Elizabeth looked back at Janelle, who was smiling at Allan. The Viscount took the seat closest to her and Steven moved to her other side. When Shawn sat down next to her, Elizabeth gave him a grateful look. She reached out and grasped his hand tightly.
He leaned toward her. “What are you thinking, my lady?”
“I was just thinking that you are a good husband, Shawn and that I am glad we are not in the dating stage anymore. I am pleased to know so much about you and to still love you as much as I do.”
“Yes, this is a marriage of convenience that truly worked out for us, didn’t it?” He said in a teasing voice. He winked at her and she giggled.
“Oh Shawn.”
“It will be interesting to see how this works out.” He whispered, indicating the guests in front of them by moving his eyes quickly towards them and then back to Elizabeth.
She nodded.
A bright torch lit up the dimness in front of them. Elizabeth had not noticed some of the other lamps had been extinguished so that the room was darker. The torch was carried across the stage, followed by another and then two more. Each torch was placed at the corners of the stage, creating a square of bright light.
The play was about to begin.
Emiline thought of nothing else while the play was performed. It was Shakespeare, the tale of Hamlet. She had never seen such a performance. While she had seen some theatre as a child, she had not paid a great deal of attention. As an adult, she had not found time to bother with it. None of the men who had attempted to court her had taken her to see a play and she had not given it a thought.
The actors on the stage held her attention from the moment the play started until they took their final bows.
She and the rest of the guests stood up and applauded. She almost felt awkward, trying to adjust her mind back to her reality.
“Shawn, I do believe that was some of the best theatre I have ever seen performed,” Elizabeth said in an awed voice as she moved around her chair to stand behind it. She rested one hand on the back, hoping she didn’t look as tired as she felt. “Wherever did you find that acting troupe? They are not our regular servants, are they?”
“Two of them are our servants. You just did not recognize them because they wore makeup and costumes. The rest are a part of their troupe.”
“I did not know the servants were involved in such a thing.” Elizabeth approved. Everyone should have the opportunity to explore their creative sides.
“Wherever do they find time?” Abe asked. Shawn laughed.
“We do give them a break from their duties every now and then, Abe. Do you work your servants non-stop?”
Abe laughed with him. “I should say not. It would wear them into the ground and they would be of no use to me.”
“Oh Abe, you sound like a slave-master. I cannot see you treating your servants in such a manner.”
He shook his head, his smile remaining wide and sincere. “I do not, Your Grace. I respect my servants. It is helpful in keeping them loyal.”
“I completely agree with that statement, Abe.” Shawn nodded. “Completely.”
“Yes, I believe we’ve had conversations about this before, haven’t we?”
“We have!” Shawn exclaimed. “The hour is late, my friends. Shall we retire to bed?”
“I would like that very much, Shawn.” Elizabeth said, grateful that he was ready to end the evening’s festivities. “Janelle, you know where your room is, dear.”
“Yes, I do. Emiline?”
Lady Gray nodded. “I stayed here last night. I will go back to that room.”
“Lord Miner, you did not stay with us last night but the room next to Abe’s is available and ready for a visitor. I had anticipated this night would go until the early hours of the morning. I do hope none of you have plans for the morning.”
“I do, as a matter of fact.” Allan suddenly remembered he was meeting with potential investors. “I must be at Coleman Trust Bank at nine.”
“I will have a servant wake you at eight.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. Now I must get to bed immediately.”
“I apologize for keeping you up so late.”
Allan shook his head. “I had a wonderful time tonight.” He turned to Janelle and bowed to her. “Good evening, Lady Dowling. Sleep well.”
“Thank you, my lord. And you, as well.”
“Thank you.”
Without saying good night to anyone else, Allan left the room in a hurry. Steven walked to stand next to Abe. “When you are ready to go to your room, Duke Montgomery, I will follow, if you agree.”
“Yes, I am ready. I will show you which room Shawn mentioned.”
Nodding to each other, the group disbursed to get some needed rest.
Allan stirred in his bed, grunting softly. Slowly, he became more alert. As though jabbed by something sharp, his sleeping brain awoke to the realization that he was not alone. He turned quickly to look behind him and was dismayed to see Emiline curled up in a ball by his side. He poked her.
“Em! What are you doing in here? You can’t do this to me. Go back to bed.”
“I can’t.” Emiline’s voice was small and weak.
“Why not? I can’t keep waking up with you in my bed. How will it look? We will not withstand the rumors, however false.”
“I can’t go back in my room.” Emiline insisted. “I won’t. I won’t.”
“You can sleep on the floor then. Or there’s a long couch over there, sleep on that.”
“No. I want to be in a bed.”
“I do not have time for this, Em! I have to make that deal tomorrow so we will have money!”
Emiline didn’t move a muscle. “You just want the money so you can buy that land with the orphanage. I know you do!”
Allan frowned. “Yes, I was thinking that. It was the plan all along to buy land and build on it. That is no different now.”
