Page 6 of Waiting for Love

He sounded pleased and proud. Benjamin smiled back.

“Will you come around tomorrow?” Reg asked. “Jasper asked me to show you where the old account books are kept. And there are files in Jasper’s office that deal with estate matters that I’m sure he looked at, then shoved right back into the cabinets.”

It was natural that Jasper expected him to dive into the work. He’d intended to. But now he balked. “Perhaps not tomorrow. I thought I’d wait until your guests left Chaumbers. I don’t want to disturb anyone.”

“Disturb anyone? Us?” His eyes widened, incredulous. “Is that why you’re staying at the Danforths? You are aware we have entire empty wings in this monstrous place.”

“Well, that is only partly the reason. I got to know the Danforths quite well over the years, you see, and I thought Hannah might be more comfortable there. Out of the way.”

Reg gave him a narrow look. “You know us better than that. Hannah would not be ‘in the way.’”

It must appear he was shirking his duties, since he had avoided coming to Chaumbers for the past three months and shunned the work even now that he was here. But that wasn’t the case. He had been working, learning what he needed to know.

“I’m ready to take up the reins, but first, I’ve been going over various affairs with Mr. Wilkerson and Mr. Tate.” Jasper’s solicitor and his man-of-business, respectively, both in London. “I was surprised to learn of the extent and variety of Iversley’s assets. The Mayfair home and Chaumbers are only a small part…” This was not going well. Reg’s frown had deepened. “I realize that my duties will be focused mainly on Chaumbers, but as Iversley wants to make improvements to the property, I needed to better understand the finances.” Benjamin heard how defensive he sounded, so he switched tack. “I don’t mean to put my nose into your business, but the house deeded to you in Bath is a substantial asset in itself.”

“The townhouse? An asset?” Reg scowled. “It is a home. My great-aunts live there. I am not interested in selling it out from under them.”

Great-aunts? Tate had called them “the great-aunt and her companion.” Well, it wasn’t pertinent.

“Of course not. But my understanding is they are both quite elderly and utilize only the ground floor. The first and second floors have a separate entrance and are entirely habitable, though likely in need of a thorough dusting. It is in a fashionable district. Good apartments in Bath are currently difficult to come by. You might consider leasing it out.”

Reg looked surprised, then thoughtful. “I suppose I might.”

“That was, Mr. Tate gave me to understand, your father’s intention.”

“My father’s? How do you mean?”

“Your father mentioned to Tate that he wanted to ensure you had an income should you decide against entering the church. A lease won’t bring in as large an income as the livings your father had to dispose of, had you taken all four, but it isn’t an insignificant amount.”

Reg just stared. Then he ducked his head, frowning, before looking up again.

“It astonishes me how greatly I underestimated my father,” he said in a quiet tone. “He understood me better than I thought. And I never really knew him at all.”

In equally serious measure, Benjamin answered, “I believe that is the way it should be. In the natural way of these things.”

His own father-son relationship had been the opposite. His father had been a brutal drunkard who’d attempted to beat his son’s sensibilities out of him. If not for the local vicar taking him in hand, recognizing his abilities… It was quite likely his father would have succeeded.

Reg cleared his throat. “This is very welcome news. Since you’ve seen the family balance sheets, you must know Jasper reinstated my allowance. I told him not to. But then, the pay I’ve been receiving for my translations does not stretch as far as I thought it would. I want to set Georgiana’s dowry aside for our children.” He trailed off. “I apologize. That’s quite an earful.”

“Not at all. It’s my job.”

“Not to look after me, it isn’t. Though I appreciate it.” His brow furrowed and he looked at his shoes. “How-how much do you think?”

Reg was obviously uncomfortable with the discussion. The quality did not discuss money. But Benjamin’s footing was now more secure.

“So long as the furnishings are included, I believe you can ask upwards of eighty guineas per annum.”

Reg blinked. Then said, “But I wouldn’t want my aunts disturbed.”

“If you’d like, I can screen the applicants for you.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Reg started to protest, but then thought better of refusing. “You must take a percentage then.”

He chortled. “Your brother already overpays me. Let me do this.”

After a pause, Reg gave a curt nod. “Thank you.” Then he added, “Perhaps you might drop a word into Jasper’s ear that this was Father’s idea. Otherwise, you know Jasper. He’ll simply raise my allowance.”

Benjamin snorted. Because that was exactly what Jasper would suggest. And Reg should let him because it wouldn’t put the tiniest dent in Jasper’s fortune. He wondered how Crispin and Reg could be so blind to the injustice. So content with their lots.