Page 38 of The Heiress Gets a Duke
Papa inclined his head to indicate he understood. “Yes, yes, quite a difference in size.”
“As can be expected, the railways in the empire have lagged behind those here in Britain and even your America,” Lord Farthington continued.
August nodded in agreement. “I have read that your rail works have laid over fourteen thousand miles of track here. For contrast, the people in India are making do with a mere four thousand miles.” August could not pretend to understand all of the problems facing the people in India, but she knew that four thousand miles was not nearly enough to help ease the effects of drought and the subsequent famines sweeping through the country.
The earl hesitated, but to his credit he did look at her.“Four thousand at the beginning of the decade,” he confirmed. “At that time we pledged to have ten thousand miles in ten years.”
“You’re nearly five years in, then. Are you on path to meet your goal?” Papa leaned forward, his fingers laced together on top of his desk.
Lord Farthington’s brow creased, and his voice lowered almost imperceptibly, as if what he was about to say was confidential. “If you ask publicly, you will hear much boasting and swagger, but the truth is that we are lagging behind, which is why I am here. We need more railroad companies. Men who know how to get the most out of their labor. Men who are efficient and knowledgeable.”
“It sounds that way. What exactly are you suggesting, my lord?”
The earl paused, and his nostrils trembled the tiniest bit as he took a breath. “Privately, I would consider it a personal favor if you would submit a proposal from Crenshaw Iron. Your reputation with your own transcontinental railroads precedes you, and since your arrival on our shores, we have found you to be a man of substance. You and your company are who we need in India.”
The viscount let out a breath as if in relief. “Yes, someone of your expertise might find it a welcome challenge to expand your investment portfolio. If you could be persuaded to take on this project, then you are certain to not only find financial profits, but you would also gain favor with many.”
“India.” Despite his many years of playing at subterfuge and practiced nonchalance, Papa could not keep the wonder from that one word. He had always been an adventurer. Stories of his travels as a young man had become legend in their family. But then he had married and started a family, and his father had died, leaving him to run Crenshaw Iron, and that had been that for his adventuring. She could almost see the memories of his exploits running through his head.
“What would such a commitment require of us, my lord?” August asked, sensing that while the allure of the Indian railway system was hard to resist, accepting would come with its own price.
Lord Farthington reluctantly pulled his gaze away from her father to her. “Crenshaw Iron Works would be required to open an operation here in Britain. We cannot open the doors to all of America, you understand. Having an operation here would help perception, and I am given to understand it aligns with your own goals for expansion.” When she nodded, he turned his attention back to Papa. “Of course, you will find that many of the restrictions that might have prevented an earlier attempt will be eased for you.”
“I am afraid that we must insist on autonomy, if we agree to this,” August said, drawing attention back to her. “We control our own operation, and that includes our relationship with our workers. We pay them a wage that we determine to be fair.” Max had begun the work of making certain their laborers were compensated fairly when he had entered the family business nearly a decade earlier. She had supported him in that, even though some of their contemporaries had bristled at the move, preferring a standard of depressed wages to control competition.
Lord Farthington appeared to be on the verge of arguing, but then he gave a nod of agreement. “Your contracts are your own to negotiate.”
She let out a quiet sigh of relief that she hadn’t needed to fight harder. The ethical and fair treatment of the people she employed, be they laborers or servants, was important to her.
“How extensive of an operation do you mean?” asked Papa.
Lord Farthington shrugged. “All details that can be arranged later and that I am certain will not pose an issue. You will find your investments here very lucrative.” Sensing that victory was close, Lord Farthington’s gaze narrowed in assurance. “After all, the Duke of Rothschild clearly believes you are someone with integrity and honor. How could we believe any less?”
August only barely managed to hide her gasp. To disguise it, she looked down at her hands clasped firmly in her lap and swallowed. These men were here because of the betrothal they assumed would be forthcoming. She would bet her last dollar on it. Had it truly meant that much to everyone?
“Well.” Papa’s smile was in his voice. “We are looking forward to becoming better acquainted with His Grace.”
“Now, Papa, I believe it is far too early to—”
Both father and son looked at her. The earl with gleaming speculation, and the viscount with faintly veiled disdain. Perhaps he was thinking that he could not possibly conceive of lowering himself to marry a common woman for money. He himself had married a marquess’s daughter, a nod above his own station.
Wishing only to wipe the smugness from his face, she said, “The duke is a good friend to us.”
The older man gave a nod and seemed to relax, while the younger turned his attention away from her. The conversation continued for the next few minutes as Papa gleaned pertinent details about the potential deal. As far as the men were concerned, August was attentive and an active participant, but inside she was quaking. She had severely misjudged the reach of the duke’s influence, and now walking away from him did not seem nearly so straightforward as it once had.
Finally, the viscount turned to his father and said, “We must be leaving if we are to make our next appointment.”
Although nothing was remotely settled and there were far more details that begged to be discussed, Lord Farthington nodded and made to stand. Everyone else in the room followed suit. “I trust we shall be hearing from Crenshaw Iron soon.”
“We will certainly consider the opportunity, my lord. I look forward to communicating with you further.” Papa walked around his desk and crossed to open the door.
Both the earl and Lord Rivendale offered a murmured good day to her before turning away. As the earl approached, Papa held out his hand to offer a handshake. The earl paused and only after a brief hesitation offered his own hand. Lord Rivendale did the same. Father walked them out and returned moments later wearing a wistful smile.
“Well, that was... unexpected.” His eyebrows rose.
Her stomach roiled in agitation. “It certainly was. Max had petitioned for a contract several years ago. Perhaps now that they have fallen behind schedule, they have deigned toopen things to American companies,” she said. It sounded like a lame justification even to her own ears. Lord Farthington had all but said it was because of their ties to Rothschild.
Papa’s gaze narrowed in doubt. “Something tells me that Crocker and Huntington will not be receiving similar offers. Neither of them are acquainted with the Duke of Rothschild.”
