Chapter Seven #2
Because of that, he had continued to seek her advice on a few business matters.
It made her feel needed, and he was not too proud to ask her to advise him.
He had even told Tabor to allow her to see any reports she requested, which was how he knew Mama had already poured over the autumn crop totals before he did so today.
Hopefully, it would be the last time she did so.
He finished going through the last of them, seeing nothing that needed his immediate attention.
It would be advisable to call upon his London solicitor when he reached town, however.
Con had spoken with him the day after his father’s death and again at the reading of the will shortly before they had left town for Somerset.
He took the list of questions he had begun as he read through the papers and would take it to his meeting with the solicitor.
This way, if Mama asked, he could tell her that this was one of the chief reasons he journeyed to town now.
The next morning, they set out at half past seven. Usually, Mama slept much later, but she had already told him she planned to sleep in the carriage. She had always hated riding great distances in their carriage and preferred to sleep away as much of the trip as possible.
When she awakened from a long nap, he told her, “At some point, I also plan to visit Dru while I am in town. I am eager to meet little Beau.”
His younger sister had not attended the most recent Season because she was increasing and due to give birth in mid-July.
She now had a son, and Con wanted to meet his new nephew.
Since Dru and Perry lived in Surrey, it was only a two-hour carriage ride from town to Beauville.
Con decided he would wait until his carriage had returned from depositing Mama in Sussex before he attempted the visit.
He would write ahead and let Dru know he would be coming.
Their journey to town was uneventful, the roads surprisingly good.
Mama stayed overnight at his townhouse, and then she left the next morning in the post-chaise.
Con sent a note to his solicitor, letting him know he was in town again, and requesting an appointment at his earliest convenience.
He was still at the breakfast table, sipping a second cup of coffee, when a reply came, telling him Mr. Badham could meet with him any time that day.
Immediately, Con left the townhouse, finding a hansom cab after a few blocks.
He wanted to give the horses another day of rest before using them.
He arrived at the solicitor’s office and was welcomed.
Over cups of tea, Mr. Badham went into more detail regarding various investments which had been made by Papa and previous Alingtons and explained which were proving profitable and which should be relinquished.
“Of course, you should also speak with your banker regarding these matters, my lord,” Badham said.
“I will certainly do so. Thank you for making time for me today, Mr. Badham.”
“I am always happy to assist you, my lord. Give my best to Lady Marley.”
He left the solicitor’s offices. Wishing for his head to be clearer before discussing tedious financial details, he decided to visit with his banker another day.
Instead, he hailed a hansom cab and asked the driver to take him to White’s.
This way, he could see who might be in town.
He had a vague idea of what Viscount Samuel looked like.
It would be nice to meet Miss Stanhope’s father and learn anything he could about her before calling upon her.
Since Samuel remained in town throughout the year, there was a strong possibility he would be at White’s now.
Con was greeted by Pollard, the man in charge of the gentlemen’s club.
“It is good to see you, my lord. May I offer my sympathies in your loss of Lord Marley? Your father was a favorite of many at White’s.”
His throat tightened. “Thank you, Pollard. Would you have Tommy bring me some coffee?”
“Certainly, my lord.”
He walked through the establishment, greeting a few others. Not many were present today, and he did not see Lord Samuel anywhere. He did see Lord Clay, however. They had gone to school together, and he eagerly greeted the earl.
“I did not know you were back in town,” Clay said as Tommy arrived and set down a cup of coffee for Con.
“I only arrived last night,” he shared, taking a chair. “Marleyfield’s autumn harvest has concluded, and I had business with my solicitor. I am surprised to see you here.”
Clay shrugged. “Usually, I am in the country this time of year, but I received an invitation to a house party hosted by Lord and Lady Pebble. It will be held at Pebblestone, their country estate in Dorset. I simply stopped in town for a brief respite before traveling the rest of the way to Weymouth.”
Pebble. Where had he heard that name?
