Pardonable Lie by Jacqueline Winspear Read Free Book Online

that they had done for her. However, she now had another reason for accepting the case.
    Maisie was ushered in by the clerk of chambers, and waited only a moment before being shown into Lawton’s private office. Cecil Lawton stood up and came from behind an ornate carved mahogany desk, the sheer heft of which seemed to underline the standing of one of the great legal orators of the day.
    “Miss Dobbs, please, do sit down.” Lawton indicated two leather Queen Anne chairs, with a small carved table between them. There was a knock at the door, and an assistant entered with a tray and two cups, together with a coffee pot and cream jug. “One of my clients, some years ago, owned a coffee plantation in British East Africa. It seems that, in addition to my fee, he has felt it necessary to keep my office well stocked with coffee. Hence all juniors have to learn the art of brewing a fine cup at midmorning.”
    Maisie smiled and reached for the cup that was held out to her as she settled herself in the chair. “My former employer was brought up in France and continues to enjoy a French breakfast with very strong coffee each morning, though he now lives in Kent. I have acquired the taste.”
    “Ah, yes, Maurice Blanche. Always a man to have on one’s side in court.” Lawton took a sip of coffee, set his cup on the table, and turned to Maisie. “I am most grateful to you for taking on this inquiry.”
    Maisie had noticed a more relaxed manner in comparison with their first meeting. The weight on his shoulders has passed to me . She set her cup next to Lawton’s on the table. “Before we begin, I would like to discuss my terms.”
    “Of course. As I said on the telephone, your fee is perfectly acceptable and I also appreciate your advice regarding closure of the inquiry. All expenses will be met with immediate refund when presented to my accountant. In fact”—Lawton took an envelope from the inside pocket of his black jacket—“I felt an advance was in order.”
    Maisie took the envelope and placed it on the table, next to her cup. “Thank you. However, I have another request, Sir Cecil.” She reached into her document case and took out a copy of The Times . “You have no doubt read about this case.” She handed the newspaper to Lawton, indicating a column on the front page with her right index finger.
    Lawton reached into the folds of his gown, to the jacket pocket again. He took out his spectacles and read the news that Maisie had pointed to. “Oh, yes. Of course. But I can’t see—”
    “I would like you to act as counsel for Miss Avril Jarvis, Sir Cecil.”
    Lawton took off his spectacles. “Miss Dobbs, I don’t know. This is most unexpected.”
    “I realize that, sir. I have never before made such a request a condition of my taking on an inquiry, but I have been involved in the case—I consult with Scotland Yard on occasion—and know that the girl will not otherwise have access to counsel of any stature. I must add that, in my estimation, her case merits such representation.”
    “You believe her innocent?”
    Maisie took care to retain eye contact with Lawton. “I believe in her innocence , Sir Cecil. My assistant leaves tomorrow for Taunton, to conduct further inquiries as to her background and the question of her appearance in London.”
    Lawton sighed, tapping the newspaper. “But this seems all too familiar: a poor girl leaves home to seek her fortune in London; she falls on hard times, is taken up by a pimp and, in this case, exacts a payment for her sins.” He rose and walked toward the window that looked out across the square. “If I agree to act for the girl—and I do not need to remind you that I have to be briefed by her attending solicitor—does that mean your fee is waived?”
    Maisie took a deep breath. Lawton was a wealthy man. He did not need to strike such a bargain, though she suspected the move was born of habit by a man used to the verbal jousting of the courtroom. She had been