Free Undaunted Love (PART TWO): Banished Saga, Book 3.5 by Ramona Flightner Page A

the soundest advice to be had.” He tapped his fingers on his knees, belying his agitation. “I’ve waited until now to ask you for it, what with the funeral and Clarissa’s and Colin’s arrival. But I’m running out of time and need your help.”
    “It is flattering that some are aware of my talents,” Sophie said with a self-mocking smile. “What is bothering you, sir?”
    “After I visited Savannah a few days ago, I called on Jonas. I hoped he would be amenable to freeing Savannah from her marriage now that there is no hope for reconciliation.”
    “I imagine he wasn’t pleased with your visit,” Savannah said.
    “You’re correct. He was affronted at my presumption in making such a request. He believed he would still be able to entice you to return to him.”
    “How?” Savannah asked in a small voice.
    “It appears he is an even more influential businessman than I knew. He advised me that my business loans will be due in thirty days, to be paid in full, if you are not returned home.”
    “Have you had any trouble paying your loans up to this point?” Sophie asked.
    “Never. I’ve always paid on time. However, I do not have the capital to pay the full amount in the time requested, as I’m sure he knows. He’s a sly man, willing to do whatever he deems necessary to obtain his desired outcome.”
    “Who is your banker?” Sophie asked.
    “I work with Mr. Searle at Temple and Searle.”
    “Ah, Mr. Searle,” Sophie said with a satisfied smile. “We are old friends.”
    “I’m surprised such a stodgy man would be—” Martin broke off what he was going to say.
    “Acquainted with one such as me?” Sophie said. “Although he seems a dour, sensible banker, you must realize that all men have their weaknesses. He married a woman fifteen years his junior. A flighty thing, although she has the sense to be a suffragist. I’ve known them for years. I knew him before he remarried, and there are certain … interludes from his past I’m certain he doesn’t want to come to light.”
    “Do you believe you could aid me in postponing the loan payment?” Martin asked.
    “Let me see what I can do. It’s been some time since I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a bank,” Sophie said with a wry smile.
    ***
    “MR. SEARLE, I have need of your assistance,” Sophronia said as she sat at the swivel chair in front of his desk. She wore a severe eggplant-colored brocade suit and drummed her gloved fingers on the edge of his desk. Dark paneling and thick green rugs covered the wooden floors.
    “Mrs. Chickering. I was unaware I was to have the pleasure of seeing you today.” He steepled his hands, resting his forearms on his paunch. His gray waistcoat bulged, and the silver buttons appeared on the verge of bursting. A silver watch chain gleamed as it trailed into his waistcoat pocket.
    “As was I, but the need arose.” Sophronia pinned him under her stare. “Do you have any dealings with a Mr. Jonas Montgomery?”
    “As I am sure you are aware, Mrs. Chickering, I am unable to discuss my clients or their affairs with you.”
    “Just as I am sure you are aware that when one man asks another to intentionally ruin another man’s business, it is not only illegal but unethical. I’d hate for the stodgy, moneyed people of Boston to lose faith in one of its oldest banking families.”
    “You have no right to accuse me of such things.”
    “Don’t I? I’ve heard your wife boast often enough of your acquaintance with Mr. Montgomery and of his connections to New York City. Thus deducing who would aid him with his nefarious plan was rather simple.” She sat even straighter in her chair, her bosom heaving with her pent-up fury.
    “These are my terms, Mr. Searle, as I want you to be fully aware of all you will gain and lose if you attempt to cross me. You will cease any and all actions toward Mr. Martin Russell and his store, Russell’s. You will inform your business associate, Mr. Montgomery, that you did what