Polly and May had grown up together. It must seem like a reunion for them. “That sounds like fun. I hope I get to see something of London as well.”
“Oh, you will. I’m sure of it. The younger children are downstairs breaking their fast. I’m to tell you tea and hot chocolate will be served in the Young Ladies’ Parlor.”
Dotty grinned. “So that was what I heard coming down the stairs.”
“They make quite a racket, don’t they?”
When Dotty entered the parlor, Charlotte handed her a cup of hot chocolate. “We thought you would sleep longer. Did the children wake you?”
Dotty took the cup. “Yes, but I slept well and long enough. What are the plans for today?”
“We’ll start out with a trip to Bond Street. You will want to subscribe to the circulating library. After that Louisa and I will take you to Phaeton’s Bazaar. We like to replenish our stockings and gloves from there. It is much less expensive than other places. They also have a number of other interesting things to see. Then we have morning visits. After that . . .”
Charlotte rattled off a list including another walk in the Park and concluding with this evening’s ball. As much as Dotty had anticipated this Season, she truly had not had a good appreciation of what was involved. Yet, she felt prepared. Thank goodness Mama had insisted Dotty attend the local assemblies and perform on the pianoforte when they had company.
She looked forward to strolling in the Park again and wondered if Lord Merton would be there.
* * *
After breakfasting alone, Dom spent the rest of the morning on his correspondence and accounts. Although his steward, Mr. Jacobs, was a competent man, Dom’s uncle and guardian until he’d attained his majority, Lord Alasdair, had always said it was Dom’s duty to review everything. Which Alasdair had done since Dom’s father’s death when he’d been six years old.
During the rare times he had chafed at not being allowed to attend school, instead of having an array of tutors, his uncle reminded him it was his duty to learn more than was taught at Eton. One must jealously guard his estates, show to advantage in all the gentlemanly sports, be loyal to the Crown whether one agreed or not, and ensure the succession. One must also marry a suitable lady.
Before Merton attended Oxford, his uncle introduced him to five young men whose ideas were to have been compatible with Merton’s duties. However, Reggie had been sent down after impregnating the daughter of a don. Joss and William went into the army, and now there was only Alvanley and Fotherby left. The first was increasingly being drawn into the Prince Regent’s debauched circle, and Fotherby cared for nothing but fashion. It was not easy for Dom to make new friends and lately he had felt very much alone.
He tugged the bell pull and the door opened immediately.
“My lord?” the footman bowed.
“Tell Mr. Jacobs I would like to see him.”
The servant bowed. “Yes, my lord.”
A few minutes later, Jacobs knocked on the open door and entered. “You wanted me, my lord?”
Dom rubbed his forehead. “Yes, please have a seat. I’ve been reviewing your request to attend a seminar at Holkham Hall. You do know that the family supported the Americans in their war against us?”
Jacobs squirmed in his seat for a moment. “I’d heard something about that, but the reason I want to go is to learn more about the agricultural innovations being made there.”
Merton drew his brows together. He didn’t like the idea that his house could be associated with a Whig family. “Is there not another place you could go to study?”
“No, my lord. All the most modern methods are being used at Holkham.”
Duty to his land or duty to his king?
“Everyone goes there now, my lord. No politics are discussed, only farming.”
Merton was unconvinced about new ideas. His uncle had always told him the old ways were the best. Still, Jacobs had never asked to do anything like this before. “What is the reason for this sudden interest?”
“Our yields have not kept up with others in the areas, on all the estates. When I talked to one of the other stewards, he mentioned the new ways being tried in Norfolk and how they helped him.”
It was a sound idea and good for his lands and tenants. “Very well. Make your plans.”
Jacobs stood. “Thank you, my lord. You won’t regret it.”
Still not entirely convinced, Dom lifted a brow. “It is your duty to see I shall not.”
After bowing, Jacobs closed the door behind him, and Dom was left alone with his thoughts. New innovations. There seemed to be a deuced lot of them lately. That steam engine they had on display had blown up, but there were rumors the inventor hadn’t given up. Talk of canals being cut to move coal and tin. What would his uncle think of it all? Unfortunately, his uncle was no longer alive to ask. Until recently, it had not occurred to Dom how much he’d relied upon his former guardian. He would have to start making his own decisions as he just had with Jacobs.