“But what about me?”
“What about you? What are you saying, Em?” Allan was beginning to think his sister might not be in her right mind. A streak of fear slid through him. Was she hysterical? Was she insane?
“I want new clothes and jewelry. I want something for me.”
“I will give you an allowance once we close the deal and money is in our hands. All right?”
“How much?”
“I do not have that answer. You must be patient. I am being patient. Now I need to get some sleep. I cannot continue having this conversation. Go back to your room.”
“I don’t want to go back there.”
“This is not going to continue, Em. You never used to behave this way. What has gotten into you? It is as though you have been taken over by a demon. Are you possessed? Are you cursed?”
“I do not know.” Emiline murmured, almost too softly for him to hear. Anxiety boiled inside her. Perhaps she was cursed. Perhaps that was the explanation for all the cruel things that happened to her, why she never got her way.
“Emiline.” Allan sighed. She was so small. She looked fragile, perched on the very edge of the bed. His heart softened. “Emiline, the bed our hosts have given you is comfortable just like mine. Go back to it.”
“No,” his sister whispered.
Allan was close to giving up. He knew the servant would be in at eight o’clock and see him sleeping in the bed with his sister. His stomach churned at the rumors this would start. He slid out of the bed, pulled a blanket from the top and grabbed a pillow. The couch would have to be his bed that night. He grumpily tossed the bedclothes onto the couch and laid down, wrapping himself tightly with the blanket. He gave his sister’s back a hard glare before closing his eyes.
Emiline felt her brother leave the bed and pulled in a deep breath. She scooted back slightly to give herself more room so that she wasn’t about to topple over the edge. Her mind was swimming with fear and trepidation. She didn’t want to sleep with her brother, not in any sense of the word. She had only left her room because it had also been invaded.<
br />
Steven had found his way to her room. Her love for him was extinguished by the brutality he forced upon her. She felt used and violated. She would hold in the tears and never let anything be known. His appalling behavior would not be punished because she could not let it be known that she had allowed such a thing to happen.
Allan would never have allowed it. He would shoot Steven dead if he ever found out.
But he would never find out.
Emiline would make sure of that.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
MAKING DEALS
MAKING DEALS
As tired as he was, Allan knew he looked dignified as he walked into the bank. He was greeted and led back to a large room, where a long oval table waited for him. There were three men already there. They all smiled at him.
He sat in the chair offered to him, straightening his jacket and folding his hands in front of him on the table.
“Gentleman.” He said.
For the next hour and a half, Allan spelled out the nature of the deal. He was surprised and pleased when each investor posed logical, clear questions. He answered each one with confidence. By the end of the meeting, he was sure they would invest. The only thing he was unsure about was the amount they would be willing to put in. Money made a big difference as to how far he would be able to stretch it and still deliver a hefty return.
When the prime investor, Lord Carlisle, mentioned an amount to him, Allan felt his face numb. He hoped all the blood didn’t drain from it, leaving him pale. It was enough of an embarrassment that he stammered when he accepted the offer.
“Y…Yes, that will be quite enough to get started here in Fairbanks, my lord. Thank you for the generous offer.”
“You have made a sound business proposal, Viscount Gray. I am happy to accept and partner with you. I believe my gentleman friends feel the same way.
The other men nodded, giving Allan a long-awaited sense of relief.
“Shall we call in the bank overseer? I will sign the documents before leaving today. Do you have an account here?”
“No, my lord. I am willing to open one to receive the funds.”
“Will you be staying in Fairbanks to oversee the project?”
“Yes, I will.”
The man nodded. “I request quarterly updates on your progress.”
“I will provide that. If you have any future questions, concerns or requests, I am staying at Worthington Manor for the foreseeable future.”
Lord Carlisle raised his eyebrows. “You are at Worthington Manor? I did not realize you were friends with the Duke.”
“Yes, recently.”
“You are in good company, my lord. Stay with the Duke for a while. You will learn many valuable things.”
“I am already quite impressed with the Duke and his lovely family.”
Leaving the bank an hour later, Allan felt like the richest man in the world. The Carlisle Investment Company had put up over £200,000 to the Gray Furniture and Toy Company. The amount was well over what Allan had been asking for. It would allow for several manufacturing buildings to be built on Duck’s Row, the sustainability of the orphanage and the two farmhouses currently on the land, a house for himself and even one for Emiline, should she choose to stay.
Before he could stop it, the thought that it would be a relief to live apart from Emiline sprang to his mind. He was exhausted from the night before and his forced sleep on the uncomfortable couch. He remembered her behavior, how curled up she had been. Thinking back now, he wondered what had frightened her so much that she had refused to leave his room. He had yet to figure out what was going through her mind.
Her behavior had changed before they arrived in Fairbanks but her mental capacity seemed to have taken a sharp turn downward since they stepped foot on the land. Allan found himself anxious to talk to Janelle. He wanted to confide in her, ask her if there was something he was missing that might explain away his sister’s odd behavior.
