After a Fashion (A Class of Their Own #1)(27)
“That must have slipped my mind, but I’m here now.” Silas settled into the chair. “Some problems have cropped up.”
“Oh?”
“Mr. Birmingham tracked me down this morning. He’s not happy with you and is demanding more money for the purchase of his business. And he wants to retain full control of that business after we buy it from him.”
Oliver frowned. “I spoke with him yesterday, and we agreed that our deal would proceed forward as planned. He made no mention to me that he was going to seek greater compensation, and . . . no, he can’t retain control. His leadership is what sent that company plummeting toward ruin in the first place.”
Silas nodded. “I know that, Oliver, but Mr. Birmingham isn’t in a reasonable state of mind at the moment. He expected you to offer his daughter marriage, but now that his dream apparently isn’t going to happen, he wants to see you pay.”
“I only asked Miss Birmingham to accompany me to a few social events. Forgive me if I don’t believe taking a lady out for dinner demands a proposal afterward.”
“He thinks you jilted his little precious.”
“Miss Birmingham insisted she wasn’t interested in marrying me.” Oliver’s lips curved up. “She believes I’m a tyrant and that I’m not considerate of her tender feelings.”
“You are a tyrant,” Silas retorted. “But tyranny aside, how is this parting of the ways with Miss Birmingham going to affect your dealings with the Duke of Westmoore?”
“I don’t believe it’ll affect it at all.”
Sitting forward, Silas placed his hands on his knees, the action causing the buttons of his jacket to strain against the bulk of his stomach. “Are you going to be making the rounds this week to what few soirées might be held in the city to see if there are any suitable candidates who would be willing to help you entertain the duke?”
“I don’t need to resort to that. I already have someone in mind.”
“Who is she?”
“Since it would appear the Birminghams have yet to leave the city, I’m not comfortable divulging that information just yet.”
Silas nodded. “Understandable, although I do hope you’ve chosen someone a little more high in the instep than Miss Birmingham. Her family, while respectable, is certainly not as desirable as someone of your status deserves. If you want to continue increasing your holdings as well as your standing within society, you’ll need to have a lady of worth by your side.”
“My family is one of the most powerful families in America.”
“True, but it’s not the most powerful, is it?” Silas returned. “Combining your power with that of an equally powerful family will only increase your appeal, which brings me back to this mysterious lady of yours. She is well connected, isn’t she?”
Since Oliver had no idea what, if any, connections Harriet had—although he doubted she knew or was related to anyone of importance—he decided it was time to change the subject. “You mentioned that a few problems have cropped up. May I assume there are other matters to discuss besides the ridiculous notion of Mr. Birmingham trying to squeeze more money out of me?”
“You shouldn’t take Mr. Birmingham lightly,” Silas said, easing back into his chair. “He’s furious, and furious men can do dangerous things.”
“True. Set up another meeting with him soon, and remind him that he’s the one who sought out our assistance, not the other way around. And, he did so because he’s desperate for money. Once his temper cools, I’m sure he’ll remember that.”
Silas shook his head. “I wouldn’t count on that. He’s been bragging amongst our contemporaries that you were soon to become his son-in-law. He’ll suffer quite a bit of embarrassment once word gets out that isn’t going to happen and that you’ve settled your attention on someone else. You’ll need to watch your back.”
“That’s what I pay you to do.” Oliver turned his head as the door opened and the Astor House server appeared, pushing a cart filled with food and fresh drinks.
No one spoke as the man served the drinks, set up a small table right in front of Silas, took off a silver domed lid from a large platter, slid it onto the table without making a sound, and then pushed the cart from the room, closing the door softly behind him.
“One thing you can say about this place is they give good service,” Silas said as he scooted closer to the table and began to attack his food. The entire steak was devoured in mere minutes, and after a loud belch and a swig of his drink, Silas pushed the table aside and belched again.
“I should be going,” he said before he stood up, tugged his jacket over a stomach that seemed even larger, and smiled. “I have amusement on my mind for the rest of the afternoon.”
“Not that I want to stifle your amusements, but don’t you think you should have business matters on your mind?”
“I’ve done quite enough business today—thank you very much.”
Oliver considered the man for a moment. “Planning another trip to the theater, are you?”
“Unfortunately, no. Romeo and Juliet ended its stint earlier than expected.”
Oliver tilted his head. “I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I find your pursuit of the lovely Lucetta Plum somewhat disturbing.”