“Ready.” She slid her arm through his, and he wished the way she snuggled close to him wasn’t only a pretence.
“Lord and Lady Ashford.” The count waved them in. His bright smile reached his eyes. “How lovely to see you here. I hope the trip wasn’t too bad.”
“Bumpy, my lord.” Keith couldn’t keep smiling as he spotted Nigel who glared at him.
The countess walked towards them in a green gown that made her tiger eyes stand out. “Lord Ashford, Lady Ashford, Violante, I’m so glad to see you’ve arrived. This is Sir Nigel Glenister, one of my husband’s business partners.”
“Lord Ashford and I know each other,” Nigel said with a strained note. “My father took the viscount under his wing.”
“Indeed,” Keith said.
There was a round of bows and curtsies at the introductions, followed by remarks on the weather. Keith didn’t avert his gaze from Nigel.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Wellington is going to be late,” the count said. “His ship from New York City arrived in Liverpool one day later than expected. He’ll join us tomorrow.”
“I’m sure we’ll find a way to amuse ourselves in the meantime.” Nigel flashed a smile that was all teeth and no joy. “Lord and Lady Ashford. How interesting.”
“Did you know the viscount was married?” the countess asked.
“I had no idea.” Nigel didn’t add anything else. Good.
Not that Keith’s past was a secret. The count knew he came from humble origins, and Keith’s role in helping to foil Fenians’ attack against Sir Nigel’s father was public knowledge. But the fact Nigel didn’t know about Keith’s wife sounded suspicious, considering the relationship between Keith and Sir Howard.
The count raised his glass of brandy. “I have to tell you, Ashford. Sir Nigel is as interested in my property in St. Giles as you are. I’ve always enjoyed healthy competition. Competition is the soul of business.”
“Oh, that dreadful building and horrible area.” Lady Diana waved a hand. “Nothing but awful smells and darkness. I’m surprised so many people are interested in buying it. We bought it only because it’s located in the Italian quarter. Terrible mistake.”
“The building only needs a bit of work,” Nigel said. “The area is going to be excellent. Once all those decrepit houses around the building are demolished, I’ll develop a grandiose hotel with a spa and a swimming pool, like one of those in Paris.”
“A hotel?” Keith asked. “What for?”
“An exclusive hotel for exclusive travellers.” Nigel’s tone challenged him to say more. “The building is close enough to the docks to be easily reached by rich travellers, who arrive at the port on the Thames, and it’s well-placed enough to be at a comfortable distance from the City. Once the area is cleaned up, the building will be profitable. My hotel will host prime ministers and dignitaries, competing with the prestigious Brown’s Hotel, mark you.”
Violante shifted on the armchair. “But what will happen to the people who live in thedecrepithouses?”
Nigel lifted a dismissive shoulder. “They’ll find somewhere else to live.”
Bloody bastard. “How—” Keith’s protest was cut off by Lady Diana.
“What would you like to do with that building, Ashford?” she asked.
“Start a new youth centre,” Keith said. “A place for youngsters to train and learn how to box. The idea is to take them off the streets and give them a purpose, direction, and a future.”
The count drew his eyebrows together. “Your enterprise won’t make a profit then.”
“It absolutely will, my lord. I firmly believe that investing in a better, safer society and its youth is the best profit we could ever make.”
“A philanthropist.” Lady Diana raised her glass at him. “I really admire those who care for others.”
Keith bowed. “My lady.”
Nigel shot his gaze towards the ceiling. The count remained deadpan. Difficult to say if he approved or not.
Violante touched Keith’s arm. Her violet ring caught the light. “My husband has another gymnasium in East London. Those children adore him. He’s their hero.”
The count didn’t appear impressed, which worried Keith. What was better, another hotel only a few people could afford, or a place to help people in need? Wasn’t the count supposed to support charity?
Nigel scowled. “I’m sure of that. Lord Ashford seems to have been born a hero. Where would we be without him?”