He contemplated going to the Dowling estate. How would the lady react if he showed up unexpected, just to pour out his thoughts to her and get her advice? He was willing to bet she would not be unhappy about it.
He looked up at Charles, who had become his regular driver. “Charles, take me to the Dowling Estate.”
“Yes, my lord. But if you are anxious to see Miss Janelle Dowling, I saw her and her mother in the shop down the street.”
“Oh?” He smiled. “Take me there, then.”
“Yes, my lord.” Charles kept a smile as Allan got in the carriage. He moved the horses down the street and stopped. Allan leaned out of the window before opening the door and stepping down.
“One of these shops?” He asked in surprise, looking up at Charles. Charles grinned at him.
“Yes, m’lord. If it had been any further down the street, it is unlikely I would have been able to see who they were.”
Allan lifted his eyebrows. “You do not see very well?”
“No, my lord.”
“You are too young to have trouble with your eyes, Charles.”
Charles nodded. “I agree with you but it is that way, regardless.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Yet you drive very well.”
“The horses can see very well, my lord.” Charles’ voice was amused. Allan laughed.
“I suppose you are correct. Wait here.”
“Yes, my lord. The ladies are in there.” He pointed.
Allan went into the small shop and was immediately confronted by Janelle and her mother, who were just about to leave.
“Oh!” Janelle took a quick step back and looked up at Allan. Her face moved quickly from surprise to elation. “Allan! Viscount Gray, my lord, I apologize.”
“Allow me to apologize, my lady, I was not looking where I was going.”
“Clearly it is for me to say that very thing. I was the one not paying attention.”
Allan left it at that, bowing at the waist. “Miss Janelle. Lady Dowling. I hope you have found what you are looking for here.”
Janelle shook her head, losing her smile. She leaned toward him conspiratorially and whispered, “They do not have what we want and are trying to force us to buy what we do not want. So, we are leaving.”
“Ah. Allow me to escort you both to your carriage.”
He walked out with them and turned away from his carriage to go toward theirs. After a moment of quiet, he looked down to see Janelle scanning his face.
“You look different this morning, my lord. Has something happened?”
That she could see his happiness on his face, see the difference it made there, was astounding. He smiled at her. “I have successfully closed a business deal with the Carlisle Investment Company. I will be staying in Fairbanks.”
Janelle’s face lit up with a bright, beaming smile. She looked at her mother. “Did you hear, mother? This is wonderful news.”
Lady Dowling chuckled. She was a short woman but stood with a straight spine and walked elegantly. “I did hear, my girl. I am just a foot further away from him than you are.”
The three laughed.
“I am happy for you, Lord Gray.” Lady Dowling said, nodding at him.
“Thank you, Lady Dowling. I am elated. I have been praying for this for some time now.”
“It is nice when the answer God gives is ‘yes’.” The older woman nodded, stopping just outside the door of her carriage, which was being held open by their driver.
“It certainly is.” Allan agreed.
“Would you care to follow us back to the estate and tell us about your plans?”
“I would enjoy that. I will send Charles back to the Worthingtons.”
Allan returned a few minutes later and stepped up into the carriage. He looked to the left, where Lady Dowling was sitting alone and to the right, where Lady Janelle was sitting alone. He cast a glance back and forth one more time before deciding to take a seat next to the Lady Dowling. She smiled at him, indicating he had made
the right choice.
He did not mind sitting across from Lady Janelle. He was able to speak directly to her without turning his head to the side. He could see her better, too.
“My father allowed me to choose my interests for business investments,” he started. “And when I was young, I was very interested in designing and creating new toys for children. I wanted to manufacture dolls and wagons and the like. As I grew older, I expanded it into furniture making.”
“You will be opening factories here to make those products?” Lady Dowling asked in an impressed voice.
“Yes, miss.”
“I commend you. That is outstanding.”
“So you will be creating toys on the same land that the orphanage is on?” Janelle asked, clearly excited.
Allan laughed. “How did you know I am choosing Duck’s Row for this project?”
“I feel like I know you quite well. And that is what I would do.”
“I know you would, miss.” He couldn’t avoid the passion in his voice. He cleared his throat and continued.
“The CIC gave me more than enough capital to begin this venture. I am very much looking forward to it. Tonight, I plan to speak to Duke Worthington about purchasing Duck’s Row and preparing it for the new developments.”
“Where will you get the labor for this job?” Lady Dowling asked. “Will you be bringing your own men from Australia to complete it?”
“The job is open to any man who cares to work. I may have some of my creators and designers come to Fairbanks to make sure the factories are run correctly. But I would like to find the greatest talents Britain has to offer. I know there are men desiring this type of employment. My employees in Australia already have jobs. It is better to open up the opportunity to those who do not have it.”
Regency Romance: Loving The Reluctant Viscount (The Fairbanks Series - Love & Hearts) (Historical Regency Romance & Mystery) Page 9