Page 66 of Appointment in Bath

“Sit down,” Sir Frederick said tersely. “My daughter informs me you have a proposition to make about a railway coming to Maidenbridge.”

“I do.” Ivo availed himself of a chair. “Might I first inquire after your health? I understand you’ve been unwell.”

“I’m well enough,” Sir Frederick snapped. “About this railway—”

“The West Somerset Amalgamated Railway,” Ivo supplied. “It’s a company I’ve formed with Lord Pershore.”

“Pershore? Any relation to the Marquess of Bruton?”

“His youngest son.”

Sir Frederick leaned forward in his chair. “Is Bruton supporting this venture?”

“He is,” Ivo said. “If Pershore and I can secure enough subscriptions, Lord Bruton has promised to present a bill in the next session of Parliament.”

“You’ve been successful in petitioning Horsley, Stanhope, and Pinnock, I gather.”

“I have. They understand that a platform halt in Maidenbridge will be good for business.”

“And what does your father say about the idea?” Sir Frederick asked with deceptive unconcern. “Or, more to the point, your mother?”

“I haven’t discussed the matter with them yet,” Ivo replied. “I felt it was important to speak with you first. The name of Burton-Smythe is the most respected in the community, and your estate commands much admiration. Your adoption of the newest mechanisms for farming, for example, and your use of the latest organic fertilizers. You’re an innovator in that respect.”

Sir Frederick made a hoarse, dismissive noise. “It’s not innovation, it’s common sense. Agriculture is an experimental science. Only a fool leaves his lands untested, content to rely on the practices of the past.”

“I quite agree,” Ivo said. “Indeed, I suspect you appreciate the newest methods in science and engineering as much as I do.”

Sir Frederick’s eyes darkened with swift suspicion. “If your intention is to flatter me, boy—”

“By no means. My parents’ good opinion on the railway is, of course, necessary, but it’s you who holds the most sway with the villagers and landowners hereabouts.”

“Damned right, I do. The farmers know me, just as they knew my grandfather and his grandfather before him.”

“Which is why I’m here. Given your appreciation of where innovation is taking us, you must also appreciate the many benefits your estate would reap in having a platform halt in Maidenbridge.” Ivo continued, giving Sir Frederick the same impassioned speech he’d given to Standish and Horsley.

“Do you have a prospectus?” Sir Frederick asked when he’d finished.

Ivo suppressed a relieved smile. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

Nearly half an hour later, after discussing minute details of the route, the potential costs, and the proposed timetable for construction, the conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Meg stuck her head in. “Pardon m-me for disturbing you,” she said.

Ivo was immediately on his feet. His heart thumped heavily. “Miss Burton-Smythe,” he said, bowing. “A pleasure.”

“Mr. Beresford.” She curtsied, only the faint blush in her freckled cheeks betraying that there was anything other than polite disinterest between them. She looked to Sir Frederick. “Shall I bring in the tea tray, father? Or will you c-come to the drawing room?”

Sir Frederick’s gaze flicked between them. There was a hint of calculation in it. “No tea for me. I’ve too much work to attend to. You may entertain Mr. Beresford in my stead.”

Meg couldn’t hide her astonishment.

Ivo, on the other hand, appreciated his good fortune too much to question it. “I would be honored to take tea with you, ma’am.” He looked to her father. “Unless you have any other questions, sir?”

“None at present,” Sir Frederick said. “I shall contact you once I’ve heard from your partners. In the meanwhile, you’ve given me much to think on.”

It wasn’t a full-throated endorsement of the venture, but for the moment, it was enough.

“In that case,” Ivo said, smiling at Meg, “pray, lead the way.”