With the voicing of that one name, Jasper knew why he’d received the referral and how little chance Eliza Martin had of dismissing him.

“I will not be bullied, my lord,” she said firmly.

“Invite Mr. Bond to sit, then.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Skirting her, Jasper settled into the pew behind the one they occupied.

“Mr. Bond…” Miss Martin gave a resigned exhalation. “My lord, may I present Mr. Jasper Bond? Mr. Bond, this is my uncle, the Earl of Melville.”

“Lord Melville.” Jasper greeted the earl with a slight bow of his head. He knew of Melville as the head of the Tremaine family, a lot renowned for their eccentricities. “I believe you will find me to be highly suitable for any task in want of a thief-taker to manage it.”

Miss Martin’s blue eyes narrowed on him in silent reproach for attempting to circumvent her. “Sir, I am certain you are capable in most circumstances. However-”

“About the many points…?” he interjected, circling back. He disliked proceeding when there were still matters left unaddressed.

“You are overly tenacious.” She remained standing, as if prepared to show him out.

“An excellent trait to have in my profession.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mitigate the rest.”

“What rest?”

The earl’s gaze darted back and forth between them.

She shook her head. “Can we not simply leave it at that, Mr. Bond?”

“I would rather we didn’t.” He set his hat on the seat beside him. “I have always taken pride in my ability to manage any situation put before me. How will I provide exemplary service if I can no longer make that claim?”

“Really, sir,” Miss Martin protested. “I did not say you are unsuitable for your trade as a whole, only in regards to our situation-”

“Which is…?”

“A matter of some delicacy.”

“I cannot assist you if I am ignorant of the details,” he pointed out.