Page 7 of A Rogue to Resist
“Or perhaps he was being deliberate,” Harrison suggested. “Maybe he wanted to ensure his widow retained some leverage over the next earl.”
“A charming theory,” Drake said dryly. “Either way, I need those lands if I’m to restore the estate to profitability.”
Harrison studied him for a long moment. “Just be careful how you approach her. Lady Katherine has powerful allies. Her brother isn’t just any duke—he’s known for his shrewd mind and fierce loyalty to family.”
“I’m not afraid of the Duke of Wexford.”
“Then you’re as much a fool as your cousin was,” Harrison said bluntly. “But it’s not just her brother you should worry about. Lady Katherine herself is formidable.”
“In what way?”
“She’s intelligent, resourceful, and after five years with Edmund, likely distrustful of any man with the Halston name.” Harrison finished his port. “If you go in assuming she’ll bend to your will simply because you’ve inherited the title, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise.”
Drake scoffed. “I’ve dealt with far more intimidating opponents than a Society widow.”
He’d once talked his way out of a duel in Marseilles with nothing but a half-bottle of wine and a crooked grin.
“Have you now?” A new voice joined their conversation, smooth as silk but with an undercurrent of steel.
Drake looked up to find Lord Carrington regarding them with an amused expression. The older gentleman was widely respected in London Society, known for his impeccable connections and uncanny ability to know everyone’s business.
“Lord Carrington,” Drake acknowledged with a respectful nod. “I didn’t realize you were acquainted with Lady Katherine.”
“I’m acquainted with most of London, young man,” Carrington replied, settling uninvited into the third chair at their table. “And I couldn’t help overhearing your discussion about the new Dowager Countess.”
Drake’s jaw tightened. “I prefer to handle my family matters privately.”
“A wise preference,” Carrington agreed, seemingly unperturbed by Drake’s coolness. “If that were the case, though, you probably ought to have taken a private room,” Carrington quirked an eyebrow sardonically. “Perhaps I might offer some insight that could save you considerable trouble.”
Drake exchanged a glance with Harrison, who gave an imperceptible nod. “I’m listening.”
“Lady Katherine isn’t merely intelligent and resourceful, as Lord Harrison suggests. She’s also exceptionally knowledgeable about estate management.” Carrington’s eyes gleamed. “Far more so than Edmund ever was.”
Drake frowned. “That seems unlikely.”
“Does it? Consider this: While Edmund was busy gambling away funds in London, who do you think kept Greythorne Manor and its lands from falling to ruin?”
Carrington raised his eyebrow again before continuing. “Lady Katherine spent more time at the estate than her husband ever did. The tenants respect her. The steward consults her. And from what I understand, the improvements made under her guidance have increased yields by nearly twenty percent.”
Drake’s frown deepened. This was not at all what he’d expected to hear. Had he truly misjudged the woman so badly? Drake wasn’t used to being the last to know.
“If that’s true, why wasn’t I informed?”
“Perhaps because you arrived with certain assumptions already in place,” Carrington suggested mildly.
Drake felt a flicker of discomfort. Had he been too quick to judge? But no—regardless of Lady Katherine’s character or capabilities, the fact remained that she now controlled assets that should rightfully be his.
“When do you meet with her?” Harrison asked.
“Tomorrow morning,” Drake replied. “At Wexford House.”
“Ah,” Carrington nodded sagely. “On her territory, with her brother present. A shrewd move on their part.”
Drake grimaced. “It wasn’t my choice.”
“No matter,” Carrington said, rising to his feet. “Just a word of advice, Lord Greythorne. Lady Katherine may have married Edmund, but she’s her father’s daughter through and through—and the old duke was known for his razor-sharp mind and uncompromising nature.”
With a slight bow, Carrington departed, leaving Drake to contemplate this unexpected complication.
