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Steele removed his glasses and regarded Owen before gesturing to the chairs. The manager’s features had softened. Owen lowered himself into his seat and waited, like a child about to be told a story. Only this was his story.
“The late earl, your father, was a fair man. He was not cruel, but he could be tough when he had to be. The estate manager at Whitfield told me that the earl had a keen sense of business, which you have inherited from him.”
The statement gave Owen a sense of pride. It made him feel closer to a man he could not remember. “What else?”
“If any of his tenants or staff fell on hard times, he would help them. It was the same with your brother, Henry. He was a kind spirit. He would visit here on his way to and from London.”
“Did I get along with my brother?”
Steele pursed his lips. “You and your brother had your differences.”
“Meaning?”
“You did not see eye to eye on many issues. I was present one time when you were arguing about her ladyship.”
“Selena?”
“Yes.”
Owen dreaded what was to come next but nodded for Steele to continue.
“Your late brother did not approve of your treatment of Lady Fernsby.” He paused, shifting in his seat. “My lord, I do not think it is appropriate for me to be speaking about personal matters. Perhaps you should speak with her ladyship.”
Owen sprang from his chair. It was the same every time. No one wanted to tell him the truth. “I want to hear, Steele. Besides, her ladyship has not been very forthcoming with details of our relationship.” He looked at the man. “I need others to tell me what the hell my life was like before my injury.”
Steele raised his brows. “Very well. His late lordship was not happy that you openly flaunted your mistress around London while you had a wife tucked away in the country. You would gamble, fight, and drink, and it had given you a reputation. Your brother feared you were going down a path from which you could not return.”
“So he cared about me.” Owen sat down.
“Yes. He said as much to you, but you laughed in his face and told him you would live your life however you pleased. You told him you didn’t want to see him again.”
“Did I?”
“No. That argument occurred about a month before you left for New Zealand.”
Owen bowed his head. Foolish, pig-headed, arrogant. The list of his attributes was continually growing and not in a good way. It was worse than he suspected. His hands trembled with pent up anger, which was directed at himself. Perhaps it would have been better if he had died on that island. It seemed everyone would have been better off without him.
“Do I have a solicitor?” Owen raised his head.
“Yes, sir, Thomas Perkins in London.”
“I may need to speak with him in the next few weeks.” He had to protect Selena. Suddenly, he had an urge to see her, but there was other work to do first. “Thank you, Steele. You have given me a lot to think about. Tomorrow, I would like to take a tour of the estate.”
“Of course, sir.” He put the ledgers back in his satchel.
“Oh, I almost forgot. The servant’s wages. How are they?”
“Low, sir, if I am to be truthful.”
“When was the last time they had a wage increase?”
“It has been many years.”
“Bring me back some numbers tomorrow. I intend to rectify that immediately.”
“Very good, sir.”
“Now let’s get down to the business at hand.”
