Page 16 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

He kept quiet, knowing what this very proper woman might say if he told her that, by now Lord Morrison was already six feet under.

“Of course, Fanny, dear,” her husband replied.

“We were to bring Morrison here,” Lady Trentham continued, looking at Hudson. “Now, it will only be Mia.” She brightened. “She’s to have a Season, you know. She’s a pretty girl. Well, not quite a girl, but hopefully some man out there will want her.”

Then she gasped. “Oh, no. The dowry. There’s no dowry,” she moaned.

“I thought you said we’d put up your sister’s manor house and use that,” Lord Trentham said, his arm going about her in comfort.

“That won’t be possible now,” she said. “That greedy little nephew of Morrison’s is the viscount now. The manor house is part of the estate’s holdings. He won’t part with a farthing for Mia. She will be destitute”

Her words made Hudson all the happier, knowing Mia was taking care of herself, thanks to her inventions.

“My lord, I told Lady Mia that you would help her engage a solicitor. You see, I have bought her most recent invention, a steam engine. She won’t be without income. I’m having my solicitor ready the contracts as we speak but she’ll need legal advice before signing it.”

“You bought it?” Lady Trentham asked. “One of those contraptions? Oh, they were simply everywhere when I went to see them. You couldn’t even find a place to sit. It was horrible.”

“Lady Mia is quite a talented inventor,” Hudson told the woman. “Once I see more of her designs, I may wish to purchase those, as well. The St. Clairs are always looking for innovative ideas.”

“St. Clair? Are you related to the Duke of Everton?” asked Lord Trentham. “Isn’t he a St. Clair?”

“Yes, the duke is my older brother,” Hudson said, keeping the details to himself. “I handle a good deal of our family’s business enterprises.”

“Well, Mia’s ideas must be brilliant, Fanny. Otherwise, Mr. St. Clair would have nothing to do with her or her inventions. St. Clairs don’t throw good money after bad.”

“It’s just so... unsavory, Trentham. A woman. Who wearstrousers, for goodness’ sake!” Lady Trentham looked to Hudson. “Please, Mr. St. Clair. Whatever you do, don’t spread word of my niece’s involvement in... making... these gadgets. It would positively ruin her chances at making any kind of match at all.”

Hudson thought that true in part. He also believed if Lady Mia was as talented as he suspected—and didn’t have to scrimp on materials as she obviously had in the past due to their financial situation—then she could make a good deal of money with her inventions. That money would draw some men to her like flies. Men who needed ready cash. Men with debts. Suddenly, he worried all over again for her. What if some unsavory rogue married her for the money she brought in?

He shook his head. Men married for large dowries all the time. This wouldn’t be any different. Once Mia Sloane wed, she would no longer control any money she received. She wouldn’t be able to enter contracts using her own name. Knowing the little he did about her, she might deliberately fail at her Season in order to maintain control of her present and future.

Still, he politely said, “I never discuss business with others, Lady Trentham. Especially when I find someone as clever as your niece. I wouldn’t want to compete for her services and designs. Have no fear, Polite Society will not hear from any St. Clair regarding Lady Mia’s brilliance.”

Hudson would not only keep quiet about the business transaction between the St. Clairs and Lady Mia, but he also considered waiting to deliver her letter to her cousin. He thought he would sound Trentham out regarding the idea.

“My lord, not only did I agree to deliver Lady Mia’s letter to you and your wife, I also have in my possession a letter for the new Viscount Morrison, notifying him of his uncle’s passing. Would it be agreeable to wait a few days before I present it to him?”

Lord Trentham frowned. “What would be the purpose of the delay, Mr. St. Clair?”

“It would give your niece a chance to organize and carefully pack her materials. Knowing the viscount would see little value in her devices, I have offered her space for them in one of our warehouses and a position as a consultant. As I mentioned, we may be interested in more than her steam engine. A delay would ensure that everything belonging to Lady Mia would be vacated from the property before the viscount arrived to take possession of the estate.”

The former diplomat didn’t respond immediately, mulling over Hudson’s words. Finally, he said, “Much as I’d like to give Mia the additional time, I cannot condone holding off on such news. Horatio Sloane is now Viscount Morrison and deserves to be notified of his elevation to the peerage.”

Hudson wasn’t happy with the man’s decision but he understood why Trentham took such a position. “Very well. Arrangements will be made to have Lady Mia’s personal items immediately withdrawn from the property and delivered to our warehouse. I promise no announcements will be forthcoming regarding my family’s business transactions with your niece. Her Season should be safe.” Lady Trentham seemed slightly mollified by his words. “Very well then, Mr. St. Clair. Thank you for coming.”

He saw he was being dismissed and rose.

“Give my best to Lady Mia when you see her,” he said. To Lord Trentham, he added, “The contracts will be delivered here tomorrow. I know Lady Mia will need your sound advice regarding them.”

“I’m sure they will be more than fair,” the nobleman said. “Thank you for coming and letting us know about Lord Morrison, Mr. St. Clair.”

He bowed and left the room, returning to his carriage. Hudson didn’t look forward to the next stop.

The dreaded Cousin Horatio, now Viscount Morrison.

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