“But you have all that property in Marlborough. Certainly that must bring us a nice living.”
“If you ever paid any attention to what I told you, you would know that is no longer sufficient. Damn, boy, you must do something for this family or, I swear, I shall toss you out without a penny, and you can go and grub for yourself and see how the real world operates.”
“Oh, father dear, how youdoexaggerate.”
“Just try me,” Arnold said slapping his hand on his desk.
“Very well then, perhaps I shall travel to London and scout around for a bride. There must be any number of available young ladies with substantial livings who would jump at the chance to marry the heir apparent to a Dukedom.”
“Land. You must find one with money but also land. That is what counts the most. Knowing you, you would run through a dowry in short order, but land can bring a steady income if properly handled.”
“Then why is our land not doing that?” Percy insisted.
Arnold was embarrassed and turned away. “Because your grandfather gambled and either sold or mortgaged much of our land. All we have that brings in any income are our properties in Marlborough. Unless you want to work what little land we have left and make something of that?”
“Like what?”
“Sheep. Cattle like Harry does. Grains, produce, any damn thing.”
“Me? Work the land? Are you crazy? I am to be a duke. I do notwork.”
“Then you must marry money and soon. Am I understood?”
“Oh, Father… really.”
Chapter 3
Anna had not visited with her good friend, Maria, for ages. As it was a pleasant sunny day with innocuous white fluffy clouds that did not portend rain, she decided to take a leisurely walk to Creassey Manor to visit Maria unannounced. She set out at a good pace to enjoy her afternoon with a light heart.
* * *
Maria and Harry ran the Creassey Estate together. He managed all the business end of things, while she ran the household. She was not some spoiled Earl’s sister who spent her days coiffing her hair and reading romance novels. No, she worked. If she was not overseeing the laundry, she was conferring with Cook or giving instruction to Daniels about the day’s work for the footmen and chambermaids.
Today’s work was the making of tallow candles. The household used a prodigious number of candles and every several months it was time to make a new batch. This was usually done in the kitchen as the tallow needed to be heated to be poured into the candle molds.
“Almost there, Lady Buxton. Another five minutes, I would say,” the senior kitchen maid, who regularly assisted in the candle making, said.
“Who is helping you today, Bridget?”
“Charles and Robert, Milady.”
“Excellent. I shall pop in now and then to see how it is going. But do not hesitate to come for me if you have any problems.”
“Do not expect there to be any, Your Ladyship.”
“Good.”
Maria turned to leave the kitchen when Daniels appeared and announced, “Miss Hoskins has come for a visit. I put her in the map room, Milady.”
“Oh, good. Thank you, Daniels. And will you bring us some tea?”
He nodded and Maria removed her apron and headed to the map room.
“Oh, it has been ages,” Maria cried out as she threw her arms open to welcome Anna into a hug. Her friend was leaning over the globe and looking at Asia.
“I am so sorry for just popping in unannounced, but it was such a lovely afternoon, and I fancied a walk and a visit.”
“I am so glad you did. I get so caught up with the house business, I forget to lead a normal life from time to time.”
