduce Mr. J. E. Shelton."
    "You are J.E. Shelton?"
    "At your service."
    "You are a devil, Jonathon." Nick stood and clasped his friend's hand. Mr. J. E. Shelton's share of stocks in Nick's company was indeed substantial, and Nick had long wondered about the man. Since the purchases had been made through brokers and solicitors, Nick had been unable to track down the mysterious Mr. Shelton and had finally abandoned the quest, in part because he had had other matters to attend to, but primarily because his investor had shown no interest in the company beyond the income his shares produced.
    "Why didn't you tell me? Why keep your identity secret?"
    "You might well have refused my investment. All that making your fortune on your own nonsense. You accomplished that, you know, and made me remarkably wealthy in the process." Jonathon chuckled.
    "And I am most appreciative."
    "Glad I could be of assistance. Now." Nick met Jonathon's gaze directly. "Why did you lure me home?"
    "I wouldn't say I lured you. Do give me some credit, after all. If I had wished to lure you, I wouldn't have been nearly as subtle as I was. All I did was remind you of the responsibilities placed upon you by Charles's will. I was very careful on that score not to go too far. You read into it exactly what you wished, and what you wished was to come home. I simply provided the impetus." Jonathon shrugged in an all too satisfied manner. "Nothing more than that."
    Nick studied the other man for a moment. Jonathon, just like his sister, was far more intelligent and perceptive than anyone gave him credit for. It gave him the upper hand more often than not, as well as the potential to be a powerful enemy. And an invaluable friend.
    "I suppose I should thank you."
    Jonathon grinned. "It's the least you could do."
    "As for the finances of Lady Langley and her children," Nick nodded at the papers on the desk, "I had decided before my arrival here that, barring any unforeseen problem, management should remain in your hands. Even now that I know your sister is handling her affairs herself and, I might add," he shot Jonathon a rueful smile, "brilliantly, I see no need to change that decision."
    "Excellent." Jonathon heaved a sigh of relief. "Especially as it was not until this very day that I told her of the clause in Charles's will regarding her finances."
    Nick blew a long, low whistle. "I can't imagine she would take that well."
    "Not taking it well is an understatement." Jonathon grimaced. "She was furious, and I can't blame her. It would be different if she were indeed a simpering idiot, but anyone with half a brain should be able to see beyond her pretty face. Particularly the man who