“That would be nice. I shall talk to Claudia about that. It would have to be a Sunday after church. Would that work for you?”
He nodded. “You look very nice today, Miss Jenny, have you changed your appearance?”
“Some. My friend, Helena, has taken me in hand and has been instructing me in more ladylike grooming. She scolded me for not caring enough about my appearance.”
“I never thought you could be more beautiful, but your friend has enhanced the beauty that you have naturally.”
“We are all done, Miss Jenny,” Betsy called out.
“Thank you.” Jenny paid, and Evan called out to her as she was leaving, “Let me know when you have spoken to your sister about the picnic.”
“Soon,” she called back.
* * *
Both George and Thomas were silent on the carriage ride over to visit Silas, George’s father. Thomas was mulling over what he was going to say to convince him to invest in their project, but George interrupted his thoughts.
“I have been thinking how we might best appeal to Father to invest with us.”
“I have been thinking the same. What are your suggestions?” Thomas asked.
“Father is very practical. He will want to see a clear plan and figures—which we have well prepared. But he is also a little bit of a snob and I know he will be flattered that you, the Duke of Pemberton, are asking him to join you in one of your projects. So, if you take the lead in the presentation, I think it will work to our advantage.”
“I can certainly do that. But I want him to see that you are an equal partner in the project. I think he will be proud of your initiative. I will let you present him with our written proposal, and you can answer any questions he might have.”
“Very well, but I warn you he is unlikely to make a quick decision. He will want to study the plan and mull it over for a while before he will commit himself.”
“What do you honestly think is realistic? Will he be interested in our plan?”
George’s face did not look hopeful. “Fifty-fifty, I should say. Let us do our best and take what comes.”
They arrived at the Edgerton estate and were welcomed by George’s mother, Virginia.
George kissed his mother on both cheeks and she curtsied to Thomas.
“Your father is waiting for you in his study,” she said. “Shall I bring some tea?”
“That would be nice, Mrs. Edgerton,” Thomas said politely.
“Hello, Mr. Edgerton,” Thomas greeted George’s father with a warm handshake after they entered the study.
“Your Grace,” Silas welcomed. “My son has been telling me bits and pieces about your project, and I look forward to hearing the full presentation.”
Silas was a slightly older looking version of George, but with less hair and a rather prominent red nose.
Thomas did not want to rush into their pitch, so he said, “It has been a good summer. I do not farm, but the crops I have seen as I travel the county seem to be doing well.”
“It will be a good enough harvest. Might I offer you a refreshment, Your Grace?”
“I believe your wife is preparing tea.”
“Ah… excellent.” Silas turned to his son. “George, how did you and his Grace become involved together in this project?”
George answered, “Because of my knowledge of racing and horses, he asked if I would be interested in being his partner in this venture.” Then he laughed. “And, I need to develop my own income. It is all well and good, helping you with the estate, but, as you know, I want to marry Helena and I want to be able to provide for her.”
“That is a discussion for another time,” Silas said and turned his attention to Thomas. “Very well, tell me what it is you are doing and how I might be able to help.”
Thomas thought that was an encouraging opening and he said, “I am going to have George make you the presentation. Of course, if you have any questions for me, I shall be happy to answer them.”
