James, Earl of Crofton

by Rebecca Cohen

  “I doubt you will get that from one meeting.”

  “Indeed not. But I place great importance on first impressions. A man reveals more than he realises with his actions and words, even if he believes he is being guarded.”

  James’s stomach gave a growl of protest and he deemed himself recovered enough to eat. He retrieved a muslin-wrapped bundle from the hamper under the bench, which he unwrapped and laid out between them. He waved a piece of bread in Adam’s general direction. “So, you are confident you can get the answers I need?”

  “When you have held the positions I have, you learn ways of making sure people trust you and want to confide in you. Cooks and scullery maids are particularly easy to manipulate and tend to know things that would never reach their master’s ears.”

  A bolt of jealousy hit James harder than it should. “Just how are you going to manipulate my maids?”

  Adam chuckled and picked up a slice of cheese. “Pretty words are usually enough. I’m an experienced man; it is amazing what kissing the back of a maid’s hand will do. Don’t worry, James, their virtue—if there’s any to be had—is safe from me.”

  “I am beginning to ask myself what sort of man I have invited into my home.”

  “Nothing so exciting as I am sure you are imagining. I have been able to make my way in the world by taking an interest in people. It does not matter who they are or what they do to earn money, everyone has a way to get close to them.”

  The more time he spent with Adam the more intrigued he got. Adam may have proclaimed to be dull and not worthy of James’s interest, but that didn’t align with every new little piece of information he learnt about him. “Even you?”

  “Oh, I am not so deep and mysterious. A good claret, conversation that can extend beyond the gossip at court and enough money to keep me in brocade and I am complete.”

  “You state you are simple man, but I don’t believe it for a minute. In fact, I am counting on you not being so, in order to use your abilities to help me.”

  Adam levelled a strange look upon him, one that he’d seen before and still couldn’t interpret. “I, and my abilities, are fully at your disposal.”

  James leaned closer. “Fully?”

  “In my capacity as your advisor.”

  “What if I were to say there are many things upon which I wished to be advised?”

  Adam made no attempt to move towards James. “I doubt there is much I can advise you of on certain things. I would hesitate to say you were more likely to be able to teach me a few things.”

  “I don’t believe that for a minute. I bet you have many interesting experiences to share.”

  “But I could not live up to the Earl of Crofton’s reputation.” Adam picked up an apple. “I would bore you soon enough.”

  “I have said it before and will say it again, you interest me greatly.”

  Adam leaned back. “You flatter me, but it will not help your domestic situation. Let us agree that we are both interesting men, but there is a bigger conundrum to unravel.”

  James knew Adam was correct, but it didn’t stop the pang of longing. Still, it was not a complete refusal, and Adam’s attitude was definitely changing. No longer the polite but firm rebuttal, instead Adam’s admitted interest appeared to have been put to the side rather than denounced. James would just need to be patient—something he could be if the prize was right. “I hope the canker can easily be excised.”

  “I wish the same but am prepared that there may be other unpalatable truths.”

  “Such as?” James had been shocked enough about the pilfering from the Crofton estate, but the way Adam was talking made it seem like he should prepare himself for much worse. His father has alluded to more, but James had not told Adam of his wider concerns, yet it seemed Adam had already thoughts on the matter.

  “In my experience, petty crime is neither here nor there. The average soft-paw who lifts a gentleman’s purse is after money to eat, but when men are organised in a way to deceive someone for several months, years even, then, to my mind, they could be orchestrating far more outlandish activities than stealing pennies.”

  “Even if those pennies add up to several pounds?”

  “It is a small pot for which to risk a position as important as steward. If it is indeed him, it is a foolish ploy to risk pocketing a pittance, considering the wage he draws from the estate year after year.”

  “My father had worries that there could be worse things to be discovered. And now you have echoed his thoughts. What sort of things do you suggest are going on?”

  Adam shrugged. “I don’t know—yet. And I won’t know unless you tell me as much as you can about the hall and its servants.”

  They spent the remainder of the journey in quiet discussion. Adam took notes in a small notebook, although James didn’t think they’d be up to much given the way the carriage bounced around in some parts as they hit roads that were more hole than whole. Adam didn’t look too impressed as James told him what he knew. About the hall itself he could talk for hours, possibly days, but the servants weren’t something he’d paid attention to up until now, and it was only due to Clement’s lists that he knew their numbers and positions.

  As the carriage trundled on, Adam snapped shut his book and tutted. “A word of advice I can already give you: make it your business to know about those you employ in your home. I am not for one minute saying you should know them closely, but you barely have any knowledge of what is going on.”

  James scowled. “Up until now I have had no need to. I have senior staff to take care of things.”

  “Given all that you have told me, I think we can both agree that now you need to know more. You cannot leave this to chance. You might not know every maid’s full name or each groom’s favourite horse, but you should know who lives under your roof.”

  “That is unreasonable—especially with the size of the estate and seasonal workers we have for the fields. I would most likely recognise a new face from those working in the hall, but those in the grounds—there would be no chance.”

