Charles didn’t so much as flinch as the words and their implication punched a hole through his chest. He took a slow breath, keeping only polite inquiry on his features, not the seething burst of jealousy echoing along his limbs. Aurora. Healey was courting Aurora. Smitten by her. And why wouldn’t he be? She was magnificent. Charles knew firsthand.
He wondered what had happened to Grisham.
This is what I wanted.
“Sinclair mentioned something but I’m afraid I’m not overly invested in his sister’s affairs.”
What a terrible, horrible lie.
“Lady Aurora is a good match for my nephew, though she possesses a reckless streak. Not apparent during her first Season, but there, all the same. Likely due to her chaperone,Miss Maplehurst.” Kenebruke’s gentle laughter became a deep, hacking cough.
Charles recalled that day in the park. The carriage Miss Maplehurst had disappeared into had belonged to Kenebruke.
Good for Miss Maplehurst.
Kenebruke continued to cough, so much so, he bent over the chair and Charles became concerned. “My lord?”
“I’m fine.” Kenebruke waved him away, coughing a final time. “Just a cold. Now as to my nephew, it is well past time Thomas took a wife. I was already wed at his age. He hasn’t shown a great deal of interest in any of the young ladies I’ve introduced him to, so I’m rather pleased he’s so taken with Lady Aurora. Despite the notoriety of the Sinclair family, she is related to a duke, a rather powerful one. An association with Ware also brings one to Lord Curchon.”
True enough. Curchon was Ware’s uncle and an important minister in the Home Office. It was never a bad thing to be in favor with Curchon. “Two gentlemen whom you would always want on your side.”
“Indeed, they are.”
“I’m sure Emerson approves, as well as Miss Maplehurst.”
“I assume so, but—” The lines around Kenebruke’s mouth deepened. “I have not spoken directly to Miss Maplehurst about their courtship.”
Odd. Charles was certain that Kenebruke and Miss Maplehurst were quite close. Lovers, in fact. At least that was the impression he’d taken from that day in the park. Perhaps the pair had a falling out.
The older man cleared his throat several times, swallowed his glass of brandy, then leaned over as another coughing fit struck him.
“My lord.” Charles sat his own glass down. “Allow me to call for someone.”
“No, it isn’t necessary. I’ll have the physician summoned as my nephew wishes, though it is only a mild complaint. My apologies, Mr. Worthington. I asked you to come today because we have much to discuss on the textile mill.” Kenebruke leaned forward. “I needed my nephew gone for the day. His input is not required for this venture, though he believes it is.”
Charles smiled. “I grew concerned you no longer wished to move forward with our partnership.”
“Not at all.” Kenebruke’s eyes were sharp as they took in Worth. “What I wish to propose is a much broader partnership. What I did not disclose earlier, before I was sure we would get on, was that I’ve three additional properties. One of which makes only rope.” He nodded.
“Only rope.” Charles considered that carefully. Rope was vastly profitable. Kenebruke had more mills.
“But again, modernization is required, though not as extensively as the textile mill you viewed recently. I think an enterprise should be formed. Perhaps you’ll even find other properties which might prove advantageous.” Kenebruke smiled, coughed a bit more, and laid out the conditions of his proposal, all of which were generous.
“You don’t mind if I do a bit more research, do you, my lord? It might take some time to put all of this together.”
“I would expect it, Worthington, given your reputation. Thomas, though he tries his best, doesn’t have a head for business. I want to be assured, one day when I am gone, that our partnership will provide him an excellent income with very little input from him, becauseyouwill be running it.”
“Thank you for your confidence, my lord.”
“It is well earned. I’ve asked my solicitor to draw up the proper contracts. You’ll have them next week. Take your time to review the details. But I’m sure you’ll be pleased.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
Kenebruke’s coughing started once more, wracking the older man until his entire body shook.
Charles took out his own handkerchief and handed it to the earl, relieved to see no telltale sign of blood upon the linen. Kenebruke only had a cold, not something more nefarious. He summoned Kenebruke’s butler, who in turn sent for the elderly earl’s valet to help him upstairs. Once the older man disappeared, Charles took his leave, his concern for Kenebruke overshadowed by the knowledge that Healey was courting Aurora.
“It’s for the best,” he murmured for the hundredth time. Perhaps if Charles said so often enough, he might begin to believe it. It shouldn’t matter that Healy was smitten with Aurora, his opinion on marriage or love wasn’t going to change. Love held little illusion for Charles. There was nothing beautiful or romantic about it.
