Page 88 of Wild Lily
Julian went to his sideboard, unstoppered a bottle of Italian brandy and poured two bountiful portions. “Here you go. Drink up.”
Leland downed a goodly portion. “Thank you.”
“I hated to ask you to come south in this mess,” he said and wandered back to his desk.
“And so soon after your wedding, too.”
Julian couldn’t suppress the smile that spread upon his lips. He’d been wedded to Lily all of six days and each new morning, he felt lighter. Dare he say, giddy. Foolish, perhaps even childish, but true. Serious matters overtook his delight and he shook his head at Leland. “My haste is necessary.”
“A problem with your wife’s marriage settlement?”
“Not at all. I’m very pleased with the funds. Far more than I expected.”More than I deserve what with my dim view of marriage in general.“I wish to discuss a few financial matters. First, we own two parcels of land in Ireland I’d like to sell and quickly, too. Hopefully you can find a buyer.”
Leland looked dubious. “Your father has approved the sale?”
“No, but he will. Must.”
Leland stared at thim. “You know that few here in England have cash for that.”
“Sell it to Americans, if you must. Not Killian Hanniford. I have far too much of his money to go begging for more. But anyone else is acceptable.”
“Very well. Which lands?”
“The one you could most likely sell first would be the profitable one outside Tipperary.”
“That’s a well-appointed estate. But the tenants will not be happy to hear you’re selling.”
Julian could not see another way to make a substantial sum of money. “We can hope the new owner is a kind soul and they grow to like him. See to the sale. ”
“I will,” Leland said. “And your second reason to call me here?”
“I wish to discuss Elanna’s marriage settlement for Lord Carbury.”
“I progress with that for your father, the duke.” He placed his empty glass upon the nearby deal table.
Julian applauded the man’s discretion. Leland would say nothing about Elanna’s projected sum, lest he give away confidential information. “I’m sure you do. What I have to say is not known to my father. Not in specifics. But he is aware of my feelings about my sister’s marriage.”
Leland folded his hands in his lap, his countenance blank of all emotion. “I understand. How then may I be of service?”
“They marry in a few weeks. I need this done quickly.” Julian had to save his sister from some disaster if he could. He knew a few of the stipulations of her settlement, but he would not inquire for all of them. “I have funds which I would like to apply to Elanna’s dressmakers and milliners’ bills. All she incurred since January.”
“That is most generous of you.”
“There’s more. I have five thousand I wish you to invest in her name at Rothschild’s. Railroads, steamships, tea, I care not where or how, nor do I wish to know. Furthermore, Carbury is never to learn of it and frankly, neither is she.”
“That is most…unusual.” Leland tipped his head, puzzled.
“It is. I know it. But I wish it done.”
“Still, I am confused. Why invest it if she never knows of its existence? Why not simply—”
“Give it to her?” Julian smacked his lips.How to say this?“I will be quite frank, Leland. I trust her.”
With a pointed look at his friend, Julian allowed the silence to imply that he did not trust Carbury.
Leland arched a golden brow.
“However, I do not give this marriage much of a chance of happiness.”
