Page 63 of Not his Marchioness
Charlotte had not spent much time in Gideon’s company, but from what little she had observed, she had determined that he was as dissolute as Rhys had been and likely not a good influence. However, if he could assist them in finding a suitable location for her school, then she would reserve judgment on his character.
They stopped before the property ten minutes hence. Rhys handed her out after Margot. However, rather than accompanying them, he strode ahead, pushing open the door and entering with purpose.
“Heavens!” Margot exclaimed as they entered.
She released Charlotte’s arm and retrieved a handkerchief from her reticule, pressing it to her nose before offering another to Charlotte.
The stench of mold pervaded the entire building. The space was dim and vacant, the floorboards creaked with every step they took, and the walls were covered in a most peculiar growth.
Before they could venture further, Rhys walked deeper into the building and then turned. Before the two ladies could follow, he returned, his arms spread wide as though urging them to turn around.
“We are leaving,” he declared.
“Leaving?” Charlotte squeaked. “But we have not even examined the place properly. Perhaps if we could open the windows?—”
“Charlotte,” Margot interjected, “I sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm, but surely this building is one strong gale away from being blown down.”
“I have more faith in the building’s structure than does your cousin,” Rhys said, “but I must agree with her assessment. This is not the proper location. There is a considerable number of dead vermin and such in the adjoining room. I would not task any of my servants with cleaning such a space.”
Much disheartened, Charlotte climbed back into the carriage.
“Pray, how many more properties are there, My Lord?” Margot inquired.
“Two more,” Rhys replied. “One building three streets down, and another in Canterbury. I am confident that one of them will prove better suited to our purposes.”
“I had not known that you possessed expertise in real estate, My Lord,” Margot teased.
“I do not. My friend Gideon does. He provided me with this list yesterday. He is always scouting new locations for his ventures. He lets his properties.”
“How very industrious of him,” Margot said with a nod of approval.
“Indeed,” Rhys agreed. “In fact, I have invested in his industrious endeavor.”
“Well, that is most clever of you,” Margot observed. “I must say, the two of you make quite a formidable pair. Both exceedingly industrious—you with your various enterprises, and Charlotte with her school. I confess you work remarkably well together.”
Charlotte shot her cousin a look. She did not need Margot to point out how well she and Rhys collaborated.
It was true—when they applied themselves to a common purpose, they did indeed work wonderfully. The afternoon when he played the devoted husband before Lady Woodhaven and her friends, when they worked in concert on her school venture, and when they had so thoroughly charmed the Duke of Windsor.
They were, in many respects, a perfect match. However, she would never admit it to him, nor would he to her, if he had even entertained such thoughts.
They drew to a halt before the next building, a three-story house on a decent street.
“Were the previous owners in financial difficulties?” Charlotte inquired.
“What leads you to that conclusion?”
“Well, there are numerous bricked windows, more than is customary,” she remarked. “Most gentlemen would endeavor to avoid the window tax if possible, but this dwelling permits only two windows to remain open onto the street, which seems rather extreme.”
“You are remarkably well-informed,” Rhys acknowledged. “Indeed, the owner suffered considerable financial losses due to a mining venture gone awry. That is precisely why it may be bought at a reasonable price.”
Upon entry, the building appeared in much better condition than the first property. Rhys lit two wall sconces in the hall to allow them proper light. There were cobwebs in every corner, and a musty scent permeated the air, but nothing close to the wretchedness of the previous location.
“My word, this might prove quite perfect,” Margot declared. “You could set up different classrooms for children of varying ages.”
“We could even persuade teachers to reside on the premises,” Charlotte added as she made her way up the stairs.
There were three bedchambers on the second floor, along with what appeared to have been converted into a washroom, complete with a bathing apparatus.
