“If you really think that, then you don’t know John Gaunt. So they haven’t taken you into their confidence?” she said reflectively.
“What other reason could there possibly be?”
“That is just what I want to find out. Ask your brother, and let me know what he says.”
“I will certainly do so, but I am sure that I am right. Mr. Gaunt is a ‘white’ man and could have no ulterior purpose in what he is doing. Besides, my brother would not be his friend if everything were not straightforward,” he continued stoutly.
“There I agree with you,” Lady Ethel broke in quickly. “And I do not suggest that his motive is an unworthy one. Your brother had practically admitted that a motive does exist, but he refuses to tell me what it is. Now I am not anxious to know merely from a sense of curiosity, but to help my sister, for she is very worried. Will you do your best to find out what it is and then let me know?”
Captain Drake looked at her, and there was intense surprise in his eyes.
“Would it be quite right that I should tell you when Edward does not wish you to know? I mean, should I be acting straightforwardly if I did so?” he suggested gently.
Lady Ethel jumped to her feet and it was evident that she was annoyed.
“Captain Drake, you ought to have been a member of your brother’s profession. You are only fit for the Church. I did think that I could rely on you,” she said reproachfully.
“You can rely on me, Lady Ethel; I would gladly lay down my life to serve you,” he answered simply, and although the words may have been melodramatic, his manner of speaking made them sound natural.