Page 10 of A Duke to Restore her Memory
Daniel’s jaw dropped. “This is becoming even more intriguing by the minute. Who could she be? A governess or lady’s companion, perhaps?”
Sebastian frowned. “Her gown was too plain for even those occupations,” he mused. “I would expect a governess or lady’s companion to wear a more expensive gown to indicate the status.” He hesitated. “But then again, it would make more sense than any other explanation. She does not look or speak like a maid. Apart from her great beauty, she just has a presence that is quite striking …”
“You sound like you are smitten, Newquay,” said Daniel, in an amused tone, crossing his legs. “It sounds like this mysterious young woman has already wormed her way into your affections. Why else would you have brought her here to recuperate?”
“I was merely doing my duty,” said Sebastian gruffly, his colour deepening. “I was honour bound to do it. She suffered her injury in one of my mine shafts.” He glowered into his brandy. “I am angry that it was open. The wooden boards covering the entrance were broken, Falmouth. It is sloppy. I pay people to ensure those old mines are safe … and someone was not doing their job.”
His hand tightened on the glass of brandy. His reputation in the district would be bound to suffer because of this. Word would spread that there had been an accident in one of his old mines.
“Heads will roll for this,” he growled, draining the glass in one gulp. “I am going to move heaven and earth to find out who was responsible. I will leave no stone unturned.”
“Good for you,” said Daniel. He hesitated. “I do not know if it is connected, but I have heard rumours of instability in many of the mine shafts in the district – and that there have been other accidents and unexpected delays.” He paused, his expression solemn. “It is beginning to stir unease in the workers and the mine investors. I know that the Earl of Cheltenham, one of the primary investors, is expected to arrive in a few weeks to assess the situation.”
“Cheltenham?” Sebastian’s frown deepened. “Lord Powell? I loathe that gentleman.” He stood up, refilling his brandy, feeling disconcerted. “That is unwelcome news. He will barge in like a wounded bull, demanding explanations, putting everyone offside. The man is a brute.”
“Agreed,” said Daniel, shaking his head. “But there is nothing you can do about it, Newquay. He is a primary investor and has a right to know that his investment is secure.” He paused. “If he decides to pull out, the effect might be catastrophic on the workers and the estate … especially with the price of copper falling.”
Sebastian winced as he sat down again. “You are right, of course. It is such a delicate situation.” He exhaled slowly as his sense of disquiet increased. “I feel that something is brewing. There is a feeling in the air, a sense of unease, that I have never felt before.”
“You can thank the Hester family for that,” stated Daniel, rolling his eyes. “Particularly the oldest son, Walter Hester. He is threatening to buy all the mines in the district to wipe out the competition. The workers are scared for their livelihoods, as Hester hints that he will bring in his own workforce and cut them out entirely.”
“Damn Hester,” growled Sebastian, glaring into the fire at the mention of his main rival in the district. “Has he no respect for the workers and the generations of men in this area who have risked their lives going into the mines? How could he even contemplate bringing in outsiders to work the mines and turf out the locals?”
“Because he knows he can bring in a cheaper workforce,” said Daniel, his face darkening. “Hester does not care for the men. To him, they are simply disposable, to be thrown on the scrap heap when they are used up. All he and his family care about is profit … and they will do anything they need to do to line their own pockets. You know that.”
Sebastian swore softly, anger sweeping through his veins. He had always viewed himself as a caretaker of the mines and the estate – that he was merely the latest in a long line to carry the mantle.
His late father had schooled him well in his responsibilities to his workers, telling him that it was a sacred duty, that the miners and all the workers on the estate depended on him. They had families to feed.
But the Hester family did not see it the same way at all. They had always been mercenary, caring more about the money they made than their workers, cutting corners with safety, and laying off men for the slightest infraction, even if they had many children to feed and no other means to support their families.
“I would rather die before I see that happen,” he vowed. “I will protect the workers. I always have, and I always will.”
“Perhaps it will settle down,” said Daniel in a hopeful voice. “It may blow over. Hester might be full of bluster.” He took a deep breath, gazing at his friend. “Do not blow your top quite yet, Newquay. Keep an eye on it, but do not be rash.”
Sebastian sighed heavily. “I will keep my eye upon it like a hawk.”
“On to lighter matters.” Daniel put down his glass. “When is Lydia returning to Newquay Hall? She has been gone for quite a while.”
Sebastian turned his mind to his older sister, Lydia, who was unmarried and still lived here. He couldn’t help smiling. Lydia was a force of nature, full of energy and gusto, with a will of iron. No wonder she had spurned suitors and never found a gentleman who could match her.
His sister also took her role as the eldest in the family very seriously, especially since their parents had passed away. To Lydia, he was always her baby brother, even if he was a duke, and he ran the entire estate now.
Sometimes, her high-handed manner towards him irritated him, but mostly, he let it pass by. He knew that she acted out of love and concern for him and nothing else.
“Lydia will be back in a week,” he replied. “And she will be accompanied by her good friend, Lady Frances Lewis. Apparently, they cannot bear to be separated yet, even though Lydia has been staying with the Lewis family in London for the past month.” He rolled his eyes. “Lydia and Frances have always been as thick as thieves.”
“You will have a full house, Newquay,” said Daniel, smiling broadly. “The ladies will overrun the place.” He paused. “And you have your mysterious guest, as well. Will the beautiful Georgina be joining the household activities?”
“Hardly,” said Sebastian. “We have no idea who she is. She could be the daughter of a tinker or a thief. I do not think Lydia would take it very well at all if she was forced to entertain her in the drawing room or Georgina joined us for games in the parlour.” He paused. “And Georgina would probably feel awkward, as well.”
“Yes, you are in a bit of a quandary,” agreed Daniel, with a short laugh. “On the other hand, your mysterious guest might be a princess escaped from a tower and not a pauper at all. Who knows?”
“Who knows indeed,” said Sebastian dryly. “In the meantime, I will assume she is not an escaped princess and exercise proper caution.” He frowned. “I will tell Mrs Sollock to send her meals to her room for now. She probably does not have the strength to dine elsewhere regardless. At least, that is the excuse I will give if she asks.”
“You may not have her as a house guest for very long anyway, Newquay,” said Daniel, shrugging his shoulders. “You may get a response to those letters you sent sooner rather than later. Someone must know who she is and come to claim her. She may be gone before Lydia and her friend even arrive.”
Sebastian nodded. “Yes, that might be true.”
