Page 31 of Waiting for Love

Why? “What is this?”

The three brothers exchanged glances and chuckled softly.

“You may call it what you wish,” Jasper said. “Either a Christmas present or an addition to your salary in gratitude for your work.”

“Thank you.” He let out a breath. Not severance. “I had not anticipated any such thing, but I am grateful.” In truth, he was somewhat embarrassed. He was already very well paid and accepting a monetary gift struck him as lowering. As if they were reminding him of his place. But at least it seemed he was not in danger of losing it.

“There is something else,” Crispin said. “Jasp said you were reluctant to move into the south wing.”

“Not reluctant. Not exactly.”

“Well, it is certainly understandable if you were. The situation worked well for the Bradwells, but they were a strange pair.” Crispin’s brow furrowed. “The arrangement began well before our time. It is not something that needs to be continued.”

“I don’t understand.”

Reg spoke up. “Crispin reminded us that prior to Bradwell’s tenure, the steward had a cottage similar to the dower house, out beyond the folly.”

“It is still there,” Crispin said. “Quite run down, I’m afraid. But it would not take much to set it to rights. Hannah could run about at will and Miss Jamison might feel less nervous about disturbing the family. Not that we are at all disturbed, mind you.”

“Moreover, your situation is nothing like Bradwell’s.” Jasper cleared his throat. “Serving as our steward should not prevent you from having a life. If you wish to court, you must do so. Most wives would prefer a home to live in rather than being confined to a few rooms.”

“A wife?” Benjamin said, incredulous. This was why they had summoned him? “You are suggesting I take a wife?”

“You have a child,” Reg said. “A nanny is all well and good, but a mother would be better.”

Heat flooded Benjamin’s face. He wasn’t sure if it was embarrassment or anger. They had all been discussing his private business behind his back. And had concluded his arrangements for his daughter were wanting. With Reg pretending to dole out expert advice.

“I believe that is my own affair.”

“Well, exactly.” Jasper harumphed. “You don’t need nosy Taverstons looking over your shoulder. Moreover, the third thing is—you work too hard.”

“Too hard?” Benjamin laughed, disbelieving. This was worse than an Inquisition. He would rather face Torquemada than the three Taverston brothers. “Surely no one complains of a steward who works too hard.”

“I’m not complaining. But just as you said you did not want to take advantage of my friendship, I don’t want to take advantage of your eagerness to be of service. Benjamin…we should not make this difficult. If you want to remain in the house, then stay. We only thought to offer you an option. We don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

No? What could make him more uncomfortable than suggesting he find himself a wife? No doubt one suitable to his station. If this whole thing was, in fact, about Olivia, they may as well accuse him now. Openly.

“And what makes you think I am uncomfortable?”

“Because you refuse every invitation to be sociable unless I frame it as an order.” Jasper’s voice rose.

“In Benjamin’s defense, Jasp, you can be overbearing,” Crispin said, studying his nails. He glanced up, laughter in his eyes. “Not everyone needs as much society as you do. Is that not so, Reg?”

“Well, Jasper wears me out,” he agreed.

Jasper pursed his lips. It was evidently a familiar taunt.

“Just have a look at the old steward’s cottage,” Crispin said. “If it does not appeal to you, forget I suggested it.”

So it was Crispin’s idea. Benjamin didn’t know whether that was better or worse. Well, he hadn’t thought it wise to move here. A little distance would be a good thing.

“I will ride out and have a look at it, certainly. Thank you.”

“Let me know what renovations are needed,” Jasper said. “And what the cost may be. Whether or not you choose to live there, it is a worthwhile improvement to the estate. There is no point letting a cottage go to ruin.”

Benjamin nodded. The Earl of Iversley would have his way, regardless.

Reg stood up. “We had better move to the dining hall. Mother will not be pleased if we are late for Christmas supper.”