21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Another Proposition?

A few weeks had passed. The horsemen had hit another dead end in the search for Little Stevie girl. Since the bloody letter opener had been found, nothing more surfaced on the Glenda murder, either. Spring turned to summer, bringing with it warm weather, and stagnant air. Many of the peerage left Town to escape to their cooler country estates. The single gentlemen left Town for Brighten Beach. Families with eligible daughters followed them. The bachelors went for the water and the mischief; the mothers with daughters went to Brighten Beach for the continued hunt. The two legged variety of prey.

The end of May and the beginning of June, not only brought burning, hot weather, the war between Britain and France had been pulling more men from the labor pool. If the peerage congregated for a summer weekend party or picnic, the conversations were on two things: the weather and the war. The ladies of the ton, had not one whit of interest in the war. The heat was their main concern. The men bored the ladies to death with their drawn out conversations about the war, the latest battles, lost labor, and investments.

Fred had not seen nor heard anything from the Maxwells. He assumed all was as well as could be expected with the family. Then he received a letter with a signet stamp. Lord Edward requested a meeting with him as soon as possible. As Edward had written ‘ as soon as possible,’ Fred decided to see Edward after his morning ride. He would not bother to return to change clothes as he would have other errands to accomplish after their meeting. In these clothes, if Margaret is around, I’m going to have a difficult time getting my friend down south to behave.

He rode over on Mercury and turned him over to Horace.

“Have you had any luck finding a replacement? The job is waiting for you.”

“Yes, my lord. I am more than grateful for the opportunity, but until the Maxwell’s seem to be better, if something happens with David, well, I would feel guilty if I left.”

“You are a good man, Horace. The job is yours.”

Fred knocked on the back door. Mr. Owen answered in a second. “Good morning, Mr. Owen…it is still morning? Right? Yes, of course. I’m here to see Lord Edward at his invitation. Is he upstairs?”

“No, my lord. He is sitting in the small drawing room.”

“No need to announce me.” Fred knew where the room was.

“Lord Edward, I came at your request. I felt it might be urgent.”

Lord Edward sat at a small table which had tea and biscuits in the center. And then Fred’s eyes fell on Lady Margaret. She took his breath. She looked ravishing. Fred took her hand and bowed. “Lady Margaret. So nice to see you. I hope you are well.” Listen, my friend down south, please, don’t embarrass me. Bird poo, chamber pot, those luscious lips. No!

“I am, thank you.” She looked at her papa curiously.

Edward seemed hesitant to speak. From Edward’s hesitancy, Fredrick thought it must be something that did not include Margaret’s ears. “Fredrick, so glad you came. Please sit down.”

“Sit here, Lord Fredrick. I can sit in another chair.” Margaret turned to sit down in another chair when her father’s voice stopped her.

“I want to speak privately with Fredrick. I don’t want you in here. Do you understand? Close the doors behind you, please.”

Margaret had a stressed look. “Y-yes, Papa.” She looked at Fred. “If you need anything, I will be right down the hall.”

“The three of us continually worry over each other. Thanks to you, we need not fret over the staff any longer.” He chuckled. “We thank you .”

“Edward, you have already thanked me. I did nothing but relieve the sorry staff of yours. Now, what may I do for you?” He sat down in the chair Margaret had vacated.

“Fredrick, in the time I have known you, I have been impressed with your business savvy, your keen eye for what needs to be done and doing it. You are a gentleman and a caring, giving man.”

“Please, don’t spread those kind of rumors around. ”He smiled at Edward. “Now, what is it you wish me to do? I’m here to help.” The pain of knowing their son would never get better, but sadly, wither and die had to be excruciating.

“I have immense wealth. I will have no male heir. I don’t mean to sound hard or unfeeling but those are the facts.” He stopped. Fred had no idea regarding the direction of the conversation

“Edward. I know your wealth. I also know that you are still traumatized by the turn events with David.”

“Yes, true. I don’t know if I will ever be in better spirits. At least not until this nightmare with David is over. I feel it is important for me to do this now.” Edward leaned in toward Fredrick. “I want to sell you my entire…entire estate for as little as my solicitor states is legal. In turn, once the sale goes through, I will return the money, plus much more, back to you as part of a dowry.”

Fred had difficulty understanding the logic of this proposal. “I’m not sure I understand, Edward. You want me to buy your estate.” Edward nodded. “Once the sale goes through, you want to return the money to me in the form of a dowry?”

“Yes.” He seemed relieved to have gotten it all out. The only problem; Fred had no idea what he was suggesting.

“What kind of a dowry? I don’t understand that part of your proposal.”

