Page 73 of The Duke of Ruin
“Excellent. I’ll arrange something with the tenants. They’ll be delighted to see you.”
Simon assumed they were finished, but Nevis didn’t rise. Indeed, he seemed hesitant. “Is there something else?” Simon asked.
Nevis’s forehead creased, and his gray brows angled toward the bridge of his nose. “I’m getting older,” he began, and Simon suspected where this conversation was going. “I expect I’d like to retire in the next year or two. It might be wise to bring someone on this year so that I may train them for the position.”
Simon leaned back in his chair and blew out a breath. “I should have seen this coming. Indeed, I should have talked with you about it. I’m afraid I’ve been too preoccupied with my own troubles.”
Nevis nodded sympathetically. “Which is more than understandable. I’ve known you all your life—any man would buckle under the strain. Not that you’ve buckled. Indeed, you’ve shown far more aplomb than most. Mrs. Nevis and I pray for you nightly.”
Simon appreciated the man’s kindness more than he could say. “Thank you. And please thank Mrs. Nevis. You and she must join us for dinner tomorrow so she can meet the Duchess.”
“That would be wonderful. Thank you, sir.” Nevis rose and straightened his coat.
“Have you given any thought to your successor?”
Nevis cocked his head to the side. “I’ve actually considered Lowell. Though he’s not formally educated, he’s been studying math and reading about estate management. He knows Lyndhurst, and he’s certainly dedicated to you and the estate.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Simon said. Lowell was his next appointment, so perhaps he’d speak to him about it.
Nevis nodded. “Thank you, sir.” He departed the study, and Simon turned his head to look out the window at the front drive.
A moment later, Simon saw Lowell approach the threshold from the corner of his eye. He gave the butler his attention and beckoned him forward. “Come in, Lowell. Was there anything specific you wished to discuss today, or did you just want to deliver a report?”
Lowell looked down at Simon from his vast height with a somewhat tense expression. “I did have a particular matter to discuss, but I’m happy to provide a report first.”
Simon suspected it was the “particular matter” that was causing Lowell’s discomfort. It was probably best to get that out of the way. “Why don’t you sit so we can discuss your ‘particular matter.’” Simon indicated the chair Nevis had vacated.
The butler lowered himself slowly, perching on the edge of the chair as if he were afraid he might break it. Or as if he were ready to flee. “Thank you, Your Grace.” He cleared his throat, and his shoulders twitched. “May I start by saying how glad we are to have you back at Lyndhurst and with a new bride? Her Grace is already making quite an impression.”
“A positive one, I hope.”
Lowell looked slightly alarmed. “Most definitely. The care she took to meet everyone yesterday was most appreciated.”
“She’s a singular woman,” Simon said softly. His admiration for her only continued to grow.
“It seems that marriage agrees with you.” The butler’s neck reddened. “I beg your pardon, sir. I didn’t mean to speak out of turn.”
Simon shifted in his chair. Of course his staff would notice if he were happy or not. Particularly since he usually was not. This had to be quite a change. It was for him too. “You’re not out of line. Now, what’s your point of discussion?”
“Yes, of course. I mentioned marriage because I hope to enter that estate myself soon. Mrs. Marley and I would like to wed, and I humbly ask your permission to do so.”
“You want to marry the housekeeper?” Simon blinked, thinking he’d misheard. Given Lowell’s demeanor, Simon had been expecting a much more dire issue—such as someone had been caught thieving or that someone was ill. He laughed. “What a joyous occasion. Why do you seem as if you’re marching to the gallows?”
The red in Lowell’s neck crept up into his face. “I’m not sure, sir.”
“Are you certain you wish to marry?” Simon asked.
“Absolutely. I am in love with Edith—Mrs. Marley, I mean.”
Simon felt a rush of kinship with the man. He knew what it was like to be in love. In fact, he had to wonder if he was currently in the throes of that emotion. It had been scarcely an hour, maybe two, since he’d seen Diana, and he missed her something fierce. All he could think was that he was desperate to see her smile, hear her laugh, touch her softness.
Love?
“Sir?” Lowell’s hesitant query drew Simon back to their conversation.
He gave the butler a half smile. “My apologies for woolgathering. Of course you have my permission. Would you like to marry here in the chapel?”
Lowell’s eyes widened briefly. “That’s very generous of you, sir. Is that possible?”
