Matchmaking the Marquess (The League of Eligible Bachelors #3)

Chapter 6

Chapter Six

Ben stood at his study window, looking out over the inner bailey. The party would begin at Hedlund Hall in a few days, and it was his last chance to look over the books and make certain everything was moving as it should. He’d been away longer than he’d anticipated, and the late summer crop was dismal in the best-case scenario. No one had expected the winter weather that had prevailed for the whole of the summer. They had repaired the east wall, and the sheep were secure. Now they needed to focus on how much the ruined wheat crop would affect the yearly income.

Ben ran a hand through his hair and sighed. It was not what he wanted to do with his afternoon. But it was something he must do. Perhaps he and Mia had that in common. He would gladly hand over the estate management to someone else. But he’d witnessed too many of his acquaintances lose vast sums of money to unscrupulous men. Or just men who were less cautious when it wasn’t their money on the line.

Carriage wheels sounded on the gravel outside his window. He moved out from behind his desk and peered through the glass just in time to see Lord Heatherton step down from the carriage and hold out a hand to his wife.

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Ah, this was just what he needed. While Colin and his wife rested from their journey, Ben could finish his business with Mr. Murphy. He would then be free to enjoy the evening with his friend. Perhaps several of the other gents would have arrived by then, and it could be a genuine party. Perhaps he should send an invitation to Hedlund and have Minton and Mia join them too.

Just as he was about to turn from the window, another carriage came into view. Ben’s nerves ticked up. It was just as he had hoped. Another arrival.

He left his study and headed for the entryway to greet Colin and Lady Heatherton. By the time he’d done that, the next carriage—whomever it was—should have arrived. If he knew Colin, and Ben did, the other carriage was likely Reginald and his wife, Lady Stoke. Besides Reginald and Colin being the closest of friends, Reginald and Lady Heatherton were brother and sister. Lady Heatherton and Lady Stoke had also been best friends since childhood. The two couples were more often than not in each other’s company.

The front door opened just as Ben stepped from the corridor into the small entranceway. Peters opened the door wide and bowed before motioning the couple inside. “Welcome, my lord. It’s good to have you back at Tweed Castle,” he said.

“Ah, it is good to see you again, Peters. It’s been too long since last I was here.” Colin stepped inside and pulled off his beaver.

The butler bowed again, but his eyes trained on Lady Heatherton. “Indeed, much has changed.”

Colin smiled broadly as he placed his hand on the small of his wife’s back. “I’m certain you never thought you would see me with a wife, did you, Peters?” Colin looked at his wife with such fondness it made Ben’s chest tighten. But why, he could not say. It was not jealousy, of that he was certain. He shook it off and stepped forward. “Colin, Lady Heatherton, I’m so glad to see you.” He grinned at his friend as he clapped him on the back. “This party might prove enjoyable with you attending.”

Colin looked genuinely happy to see him. “I would not have missed seeing Tweed again for anything. And I particularly wished to show it to Mariah. She has never been here, you will recall.”

Ben held out his hand. “It’s yours to explore.”

Lady Heatherton beamed up at her husband and then turned her smile on Ben. “I’ve never stayed in a castle before. It’s quite exciting.”

He could see why Colin had been taken with the woman. She was beautiful. But she lacked the fire in her eyes that conveyed a certain spirit Ben considered handsome. If he ever found a woman with that look, he would surely be in trouble.

“I assume the carriage just behind you is Stoke?”

Colin nodded. “Yes, we were visiting Reg and Sarah when we got your note. We traveled here together. It makes the journey more bearable.”

Lady Heatherton’s smile dropped, and she lightly hit her husband on the arm. “Biscuit Thief, you give the notion that I am not good enough company and, therefore, you must drag my brother along with us.”

Colin laughed. “Not at all, my pretty little liar. I enjoy your company above all others. But I need someone to entertain me when you go off shopping.”

She smiled and leaned against him as if they were the only two people in the room. They had been married more than a year and still they acted as if they were still newlyweds. Apart from the nicknames—which Ben was familiar with but did not know the story behind them—they seemed as in love as they had been last year. Perhaps even more so. “As long as that is the only reason you drag Reginald along.”

