Page 60 of The Duke of Pain

“I want to hear more about Olivia. When will I meet her?”

Gideon smiled. “Very soon.”

Bernard Chapman arrived about 30 minutes later, and the two men moved to Aunt Mirella’s library. He bade Chapman to sit in front of the desk while Gideon took a seat behind it.

“There are going to be some changes, Chapman. Best have your notebook at the ready. Do you need a pen and ink?”

“No, Your Grace, I have a pencil here.” The man reached in his side pocket and retrieved his notebook and pencil. “Please, continue.”

“First, you are to give notice to the landlord of my mother’s residence. Our lease will terminate at the end of this month. My mother will be moving in here, with my aunt. Make the arrangements. I doubt she has more than a few trunks.”

Chapman was writing furiously. “And her account at Miklewhite’s Grocer?”

“Close it and any other accounts. I am no longer paying for incidentals. If the duchess comes to you with any outstanding bills, you are not to pay them.”

“Understood, Your Grace.”

“Next is Foxmont. In the future, I will be dividing my time with London. I have already given Whinstone notice to vacate the premises, and I saw the local constable before I left this morning to ensure he follows through on the eviction. The man did not seem overly keen to kick a duke out of a manor house, so I may need other options. What do you suggest?”

Chapman, a man Gideon hired about eleven years ago, wasn’t much older than himself. He was of medium height with thinning hair and spectacles. Chapman certainly looked the part of a steward.

Chapman stopped writing and pursed his lips. “I know this is none of my concern, Your Grace, but I am pleased you’re kicking the duke to the cobbles, as it were. A thoroughly unpleasant human to deal with.”

“An understatement to be certain. I am sorry you have had to deal with Whinstone these past years. I shall see to it you are given a bonus.”

“I must confess, Your Grace, because I loathed dealing with the duke, I avoided any visits to Foxmont. It was not well done of me. I paid the bills and hired staff when needed, but I should have had a more hands-on approach. I do apologize.”

“Well, I also neglected my duties with regard to Foxmont. We can share the blame. As soon as my stepfather is gone, we can make the necessary corrections. Whinstone claims that I have no right to evict him, is that correct?”

Chapman shook his head. “There is no written agreement between you. However, since he’s been living there for three years, he could claim ownership. The laws are muddled regarding land ownership and squatting, but you are a duke, and there is a legal title in your name. If he kicks up a fuss, this could become a protracted case. You will ultimately win, I am certain, but the case could be tied up in the courts for years. In the meantime, Your Grace, it is feasible a judge could allow him to stay there until the case is resolved.”

“Damn it all,” Gideon mumbled. “Whinstone doesn’t have any money of his own. Do you know anything about his dukedom?”

“Nothing, Your Grace. Perhaps we could hire an investigator. We also could hire men to accompany me to Foxmont, where I can personally oversee his eviction.”

Investigator.

The Galway Agency. Why not, indeed?

Not only was one of the owners married to Christian, but Asher had used them as well.

“Contact The Galway Agency, as soon as possible. In fact, we will send one of Aunt Mirella’s footmen. The office is on Cleveland Street. One forty-eight or nine, I cannot remember. Have one of them come here right away. If they are available. We will coordinate with them to see to his eviction.”

Chapman stood and went into the hallway to locate a footman.

Meanwhile, Gideon’s mind pinged in all directions.

At last, he was putting his life in order, dealing with things he had long procrastinated over, like his mother and stepfather. Bringing clarity and purpose to his role in the House of Lords. The most relevant point on the agenda, however, was Olivia.

Did she love him enough to consider sharing what was left of his life?

He was getting ahead of himself.

But it was best to organize his life first before offering for Olivia’s hand.

* * *

Olivia opened her eyes to find James sitting by her bedside. She could open her swollen eye slightly, so she gazed about, taking in her surroundings.