" Naylor’s dead-cold gaze unnerved James, but Elsmore’s silence turned worry into panic. “Elsmore, you will not ruin this bank simply to punish me. You aren’t a murderer.”
The next silence was hellish.
“You can’t let him be publicly hanged,” Naylor mused. “The scandal would pass, but a certain party isn’t keen on hangings of any sort. Won’t serve, Your Grace.”
That got Elsmore’s attention. “No public hanging?”
Naylor shook his head. “Our mutual acquaintance has strong feelings on that topic.”
“Interesting.” Elsmore plucked the walking stick from Naylor’s grasp and tossed it at James. "

― Grace Burrowes , Forever and a Duke (Rogues to Riches, #3)