Page 63 of A Duke Reformed
Solomon hesitated, then shook his head. "No reason. Just wondered if she'd mentioned anything from London."
"What are you really trying to ask, Your Grace," he inquired, scanning the documents in his hands. "Because you know you can ask."
"Don't do that," Solomon said quietly. "It's nothing."
Andrew watched him for a beat, his eyes narrowing slightly, then shrugged as he straightened a few sheets of parchment. "I haven't heard anything from Lavinia. But someone's coming today, an acquaintance of mine from the city. We've done business together in the past but he needs to give me updates on our canal investment."
Solomon raised an eyebrow. "Canal investment? Still trying to get that trade route from Durham to London?"
Andrew nodded. "Exactly. It's been slow, but we're on the cusp of securing the final approvals. Once that happens, we'll be able to control a significant portion of the northern trade. And if we push now, we can still get in on the ground floor before the others realize how profitable it's going to be."
Solomon slowly nodded. "When do you expect your acquaintance to arrive?"
Andrew made to respond, but before he could, there was a knock at the door before it swung open, and the butler stepped inside. "Your Grace, the Marquess of Pembleton has arrived."
Andrew's eyebrows rose slightly, then he glanced at Solomon. "Well, it seems our business partner has arrived a bit earlier than expected. The meeting pertains to you as well, since we're in this venture together."
Solomon paused, momentarily taken aback by the familiarity of the name. "I see. Very well. Let him in, Jeffries."
"Of course, Your Grace," the butler replied, bowing and retreating from the room.
As the door opened again, the butler stepped aside, and Solomon's gaze immediately fixed on the man entering the room. His posture stiffened as a flash of recognition, and irritation crossed his face.
The Marquess of Pembleton strode into the study, greeting Andrew first. Solomon recognized the man. He was the same one who had once crossed paths with Solomon in a way he would never forget.
A scowl tugged at the corners of Solomon's mouth as Edmund stepped further into the room. He had to fight to keep his emotions in check, though it was a struggle. This was the man engaged to the woman Solomon wanted for himself.
"Edmund, it's good to see you again," Andrew spoke, shaking the man's hand. "This is my business partner and very good friend, Solomon Miller, the Duke of Montclaire. Have you already met?"
Edmund's eyes flickered over to Solomon and he bowed slightly as a faint smile played on his lips. "Ah, Your Grace. Yes, we have met twice, though both times were under...rather unusual circumstances."
"Unusual circumstances?" Andrew questioned.
"Shall we sit?" Solomon chimed in, taking his seat behind the desk.
Andrew gave a short nod, gesturing toward the chairs. Edmund took his place across from Solomon, his posture relaxed, but the underlying tension between them was clearly there and Solomon knew Andrew could see it too. Andrew took a seat beside them, his fingers lightly tapping on the papers in front of him, clearly eager to move forward with the meeting.
"Where are we with the assessments, Edmund?" Andrew asked, clearing his throat. "You know the investments is a key priority. We still need clarity on the terms of access and the maintenance fees. I trust you've been able to make some progress?"
Do I throw him out?
Solomon leaned into his chair. His head was throbbing with anger. He couldn't shake the feeling that Edmund's presence was no mere coincidence. Was he here to taunt him? To get under his skin?
Solomon had the unmistakable urge to throw him out of the estate. The thought flickered in his mind, uninvited and sudden, like an itch he couldn't scratch.
He watched Edmund with a steely gaze, his fingers curling slightly on the arms of the chair. His pulse quickened, and for a moment, he imagined pushing the man out of the study, ordering him off the property like the intruder he felt he was.
But then the rational part of his mind intervened. He had no reason to act on such an impulse. Edmund might be frustrating, but there was no solid cause for his feelings. Business was business, and this meeting was important. So, he took a slow breath and forced his attention back to the task at hand.
"The assessments are nearly complete," Edmund replied smoothly, his voice just a bit too casual. "I encountered a few setbacks, naturally, nothing insurmountable. The local authorities are...cautious, but we've managed to work through those hurdles. I'll be able to give you a final update by the end of the week, but the projections are looking favorable. The return on investment will be substantial, I have no doubt."
"And what of the local partnerships?" Solomon asked...demandingly. "Andrew mentioned previously that we'd need to establish strong ties with local landowners for the canal's success. Have you been able to secure any agreements?"
Edmund didn't meet his gaze as he nodded. "A few, yes. I'm negotiating with several prominent figures. You know how these things go, Your Grace. It's slow, but steady. They'll come around."
Solomon scoffed. "Slow but steady is one thing. But we'll need faster progress if we're going to stay ahead of others. People have eyes on this venture."
Andrew shifted in his seat, as if sensing the rising tension between the two men. "Let's focus on the numbers for now, shall we?" he suggested, trying to steer the conversation back ontrack. "Good progress, Edmund. That's what I like to hear," he said and chuckled. "Did you meet with Lord Mundy? Explain to him why his approval is vital?"
