After a Fashion (A Class of Their Own #1)(61)
“You know, I think I’ve just found a new appreciation for these paintings, and I’d be more than happy to show you my entire collection, including the really nice ones that are hanging in my art gallery on the third floor.”
Reverend Gilmore smiled. “And I’ll be delighted to view those paintings, Mr. Addleshaw, but after we complete our discussion pertaining to Harriet. Tell me—and I’d appreciate the complete truth, if you please—how do matters stand between the two of you?”
Immediately swallowing the “We’re fine,” he’d been about to say, Oliver blew out a breath. “We’re not exactly in accord with each other.”
“Ah, well, that explains why you were absent from Mrs. Hart’s delightful dinner last night, but if you’re not in accord with her, have you decided to abandon your plans?”
“Certainly not.”
“May I inquire as to why you’re not abandoning your plans? Is this deal with the duke truly that important to you?”
Knowing the reverend expected more than a blithe reply, Oliver took a second to collect his thoughts. “The deal with the Duke of Westmoore is important to me since I’ve spent countless hours on it, however . . . it is more than that. If I abandon the plan, Harriet won’t accept any money from me. She’ll be forced back to that hovel she calls home, and I find that completely unacceptable.”
Reverend Gilmore considered him for a long moment, and then, to Oliver’s surprise, rose to his feet. “I don’t believe I need to take up any more of your time, young man.”
Oliver got to his feet as well. “That’s all you needed to talk to me about?”
“I came here today to make certain you have Harriet’s best interests at heart, and since you seem to have that well in hand, there’s nothing left for me to say. Although, if I could make one tiny request? Please keep her safe, Mr. Addleshaw.”
Oliver tilted his head. “Forgive me, Reverend Gilmore, but that request almost suggests Harriet’s facing some manner of trouble.”
Reverend Gilmore patted Oliver’s arm. “Harriet’s troubles are hers, and hers alone, to share with you, if she so chooses, Mr. Addleshaw. However, it would relieve this old man’s mind to know someone other than myself and Mrs. Hart is watching out for Harriet.”
“I’m fairly sure my grandfather has been keeping an eye on Harriet, and her friends as well, Reverend Gilmore. He seems to have become quite fond of the ladies, and you may rest assured he’ll do everything in his power to keep them safe, as will I.”
“Wonderful, and . . . ” Reverend Gilmore looked past Oliver and smiled. “Speaking of your grandfather . . . Mr. Addleshaw, we were just discussing you.”
Turning, Oliver watched as Archibald strode into the room, followed by none other than Everett. “Grandfather, this is a surprise.”
Archibald lifted a brow. “I don’t know why you’d be surprised to see me, since I’m actually staying in your home at the moment.”
“True, but I wasn’t aware you’ve taken to keeping company with Everett, as well as Harriet and her friends, unless . . .” He turned to Everett. “You haven’t changed your mind about hiring Miss Longfellow as a nanny for the brats, have you?”
“I’m not quite that desperate yet, and Archibald and I didn’t arrive together. We simply ran into each other outside the house,” Everett said before Archibald gestured him forward and introduced him to Reverend Gilmore. Pleasantries were exchanged, and then Reverend Gilmore stepped closer to Everett.
“Tell me, Mr. Mulberry, why are you so reluctant to hire Miss Longfellow? After sharing dinner with her last night at Mrs. Hart’s, I must tell you, I got the distinct impression she’s incredibly put out with you—something to do with you refusing to even entertain the thought of her watching over your wards.”
“I wasn’t trying to insult her by refusing to consider her as a nanny,” Everett said quickly. “I was simply trying to protect the children I’ve been plagued . . . or rather blessed with, or at the very least, keep them alive.”
“Your wards might benefit from a nanny with Miss Longfellow’s qualifications, but it’s not my place to try to convince you of that,” Reverend Gilmore replied before he turned back to Oliver. “Since you have new guests to entertain, I’ll take my leave, but I’m sure we’ll meet again soon for another delightful chat, or at least to give you an opportunity to show me all of those paintings you have hanging about your house.”
“No need to leave on my account,” Archibald said. “I’m not staying long. Abigail sent me over to give Oliver some new details regarding the dinner party we’re intending to hold once the duke arrives in town. After that, I’m back to her house to give Harriet one last lesson in cutlery placement before she goes off to Delmonico’s tonight.” He nodded to Oliver. “You are still intending to take her there, aren’t you?”
“I am, although I will admit it temporarily slipped my mind.” He narrowed his eyes. “Delmonico’s aside, though, what was that about a dinner party you and Abigail are going to host for the duke?”
“Oh, nothing for you to worry about. We thought it would be easier for Harriet to help you entertain the duke in familiar surroundings, but Abigail did want you to know she’s started writing out a few invitations, so . . .”