Page 12 of Appointment in Bath

“You’re quite right,” Ivo said. “Providing I can obtain the necessary subscriptions for the project, a bill will be presented in the next session.”

Lord Pershore, the youngest son of the Marquess of Bruton, was handling that aspect of the business. It was he who had convinced Ivo to join the venture. The two of them were friends from Oxford; both younger sons of the peerage with no set path for themselves in life. Pershore had turned to the railway business as an alternative to his family’s tradition of younger sons joining the military or taking up the church as a profession.

Ivo himself had felt no pressure from his family in that regard, thank God. He had no desire to be a military man. And outside of attending Sunday services, the church held no lure for him. It was the future that had always been his focus. Pershore was keen on the very same. Along with several other of their forward-thinking friends, and two senior advisors who had consulted on the formation of the Great Western Railway nearly a decade before, they’d formed the West Somerset Amalgamated Railway Company.

It wasn’t a question of money. On his great-grandfather’s death last year, Ivo had inherited enough to ensure his independence. He had no reason to want more. No. This endeavor wasn’t about profit. It was about progress.

“Think of what it could mean to our landowners and local businessmen,” Ivo said. “Travel would be exponentially faster. It would be easier to ship and receive goods. Not to mention the advantages to the common folk. If a family member is ill and requires a specialist doctor, for example—”

“Yes, yes, these are all persuasive arguments, but do consider, Mr. Beresford. Maidenbridge isn’t Liverpool or Manchester. We’re a modest community, with no industries of national import.”

“Maidenbridge would have a platform halt, not a fully equipped railway station.”

The vicar drew on his cigar. “Nevertheless…”

“We have a great many well-to-do families here, as you said yourself. My own family among them. They would all benefit.”

“Has Lord Allendale lent his support to the business?” Mr. Colfax asked. “I daresay he must have done.”

Ivo hesitated. “As to that…”

The truth was, he hadn’t yet spoken to his father on the subject. He was going to do so over Christmas. Until then, Ivo intended to press forward. This was his business venture. Not his family’s. Something he had discovered—and hoped to succeed at—entirely on his own.

“But they’re away at present, of course,” Mr. Colfax said. “When do they return?”

“I expect them to arrive within a fortnight.”

“You must be feeling their absence, on your own at Beasley Park at this time of year, with only the servants to cheer you.”

“Not wholly alone. I brought my guide, Signor Ruggiero, back from Italy with me. He’s, er, recovering his health. When he’s well enough, he’ll be taking up employment as a teacher somewhere, or as tutor in a private household. He’s fluent in several languages, Latin among them.”

“An Italian scholar! Fancy that.”

“He’s not exactly Italian,” Ivo admitted. “Or rather, he is. But not by birth. He’s originally from Kent.”

“Kent?”

“It’s a long story.” One that Ivo had no desire to be telling at the moment.

“I’m eager to hear it. I do hope you will bring him to church with you on Sunday.”

“Of a certainty,” Ivo said. “If he’s well enough. As for my father—”

“Yes, yes. His support for your venture would be vital. Though it’s her ladyship’s support which would be of greater value in these parts. The Honeywell name still carries a good deal of weight here.” Mr. Colfax paused, adding deliberately, “As does the name of Burton-Smythe.”

Ivo felt the unspoken meaning behind that pause. “I’m aware.”

The vicar took another thoughtful puff of his cigar. “I know your two families have been at odds these many years. Mr. Applewhite apprised me of the difficulties when I arrived. I wouldn’t presume to advise you, but…I have found that many a parishioner’s life has been blighted by nourishing old grievances. Our spiritual well-being is better served by exercising forgiveness and looking to the future.”

“I do believe in looking toward the future,” Ivo said. “It’s my guiding principle.”

“Good, good. Then…dare I hope that you have already approached Sir Frederick?”

“Not yet. But I will do, once I’ve received enough subscriptions from local businessmen. If I have their support, I hope Sir Frederick will be persuaded to lend his as well.”

“Happen it might work the other way. Sir Frederick’s support could persuade the merchants.”

“That may be so,” Ivo acknowledged. “I prefer to meet with the townspeople first. I’ve already written to Mr. Standish and Mr. Horsley. I’m dining with them both this week.”