Then Con recalled that Lord and Lady Pebble lived next to Viscount Samuel’s estate. Miss Stanhope had mentioned the pair, saying the childless couple looked upon her as a daughter.
“Do you know who else might be in attendance?” he asked casually, thinking that Lady Pebble would certainly have issued an invitation to Miss Stanhope.
“I haven’t a clue,” the earl admitted. “But Mama is chattering loudly in my ear these days, telling me it is time I wed.”
He recalled Lord Clay’s father had died several years ago. “Are you thinking you might find your countess at this house party? I have never attended one before since they are notorious for the number of engagements which occur at them.”
“Yes, you have kept clear of the parson’s mousetrap,” Clay teased. “But now that you hold a title, are you anticipating wedding anytime soon?”
Not wanting to tip his hand, he said, “I am considering doing so.”
Since he hadn’t learned if Miss Stanhope would be in attendance at this affair, he decided it was time to call upon her, hoping she was still in residence in town. If she weren’t, then he would have to somehow obtain an invitation to the house party.
And his best chance lay in Lord Clay.
“Are you engaged for dinner later this evening? If not, perhaps we can meet.”
“I am not,” Clay told him. “I would like to do so.”
They arranged a time and decided to return here to White’s for their meal. Then Con excused himself and took a hansom cab to Viscount Samuel’s townhouse.
As the butler answered his knock, Con presented him with his card. Actually, it was one of his father’s, but he was the Earl of Marley now, so he might as well use them.
“Lord Marley to see Lord Samuel and Miss Stanhope.”
“I am afraid they have gone to the country, my lord,” the butler apologized. “As far as I know, they will not be returning to town for some months.”
This surprised him. Miss Stanhope had told Con she and her father were permanent fixtures in town, rarely going to the country.
But if she were in Dorset, he ventured that she would be at Lord and Lady Pebble’s house party.
“Thank you,” he said, taking back the card the butler offered him. Even if the butler had kept it and showed it to Miss Stanhope, she would not connect it with him since she had met him while he was using his courtesy title.
Con went to his townhouse, where Benchley had finished unpacking. He would not tell the servant to pack again until after his conversation with Lord Clay.
He arrived back at White’s and met up with his old friend. They enjoyed a long, unrushed dinner and excellent conversation. Over snifters of brandy, however, he turned their talk back to the house party.
“Are you truly interested in attending this house party the Pebbles are giving?”
Clay shrugged. “I suppose so. As I told you, Mama is encouraging me to wed.”
“I cannot say why at this point, but I need to be present at it.”
“But you have no invitation, Marley. You did not even know about it until I mentioned it.” Then understanding dawned in the earl’s eyes. “You are interested in someone who might be in attendance. I am right, aren’t I?”
“You always were a clever fellow. What do you say, Clay? Will you allow me to be a replacement for you?”
“Hmm,” the earl mused. “Mama thinks I will be in Dorset. I suppose I could stay and enjoy what town has to offer instead of heading home again.”
Knowing Clay had a love of dice, Con sweetened the pot. He pulled out a handful of guineas which he carried in his pocket. They were a constant reminder to him of his newly-found wealth.
Placing them on the table, he said, “Take these in return for the invitation. May they bring you good luck at the gaming tables.”
Quickly, his friend swept the coins off the table and pocketed them. “You are more than happy to take my place, Marley.”
“Good. I hope we will both enjoy the time away from our country estates. By the way, how long will this house party run?”
“A week,” his friend said. “It starts three days from now. Lord Pebble’s estate is called Pebblestone. It is southwest of Weymouth. In Dorset.”
It would take two days for Con to reach Weymouth. He could stay at an inn in the town the night before and then travel to Pebblestone the following day. Of course, that would mean putting off his visit to Dru, but he had not written his sister, so she had no idea he was in town.
“Thank you for doing this, Clay. If things go as planned, I will give you all the credit.”
Con realized that he was going to the house party not just to see Miss Stanhope. He also wanted to offer for her.
And that surprised him. Very much.