Fredrick only understood one thing. Whatever the proposal, it seemed difficult for Edward to explain. Edward leaned into the table. “The dowry would be the one I would give you when you married my darling girl, Margaret.”

What the hell? Damn fire. Good heavens. What! Has he lost his mind?

“Edward, even if I wanted to marry Margaret, who is to say she would ever want to marry me? You do know I have a reputation for my sexual proclivities.” He studied Edward’s demeaner. He appeared calm – no sign of tension or nervousness. “Edward, have you talked this over with anyone?”

“Yes, I had my solicitor come to see me yesterday. I still want one of the barristers to look at the legal documents before they are signed to ensure they are legal and binding.”

“Good heavens, Edward. You are asking one hell of a lot from an old bachelor. And… I’m sure you are going to live a long life. You have a lot of time to consider the possibilities. Margaret may find a fine member of the peerage to be her husband.”

“I want my estate to go to Margaret and your son. I know you will take good care of my dear wife, Ginny if anything ever happens to me. As sure as I know you will take good care of Margaret and the estate.” Edward reached into his waistcoat and slid a business card across the table. “Go talk to my solicitor. Please give this serious consideration. I want the estate to go to someone who will care for it. Please.”

“Alright, I will go speak to your solicitor. Have you said anything to Lady Maxwell or Margaret about this proposal?” Pardon the pun.

“No. I wanted to speak to you first. I will talk to Margaret tonight or in the morning.”

“Oh, God, Edward. You are certainly entrusting me with a whole hell of a lot.”

“I know. I know…you can do it.”

“Alright, I will see him tomorrow. I will come and speak with you tomorrow or sometimesoon after. I am still unsure if this is even legal, but I will find out.” Fred stood.

Edward stood with him. “You need to understand that you and Lady Margaret will continue on through your children. Whether you and Margaret have a son or not, you hear?” Fred had no idea what else to say. “You are the best man I know. I would never give you my daughter otherwise.”

“One thing at a time, Edward. I will see you as soon as I have answers.” Fred started out the door, then turned around to face Edward again. “Do me one favor. Don’t talk to Margaret until I tell you to do so, alright ?”

“Yes. I will.” Edward smiled and shook Fredrick’s hand. “I will look for you on the morrow.”

“Or soon after.” Fredrick emphasized. He walked out the door, closed it, then leaned up against the wall. Good heavens! His thoughts were spinning. Certainly, I have fantasized about Margaret for heaven knows how long. Fantasized about tupping her a time or two; or maybe three or four; but marriage? I practically live at the Venus club. And my estate is big enough to last many lifetimes. What the hell would I do with his, on top of all my present concerns. And my private enterprises and my horse farm. Shite. I need a drink. Edward would have to continue to manage his properties. It would be a must. What am I thinking! Slow down.

Margaret approached. “Fred, are you alright? Are you feeling ill?” Margaret had a worried look. Ugh! Ill is not exactly the word.

“Your father. It threw me. I.. – .” Fred tried to gloss over his angst.

“You were in there with him a longtime, Fredrick. What did the two of you talk about? I’m so worried about him.”

“Yes, well. Some legal matters he wanted to discuss.” Let me out of here.

“But,” She paused. Fred could see her mind turning. “His solicitor came here yesterday.”

“I’m sorry Margaret. I have to leave. I have so much to do. I will see you soon.” He did not wait for her. He walked out as quickly as he could without running. Mr. Owens stood at the door. "Thank you. Hopefully, I will see you soon.” With that, he got on Mercury without conversation and rode out.

The Questions

“Papa, are you alright? Do you need anything?”

“You, my sweeting. Come sit back down and stay with me for a while.” Papa had not moved from the small table in the small drawing room. He looked tired, but he seemed to be feeling better.

“Papa, you need rest as much as Mama. David has caregivers. You should be able to rest at night.”

Papa patted her hand. “You are a dear girl to try to take care of your Papa.”

She could not refrain from asking. “What did you speak with Lord Fredrick about? It seems to have made you feel so much better?”

“I like him. He is a good man, my darling girl.” He found some emotional relief from his conversation with Fredrick.

“What did you talk about? Papa, I am amazed how much better you sound. I think now you can go see a friend. Go to White’s . Get out.”

“I think I will hold off on that for another day or two, alright? I can always visit friends.”

“You have yet to tell me what you talked about with Lord Fredrick.” She continued to be curious. She knew Papa had much respect for Lord Fredrick. He appreciated Lord Fredrick’s work acumen.

