Page 51 of The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady
“That is largely the problem, I fear.” Kenneth muttered. “Often, when I turn my mind to the business, I think of my father, and it brings me discouragement.”
“Your father loved the business. He wanted you to run it one day, not me.” Cornelius said softly.
“It's true, it's true.” Kenneth drank again and poked at his plate idly. “Yet look at the state it left him in. Dead from a failed heart before his time.”
“He was not the healthiest man.” Cornelius cautioned.
“No, but that office made him worse. I look at you, who worked there not a day before five years ago, next to how he was, and I am afraid.”
“I do not think you must fear growing fat, Kenneth.” Cornelius offered gently, taking a drink.
“It's more than that.” Kenneth sighed again. “I don't want it to swallow me whole. I don't want to be found dead at my desk one day down the road because I never made it home.”
“That shall not be your fate, Nephew. Not unless you make it so. But it seems will you have someone to help you along the way.”
“Come again?”
“A poor jest.” Cornelius confessed. “This Miss Benson, tell me more of her.”
“What of her?”
“I know only what you have told me thus far, which we may together admit is a slight collection. What is she like? Where is she from? Give me anything, man.” Cornelius ended with a chuckle, clearing trying to uplift Kenneth's mood.
Kenneth was upset to concede that thinking of Leah and changing the conversation did, in fact, make him more at ease.
“What is there to say?” Kenneth began, sitting back and letting his shoulders relax as he spoke. “She is recovering well from the attack.”
“Which you so gallantly saved her from.” Cornelius raised his eyebrows.
“In so many words.” Kenneth rolled his eyes. “Leah, is her name.”
“Leah Benson?” Cornelius seemed to catch on the name.
“Quite. She's from London proper originally, White Chapel.”
“White Chapel?” Cornelius scoffed, but ceased after a look from Kenneth.
“An orphan, you see. She is a survivor, and with a quick mind for it too. She had the most remarkable gift of knowing whether someone is telling the truth or not.”
“You refer to her analytical deduction.” Cornelius slyly commented.
“I do, indeed.” Kenneth laughed out over a sip of ale.
“So, she is of the world, much like yourself?”
“In different ways,” Kenneth shrugged. “In some regards we share some values and perspective I suppose. Although largely I feel completely distant to her history. There is little she ever says that I find relatable. And yet I enjoy conversing with her more than I have ever known to be the case.”
“You find her pleasing?” Cornelius asked in his old-world way.
“Well, of course, but that is not what I mean to say,” Kenneth protested.
“Go on then.” Cornelius smiled.
“I suppose I find such value in her because I find so much value in the broadening of one's world view. I feel she could prove an immense assistance to the passing of my bill in parliament.”
“So, she will help you with both the business and politics?” Cornelius affirmed. “I must meet this industrious woman.”
“I'm sure she would be pleased.” Kenneth grew excited.
