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‘Yes...’ Sebastian drew on his own cigar, knitting his brows together at the reminder. His mother had taken him aside when he and Henrietta had finally come downstairs for dinner, in even better moods thanks to some very effective manoeuvring, although he still hadn’t been quite sure what to make of her announcement. It seemed wrong not to at least share Belles with Anna, especially considering the years she’d put into the business, but as his mother had explained, as Countess of Staunton, his sister didn’t have any need of the income. In fact, she’d already approved the plan when his mother had drawn up her will.
‘Sebastian?’ His uncle looked faintly worried.
‘Sorry, Uncle, I was wool-gathering. I’m very grateful. I’m just not sure I deserve it.’
‘Your mother thinks you do, but if it makes you feel any better, it’s for you and Henrietta. You wouldn’t say that she doesn’t deserve it, would you?’
‘Good point. The truth is, I want to keep Belles in the family, but I don’t want to put anyone else out of work and I’d like to build something of my own, too. I have some money saved and I think a tea room would make Henrietta happy.’ He gave a low chuckle. ‘That appears to have become my main purpose in life these days.’
‘As it should be.’ Lord Tobias rested his cigar on an ashtray. ‘I’d like to invest.’
‘Really?’ Sebastian almost dropped his own cigar in surprise. ‘You mean like a business partner?’
‘A silent business partner. The money will be yours one day anyway.’
‘It will?’
‘Yes. I intend to make you my heir.’
‘Your heir?’ It was a good thing he’d tightened his grip on the cigar, Sebastian thought, or he would definitely have singed his trousers. ‘Me?’
‘You’re my nephew.’
‘Yes, but...’
‘I’ve no children and I’m not likely to marry now.’
‘Still... I don’t know what to say...’ Sebastian felt vaguely dumbstruck. ‘Did you never want to marry, Uncle?’
‘No, I was always more interested in my studies. Of course, I was forced to endure a few London Seasons in my youth, but fortunately my brother married and let me off the hook quite early.’
‘But won’t he mind if you make me your heir?’
‘He won’t be happy about it, but if you knew my brother then you’d know he rarely experiences that emotion anyway. For once, however, there’ll be nothing he can do.’
‘Does my mother know about this?’
‘We discussed it while you were in Scotland.’ Lord Tobias sat forward. ‘Sebastian, I’m not trying—I would never try—to replace your father, but this way you’ll have a legacy from both sides of your family. It would make an old man very happy, too. So, what do you say?’
‘I can hardly refuse.’ Sebastian held a hand out to clasp his uncle’s. ‘Thank you. I’m honoured.’
‘Then it’s agreed. With only one condition...’ Lord Tobias smiled. ‘That you’re not allowed to leave before the new year. I’d like a chance to introduce you to my friends and neighbours. I want everyone to know that you’re my heir with my blessing.’
‘I’ll need to speak with Henrietta, but I’m sure we can stay.’ Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. ‘We’re not allowed to go anywhere until after the play anyway and I’m told it needs a few more rehearsals. I’m actually starting to think—’
He didn’t finish the sentence as the butler cleared his throat from the dining room doorway.
‘Yes, Dennison?’ Lord Tobias glanced up expectantly.
‘Forgive the intrusion, sir, but there’s someone at the servants’ entrance asking to see Mrs Fortini. The younger Mrs Fortini, that is.’
‘Henrietta?’ Sebastian got to his feet in surprise. ‘Did they give a name?’
‘Yes, sir. I believe he called himself David Gardiner.’
‘What?’ He made a grab for the back of his chair. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Perhaps you could invite our guest to join us in here?’ Lord Tobias stood, too, addressing the butler before turning to Sebastian. ‘Should I call Henrietta?’
