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“You’d mentioned that it was your cousin’s poor management,” Matthew said.
“That is what my father said,” Reginald replied. “I don’t know the precise details of the bankruptcy, and I’m not entirely sure if my father knows them, either. That’s why I want you to look at them. I know how meticulous you are in your work.”
Matthew frowned and drummed his fingers on the table. “I’d have to leave London.”
Reginald nodded. “I’d pay for your lodging, of course. You would be my guest. Your family, too, if you feel so inclined. I know that if I take you away from Emma, she’s likely to kill me.”
“Indeed, I would,” Emma replied.
“I do want to help you, Reginald,” Matthew said. “I mean that with the utmost sincerity, but I fear that I might agree and discover I’m utterly unsuited for the task. What then?”
Reginald nodded. “That’s a reasonable question. If you try and discover you’re ill-suited to the work, I will give you the rest of the year’s pay and let you return to London. That will be ample time for you to find gainful employment elsewhere, and there will be no animosity between us.”
Matthew blinked, looking taken aback by the offer. “You do realize that the remainder of a month’s wages is usually the customary amount in the event of something like that, don’t you?”
“I know,” Reginald replied. “For domestic help, at least. I think you’re well worth the investment, though. As soon as I’ve formally received my title, I’ll make preparations for your arrival.”
“Is it difficult to receive a title?” Emma asked.
“Not truly,” Reginald replied, “but my marriage with Lady Marcella is bound to the title. I must wed her first.”
“What does Lady Marcella think of that?” Emma asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t suppose I particularly care what she thinks of it. She was bound to be married to some gentleman inevitably. I suppose the best she could conceivably hope for was the son of a family friend.”
“You make marriage sound dreadfully unromantic,” Matthew said.
“You’ve called it such yourself,” Reginald pointed out.
“In jest,” Matthew replied, squeezing Emma’s hand. “Sometimes, it’s dreadfully unromantic, like when you’re trying to sleep and your wife keeps kicking you in the back of your knees.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Orwhen your husband tracks in mud from the street.”
Matthew smirked. “Yes. But it’s still—well, I can honestly say I love Emma.”
“I know you do,” Reginald replied, “but I think of it as being a way to do better in the world. Isn’t marriage to a lady such a small price for all the good I might be able to do as a Marquess? If you were an unmarried man in my position, wouldn’t you do the same thing?”
“I suppose I would,” Matthew conceded. “You should know, though, that it’s fine to be selfish, sometimes. You should have your happiness, too. Marquess or no.”
“Thank you,” Reginald said.
Matthew nodded and patted Emma’s hand again. “Of course.”
“I should be going now,” Reginald said. “It’s late, and I’ve a long trip tomorrow. I’m returning to the countryside.”
Matthew rose. “I’ll see you out, then.”
“Thank you.”
Matthew stood and opened the door. Reginald hesitated, his gaze sweeping over the darkened street. “I don’t know what you’ve learned about me otherwise.”
Matthew leaned against the doorframe. “About your illustrious career as a highwayman?”
“Yes.”
Matthew nodded. “I don’t judge you for it, mind you. I was never a highwayman, but…I know how difficult it is to make an honest living and to survive. As awful as he is, I was most fortunate that Buckingham offered me a chance to be his clerk.”
“I know that you don’t like to associate with certain kinds of men,” Reginald said. “You’ve a reputation that you must maintain. If you do see Edward or Charles, though, will you tell them to write me? I sent them letters, but I’ve received no response thus far.”
