Read Online London Loves - Book 3 - Love's Great Adventure Series by Theresa Troutman - Free Book Online Page A

financial records to see if she’s made any payments to him over the years.”
    Sebastian looked to Max, who silently nodded his head in agreement. “We would appreciate any information you could gather, Mr. Minton.”
    Minton reached into his suit coat pocket and produced two business cards. He handed one each to the siblings. “Give me some time to see what I can come up with. I’ll keep you informed. My number is on the card if you need to reach me or if you remember anything that will assist me in the search.” He shook hands with both men and then he left the office.
    Sebastian wasn’t sure what he expected from the meeting, but it certainly wasn’t Mr. Minton’s quick, no-nonsense demeanor. He scratched his head, then headed to the sideboard and poured himself a scotch. “Do you think it is possible she’s still paying off father to stay away?”
    Maxwell sat in his chair and pondered the question for a long moment. “If she’s paying him off, it would explain why he’s never tried to contact me.”
    “Well, I guess we just wait and see now,” Sebastian agreed, sitting down in the chair and sipping his scotch.
    Max sighed as he shuffled the papers in front of him.“I’m really not in the mood to deal with charities today.” He looked at his watch and noted the time was just eleven forty-five. “Why don’t we go to my club for lunch?”
    Mattie was with Sigourney, so Sebastian didn’t need to rush home. “All right, let’s go.”
    ~ ~ ~ ~
    Sigourney and Mattie paid a visit to Penny. They sat in the parlor drinking tea and eating cucumber sandwiches.
    Mattie looked at Sigourney and then turned her attention to Penny. She sat quietly, as if deep in thought, and then asked: “Are you and Uncle Max going to get married?”
    “Mattie!” Penny exclaimed. “Whatever gave you that idea?”
    “Mummy and I talk about it. We want you to have a boyfriend.”
    Penny put her hand over her heart, speechless at the child’s sweet response.
    “Is Max your boyfriend?” Sigourney played along with Mattie.
    “It’s early days, I don’t know how to define it,” Penny admitted.
    “Have you gone out?” Sigourney asked, creeping to the edge of her seat.
    “He has escorted me to charity balls.”
    “He’s come to have tea with Aunt Penny, too,” Mattie added.
    “And we may have gone on the occasional dinner,” Penny admitted with an impish grin.
    “Have you kissed?” Mattie inquired.
    “Mattie, that’s not polite to ask,” Penny chided.
    “Oh, come now, it’s just us girls! Fess up, Pen.”
    Lowering her eyelids and blushing she whispered, “Yes, we’ve kissed.”
    “Don’t boyfriends and girlfriends get married?” Mattie asked.
    Sigourney grinned. “Sometimes they do.”
    “Please, I don’t want to jinx it,” Penny pleaded.
    “What does that mean?” Mattie asked looking back and forth between Sigourney and Penny.
    “It means that if you say it aloud, it might never happen,” Penny explained.
    ~ ~ ~ ~
    Maxwell’s private car chauffeured the men to Soho. They entered the dark club, full of rich wood paneling and plush green carpets. An attendant greeted them. “Earl Sutton, it’s a pleasure to have to back again.”
    “Thank you, Marcus. This is my brother, Sebastian. We’d like a table for lunch, please.”
    “Right this way, my Lord.” Marcus escorted them to a prime table in the center of the room—one where you could see everything and be seen. Marcus left the table and Sebastian began to chuckle as he took his seat.
    “What has you so amused?” Max inquired with suspicion.
    “‘My Lord’—I’m sorry, it’s just been a very long time since I’ve been around all this pomp and circumstance.”
    Max joined in with laughter. “It does take some getting used to. This could have all been yours if you were born first,” he reminded.
    “Well, thank God for small favors.” Sebastian looked over the menu. “What are you having?”
    “Steak—rare.”
    “I think I’ve