Page 63 of A Rogues & Gentlemen Christmas

Middleton shook his hand firmly. “I have wished to these many years, my lord, only….”

“No need to explain,” Ludo said kindly. “He’s your employer. I understand, truly.”

Middleton frowned, looking extremely displeased at this fact.

“He is, and I am not in a position to consider retirement, not with five daughters still unmarried,” he added with a sigh. “However, should you ever be in a position to… to….”

He flushed then, such an extraordinary sight against his serious visage that Bunty’s eyebrows rose.

“You would like to come and work for Lord Courtenay?” she guessed.

Ludo stared at her in astonishment and then looked back to Middleton. “You’re not serious? You’d leave my father’s employ for mine?”

“In a heartbeat,” Middleton said calmly.

Ludo’s incredulity made Bunty’s chest hurt. He’d truly had no idea that there was anyone who would believe in him. Yet anyone who had been in his company for any length of time must have been able to see the goodness that shone from him, the honour and integrity.

Ludo frowned, considering this. “Middleton, I have a business venture that is showing signs of promise. It needs a firm hand, a good business brain to get it off the ground. I also have… nine thousand, eight hundred, and—”

“Twenty-seven pounds, ten shillings and sixpence,” Middleton supplied for him.

“Precisely.” Ludo nodded. “Can I afford you?”

Middleton grinned at him. “I believe that you can, my lord.”