Page 43 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Chapter Fifteen

Percy grew restlessas his carriage approached the outskirts of London. He had been gone two weeks and a day.

The Season opened tomorrow night.

Fortunately, Tate’s suggestion that his cousin, Mr. Rowell, become the new estate manager at Kingwood had been a blessing. From the moment Percy had met Rowell, he sensed the man to be quite accomplished. On the carriage ride to Essex, he had asked a few questions but mostly let Rowell discuss his previous experiences, both at the Earl of Newcombe’s estate and two other positions prior to it.

By the time they had arrived at Kingwood, Percy had made up his mind to hire Rowell at whatever salary the man requested because he knew he had a gem in hand. The two had ridden the estate part of that afternoon and talked late into the night about not only the improvements Percy had started on the property under Smith’s leadership but also ones Rowell believed to be both important and necessary for Kingwood to thrive.

The following day, both men had attended Smith’s funeral. The former steward had passed away only hours after the heart attack that felled him. Thoughtfully, Rowell went to the funeral and Percy had requested that Kingwood be opened for mourners after the funeral service. He watched Rowell work the room, always sympathetic, and yet gradually learning names and forming opinions of the tenants who had turned out for the service and afterward.

The two men had spent the entire day after the funeral out on the estate again, hatching plans and speaking to tenants regarding their needs. Percy realized the elderly Smith had let up and not pressed as he should have on some matters. The much younger Rowell subtly let the tenants know that the time for lassitude had ended and that much would be required of them. He did it so calmly, however, that Percy believed the new steward would quickly gain the trust of those working at Kingwood.

After another two days of implementing his plans, Rowell had asked Percy about his other estates. He shared what he knew, having visited them when he had returned to England, and the new steward suggested they tour the other properties together, putting into place some of the new reforms which Rowell would implement at Kingwood. They traveled to them and met with the stewards at each place, with Rowell outlining what was to be done and what the marquess expected in the months and years to come. Once again, Rowell so smoothly discussed matters that it seemed the transition to new practices would come easily.

They had returned to Kingwood yesterday and Rowell had encouraged Percy to return to London, telling him things were well in hand now and that he should go and enjoy his first Season.

“You’ve spent your entire adulthood on the battlefields, my lord,” Rowell had said. “It is about time you kicked up your heels a bit and relished your title. Perhaps you will be able to find a lovely woman to be your marchioness. A woman’s touch would be welcomed, both here at Kingwood and your other estates.”

Agreeing that things were well in hand, Percy had chosen to return to town today. He knew three of the Second Sons would be back by now, having taken an afternoon to ride over to Woodbridge and visit with Win, who was settling in nicely, and Spence, who was the last of the three to spend a week in Win’s company, helping him along.

He had shared with his friend and cousin his decision to hire Rowell and many of the things the new estate manager was implementing. Win, impressed by what Percy was saying, had even risen and collected ink and parchment, making a few notes as they discussed things. Percy had gotten his cousin’s promise to attend the house party Owen and Louisa would hold.

Percy wondered if it was possible that he might be betrothed by then.

And if it would be Minta—or another lady he had yet to meet.

He knew Spence, upon his return to town, would have shared with the others Percy’s plan to arrive in time to attend the Blakeney ball tomorrow night. He only wished he had the opportunity for a final dance lesson before the social swirl began, especially time dancing the waltz. He wondered if Minta remembered her promise to dance it with him and hoped she had not fallen hopelessly in love with the ever-charming Viscount Boxling over the past two weeks. Knowing Boxling had been given ample opportunity to woo Minta with him gone to the country, he hoped for the best.

And continued to imagine the worst.

The carriage slowed and he saw the traffic surrounding them, eager now to arrive at his London townhouse and send a message to his friends that he had arrived. Finally, the coach pulled up next to his townhouse and the door opened. Percy descended the stairs and saw Huston, who had ridden next to the coachman, already on the ground and ordering footmen to retrieve the trunks.

Percy entered his home and was immediately greeted by Tate.

“Good day, Lord Kingston. I trust you had a pleasant journey from Essex.”

“Not only a pleasant journey,” he told the butler, “but one that gives me peace of mind. I cannot express my gratitude to you in recommending your cousin for my employ.”

The butler smiled broadly. “I told you, my lord. Rowell is efficient and organized. He has already written to me, thanking me for making the introduction to you. I told him that was all it was, a mere introduction, and that he had won you over with his brilliant ideas.”

“Indeed, he did. Rowell is everything you promised, Tate, and even more.”

“I am glad you are so pleased, my lord. Would you like a bath drawn? Tea?”

“Both,” he replied. “Have the tea sent up with the hot water. I feel like a good soak.”

“Very good, my lord. In the meantime, I have placed the post upon your desk. Invitations to upcoming events have been pouring in. You also received a note from Lady Danbury this morning. It is atop the stack on your desk.”

“Then I will see to it now.”

Percy retreated to his study, knowing it would take some time for the water to be heated for his bath. Huston would be scurrying about the bedchamber as he unpacked. It would be nice to have a little peace and quiet in the meantime.

He entered the room and went to sit behind the mahogany desk, spying Louisa’s handwriting. Taking her note, he broke the seal.

Percy –

Spencer informed us you would be returning sometime today. I hope it is early enough that you can take tea with us. If not, please come for dinner. All the Second Sons, minus Win, will be there with the Three Cousins and we are all eager to hear about your new steward and what the two of you have been up to since you left us.

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