Ben’s face heated slightly.

Lady Heatherton untied her bonnet and handed it off to the footman, John, along with her heavy pelisse and gloves.

Colin looked around the entrance. “It looks just as I remembered it.”

His mother stepped through the doorway from the corridor. “Lord Heatherton, how good to see you again. It’s been several years, has it not?”

Colin dipped a bow to Lady Berwick. “It has been at least that long, my lady. Perhaps even longer.” He introduced his wife to Ben’s mother, and the two ladies began talking about dressmakers.

Colin raised a brow and shook his head. “I figured the two of them would get on well.”

“Mother never has met a modiste she didn’t like.” Ben’s brow creased. “At least not one of any quality.”

Colin clasped his hands behind his back. “Should we wait for Reg or have him meet us in the billiards room?”

“I thought you may wish to rest for a bit after your travels. I have a meeting with my bailiff, but then I’m available the rest of the day.” He moved closer to the door and peered out the side window. A footman was even now opening the door to the Stoke’s carriage. “But Stoke will be at the front door momentarily.”

“Very well,” Colin sighed. “How long do you think your meeting will last? Mariah will surely need a nap. But I feel fine. Indeed, a bruising ride would be just the thing for me after being cooped up in that carriage.”

Ben couldn’t think of a more pleasant pastime. At least, not that he would do with the gents. “My meeting shouldn’t take longer than an hour. I need only speak to him of the wheat crop.” He tried to take the concern out of his voice.

“Wheat? I’m surprised you could grow a profitable crop up here. Especially with this weather.” He twitched his lips to the side. “It fairs well enough in Shropshire, but our climate is much milder.”

Ben grimaced. The wheat had been a risk. But the amount of money to make for a successful crop had made the risk worthwhile. Or that is what he’d told himself in the spring. But in the spring, he had not known that there would not be a summer this year. “It was an experiment. It has been a resounding failure. We need not wait to harvest. At least we will get a crop of turnips planted. That will help offset the loss.”

Colin shrugged and opened his mouth, but his words were cut off when the front door opened, and Reginald and Lady Stoke entered.

Reginald’s smile was instantaneous. “Ben! How are you fairing, my friend?”

“Very well, Reg. How were your travels?”

Reginald guided his wife forward. It had always been curious to Ben that Lady Stoke and Lady Heatherton were dearest friends. The women appeared to be complete opposites. Lady Heatherton was vocal and always the center of attention, while Lady Stoke was reserved and tended to fade into the background. Especially in a group setting.

Ben bowed slightly to her. “Lady Stoke. Welcome to Tweed Castle. I hope you enjoy your stay.”

She smiled and her eyes lit with excitement. “Thank you, my lord. I was most excited to receive your invitation. This is my first time staying in a castle. It’s quite thrilling.”

Ben grinned that the lady’s comment was identical to her friend’s. And he was almost certain it was the most he’d heard Lady Stoke say at one time. “I love it here, but I believe I’m a biased opinion.”

Reginald handed his wife’s bonnet and pelisse to Peters, then turned back to Ben. “It’s very exciting until winter settles in, and the wind picks up off the North Sea. Then it’s not quite so charming.”

Colin stepped forward. “You experienced that too, did you? I’ve never been so cold in all my life.”

Ben shook his head. “You’re both ridiculous and complete milksops.”

Both men sobbered theatrically.

“We should call you out for such an accusation.” Colin raised a brow and scowled.

Lady Stoke shook her head, and if Ben had seen correctly, rolled her eyes at the men. “Perhaps you’re all over-reacting.” She put a hand on her husband’s arm. “But it doesn’t matter what you say. You shall not dampen my excitement.”

Ben clasped his hands behind his back. “I will make certain your maids keep the fires stoked and plenty of logs on hand.”

“Sarah, come meet Lady Berwick,” Lady Heatherton waved Lady Stoke over.

She gave the men another disapproving shake of her head but smiled at her husband before moving around them to join the ladies. “Lady Stoke, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.” Ben’s mother sounded genuinely happy to have company. The women chatted quietly, completely ignoring the men.

