"Accessory to what?"
"To the theft of the bonds—you did well out of that, it seems." Jasper's eyes took in his nephew's attire, the well-cut dark suit, the gleaming jewel in the cravat. "I suppose you decided on San Pietro for the same reason as I did."
"My dear uncle, I was never more astonished in my life than when I saw you sitting there, outside the Café de l'Europe."
"Not more than I was to see you, Mr. Povey."
Edward sat for a moment gazing out over the sea.
"What I'm wondering at is that a clever business man like you should run away from a shadow."
"Yes, the shadow of a jail—what."
"Not at all, uncle. I read in the Paris Daily Mail weeks ago that the bonds had been recovered and that the matter was ended. Why don't you go back, now?"
"The fact that the bonds are safe does not explain my presence at Adderbury Cottage. I'd have to say I was visiting you—and admit you as my nephew."
"And you wouldn't like that?"