“I’m looking for ways to increase the estate income. From what I could tell from the ledgers, the profits have declined over the past few years, and I don’t believe there have been any attempts to fix the problem. It seems my father let the estate manager go nearly a year past.”
Evans nodded. “That’s unfortunate, but I understand. Your father probably thought he could handle anything that came up.”
“From what I could see, he hadn’t even done that. There were numerous requests from the tenants to have their cottages repaired, but it seems the work was never done.”
“Not to speak ill of the dead, but that was not well done of your father. If the tenants aren’t happy, they’re less productive or may leave altogether.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“I did learn a few new farming methods when I was at my parents’ manor last year. They might work for your country estates as well.”
“I’d be most interested in hearing about them, especially if you think they’ll help increase the yield of crops.”
Evans gave a brief explanation of the new farming methods he’d learned from his father’s tenants and newly hired steward.
“That sounds interesting, although it won’t produce any results until the harvest in the fall.”
“True. It does take time for these methods to begin working.”
“Any other suggestions?”
“I would be happy to loan you the money you need until the harvest comes in,” Evans said.
George shook his head. “Richard, thank you for your generosity, but I cannot accept it at this time. I want to learn to run the estate on my own. The other problem is I haven’t shared any of this distressing financial news with my mother. She’s suffered a great deal in the past eight months, and I think it would be too much for her to bear.”
“She doesn’t know?”
George shook his head. “No. She’s barely civil to me these days…when she talks to me at all. I don’t want her to blame the estate’s financial insecurity on me as well.”
“What do you mean?” Evans asked.
Hutchinson sighed and took another gulp of his whiskey. “I believe she blames me for the deaths of my father and brothers.”
“That’s absurd. You were in Bath. How could this be your fault?”
“That’s a question I ask myself every day. I have no clue why she thinks the way she does. My mother was quite disrespectful to me earlier today at tea, so I’m not inclined to inform her that her husband squandered so much money on their firstborn son that the estate is nearly bankrupt.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Perhaps she merely needs time to get used to the fact that you’re the marquis now.”
“That’s what I thought in the beginning, but it’s already been eight months, and if anything, her condemnation seems to get worse with each passing day. Today, her complaint was how I tied my cravat. Why should she care?”
“I do have one other idea, but with your financial situation, it may be difficult for you to participate. I’m looking at a new investment opportunity that seems like it could be quite lucrative. It might take a little time before we see a return, but it should take less time than waiting for the next harvest to come in. Can you pull together two hundred pounds?”
George gulped. That was a large sum of money, but if it could help save the estate, he’d use his own quarterly investment income. The invoices piling up on his desk would have to wait a little longer. “Yes. I shall have the money for you by the end of the week. Will that suffice?”
Evans nodded. “Perfect.”
“How about a change away from these depressing subjects? How is your lovely wife?” Hutchinson asked.
“She’s well, and you’ll see her at dinner. You are staying, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I’d be delighted to join you both.”
The men left the study and made their way into the parlor, where Helena, the Marchioness of Evans, was seated. George hadn’t seen her since the funerals last year.
He walked to her and bowed over her hand. “My lady, you look more beautiful every time I see you.”
“Oh, George, always such a flatterer. How are you?”
