Page 50 of The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady
“So, you will allow it?”
“Kenneth, you own the company. I manage it. You can do whatever you bloody well please, can't you?”
“I suppose I can.” Kenneth said, puffing out his chest a bit and feeling inflated. Often, he forgot just how rich and influential he truly was.
“And you very well must hire her on as something or other, for now she is privy to company secrets.”
“Yes, I suppose you are right there.” Kenneth blushed a bit. “For that breach I am at fault, and I apologize.”
“You are a good man to do so, but it is unnecessary. No harm will come of it, eh? Thompson will deliver the East India men our decision this afternoon, no doubt they won't feel the need to question us about it.”
“So, then what shall we do in the meantime? Is there more work to be done?”
“Oh, there is always more work to be done, dear boy.” Cornelius slowly stood from his creaking chair. “No matter where you are in the world.”
“What's to be done then?”
“Tell me Kenneth, when did you come to your decision regarding the claim?”
“Why, the first night I returned home.”
“And yet you waited near to a week to bring me the decision.”
“I had cause to delay, and you know how the days slip by. To my own fault, I will miss Dr. Fowler's visit to the home today.”
“So, had you better spent your time, we may have had this business settled, and you would have been home for the good doctor. What does that tell me?”
“I'm sure I haven't a clue, Uncle.”
“It tells me that you do not like to work.” Cornelius laughed. “To your own detriment.”
“That is not all fair.” Kenneth laughed back.
“I must confess it may be a bit of a family trait.” Cornelius rolled his eyes. “Shall we go for a meal?”
“I should find it very difficult to disagree.” Kenneth grinned wide.
“Right then, on our way.” Cornelius snapped up, and the pair of them strolled joyfully off into the beautiful day in accordance to the brilliant clanging of eleven o'clock bells.
Down around the corner they went, strutting happily the way they tended to. All around they gave and returned friendly nods to the other people playing make believe in the sun.
Cornelius led them to the Ten Drums, which he noted had since become one of his favorite places to steal a few moments of respite.
The windows all stood open to let in the cool air, and the door was propped up on its hinges. They took up a table in the corner, near to a set of windows from which they could see the street and the passersby.
They ordered food over bantering small talk, gave nods to others that trickled in and out, but maintained their stalwart faces that requested privacy. Acquaintances paid their respects from afar, and that was the way Kenneth liked it. Cornelius, on the other hand, was a bit of a socialite, and seemed to know everyone. Kenneth was a bit surprised by how many people respectfully acknowledged his uncle's presence before his, despite his peerage.
Once they were settled with their piping plates of Shepherd's pie and a tall mug of cool ale, Cornelius spoke up.
“You know, I do not mean to ever chastise you, Kenneth. When it comes to the business, well, you know I only want to look out for you.”
“I know it, Uncle.” Kenneth sighed. “It is just that sometimes I cannot help but feel useless. There is nothing I can do within the business. Even with this last task, I could not accomplish it without the help of another.”
“It is no shame to accept that one needs guidance.” Cornelius offered. “And I have no trouble running things for now. But the day will come when I must retire, you understand that.”
“I do.” Kenneth said, somberly.
“Then you know that you must begin to understand. You began some time ago already.”
