Jacob was certainly aware of the society in New York, but he had no clue how any of it worked. He was not high society and had never thought he would be, so his knowledge was confined to what he read in the papers.
“How would I find a chaperone if Miss Parker wishes to participate in a Season?”
“I can make some inquiries for you. Usually, young ladies are sponsored by an older lady who knows what a Season entails. If this becomes necessary, please let me know so I can start the process of looking for someone to help you.”
Jacob’s head was spinning with all the information the solicitor had bombarded him with. He needed time to think about everything. “Mr. Haggerty, I find myself quite fatigued. Perhaps we can finish this discussion tomorrow.”
“Of course, my lord. Whatever you wish.”
“Where do you recommend I stay while we figure this out?”
“Mivart’s is London’s most fashionable hotel. It’s located on the corner of Brook and Davies Streets. Shall I call you a hackney?”
Jacob stood and extended his hand. “No need. I have one waiting outside.”
Mr. Haggerty shook Jacob’s hand. “Very good, my lord. Shall I set an appointment for you to meet the Parker women tomorrow as well?”
“If you think that’s necessary.”
“Absolutely necessary, my lord. I can have them meet you at the hotel.”
Jacob nodded. “That will be fine. Have them come for luncheon.”
“Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Good day, Mr. Haggerty,” Jacob said as he left the office.
After giving the new destination to the driver, Jacob settled back against the squabs and thought about everything the solicitor had told him. It would seem the circumstances of his being the heir to the Fletcher estate were not merely a financial transaction to be taken care of as he’d originally thought. There were three other lives he was now responsible for, and that thought terrified him. He knew nothing about women’s needs and certainly nothing about English Society.
His naïve assumption that this situation would be resolved quickly loomed large in his mind. He was afraid nothing would be simple from here on out, and that thought terrified him.
Chapter8
The next morning shone bright,and Audrey decided as she dressed for the day that her sisters needed a bit of distraction today. The weather was quite warm for the beginning of April, and it was the perfect day for an outing, even if it was only to deliver the dresses to Mrs. Beaumont. She really wanted to take her sisters for ices at Gunter’s, but unfortunately, with the quarterly allowance being so much less than she’d been expecting, she couldn’t indulge in any frivolous spending.
She went downstairs to the dining room. Her sisters hadn’t come down as of yet, but she’d heard them chattering when she passed their bedchamber door. She’d just sat down and poured herself a cup of tea when Beckwith came in carrying a silver salver. “This letter came for you, Miss Parker.”
Audrey was puzzled. Who would be writing to her? She wasn’t expecting anything. Then she saw Mr. Haggerty’s name on the letter, and a lump rose in her throat. She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. Perhaps it was good news.
Could the heir have finally arrived in England?
What would that mean for them?
She took the letter and broke the seal.
Miss Parker,
I’m writing to inform you that the heir to the Fletcher title has arrived in England. His name is Mr. Jacob Stanford, and he’s eager to meet you and your sisters.
Please present yourselves at Mivart’s Hotel at noon today for a luncheon with Lord Fletcher.
Sincerely,
Mr. Haggerty
Audrey didn’t know whether to be happy or sad that the heir had finally arrived. All she knew was that for the past six weeks, she hadn’t stopped thinking about meeting him. What would he be like—old and cranky or young and arrogant? She didn’t know which she preferred. She only cared about one thing. What if he didn’t want to support them? What would they do for funds? And more importantly, what if he evicted them from Gracechurch Street? Their small house belonged to the estate, and the new baron could decide to sell it. She had no idea what their future would be like if that were to happen.
“Audrey, why are you frowning so early in the morning?” Grace asked as she and Mia walked into the dining room.
