Page 35 of The Trouble With Titles
“I would still like to access the study. To be sure that the letter from Lord Trafford was not simply misplaced? Lying under the desk or something. It would serve as confirmation or disprove that there is something afoot within.” Molly gestured toward the Scotts’ house.
“Fair point. We will include the study.”
A shiver traversed down Madeline’s spine. It would be strange to search Simon’s things without his permission, and she hoped she would not learn anything she did not wish to know.
CHAPTER 9
“A gentle reed whispered to Psyche, 'Wait until the sheep are resting in the shade, and then collect the wool caught on the branches of the trees.”
Lucius Apuleius, Metamorphoses
“You should wed Olivia Boyle.”
John’s declaration was met by the loud ticking of the mahogany clock on the shelf. Tick, tick, tick, it said while Simon considered how best to respond to his older brother’s absurd recommendation.
Simon pondered the possibility that he was still abed, dreaming this bizarre conversation in the comfort of his sheets. He would much rather dream about Madeline, tucking her soft body to his as they slipped into slumber together. But perhaps the lamb from dinner the night before had been tainted to bring on such odd proclamations. He tapped the arm of his chair withdrumming fingertips just to confirm it was daytime, and he had indeed dressed with the help of his valet just an hour earlier. The leather-clad padding was solid enough to the touch. He must be awake, then.
“Why on earth would I do that?” It was a serious question. Simon could not think of a solitary reason he would want to do such a thing. “Her father is making arrangements for her to marry Lord Clutterbuck.”
“It would elevate the Blackwood legacy to align with such an ancient family, and Clutterbuck is old enough to be her grandfather. You would be doing the featherbrained chit a service.”
Simon did not often drink, and when he did, it made his head feel muddled. Not unlike how he was feeling at this very moment. Did John have a legitimate reason to suggest such folly, or was this more of the legacy foolishness that had held Simon fast all these years while his real life slipped away?
“I do not wish to wed Miss Boyle. She is a ridiculous flibbertigibbet who would eventually drive me stark, raving mad. She and Lord Clutterbuck are suited in every aspect other than age.”
One of the privileges of not being the heir to the Blackwood title was that Simon was no longer beholden to his father or his older brother. He could do what he wished, and as soon as he worked out what that was, he would begin. First, however, he needed to find some method of proving he had not murdered a peer, which he would be doing if John had not sidled in to take a seat at Simon’s desk. After Simon had quickly vacated his seat to make way for his brother.
Simon wondered if he should look into moving into one of his clubs. The minor irritations of playing second to first his father, and now his brother, were growing into significant annoyances with the news that he was to seek his own fortune. Not least ofthose aggravations was, despite all the work he had done these past years to oversee the Blackwood holdings, he still had to spring to his feet like a private secretary each time the baron visited the study.
He did not mind paying his respects, but it was he who did all the work, while John signed documents with barely a glance. Simon hoped that the new heir, Marco Scott, would be as fastidious to details as he had been because the baron was in too much physical discomfort to worry about details such as their tenants’ leases, or advising them about managing their crops for maximum profits. John did not pay attention to representing his district at Lords, relying on Simon to determine the votes he cast to protect the combined interests of the people of Blackwood.
The thought of all he needed to teach the incoming heir gave him a headache.
I hope Marco allows me to orient him to this role.
“You must consider the bloodlines, Simon. These … curst Italians … will sully centuries of Blackwood’s legacy if their claim turns out to be legitimate.”
Simon suppressed the impulse to grimace. “The people of Italy have bestowed upon us architecture, art, and sculptures so exquisite that they inspire faith itself at their divine perfection. I am certain that Marco, being half-English, will bring a fresh perspective to the Blackwood title, one that shall only strengthen all you hold dear. Furthermore, Italian culture is renowned for its devotion to kin, so he will undoubtedly honor those that come before him.”
“Word is that this Marco is a bear leader. Were you aware of that?”
“He tutors young Englishmen on their Grand Tour?”
“That is correct. What have you to say to that? How can such an individual be qualified to be the next baron?” John’s tone was plaintive and challenging, a combination which grated onSimon’s nerves. Did his brother not recall that Simon was under suspicion for a violent crime? Perhaps there was a better time to discuss the inanity of Marco Scott’s prior occupation, but John must have been obsessing over his mortality this morning.
“So he is familiar with our English ways, an accomplished academic, and a gentleman who appreciates the importance of preservation.”
“You make it sound an asset.”
“It is. How did he come to be in such a role?” Simon acknowledged to himself with some shame that he had not displayed any interest in the relations who would arrive from the Continent, but his thoughts had been otherwise occupied.
“Apparently he is from an important family in Florence.Merchants!”
The last was hissed in disgust. Simon suppressed a smile at this. John would be most displeased when he learned Simon planned to enter into industry. He would deem it worse than the merchant class. It had always been Simon’s plan, ever since he had learned Eleanor Bigsby’s story as a young lad and been fascinated that someone he knew had created such success in the span of years. What it must be like to build wealth and employ people with the sweat of one’s brow rather than being born into it.
Granted, she had some coin to purchase the business when she arrived in London, but she had multiplied that initial investment many times over since then.
“Faith! The merchant background means he likely has a head for the business of managing property. Along with his interest in the grandeur of the past, he possesses the perfect skills for a future baron.”
