Luke said, “You know a little of my story.After she helped me forego the evils of drink, she rejected me, not trusting me to be an equal partner, rather than a dependent.I had to prove to her I could pursue my dream in the face of adversity.When she came to me to help me mend a breach with my father and saw I didn’t need her help, we were able to move forward.”
Xander doubted he could handle the Ton without Evie.He’d pictured them dealing with Parliamentary decisions and alliances together, as well as balls and other social invitations.Luke’s view that she’d made a mistake rather than having evil intent made sense.And while he hadn’t admitted it to anyone, he had very definitely been in love with her.But he’d broken her trust as much as she’d broken his.He still wasn’t sure how to fix that.
Evan sighed.“Must I?”
Luke turned to him.“Yes.”
“I was, perhaps, more like you, Xander.I had the title and the wealth, and therefore Althea should be eager for me to bestow those things on her.In short, I was beyond arrogant.She refused my proposal.”
Xander gaped at him and saw Luke’s similar expressions of shock.He flapped a hand.“What—How—?”
“Her cousin set me straight.Although I can see you’d all enjoy them, I’ll spare myself repeating the details.I’d been so focused on overcoming my own concerns around marriage, I’d focused on my side of things.Essentially, she said I had to show Althea why it was advantageous for her and how I’d addressherconcerns, which were not my money or the title.Thankfully, the second time worked.”Evan glanced over to the kitchen door where his wife was giggling with Penelope.
“No doubt it helped that you tossed in a school program and building named after her.”Luke’s tone was dry.
Evan grinned.“Well, yes.Never hesitate to use the tools at your disposal, young Xander.”
The comment about Cheltie’s building gave Xander an idea.Perhaps he did have a way to fix things with Evie.His meeting with his solicitor the next morning could not have been better timed.He turned to Evan.“My lord, might you have a spare hour tomorrow to join me at my solicitor’s?I’ve heard you’re the best investment adviser money cannot buy.”
Evan grinned and agreed.“One of the two best perhaps, but I confess it’s more of a hobby than anything else.I’d love to help.”
* * * *
Jacob Lancaster was waiting for him the next morning when he arrived.The secretary at a desk outside Jacob’s office showed him directly in through the open door where the solicitor stood to exchange bows and show him to a comfortable table.
“Tea, please, Isaac.Then we’ll want the door closed.”
They exchanged pleasantries while Isaac sorted the tea, Jacob inquiring as to Xander’s growing comfort with his role and title.
“Your Grace, I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear all this.You seem calmer, more settled.And if I may be so bold, you’ve mastered so much in such a short time.The Rutland holdings are vast and varied.”
“To that end, Lancaster, I’d like to review my financials with you please.Not in detail,” he added when the solicitor looked alarmed.“I’d never comprehend them to that level.But I wish to gain an idea of how much of my wealth is in land, bank notes, and other investments.”
“Certainly, Your Grace.Would you like to come back next week, and we will have a summary put together with some details on your largest holdings?”
“No.I’d like to do that now, Lancaster.That is why I asked you to keep your whole morning clear for me.You know it doesn’t have to be pretty.There will be plenty of work to do after I see ‘how the land lies’ so to speak.And I should warn you that the Earl of Cheltenham will join us shortly, as I’ve asked him for his help.”
“The Earl of…” Jacob trailed off, blinking.
“It seems you have heard of him.”
The solicitor blew out a long breath, shook his hands, and wiped them on his trousers.“Yes.I hope he finds things adequate.”
“Hey.”Xander reached across the table and grasped the man’s wrist.“You’ve no need to impress him.Our association will continue as long as you do right by me, and I do right by you.”
Lancaster’s shoulders dropped, and he gave Xander a wan smile.“Thank you, sir.Right, then.I pulled some crates out of our storage room in case you had questions.Would you mind if I asked Isaac to help us?He’s a wizard with the files.”
“Not at all.Can I help?”
“No, have another cup of tea, and we’ll be right with you.”Jacob appeared nervous but committed.
As he finished his tea, Evan arrived and introductions were made.After a half hour of digging, Jacob Lancaster and Isaac had dust on their sleeves, two crates open on Jacob’s desk, and one more box pulled from storage open on the floor.
Joining Xander and Evan at the round table in the corner of the office, they sat with sighs.
“This may not be everything but it will be directionally correct.”Jacob noted a list of properties, a list of bank balances, and a much shorter list of other investments.
Evan perused them, adding each column with lightning speed.He asked probing questions about the investments and whether Jacob had contemplated other ideas.
