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Markham continued to scrutinize him, and John had the uncomfortable feeling that he was about to impart unwelcome news.
“Out with it, Markham. There’s no point in keeping secrets now.”
“Of course, my lord.” He seemed to consider his words for a moment, and John waited, his alarm growing with each passing second. “There might be one matter I neglected to mention.”
Here it was. John was going to learn that the surprisingly large amount of money he’d been told he now possessed was spoken for and that the former marquess owed a rather large fortune as a result. Debts John would be required to pay.
He braced himself for the bad news. It was what he’d expected, after all, when he’d learned he’d inherited a marquisate.
“The former marquess, may he rest in peace, had a niece. One with whom he was quite close.”
Those were not the words he’d been expecting. “You already mentioned that his wife died in childbirth and that he didn’t have any children. I’m glad to hear he wasn’t entirely without family.”
“I’m happy you feel that way, because I need to inform you she is in residence here.”
For a moment he didn’t know what to say. Why would Markham keep this from him? He must have worried John would cast the woman out. It occurred to him she might be a child. “How old is his niece?”
“Five and twenty. In the years since the marquess’s death, she has been running the estate with the advice of the steward.”
Markham didn’t mention the fact he’d first reached out to John’s family three years ago and that it had taken him so long to return to England. He also did an admirable job of concealing any censure he might have felt about John’s absence.
“Was she told about me?”
Markham nodded. “Yes. She knows you’re expected and is no doubt waiting to meet you.”
“She’s not married?”
“Alas, no. Her uncle arranged for her to have a season but then he fell ill. He lingered for several years, and she wouldn’t hear of leaving his side.”
John couldn’t help but think about his eldest sister, who was the same age when she wed. “And now she is past the age when society would deem her acceptable.” He wasn’t able to keep the note of rebuke from his tone.
Markham sighed, and the way his mouth turned down told John he wasn’t pleased. “Just so.”
John shrugged. “Then we shouldn’t keep her waiting. She can join us for refreshments, and we’ll become acquainted.”
A footman entered then, and John smiled as he examined the trolley that was wheeled into the room. Tea and sandwiches instead of sweets. Good. The sandwiches were small but there were a great deal of them.
He waited as the man removed the trays from the trolley and placed them on the low table before the settee.
“Williams is it?” John asked the young man when he was finished. When he nodded, John thanked him. It wasn’t strictly required, but he hoped never to become one of those people who took the serving classes for granted. “Could you also ask if Miss—” He looked at Markham when he realized the solicitor hadn’t given him the young woman’s name.
“Amelia Weston.”
John nodded. “Could you ask if Miss Weston is available to join us?”
The footman replied with an “Of course, my lord” and turned to fulfill his request.
John shook his head after he’d left the room. “I’m not sure I’ll ever become accustomed to that.”
Markham gave him a piercing look that had John feeling as though his insides were exposed. He couldn’t help but wonder if the solicitor found him lacking. After all, why else would Markham have altered his plans and decided to accompany him to Yorkshire? Either he didn’t think John was up to the task ahead or… It only just occurred to him that he might be concerned for Miss Weston. That must be the reason for Markham’s last-minute change of plans.
John allowed his thoughts to drift to his friends as he and Markham waited. He couldn’t help but imagine what Ashford and Cranston would say when they learned he was now responsible for a woman only two years younger than him. They’d tease him mercilessly about how it was a fitting duty for him. Which of course led him to thoughts of the woman he’d helped in the tavern that last night he’d seen them.
It took a great deal of effort to wrench his thoughts away from her.
Markham was quiet, which was out of character for the man.
The sound of soft footsteps approaching had them rising to stand.
