Mr. Morton didn’t move an inch at that.
“I’ve decided to hire Mr. Wood.”
Mr. Morton’s lips lifted in a knowing smile. “A good choice, my lord.”
Surprised by the man’s reaction, Christopher frowned. “You appear pleased.”
“I am. Mr. Wood is my brother.”
“I thought the taller man was your brother. He resembles you in some aspects.”
Mr. Morton grinned. “My brother and I do not look alike, as my mother was widowed shortly after I was born. In fact, Mr. Wood is indeed my brother.”
Pleased that he had both the best steward for his estate and was able to keep his solicitor, Christopher pushed away from the desk. “I’d offer you a drink to celebrate, but I fear there are no spirits that I could find.”
Mr. Morton rose. “Perhaps next time. Right now, I wish to give my brother the news. I know he will be anxious to start. Do you wish him to meet with you now or in Bedford?”
“We already discussed the first steps, so he’s aware of his duties.” Christopher grinned. “Let him celebrate tonight and start fresh tomorrow. I need to get back to Bedford and attend to my responsibilities there.”
Mr. Morton held out his hand. “Thank you, my lord. You will not regret your choice.”
Christopher gripped the man’s hand before waving him out.
No sooner had Mr. Morton left the room than Mr. Riley stepped in. “Would you like me to have your coach brought around, sir?”
“Do I have a groomsman already to do that?”
The older man smiled. “Indeed, you do.”
Now feeling like a lord of his rather dilapidated domain, Christopher nodded. “Then please do.”
“Very good. And might I suggest a stop at the Loose Goose Inn for a pleasant meal on your way back to Bedford?”
“Riley, that is an excellent suggestion.”
Riley gave a short nod and left the room.
Christopher smiled. He’d made only forward steps toward his future, which pleased him. He couldn’t wait to get back to the school so he could tell Lady Sophie about his progress. In his mind, he envisioned her green eyes twinkling with delight as her soft lips lifted in a smile, genuinely happy for him. What would she think of his estate? Would she be able to see its potential or would she find it sad? His instinct told him it would be the former.
Anxious to have his belief confirmed, he strode out of the library, down the corridor, and into the entryway. After Riley helped him on with his coat, he walked outside into the cold, sunny afternoon and entered the Silver Meadows coach. As much as he’d like to stop and have a meal, he wished to get back before everyone retired, if possible.
Despite the brisk pace of the coach, a change of horses took longer than expected. As Christopher descended from the conveyance, he could tell the school’s occupants had retired for the night. Disappointed, he climbed the grand steps to the front doors, which opened before him.
“Lord Tamworth, it is good to have you back.”
Christopher shrugged out of his greatcoat and let Harrison take it. “Has everyone retired, then?”
“Mostly, my lord. Mr. Billings and Mrs. Evans are in the instructor study, but Lord and Lady Sommerset have gone to their rooms, as have the students.”
Swallowing his disappointment, he nodded. “Thank you, Harrison.” He climbed up the stairs to his room, trying to convince himself that a few hours’ wait was not so long after all. It wasn’t so easy to meet with Lady Sophie in a way that kept her reputation and allowed them to talk freely. He needed time to figure out how to manage a conversation with her.
As he reached his door, his stomach reminded him he hadn’t eaten in hours. If he waited for a tray, he could well be beyond hungry. Making his decision, he turned on his heel and headed back down tothe entryway, but Harrison was nowhere in sight. Not too worried, as he knew where the servant corridor was, he headed that way and down the stairs, where he smelled the remnants of cooked meat, but he wasn’t sure what kind. His stomach growled, obviously not happy with the delay.
He reached the bottom of the stairs and followed his nose. As he stepped into the main kitchen, he halted. Lady Sophie sat at a wooden table for six across from what appeared to be a servant. The servant had her hand over the lady’s.
The servant spotted him, causing Lady Sophie to look over her shoulder, her eyes widening in alarm. “Lord Tamworth.”
“Lady Sophie, how fortunate to find you here.”
