“I do, as we enjoy eating them all winter long.”
“What have you there?” she asked seeing him holding a letter.
“This is what I have come about. It is a letter from Lady Alderman requesting a visit with her mother and sister at our convenience. She says it is to follow up on her investment, but I suspect what she really wants to do is size us up.”
Grandmamma chuckled. “And very wise of her I must say. After all, I am certain she does not want to marry a pig in a poke.”
“But do you not find it a bit calculating?”
“Why would that be? Are you not doing the same with her? Would there be any interest in her on your part if she were penniless?”
Thomas had to admit she did have a point. “Then you feel comfortable having her come for a visit?”
“Of course, my dear Thomas. As far as I am concerned she just might make the perfect duchess. And I shall be certain to spend some time with her so that we can get acquainted. I feel a woman’s perspective might help you make your decision.”
“Then I shall send her a note this afternoon,” he said, standing to leave.
“Oh, Thomas, did you not tell me the new horses were due today?”
“Yes, later. And I have to say, I am very excited. Now we can really get our business going.”
“But do you not still need to raise some capital?”
“We do, and I have not forgotten. However, we needed to buy these horses or lose them.”
“I shall be jam-making with cook this afternoon, but as soon as they arrive, let me know. I would very much like to see them and feed them each an apple.”
* * *
Wilcox needed to go almost directly to Gloucestershire to visit with Ralph and pay the first half of the money for the illicit shipment. However, he also needed to follow through with the Widow Monmouth. He could not afford to let her fall into Lord Linton’s grasp without a fight.
He knew that she wasat homeand receiving guests on Wednesday afternoons, so he decided to surprise her with a charming nosegay of violets.
Entering her salon for tea, he was surprised to see another gentleman seated across from her at the tea table.
“Lady Monmouth,” he said crossing to her. “I was passing by my favorite flower shop and saw these and thought of you.” He bowed and presented the nosegay to her.
“Oh, Lord Mowbray, how lovely, and how kind you are. This seems to be my day for flowers. Lord Linton also brought me that lovely bouquet.” She pointed to a large sumptuous flower arrangement that stood on the top of the piano that made his little offering seem quite insignificant. “You have met, have you not?”
“I have not had the pleasure,” Wilcox said, in a strangled voice.
“Lord Linton, Lord Mowbray… Mowbray… Linton,” she said waving her hand at them. “Tea, Mowbray?”
Wilcox scowled at Linton. The huge man was seated in his chair like he had outgrown it and needed to shed it to be comfortable. His complexion was sallow, his hands spotted, and he stared through his monocle as though he had just stumbled upon a corpse.
“Come join us,” Elizabeth said, patting his place at the table.
Wilcox reluctantly complied—his mind churning with how to deal with this situation. He was quite able to manipulate Elizabeth when she was alone, but he was uncertain how he would fare with Linton present.
Wilcox began, “Lord Linton, where is your seat?”
“Huh? I do not follow,” Linton replied.
“Your estate? Where do you live?”
“Ah… Kent. Coast. Near Margate. Cattle and sheep.”
“Gloucestershire. I am currently associated with shipping,” Wilcox added.