“He is a handsome young man. I have noticed a sudden change in your mood when Lord Fredrick comes to visit. If I knew no better, I would think you had a tendre for him. I’m right, am I not, my darling girl?” He wanted to get her thoughts on the gentleman before he spoke to her about his plan. He needed Lord Fredrick’s first.

“Papa.” Her face turned a robust pink. She could feel the heat, knowing Papa could see her feelings regarding Lord Fredrick before she even answered him.

“Ah, I thought so. It is perfectly fine with me, sweet girl. I have a lot of admiration for the gentleman. He is what I would hope for as a son-in-law.” He gave her a loving smile, reached across the table, and took her hand.

“Papa, it would take Lord Fredrick’s interest to make that happen. And…he’s so handsome and wealthy. He has debutantes, widows, and even the married ladies after him. He is not interested in me.” She could not look at her father making such a confession. She knew he had interest in something about her. From their past interaction, it had to be their physical attraction. It hurt to make that admission. It embarrassed her to admit to her father that she felt unworthy of the man’s affection.

“I disagree. He appears to be more than aware of your attributes and – “

“Papa, you are embarrassing me.” Fredrick confused her. It made her nervous. She had her handkerchief twisting it around her finger. She looked at him. “How can you tell?”

“So you do have a tendre for him.” He knew it. He only wanted confirmation.

“Papa, you promise not to tell? You must promise me.”

“Child, you need not ask. I am your confidant. I will never say anything you wish me not to. I love you. I would never want to hurt you.”

“Not even to Mama?”

“Not even to Mama.” And he meant that.

“Well…I have had a tendre for him for many years. I knew he would never be interested in me, so I looked for lower hanging fruit.’ Do you know what I mean?” She continued to twist the handkerchief.

“Let me tell you a story about your mother and me.”

Her eyes lit up. “As a young man, perhaps one and twenty, your mother probably two or three years younger. Please don’t tell her I failed to remember. I had a tendre for her the first time I saw her. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.”

“She still is Papa.” Margaret interjected.

“Yes, yes she is. Now, back then I would approach her for a dance and she would have any number of excuses to refuse me. She had no interest in me, so I left her alone. I thought I should consider finding interest in other ladies of the peerage. Then, I started working with my father. I worked hard – a lot of physical labor on our estates. No time for balls. I filled out. I was broader, in the right places. Taller. More handsome, by the ladies’ reactions. I had so many women making eyes at me. I had women dancing with me and I only had to ask them once. Your mother, among them. I still had a tendre for her, but this time I took my time. Finally, I asked permission to court her. Her parents seemed thrilled. When I asked her to marry me, I knew she would say yes.”

“Had you kissed her?” Margaret wanted to know what Papa did during the courtship.

“I had. And a few other things. And do not tell your mother I told you anything regarding out – sexual…activities. You must promise me.” He was adamant.

“Yes, I promise, Papa.” She squeezed his hand.

“We did quite a bit, close to…hum…you know…the act, itself.

“Papa!” She did not want to hear this about her parents. It made her a little…uncomfortable to think about. Nobody wants to think about their parents having…no, she decided she would not think about it.

“Your mother was desirable –sensuous and I wanted her. I thought it important to know if we were compatible. If you understand what I am saying.” He looked right at her to make sure she understood what he had told her.

“Yes, Papa. I understand.” She had to maintain a neutral face. She would not grimace. She thought about what Fredrick and she had done, sexually. They could be compatible.

“My point to this story is to have you look at yourself. In the last year, you have truly blossomed. You are beautiful. And don’t pay any attention to your mother. She thinks of you as if you were still a little girl. You were chubby. But, babies and toddlers are supposed to be chubby. It is healthy. Often, young ladies may be slightly overweight, but they are still developing. You have a curvaceous body. All the curves in all the right places. You're perfect, my darling girl. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. You are beautiful. You only have to believe it.”

“Thank you, Papa. You only say that because I am your daughter. But I do appreciate it.”

“Listen to me, young lady. I would never lie to you about your visage. If I thought you were not the beautiful lady that I say you are, I would talk to you about your wonderful personality. Your generous nature. Your intellect. Do you understand? I would never lie to you, my sweet girl.” He squeezed her hand with a loving smile. “Now, my sweeting, don’t you have someplace to go this evening?”

“Yes, Papa. I’m going to Helen’s. We have some books we wish to read together.”

“You go on. Now, give your Papa a kiss.” She stood, walked to him, leaned over, and kissed him on the cheek. He put his hands on the sides of her face. “I love you, my darling girl.” He kissed her on both cheeks. “Come and say good-night to me when you return home.”

“I will Papa. I love you.” She stood at the door. “Papa. Please don’t stay up all night with David.”