  “But that is the point. One of the first things I will check is that the wages you are paying are going to real people and not just made up names on the list Clement gave you. An easy play to make in a household where the master is not in possession of all the facts.”

  James huffed. “I am sure not even my mother would know that, and as Lady of Crofton Hall she would officially be in charge of the servants.”

  “Is Lady Crofton aware of what is happening?”

  James shook his head. “I did not wish to burden her at this time.”

  Adam’s expression changed; it became harder. “She needs to be told. Protecting her feelings is admirable, and you are a fine son, but her knowledge will be invaluable.”

  James hadn’t wanted to upset his mother, but then again, if she were to find out the issues they had uncovered and he had not informed her, James thought that would be worse. “I will do so. But in a few days’ time, and after she has met you.”

  “I urge you not to delay. I would think it better you introduce me in my true capacity, so she does not think she is being lied to and would be aggrieved at me when she learns the truth.”

  James had hoped to keep his mother away from the trouble, but he couldn’t argue with Adam’s thinking. “I will sit her down later today. I might persuade her to visit her sister or one of her close friends for a while if she is greatly upset.”

  “I would ensure you do not make her feel like you are sending her away.”

  “Give me some credit.”

  “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” Adam flashed him a wily grin. “Now, let’s start by going through the servants you do know.”

  James rolled his eyes but resigned himself to spending the remaining few hours in the carriage educating Adam on life above and below stairs at Crofton Hall.

  Chapter 16

  Adam had made suitable appreciative noses when given an initial tour of Crofton Hall. James, p
roud of his home, couldn’t help preening at the compliments Adam had paid. There would be plenty of time for a more detailed account, and James left him to settle into his room and went in search of his mother, determined not to put it off any longer. He found Anna Redbourn in a small sitting room that had always been one of her favourites.

  “Ah, James. I was thrilled to hear you were coming home after such a short time in London.”

  Anna made to stand, but James raced to settle her back in the chair. “I told you I would return as soon I was able.”

  “I know, and I am sorry I was not here to greet you when you arrived, but I have spent the last few days with Elizabeth and have only just returned.”

  He was relieved to hear she’d been spending time with her friends, especially the lady of the manor from the neighbouring lands with whom she had been close for many years. “I am able to return without an escort.”

  “Able, yes. But that does not mean you should have to.” She squeezed his hands. “Now you are home I will spend more time at the hall. It is not the same place when it is only me.”

  While he had lost a father, he could only begin to understand his mother’s grief; having her husband of so many years slip away from her was far worse than even his own tragedy of losing someone he loved. “I do not wish you to think you need to be here to watch over me. I am happy you are visiting friends, and encourage it strongly.”

  Anna wrinkled her nose, a sure sign she was about to argue. “My darling boy, a mother does not stop being a mother because her children have grown up.”

  James’s hope that he could persuade her without having to reveal the truth dissipated when he saw she would not budge. “It would be better if you were away visiting for the next few weeks. There is something I need to do and I do not wish you to be troubled by it.”

  “Troubled? What do you mean by troubled?”

  “Estate business I need to attend to.”

  “If you think I will leave Crofton Hall without a better reason than that you are mistaken.” She pursed her lips and gave him the same stare he’d received whenever he’d been naughty as a child. “You will tell me what is going on.”

  With a sigh, he sat down in the closest chair. “Before he died, Father told me of some financial irregularities he had discovered. Someone is stealing from the estate, a few pennies here and there.”

  She didn’t look too perturbed. “I am sure it goes on in every household.”

  “I would agree that petty pilfering is common, but from what I have seen so far, it is a sizable amount and the theft has been carefully calculated. I do not feel comfortable with people in my employ being so keen to take things they should not.” Then there was Adam’s caution about someone risking their place in the house for a seemingly small amount, which also dovetailed his father’s warnings. “It is quite possibly only the start. It is important that I get to the bottom of it.”

  “I see. You would not wish to be thought of as someone who could be cheated so easily.”

  He was relieved she understood. “True, although it is not just about me making a stand as the new earl. I could tell it deeply troubled Father. He was so insistent that he tell me, even when in pain—so I could act. And I will.”

  “I do not see why you would wish me to leave. I know the servants as well as anybody. As Lady Crofton, it is my duty to the Redbourn family to help you bring these scoundrels to task.”

  “Mother, I want you to be safe.”

  She took his hand. “I have lived through far more peril than this. I ran once from my home when the Parliamentarians came; I will not do that again for a few common thieves.”

  “I am not asking you to run anywhere. You are in mourning. Let me deal with blaggards while you spend your days in more pleasant ways.”

  “You are in mourning too.”

  “But I am the earl. Please, Mother, do not make me insist.”

  She huffed. “You do not need to do this on your own.”

  “I won’t be. I have retained an advisor.”

  “Who is this advisor?” she asked, clearly not convinced.

  “I will call for a servant to fetch Mr Dowson to join us. I am sure he will be delighted to meet the lady of the house.” Not that Adam would have a choice in the matter.

