Page 47 of Beauty and the Rake
“Same here, though I doubt Roxanne would agree. Our mother never thought for herself without our father’s input. She’s always seen that as a sign of weakness. Roxanne needs to realize our parents grew up in an entirely different era than we did. Things were a lot stricter than they are today,” Arthur said.
“That they were.”
“I’m so grateful you and my sister found each other,” Arthur said. “I’m glad to see you’ve moved on, and to be honest, I haven’t been sure Roxanne would ever marry again, let alone have a relationship with a man.”
“Thank you. That means a lot,” he replied. “You know she’s going to try and find a bride for you.”
“She started the day she arrived. Lucky for me, you’ve been somewhat of a distraction.”
“Don’t be fooled by her innocent act. If you remember, she had quite a distaste for me at first.”
“An act,” Arthur said with a smirk. “The more she complains means in most cases she likes the person or situation.”
Graham filled each of their glasses and sat back to savor the whiskey. “Can you find an excuse to join us in London?”
“I’m sure I can find the time. Why?”
“There’s a ship I’m interested in acquiring. I would like a second opinion on the matter. The company which owns it is shifting away from maritime shipping in favor of rail.”
Arthur arched a brow. “They can’t do both? I only ask because rail is still not the quickest way to do business.”
“Not the most direct. There is still a need to bring sugar, spices, and other goods from the Caribbean and Far East, and a lot is simply not suited for rail. I’m at a loss for why they don’t see that.”
“Certainly works to your advantage.” Arthur was referring to the sugar plantation Graham owned. His father had purchased it years ago, sold sugar to a lot of customers, but had always had to purchase space on cargo vessels.
“I can ship more for myself to sell and distribute and keep a few loyal customers.”
“You wouldn’t have room for a partner or investor, would you?”
Graham chuckled and placed the glass on his desk. “You catch on fast. That’s exactly what I have in mind.”
“You know I’ve been looking for a way to invest outside of the obvious. Times are changing, and quickly. I don’t wish to be locked out.”
“Neither do I. That’s why I wanted to share this opportunity with you.”
“I appreciate you thinking of me. I really do.”
“It won’t be the last,” Graham said as he leaned forward in his chair. “I mean, if we’re going to be family, we might as well help each other out.”
“Well said.” He glanced at the clock on the mantel. “I should be getting back.”
“Stay. I’m sure Cook can find a couple of good thick steaks that’ll rival White’s.”
“You talked me into it.”
Graham rose and found the bellpull. Moments later, the butler appeared. The man was always there when he needed him, which was more than he could say about some of the younger generation. It was easy to spot who truly wanted a life-long position to those who were merely passing through until something better came along. He informed him of the changes for dinner, and once the butler left, he returned to his desk to pick up his glass.
“Let’s sit somewhere more comfortable,” Graham said.
Once they’d settled, the pair sat in silence for a few minutes. Arthur stretched his long legs out in front of him and sighed.
“It’s nice to just sit. I’ve been so busy with my estate manager, I sometimes forget to slow down.”
Graham grunted his response.
Finishing his glass of whiskey off, Arthur set the glass on the table beside him. “I forgot to ask earlier, but who is it who’s selling this ship and possibly ships?”
“Gregory Crenshaw.”
