Page 42 of The Earl's Reluctant Artist
Tristan didn’t know what worried him the most, the words or the glee with which his brother-in-law delivered them. Marcus, on the other hand, smiled and lifted his hands slightly as if presenting a gift.
“This is not only business, Lord Vale. It is securing the future for yourself and your family. I am assuming, of course, that you and my sister intend to have children.”
Tristan’s jaw stiffened. He coughed lightly and set the paper flat on the desk. “We have yet to properly discuss that matter.”
Marcus waved it off. “Naturally. It is to be expected in time. But still, this project ensures stability for the next generation. It is more than just money. It is a way to build a strong legacy.”
Tristan’s gaze returned to the folio. The words blurred slightly as he thought of Marcus’s tone. He sounded polished. Perhaps too polished.
Has he always spoken like that? Or was the entire thing rehearsed to impress him?
He lifted his head again anyway. “So, in short, you mean to make me richer by charging people for routes and land that were once free.”
Marcus gave a light laugh. “You make it sound so exploitative.”
“I think you are doing a good job of that all by yourself, Mr. Harwood,” Tristan said flatly.
The air shifted, and he knew Marcus sensed it as well.
The man leaned back, his smile dimming. “I understand your doubts.”
“Do you?”
“Yes, and I believe it is quite wise to have them.”
Tristan narrowed his eyes in the brief moment of silence that settled between them.
“Which is why I leave this with you.” Marcus eventually said, pointing to the folio. “I would like you to study and understand it.”
Tristan’s eyes shifted to the folio once again.
“This is the future, my lord. And before you say more, know this … the poor will not be taxed. Only the wealthy, those well able to afford it.”
Another wave of silence stretched between them. Tristan let it settle, then exhaled through his nose. “Very well. I will read it through. You will have my answer in time.”
Marcus gave a sharp nod. “I urge you not to waste that time. Others have already joined, so the opportunity grows thinner by the day.”
“Others?” Tristan asked, his eyes narrowed.
Marcus straightened, as though he had expected the question. “Yes. Noblemen just like yourself have expressed interest.
“Really?”
“Yes, my lord. People like Lord Witherford, Lord Ellis, Lord Prescott …”
Tristan’s brows rose at the same time. “Prescott. I knew him. We were at school together.”
Marcus continued, listing names. “Yes. Also, people like Lord Endicott and Lord Hargrave.”
Tristan’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “I knew Hargrave as well. We served together in the Army.” He raised his eyes. “And they are all committed?”
Marcus nodded firmly. “Entirely. They understand the opportunity here. I only hope you will, too.”
The clock ticked again in the silence that followed, and Tristan pushed the folio aside, his expression unreadable. “Is that all?”
Marcus stood slowly. “It is. I must take my leave.”
“You could stay the night,” Tristan said, his tone polite.. “A bed can be prepared for you.”