“Your mother is looking well. Are you certain she does not mind all of us staying here?” Colin directed a glance at Lady Berwick’s back.

Ben shook his head. “No, she is off for York in the morning to visit her sister. Your visit will not disrupt her in the least.” He grinned.

“I disagree. We are forcing her from the county.” Reginald’s brow creased. “I’m certain there is an inn in the village we could prevail upon.”

“Nonsense. She planned her trip before we settled on the house party. She has not seen her sister in over two years.” He placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Do not trouble yourself. All is well.”

Both men eyed him as if to assess his sincerity. It must have satisfied them because they both broke into grins.

“Ben insists we rest while he meets with his bailiff. But then he has promised us a ride.” Colin shrugged in resignation.

“Are you to send us to the nursery, Ben?” Reginald folded his arms across his chest.

Ben shook his head. “I’ll not force you. I simply thought you might prefer it.” He held out his hand. “But the castle is at your disposal. Do whatever you wish.”

Colin sucked in a deep breath. “What do you say about a game of billiards?”

Reginald nodded. “You could convince me to play.”

“You know the way, gents. I’ll come find you when my business is complete.”

The men clapped each other on the shoulders and then separated to go their own direction. The women had moved away, but Ben knew not whether it was to a parlor or their chambers.

He pushed into his study. Moving behind his desk, he pulled out his ledger and opened it.

A few minutes later, a knock sounded at the door.

“Come,” Ben called.

Mr. Murphy appeared in the doorway. He pulled his hat off his head as he sat in the chair Ben indicated.

“Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Murphy. I wanted to speak with you about the outcome of the wheat crop.”

The man nodded. “I’ve been expecting this discussion, my lord.”

Ben stood up from his desk and stretched his arms in front of him as he twisted his neck from side to side. His discussion with Mr. Murphy, while not as bad as he’d expected, had not relieved his anxiety completely. His risk would not pay off as he’d hoped. The financial implications would not add to the coffers, but it would not bankrupt him or the estate either. And for that, he had only the turnip crop to thank.

He now needed to decide whether it was happenstance because of the unseasonable weather or if growing wheat would always have a similar outcome.

He rubbed a hand over his face and closed his eyes. He did not wish to think on it any longer. The season was nearly over, and he had several months before deciding about the next season’s crops. For now, he could enjoy the company of his friends and prepare himself for the upcoming house party at Hedlund. He feared that would take all of his mental fortitude as he doubted Mia would make it easy on him. After all, it had been his idea.

He moved out of his study and headed for the billiards room. He was certain he would find Reginald and Colin there, but he was pleasantly surprised when he stepped into the room to find that Charlie and Ponsy had also arrived. Only Cort had yet to come. Rags was the only one of their league who would not be attending.

Ben shook off the disappointments of his meeting and allowed his friends to lift his spirits.

He hoped Cort would arrive before dinner. Then he would be ready for the house party and all it would entail.

“Ben,” Charlie grinned as he looked up from the shot he lined up on the table. “Thank you for the invitation. I do not think I’ve been to Tweed since our days at Harrow.”

Ben shook his head. “No, it cannot be that long, surely.”

Charlie pulled back his cue and struck the white ball, sending it hurling toward the side wall and the lone red ball. He stood and propped his chin on the end of the stick. “Indeed, it has been that long.”

Ben moved farther into the room and clapped him on the back. “Then it is high time we remedied that oversight. Did you bring your sister along?”

He nodded. “Yes, but she is resting in her room.”

Ben nodded. “Good. I hope she and Mia will strike up a friendship.” Miss Bancroft was much more timid than Mia, but the two could surely find some commonalities. And did it not follow that opposite personalities fared better together? Perhaps that was hopeful thinking.

He nodded to Ponsy. “I’m pleased to see you as well.”

“Did you not say that we could go for a ride once your business was complete?” Colin placed his cue in the stand in the corner.

Ben nodded. “Indeed, I did. Let’s take this gathering out to the stables. I’ve not been for a ride on the beach in months.”