Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(32)

Henry put his hands on his hips. “What did you talk about in the carriage?”

Cecilia answered, “Oh, I don’t know. The flowers, the beautiful day, how the trees have turned so green so fast.”

Nash continued, “The Promenade. There were a couple of new fashion hats the ladies particularly liked.”

Penelope jumped in, “Remember that purple one with the feathers, Mother? Can we go to the milliners soon. I’d love to see that hat in a sapphire blue shade.”

Henry sighed heavily. “I suppose you think you are all funny talking about flowers and hats.”

Nash furrowed his brows, “I beg your pardon?”

Henry put his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands.

Nash stood, “Ladies, I must be on my way. I had a delightful time today touring the gardens.”

Cecilia and Penelope stood and curtsied as Nash bowed and left.

“Mother, could you help me with the buckle on my shoe? I think it’s loose.” The Balfour ladies left the parlour without a curtsy or any other form of civility.

***

“Lord Balfour.” Jamison bowed.

“Mr Jamison.” Edward bowed.

“Have a seat. Would you care for tea, My Lord?”

Edward sat and shook his head. “No, thank you. I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice. If I may jump right into it?” Jamison nodded. “There is very little that I have become responsible for after my father’s death. I believe I need to become the guardian to my mother and my sister now that I am of age.

“My sister is having her season, and it has occurred to me that when she finds a gentleman interested in her, she will need my permission to marry.”

“Forgive me My Lord, but do you believe there will be a marriage in your sister’s future?”

Edward sighed but tried not to show his irritation at such a question. “She may have a few more hurdles than most of the young ladies on the marriage mart, but I stay optimistic. Could you please advise me on her guardianship?”

Jamison jumped to his feet, no doubt knowing of his error in judgment, and went to his files. He searched under Balfour and Stanton, finding nothing related to Penelope’s guardianship.

“There is nothing stopping your request for guardianship. You know Lord Balfour, that as her older brother, you are automatically her guardian, taking precedence over all others?” Jamison sat back at his desk and opened a drawer. He took out a piece of vellum and placed it in front of him.

“I understand, Jamison. Having documentation seems to cut through disagreements more quickly.”

Jamison nodded and wrote while Edward watched. When done, Jamison slid the paper to Edward.

“Read and, if all is in order, sign. While you read, I’ll find one of my clerks to witness.”

The paragraph was simple and straightforward. ‘Penelope Balfour’s older brother, Edward Balfour, of age, is Lady Balfour’s legal guardian in all actions concerning Lady Penelope Balfour. Cecilia Balfour’s son, Edward Balfour, of age, is Lady Balfour’s legal guardian in all actions concerning Lady Cecilia Balfour.”

The clerk followed Jamison in, and all three men signed the document. The clerk was dismissed.

“I will file this today to be put on the magistrate’s docket. I don’t know how full his docket is, but you shall have your documentation of guardianship within a sennight.”

Edward and Jamison stood, and Edward took out a coin for Jamison. “Thank you, My Lord. I will notify you once the magistrate has acted on it.” Jamison bowed. As did Edward.

Edward hit the street, optimistic their guardianship problems were taken care of.

***

Nash bowed. “Sutton.”

Wilson bowed. “Finch. I must say I was surprised to hear my man tell me you wanted an audience. Come in, sit. Whisky?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

After Wilson handed him a glass, he sat next to Nash, positioning his chair to make them across from one another.

Nash looked around. “Your office is much more professional than mine.”

Wilson laughed. “I do twice as many transactions as you; it’s harder for me to keep track of everyone’s money. How goes the three ships you’re building? You’re using them for trade to America?”

Nash gave a short laugh. “They are going well. I think it will work out for my investors. But we will sell when they are built. I’m not ready to put my chips into the trade with America.”

“Why ever not?”

“I get paid when the ships are ready. America? I get paid when a full ship comes back empty or with a cargo of who knows what? It takes months. In the meantime, I have empty pockets.”

Wilson snorted, “The day you have empty pockets is the day we see cows reading books.”

“And the same can be said for you. Listen, I don’t usually invade your personal space, but I need a favour. I hope you can help me.”

Wilson nodded, “I hope I can too.”

Nash adjusted himself in his chair and looked up at Wilson. “I’m in love. Do you know Penelope Balfour?” Wilson nodded and smiled. “When Penelope’s father died, she, her brother, and her mother were taken in by her mother’s brother, Avery Stanton.

“Avery and his son, Henry want to split us up because of secrets I know about Henry. If I went to Avery to ask for Penelope’s hand, he would say no, and I would never see Penelope again.”