“I will try like hell.” He gave her a big smile. She left the drawing room. I think my match-making is going to work. My little Margaret has a tendre for Lord Fredrick.

Fred Goes for Advice

Fredrick had a long soak in the tub. He had decided to call on Edward’s solicitor, Mr. Adam Hail, as soon as he left the Maxwell’s house. The solicitor disclosed transferring an unencumbered estate is completely normal. Owners could sell their entire unentailed estates prior to death for any number of reasons. As far as Lord Edward Maxwell’s estate, Lord Maxwell feared the estate would go to ruin if inherited by a particular distant relative, Moon Maxwell. Hideous name.

He wanted his grandson to inherit the estate. If, by chance, no male heirs were born, the estate would be signed into some kind of estate act so that Fredrick would be hindered from selling any part of it. It would be held. When a daughter married and had a son, it would pass down to that son from their lineage. Good heavens. I need a drink and a visit to Venus. I need to talk with Blackwood.

After much fussing by Joshua, he finally dressed, went downstairs, had two scotches, and left for Venus. Typically, he would send missives to the other horsemen to meet and enjoy, but tonight he wanted to have the privacy in order to speak with Lord Blackwood. He had Billy, the stable boy, saddle Mercury and rode out.

“Is Lord Blackwood here this evening?”

“Yes, my lord. In his favorite spot.”

Fred wandered into the room where Lords Blackwood and Duff were sitting. “Lord Fredrick, are you lost? You seemed to be meandering. What has you in such a quandary?”

“Good heavens. Something happened that took me completely aback this morning.” Fred sat down and ran his hands through his hair.

“Some lovely piece of skirt come to visit with a bundle in her hands?” Blackwood leaned with his elbows on the table. “If not, anything else is fixable.”

“Oh, good heavens, Blackwood. I think I’m a little smarter than to get caught with a small bundle at my doorstep …I think.” He looked behind him to try to locate the new bar wench. “Why is it that we have so much trouble trying to spend our money here?”

“Duff, I think it’s your turn. Go find the wench. You might even try her out. We need a review on her expertise.” Blackwood continued to goad.

“I believe I will do that.” Duff chuckled. “If I fail to return, know that she was very good.” Duff thought that quite funny.

Blackwood leaned toward Fred, both elbows on the table. “Now, we can talk. Tell me what has burdened your mind. I rarely see you in this state.”

“Alright, but mum, yes?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Lord Edward Maxwell’s son is dying.”

“Oh, my word. I hate to hear it. I like Edward.” They sat quiet for a minute. Blackwood appeared to be most concerned. “It must be difficult to lose a child.”

“Yes, and now he has no heir. There is a wastrel of a distant relative. Let me tell you the wastrel’s name. Ready?” Blackwell nodded. “Moon! Moon! Moon Maxwell, the wastrel.”

“God, what kind of parent names their son ‘Moon’?”

“I took Edward to retrieve his son in my Concord. The coach is huge. It easily carried the boy, who is completely incapacitated. Edward told me about the wastrel then. We had a laugh about his name. I told him he had years before he needed to worry about the wastrel.”

“I’m so sorry. So what will he do to protect his estate?”

“He sent a missive this morning, asking me to see him as soon as possible. Naturally, I went as soon as I could. His son, sadly, is reduced to the state of an infant. The family doctor told Edward there is no hope for the boy. This has been dreadful for Lady Maxwell and Edward. He told me he wants me to buy the entire estate from him.”

“So? You don’t have the money? Of course, you do. It is not the money so what is the issue?”

“He told me he would return the money plus much more in the form of a dowry.” Fred looked at Blackwood, waiting for the explosion. It never happened. His reaction appeared similar to Fred’s.

“What does he mean, dowry? Whose dowry? I don’t understand.” Blackwood obviously perplexed.

“His daughter’s dowry. When I marry her. Do you believe it?” Fred shook his head. “I need a drink! I promised myself to get foxed tonight, but it certainly is not going to happen this way.”

Blackwood stood up. “HEEEYYY! We need alcohol!” He sat back down and slammed his hands on the table. “They will either get us a drink or throw us out.” He chuckled.

Within seconds, the skinny little soft-spoken bar wench showed up. “I’m sorry gentlemen. I did – I mean I had –oh, well, I was unavailable. Bottle of top shelf scotch. And right away.” She seemed nervous or afraid of the table. Fred surmised Blackwood the cause. If you did not know him, he could intimidate the hell out of you.

“Yes, yes, and especially the right away part.” Fred emphasized expediency.

“Is his estate or any part of it entailed?” Blackwood knew what to ask.

