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“If they do, they are, in the words of Mr. Layton, ‘insufferably stupid.’”
Mater’s eyes danced with amusement. “Digby said that about my boys?”
“He said that about Romeo Montague, but I believe it still applies.”
“‘Romeo, Romeo,’” Philip extolled. “‘Wherefore art thou’ insufferably stupid?”
Sarah jumped in. “If we let Philip run wild with his jesting, we’ll never get to the heart of our scheme: we have sent a letter.”
“Have you?” Scott didn’t know why Sarah sounded as if that were an enormous revelation.
Mater hooked her arm through one of his and Sarah hooked hers through his other, and the two of them led him away.
“Save me, brothers!” he called out.
“Mater wishes to drag you off to your inevitable doom,” Layton said.
“And we always honor Mater’s wishes,” Harold said.
Having brought Scott to the far end of the drawing room, Mater said, “I hope you realize their teasing means they like you, that you’re one of them.”
“I’m beginning to. Now, what is this about letters?”
“First”—Mater reached into her reticule—“thisletter arrived for you inside one sent to me by the Duke of Kielder.”
Scott’s name was written across the front in an unfamiliar hand. He broke the seal.
Mr. Sarvol,
I am in receipt of Artemis Jonquil’s explanation of your business idea for Thimbleby in Yorkshire’s North Riding. The idea is unique but not outlandish. Her explanation gives the impression that you are approaching with due caution and are anxious not to overstretch your finances. That is wise.
A small and isolated estate for the temporary use of those who have none would appeal to many people. The ability to lease a property for mere weeks at a time will expand your list of possible tenants. It is, however, crucial that the property not be run by an absentee landlord. The keeping of a large house and its land is a complicated thing when the property is occupied only by a resident overseer. The addition of a rotating list of resident families will make that upkeep nearly impossible for one not living there. Give serious consideration to the necessity of living there yourself or obtaining a house nearby.
It is my understanding that the Dowager Countess of Lampton has arranged for Mr. Digby Layton to assist you in your efforts to put Thimbleby to rights. He can be depended upon, no matter the impression he gives. And he knows Yorkshire better than I do. Allow him to guide you as you move forward.
I am willing to offer any further thoughts should you choose to inquire.
Yours, etc.,
The Duke of Kielder
“Is it encouraging?” Sarah asked.
“It is. He thinks our idea for Thimbleby could be successful.” Scott had already shared his idea with Sarah and Harold and Mater. “And His Grace has thought of something I hadn’t.” Something that further complicated the issue.Live at Thimbleby?What would happen to Sarvol House if he did?
Go back and see my family home one more time. For me.
Abandoning his father’s childhood home, leaving it empty, was almost unthinkable. He’d been a disappointment to his father’s memory in many ways. Was he now to add this to the list?
“His Grace has offered to give me further guidance as needed.”
Mater smiled fondly. “He has carried the responsibility for the vast Kielder holdings since he was eight years old. There are likely very few complications in the running of a property that he has not encountered.”
“And he has recommended I heed any advice I receive from Mr. Layton,” Scott said.
“Digby’s flair for the dramatic and love of fashion and seeming frivolity, combined with his talent for quick quips, has, unfortunately, left many people with the mistaken belief that he is unreliable or unintelligent.” Mater shook her head. “He is neither. My Lucas made him executor of his will for a reason. I knew he would help you. And I am grateful to have been proven correct.”
Scott pressed a kiss to her cheek. “And I knowyouwill always help me. I should have trusted you sooner.”
