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Mr. Cleever pressed his fingertips together. “I wonder if a little delay in order to attend to some of the most pressing household repairs at Mannering might prove wise. Prospective buyers will be far more likely to wish to obtain a house that at least offers some degree of charm.”
Was that best? As much as Daniel had little wish to stay, the time here in Wooler was about securing Rebecca’s future. He was not by any means rich, but he had enough set aside to fund some of Mannering’s more basic repairs. A discussion concerning the accounts had shown Francis had set aside nothing, so it was little wonder that the house and grounds had reached such a state of disrepair.
They spent a good half hour discussing the pros and cons of such renovations, what the priority should be, how much the expenditure might cost, and where local laborers could be sourced.
“I apologize if I seem reticent,” Daniel said, “but I remain firm in my wish to stay incognito. I have little desire to be forced into entertainments for the masses, such as proved the case in London.”
“I quite understand and must reassure you as to my discretion. Now there just remains the matter of funds.”
During further discussion, Daniel disclosed he had enough to cover the expenses.
The solicitor nodded. “Then perhaps Mr. Drake’s attention can then be focused on the drive and front garden, and Mrs. Drake could be assisted by some local maids to make the main rooms look as they ought.” He glanced around the drawing room, with its tattered, peeling papers and dust-lined faded paintings. “I recall the time before Mr. Francis took possession, and it seems such a shame to see it now.”
“Indeed.” Daniel released an internal breath and resigned himself to a stay for a trifle longer.
Much as he might dislike this place and wish to leave, Rebecca’s future seemed to require his capital and energies a little longer. He would simply have to trust God would direct his paths.
Chapter 7
Theo examined the bolts of fabric propped in the corner of Wooler’s haberdashery. The captain’s unexpected gift of two ribbons that matched nothing in Becky’s meagre wardrobe meant some careful thinking about how best to incorporate them into a garment she might use, so he might not think his gifts wasted. She suspected he was embarrassed that his other gift of a doll—far more suitable for a girl of younger years—had not proved the hit he wished with Becky, so if his other gifts might be seen as valued, then this could be a blessing to him.
The task had led to musings over whether she could quickly fashion a reticule, or perhaps persuade Mama to use her excellent needlework skills in creating an elegant spencer, that might incorporate the slender lengths of violet and cornflower-blue satin. She would not bother asking the captain which was his preference, sure he had no interest in such frivolities as ladies’ reticules and the like.
A bell above the door signaled the arrival of another customer.
She touched a pretty print, imagining their budget could stretch to a new gown for Mama and herself, while a dancing thought teased her to wonder when they might next see him.
“Oh my dear Miss Stapleton, have you heard the news?” Lady Bellingham bustled up, eyes wide.
Theo stilled. Had the captain’s identity been discovered? “You must enlighten me, ma’am. What news do you speak of?”
“I suppose it is quite foolish of me, for I’m persuaded you must know, as it concerns one of your closest neighbors.”
“Do you refer to Mannering, ma’am?”
“Exactly so! So you know about the servants, then.”
“The servants?” she repeated blankly.
“Aha! I see that I was right, and you have not heard. It seems the captain has employed an army of people to set the place aright.”
“The captain? Do you mean Captain Balfour?” Had he not wished to keep his identity secret? She had not seen him these past two days, after the meetings with the solicitor and minister. She’d been dying to know how he had got on, but his visits to his niece had come at times when she’d been out on visits of her own, and not for anything would she stoop to show her interest in his affairs.
“Indeed I do! He’s sent word to Mr. Cleever, and it appears he is to get the house set to rights at long last.”
“Really?”
“I’m surprised you did not know of this, seeing it is Miss Mannering’s home, and she still resides with you. But gentlemen do not always let us into their little schemes.”
“It would seem so.”
“But do you not see what this means?” Lady Bellingham clutched Theo’s arm. “He is coming at long last! Why else would he be spending so much blunt on fixing up the place?”
“Perhaps he has a mind to sell it?” she suggested carefully.
“What tosh and nonsense. Why, with a little work, Mannering could be one of the grand houses of the area again. Admittedly it has been allowed to fall into somewhat parlous condition, but with a little work it might even rival Stapleton Court again.”
With alotof work, Theo thought cynically. “Well, that is exciting.”