“Edward asked me to see his solicitor, Mr. Adam Hail. The estate is not entailed. He told me that if I purchase the estate in its entirety, there is no way that the wastrel can get his hands on it.”

“I believe he is correct. You want me to speak with a barrister to confirm?” Blackwood always meant what he said.

“Yes, if you could. If you would.” Fred thought he always asked something of Blackwood.

“Now, I think we should get soused, foxed, drunk, inebriated. Soon.” Fred gave a somber chuckle. Blackwood slammed his hands on the table.

“Look what is coming!” Blackwood rubbed his hands together and licked his lips.

The wench set the bottle down in front of Blackwood and handed a glass to Fred.

“Blackwood. Each time I have ever come here, you are here. Don’t you ever stay home?”

“There is nothing to stay home for. She hated me the day we married and the intensity only became worse from that day forward. I told you; our union came about from an arranged marriage. I saw her all of twice before the wedding. I now see no logic for the merger, as we never had sex enough to procure a new partner to pass the business on to. She had zero talent in bedroom activities. I’m not sure if it was me or the act itself. At any rate, I decided it a waste of time; not worth the effort to try and bring a junior partner into the business. It can fold with her or me. Whoever retires first?” He groaned. “My loving wife makes Medusa look like Mother Mary.”

“That is a pitiful metaphor; speaking of marriage as a business.” Fred frowned. “Good heavens. That is what Edward is suggesting. A merger of sorts.” Blackwood’s ‘business’ brought that to Fred’s attention. This business transaction, of a sort.

“Are you willing to gamble on your life – going into a marriage without affection?” He stayed his eyes on Fredrick. “I will check on the validity of Hail’s claim, although I’m sure that what he told you is true. Fredrick, is this what you are willing to do? Is liking a lady enough for you?”

“Good heavens. I have no idea. I have been baffled, in a daze since I spoke with Edward.”

“Consider this. If you do marry the Maxwell girl and it fails to work, you can always get yourself a mistress. Ha . If I had any sense at all, I would be tupping something myself.”

“Don’t you keep a mistress?”

“Oh, I have in the past. You know. Off and on. More off these days than on. I would love to – ah, it matters little what I would love. It is not in the cards for this ole boy.” He gave a wistful sigh.

“Good heavens, Blackwood. You are not even close to the rocking chair. Hell, there are bachelors still in the ton older than you that are looking for a match. You are what – five and thirty? Somewhere in that range?”

“Good guess. Almost nine and thirty. Soon. It certainly goes by fast. When you are young, it seems like the days last forever. At some point, that all changes. It is like sliding down a hill in the snow.” He took a sip of his drink. “Yes. It goes by fast.”

“I would not stay in a marriage such as yours. I don’t mean to offend you. Edward mentioned he would speak with Lady Margaret sometime after I left this morning. I asked him to wait. I had some things to consider. If and when this ever should take place, it would be interesting to be in the room for their conversation.” Fred ran his hand over his face. “There is another problem.”

“Which is?” Blackwood leaned forward.

“Lady Margaret is interested in a friend of mine.” Blackwood canted his head. “Oh, yes. And you have met him. You did not care for him. Lord Henry Addams.”

“Well, hang it all! What the hell is wrong with the girl?” Blackwood slammed his hands down on the table. “Perhaps she has bad eyesight. You are taller, better built, nicer looking, and one hell of a lot wealthier.”

“And how would you know that,” Fred slammed his hands down on the table, to mimic Blackwood, “pray tell?”

“I know that Martin and you are two of the wealthiest gentlemen of the ton. Maybe, next to me.” He blew out a small ‘ha’. “Herbert is probably close; except he is a self-made man, in every sense of the word. His father would have sold off the estate, had it not been for Jonathan. The fat maggot, his nefarious activities, and his Bacchanalian behavior would have ended him in the workhouse had it not been for his son, who he belittles incessantly. He should be cleaning his son’s boots.” He chuckled. “Addams? Pushaw. He wouldn’t have half the wealth he is credited with had it not been for Claymont, Herbert, and you. Construction work kept his estate floating until the three of you shared financial advice. And the three of you were even helping him out with his construction business as well. And she has a tendre for him? Holy shite.”

“Where the hell did Duff go? Is he still being entertained ?“ Fred sat for a moment, considering Blackwood's advice. "I am rather pleased that we were able to speak without extra ears. I do respect your opinion. You have given me much to think about.” Fred rubbed the nape of his neck. “I wish I could find another way to assist the man without marriage in the plan.” He tossed his scotch back. “Fill me up again.” He took a big swallow.