  “Dowson?”

  “Yes.”

  She looked thoughtful but didn’t say any more. A servant was instructed to fetch Mr Dowson, and few minutes later Adam entered the small reception room. He bowed. “You sent for me, my lord?”

  “Thank you for coming so promptly, Mr Dowson. I wished to introduce you to my mother, Anna Redbourn, Lady Crofton.”

  Adam bowed low and his mother sat forwards in her chair. “Dowson. I knew I remembered the name. You must be related to the general.”

  “General Dowson was my father. My resemblance to him has been remarked on many occasions.”

  “I thought as much.” If he was not mistaken, his mother’s demeanour had softened and she no longer appeared to be on the verge of a fight. “I had the honour of meeting your father several times. James’s father and grandfather held him in the greatest respect.”

  “My father was a good man and a great strategist.”

  Anna smiled fondly. “He was. If I am not wrong, you have built a solid reputation yourself. The Duke of Avebury was very impressed by your service to his son.”

  Adam bowed his head. “I hope I can be as much of an asset to Lord Crofton.”

  “I will be honest with you, Mr Dowson, I have only just heard of the shortcomings of some of the servants at Crofton Hall, but it has left me with great concerns for my son facing this challenge on his own. But I have calmed now I know you are James’s advisor.”

  “It is a difficult situation, my lady. If you would have some time for me later, I would like to discuss the servants with you, but I do not wish to distress you. Perhaps, afterwards, you would consider a little excursion to visit a good friend?”

  “My son is also keen for me to leave. I don’t wish to doubt either of you fine gentlemen, but it makes me believe there may be more than a few pennies being taken from the Redbourn purse.”

  James gnawed at his bottom lip, trying to find the right words. Thankfully Adam came to his rescue.

  “That is something you should level at my feet, my lady. It is my experience that men do not risk positions which bring them stability for a few pounds—I would not be surprised to uncover more.”

  “But that would be a job for the sheriff.”

  James snorted. “Our sheriff is too busy removing splinters from his ample rump to act.”

  “Now, now, James. I know you are less than impressed by Sheriff Walters, but if you discover wrongdoing you must involve him.”

  Adam coughed. “If my information is correct, your local sheriff has not been received well by the Lord Lieutenant—I fear it will only be a matter of time before he is replaced.”

  James’s head snapped up at that revelation. “I have not heard any rumours about Walters beyond him being on lazy side.”

  “It was something that came to my ear from a less than salubrious source, one I cannot divulge to many.” Adam’s gaze darted to Anna. “But I had intended to tell you. Please do not think I planned to deliberately misinform you, my lord.”

  James had become accustomed to Adam calling him by his given name, and even though he knew Adam’s correct address was for the benefit of his mother, it felt strange to hear it. “We can confer later.”

  Anna stood, smoothing the material of her dress as she did so. “Gentlemen, I feel you have much to discuss without my presence. What I have heard has left me with pause for thought. I will sleep on my decision on whether to remain at the hall during your investigations.”

  “Mother, it is I who have disturbed you. I know this is your favourite room, so it is Mr Dowson and I who should leave.” James smiled as Anna retook her seat. “It is high time I made use of my new study.”

  “The view from there is quite lo
vely. It is understandable you would wish to choose a different room from your father—Stephen’s choice would have been too secluded for most. But I did wish to ask when you would take the earl’s room for your bedchamber.”

  “A conversation for another time. For now I am most comfortable in my own rooms.”

  She didn’t argue, but he could tell she had an opinion that he might not wish to hear. Now was a good time to usher Adam out. “Come with me, Mr Dowson. We can discuss further plans before supper.”

  Before he’d returned to London, James had claimed one of guest rooms in the west corner of the hall, mainly due to the views across the gardens and maze. A sense of intruding hit him when he entered his father’s office, so much so, he’d known he would never be able to make use of it as his own. The same for the bedchamber known as the earl’s room. As far as James was concerned, the earl’s room was where the earl slept, and while he might make some alternations to his current room, maybe even combining it with the two either side, he had no intention of changing.

  He led Adam into his study, pleased to see his instructions had been carried out in his absence with the addition of several shelves for books, and chairs and a low table to create a seating area by the fireplace. His desk had been cleaned, but apart from that it remained untouched. It reminded James that he would need to limit the people who could legitimately access his study without him being present, and for now that would be only Adam and Remembrance.

  “It is a fine space for a man to think,” said Adam as he took stock of the room.

  “My father chose a smaller room, with not much light. It was far too closed-off for me, but I think he liked the security.” He motioned for Adam to take a seat opposite him at the desk. They had much to discuss, but his curiosity about the sheriff couldn’t wait. “So what is this about Walters?”

  “I have ways of collecting information, and certain of them involve individuals whose connections fall far below the acceptable layer of polite society. It’s all whispers: the sheriff is a soft touch, will turn a blind eye for the right payment sort of thing. But they are whispers that have reached the ears of important men, so if Walters is doing those things he will need to watch his neck.”