Page 67 of Sleepless in Saunton
The countess cleared her throat at the window, sitting up. “Barclay, I was wondering … My husband is to visit Chatternwell in November to … survey his local estate. Chatternwell House. We were considering having the manor renovated in preparation for Ethan.”
Richard straightened in his chair, his interest piqued. “That is correct. The estate is unentailed, and I am planning to give it to Ethan when he reaches his majority. The manor is quite outdated, so it will need work. Could you accompany me in November to provide me with an estimate? I would be very pleased to have you do the design.”
Barclay was mildly suspicious that there was more than had been said, but pulled a notebook from his coat pocket. “What are the dates, so I may consult my schedule?”
“The seventh?”
Barclay reviewed the pages. “I could manage the first week of November if I move another appointment. A few days should be sufficient to travel from London to see the place and make my next engagement the following week.”
Richard’s face lit up. “That would be wonderful. I am quite excited to learn what we might do with the manor. If it needs significant work, I would like to begin so that it would be ready for Ethan when the time is right.”
Barclay nodded. “If the work is minor, it may only take a year or two, but significant building or renovations may take several years to complete. It is best to assess the situation early on.”
“I would appreciate it. I want my boy to be well taken care of. The estate itself is prosperous, but the manor has not been occupied in many years. Once we assess the manor, I shall be able to meet with my solicitor to make arrangements for Ethan’s future.”
Barclay rubbed his palms over his buckskins during the ensuing silence. He was vaguely aware that the others had been interrupted by his arrival and must have been discussing something sensitive. His own needs would have to wait for a little while. “I had another matter to discuss, but I can see you later this afternoon if you could give me an appropriate time?”
Richard shook his head. “No, no. We can talk now. We have settled our other matter for now.”
Barclay took a deep breath. “I wish to discuss Jane with you.”
“Oh, is this about Dunsford?” Richard’s question caught him by surprise—Barclay blinked.
Across from him, the duke smiled benignly, leaning forward to explain in a low voice. “Ridley informed us of the young prat’s intentions toward Miss Davis … and the implied delights of London. We concluded that he will no longer be included on future guest lists.”
Barclay sat back in his chair to stare at the cornices. He had never realized it was a nervous trait he had until he arrived at Saunton Park and found himself doing it constantly. “That is … good news. But no, it is not the topic I had in mind.”
He swallowed hard. This was damned awkward, especially after he had been here while the two men had discussed the inquiry from the older lord in London. Lord Lawson, was it? Barclay felt like a green youth as he tried to find the words to declare himself. Not to mention, he had not expected an audience when he did this.
“I think Barclay wishes to discuss a different aspect.” He looked over at the countess, who was smiling at him across the room. She kept her stormy blue gaze on Barclay as she addressed her husband, her red-blonde hair lit from behind to form a fiery crown. “I believe Barclay would like to announce his intentions regarding our Jane.”
He frowned. How could Sophia know that?
The countess shrugged at the unspoken question. “It did not escape my attention that Jane has seemed quite taken with someone since we reached Saunton Park. I asked my lady’s maid, Miss Toussaint, to find out from the servants who had captured her attentions to ensure I approved of the match.” She smiled. “I do.”
Barclay froze. From the corner of his eye, he noted that Richard’s jaw had dropped. Flitting his eyes over to his cousin, he saw the Viking duke was suppressing a smile, pressing his lips together firmly.
“What?”
Sophia rolled her eyes at her husband. “I was just happy she was not besotted with that Adam Dunsford. He is charming, but he struck me as rather shallow from the outset. I needed to be sure she was becoming attached to someone worthwhile.”
Richard turned to Barclay. “You and our Jane?”
Barclay grimaced while the countess turned her gaze back to the window, settling back into her seat. “I … know … you … er … were hoping she would make a match with a younger man, but … we are quite taken with each other and I wish to offer for her.”
Richard shook his head, causing Barclay’s stomach to roil in anxiety. His brother was going to refuse his approval? Agitated, he fidgeted with the sleeves of his tailcoat. Then he would visit the Davises to offer for her directly.
“Why do you say I hoped for a younger man? You are hardly ancient.”
Barclay released his breath. He had misread the earl’s reaction.
“I believe Barclay is thinking of the discussion we had about Lord Lawson a few days ago.” The duke spoke in his baritone, adding solemnity to the moment.
“That? How is that relevant?” Richard appeared genuinely perplexed.
“We discussed Lawson’s age and the fact that he had grown daughters.” The duke gestured to Barclay. “I think your brother drew conclusions about their similarities.”
“They are hardly in the same category. Tatiana is only nine years old, and Barclay is … He is Barclay. He is hardly … old. He is the same age as you, Halmesbury.”
