He kissed the top of her head. “Very happily. But more than that I want you to be free of needing to take a job you do not want if you would rather pursue your writing.”
Lucy was too overcome with emotion to answer him immediately. Her mind began churning again, and her first thought was of George. If she were to have a substantial living to offer, might he consider her as a bride? But, of course, his family would have a say in that, and she knew the Duchess was too much against her.
She wiped tears from her eyes before saying, “But we cannot stay on at Grayson Manor indefinitely. You must have your own dreams and plans, and I must become independent at some point soon.”
Harold considered that, “That is true, but we are still discovering each other, and I am not yet settled on a plan for myself. Since I have been invited to stay for a while, let us take our time, and I believe we will discover what our next steps should be. Be patient, dear sister.”
* * *
The Duchess, along with Charlotte and Ann, decided to have lunch in their chambers rather than sit at the table again with Lucy and Harold. George and Matthew noticed the slight, but decided that time would mend any rifts eventually. None of the ladies would be content being separated from the table for long.
Lucy said she would visit the Duchess and see if she could help Flossy in any way to help serve the Duchess to her satisfaction.
After the brief lunch was over, Matthew accompanied George and Harold to his study. He opened his humidor and offered George and Harold cigars, although neither accepted.
Matthew lit his cigar and began pacing the room while George and Harold sat before the desk.
Finally, he turned to Harold and said, “Mr. Brighton…”
“You may call me Harold if you wish, sir.”
“Harold. I was most taken with our conversation last night at dinner. I can see you are very knowledgeable about the wool trade, and you seem to have a firm grasp of what it takes to manage a shearing operation.”
“I believe so,” Harold said.
Matthew then turned to George. “Son, I want you to know that I am very appreciative of your efforts to master the running of the estate. I know your passion is your painting…”
“Father, I…”
Matthew raised his hand to silence George. “Son, hear me out. I am not disputing your painting. You have proven to me that you are making quite a career for yourself with the London crowd. But here is what I have been thinking since last night.” He addressed Harold, “I am not in the top health I used to be, nor do I have my full vigor. Age is taking its toll. What I would like to do, sir, is to offer you the opportunity to help me co-manage the estate.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you said you have left London, love it here in Dorset, and at some point, wish to settle in the county. Is that not what you told me last night?”
Harold nodded. “I did. But I have no set plans, as of yet.”
“Exactly. And that is why it would be to both of our advantages if you were to join me in running the estate. George would then be free to work on his painting full time” He turned to George, “except I would need you to keep current on what we are doing.”
“Of course. I could do that.” George was beaming now.
“Would you consider accepting this offer, Mr. Brighton? I am prepared to pay you a handsome salary, and if I choose to retire, you could help ease George back into the management.”
“But I am not yet established in Dorset,” Harold reminded him.
“You may stay on at the Manor as long as needed until you establish your own accommodations.”
Harold stood and faced Matthew. “I should like to think on this. And then I need to consider Lucy. Now that we are reunited I must consult with her before I make such a decision. And as her status has greatly changed in this house since my arrival, I would need to know where she would fit in if I were to accept your offer.”
Matthew rubbed his chin. “Excellent point. As far as I am concerned, she is now a member of the family and equal to me and my daughters. However, I know the Duchess, and several of my girls do not think as I do. I would have to consult with them on this, and we can discuss it later.”
“I understand.”
“George, what do you think about this?”
“I am, as you might expect, fully behind this idea. It would free me up to do more work, and I could expand the number of paintings I send to the gallery, as the owner has often encouraged me to do.” Then George excitedly contemplated the situation with Lucy. “And Father, about Miss Lucy. If she was truly to be considered as an equal to any member of this family would that also mean she would be accepted as a suitable bride in our society?”
“Hmm. Excellent point. Again, I would need to consult with the Duchess. She knows the social protocols much better than I do. I will need to get back to you on that point.”
