Page 120 of The English Duke
Surprise flickered over Haversham’s face before the expression disappeared.
“Miss Martha told you, then?”
Jordan nodded. “I can only apologize for Burthren’s behavior, Mr. Haversham.”
“Well, and it’s not like you did it, did you, Your Grace?”
“No, but I brought him here.”
The man only nodded.
“Aye, then.”
Haversham led the way to where the carriages were stored, each bay spacious and well lit. His carriage had been pulled out as well as another almost equally fine. No doubt it was going to be Mrs. York’s vehicle to travel to the church.
Reese’s carriage was still in one of the bays. He opened the door and would have lifted the seat had it not been for the stablemaster. The man pushed his way past Jordan and hauled the crate out of the vehicle.
“Where do you want it, Your Grace?” he asked.
He liked the man’s assertive behavior, but he didn’t need to be coddled. However, since he had another few tasks to perform before he had to get to the church he decided to let the man help.
“In the cottage,” he said.
They walked in companionable silence around Griffin House, heading toward the lake.
“Hear tell you fiddle with those ships as well, Your Grace.”
He smiled. “I do. But it was Miss York who made this one work.”
Haversham nodded again. “Smart she is. Always has been. I can still see her as a little girl following her father around like a baby duck. It hasn’t been easy for her this past year, Your Grace. I didn’t like to see people taking advantage of her.”
He wasn’t certain if Haversham was referring to Reese trying to steal the ship or something else entirely. He decided that it would be prudent not to ask.
Once at the cottage, he reached out, opened the door, and stepped aside so the stablemaster could enter. Once he’d done so, Jordan entered.
“Should I put it here on the table, Your Grace?”
He nodded.
“Did that fellow take the ship to get credit for it, Your Grace?”
“Maybe not for devising the ship, but certainly for acquiring it.”
Haversham nodded. “It do take all kinds in this world, doesn’t it, sir?”
“That it does,” Jordan said. “That it does.”
“Is there aught I can do for you?”
“Nothing, thank you.”
“Then I’ll be getting back, Your Grace. I’ve the final inspection of the carriage before the ceremony.”
Jordan didn’t say a word as the man walked out the door. The fact Haversham didn’t seem concerned about leaving him alone was a compliment of sorts.
He’d never been here, but it seemed familiar. Matthew had described it over the years. Over there was the storage room where he kept his other inventions. On the far wall was his tool rack. The table that occupied the middle of the space was where he made adjustments to his torpedo ship.
Jordan placed his hands on the smooth wood, wondering how many times Matthew had done the same.
