Page 12 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Chapter Five

Danfield, Kent

Owen was finishinghis breakfast when Ev showed up, two men accompanying him.

“Lord Danbury, you have met my steward, Painter,” his friend said. “This is his cousin, Mr. White.”

“Have a seat,” he invited. Looking to his butler, he added, “Coffee all around if you would, Croft.”

“Yes, my lord.”

As more cups and coffee were fetched, the three guests were seated. Owen had spent several days with Ev and Painter at Cliffside, learning the intricacies of property management since he lacked a steward. Painter had mentioned that his cousin, whom he had grown up with, was currently an assistant steward on a large estate and looking to better his position. Tossing the dice of life, Owen had told Painter to have White put in his notice so he could report to Danfield and be in charge of the entire estate.

Apparently, today was the day that new employment would begin.

“Tell me about yourself, White,” he encouraged.

“I lost my parents when I was but three years of age,” White began. “I can’t say I remember either of them. My aunt and uncle brought me up. George here was only six months older than I was and we were raised as brothers. My uncle’s farm was productive and the two of us worked it from the time we were small. My aunt, though, believed an education was important and taught us to read and write and do sums. Later, we took lessons with the local vicar.”

White paused totake a sip of his coffee and continued. “I have worked for two previous employers, my lord, in management positions. The latter was for a viscount in East Essex. While I liked the property, the estate’s steward was only eight years my senior—and the viscount’s younger brother.”

Owen nodded. “So, no chance of advancement.”

“Exactly, my lord. I did a majority of the work while the gentleman received the better title and pay.”

“I have spoken to His Grace regarding salary terms,” he told White and named an annual figure.

White nodded. “That is more than generous, my lord. I promise you that I know my way about an estate. I won’t let you down.”

“Shall the four of us tour Danfield now?” he suggested. “His Grace and your cousin have already given me a few ideas but I would be interested in what you think could be done with the estate.”

“I would be happy to do so,” White said.

“Can you and Painter stay, Ev?” Owen asked.

“We would be happy to do so,” his friend said, grinning. “In fact, I had planned on it.”

They went to the stables and, once horses were saddled, took a tour about the property. He liked that White didn’t shy away from difficult questions nor did the new steward hesitate when asked for his opinion. Quite a bit of back and forth occurred between the two stewards, with input from Ev. Owen had discovered by this point that it was best to keep silent and learn as much as he could in these situations.

They remained out and about until mid-afternoon, when they returned to the house. He showed White the room designated as his office and White and Painter remained there to look over the ledgers, with Owen agreeing to meet with White tomorrow morning to discuss the estate’s profits and losses at length.

He and Ev retired outside, where they sat in the shade and drank lemonade, which tasted refreshing on this warm summer day.

“I think White will be a wise hire,” Ev said. “I thought he would be since I have come to depend upon Painter. The two are very much alike. Knowledgeable. Steady. Willing to try new ideas.”

“I am already pleased with White. I will have to thank Painter again for recommending his cousin to me.”

“And you can thankmeby having dinner with us tonight,” Ev told him.

“Oh, I don’t know. I fear I should study up on the ledgers myself before I meet with White in the morning.”

“I won’t take no for an answer, Owen.” Ev chuckled. “Actually, it’s Addie who wouldn’t accept no from you.”

“She is going to get plenty of my company during the house party,” he said cheerfully. “Although I may stay here at Danfield for the duration.”

Ev shook his head. “That won’t do at all. I know my Addie. She’ll want you under our roof the entire time, along with our other guests.”

He snorted. “Because she thinks she is going to find me a wife at this house party. No, Ev. I am not ready to settle down. You should know that better than most. You might recall I have a roving eye when it comes to the ladies.”

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