A Most Unconventional Match. Julia Justiss
him off impatiently. ‘Irregularities in Everitt’s finances. I’ve only just learned that Mr Scarbridge, his solicitor, is a complete incompetent. Heaven knows, I know nothing about finance!’
‘Well, I should hope not!’ Sir Gregory exclaimed. ‘You, dear lady, have no need to trouble your pretty head over complicated matters that were best left to your husband’s discretion.’ He cast a mildly reproachful look at her dress. ‘All the financial expertise you require is knowing which dressmakers create the gowns that best display your beauty.’
‘Indeed,’ Elizabeth said flatly. Somehow that caveat seemed to have escaped the notice of the tough who’d come to threaten her. Apparently Sir Gregory was more pained by her choice of raiment than by the possibility that the estate’s finances might be in total disarray.
Before she could decide whether or not to tell the baronet about Mr Smith’s alarming visit, Sir Gregory said, ‘I must confess to be feeling somewhat…slighted. I would have hoped that if you felt the need for someone to look into your finances, as Everitt’s closest friend, you would have asked me.’
‘Did you know Mr Scarbridge was incompetent?’
‘Of course.’
‘Then why did you not warn me? How am I to protect myself and my son when I have no idea what…obligations are currently being pressed against Everitt’s estate?’
Sir Gregory patted her hand.’ ‘You protect yourself and your child? My dear, you needn’t even consider attempting something so alarming! I know how cast down you’ve been by Everitt’s demise, but remember, you’ve not been left entirely alone and friendless. I fully intended to visit Mr Scarbridge and see what needed to be done once I completed the my own estate business. Everitt was a gentleman, after all. If there are obligations against his estate, the creditors can wait until I have time to deal with them.’
At least one of them wasn’t prepared to wait, Elizabeth thought. And though she frankly avowed that she knew nothing about wills or finances, she wasn’t sure she appreciated Sir Gregory’s cavalier dismissal of her ability to protect her son.
Still, it was vastly comforting to know that in addition to Mr Waterman’s competent assistance, she might count upon Sir Gregory as well.
Though she still must consider it fortuitous that his friendship with Nicky had propelled Mr Waterman to come forward, for his sense of urgency in setting the estate to rights seemed to exceed Sir Gregory’s. Indeed, he must have begun asking questions immediately if the baronet had already heard of his investigations.
‘With you at present so preoccupied, I should rather think you would find it very convenient that Mr Waterman offered to attend to my small affairs. You will not need to put yourself out after all, Sir Gregory.’
‘You misunderstand, dear lady! Any service I can render you would be a pleasure!’ he protested. ‘Besides, though I’ve heard Waterman is quite competent, I’m not sure of the…propriety of him investigating your husband’s finances. There are no blood ties between you, after all, and, as a new widow, you must be careful of appearances.’
Since no blood ties existed between herself and Sir Gregory, his meddling in her affairs wouldn’t be any more proper. But though she’d certainly not intended to do so, apparently she’d wounded his feelings, so she refrained from pointing this out.
Instead, she replied, ‘It’s true that we are not blood kin. But you may recall that my sister Sarah is married to Mr Waterman’s best friend, Lord Englemere, who recently took his family and all my siblings on a Grand Tour of the Continent. Before he departed, he asked Mr Waterman to assist me with any difficulties that might arise during my family’s absence.’ Which was not precisely true, but close enough that it should soothe Sir Gregory’s injured sensibilities and his concern over propriety.
‘Oh. Well, no, I hadn’t been aware of the connection. That would render his calling upon you entirely proper, I suppose.’ Somehow Sir Gregory didn’t look as relieved by the knowledge as she might have expected.
‘Nicky—Lord Englemere—has also told me on several occasions that Mr Waterman is most astute in matters of finance. Englemere and my sister hold Mr Waterman in the very highest regard, so you may rest easy knowing that everything dealing with the will and the estate will be handled by someone of absolute skill and integrity.’
‘As I already said, I have no reason to question either Waterman’s skill or integrity. However…well, how can I put this delicately? He isn’t the best ton. ’Tis said he often keeps quite common company and involves himself personally in financial dealings that a gentleman ought to leave to the bourgeois tradesmen bred to handle them. I just hope that association with him won’t taint you with the odour of the shop.’
Had she any desire to figure upon the ton’s stage, Elizabeth supposed such a warning might give her pause. But since she’d never had the least interest in society, Sir Gregory’s caution left her unmoved…except once again to amusement. The baronet’s countenance was so grave, as if Mr. Waterman’s fashionable failings were of genuine importance, that she had all she could do not to smile.
‘I shall be on my guard,’ she replied, working to keep the mirth from her expression.
‘In addition, competent though he may be, I fear you will hardly be able to comprehend any information Waterman tries to convey. It amazes me that anyone manages to understand his cryptic utterances. Even his mother, dear lady, confesses she finds it difficult to grasp his meaning. Indeed, ’tis almost beyond believing that he could be the son of the incomparable Letitia.’
Elizabeth’s momentary humour faded. Apparently Sir Gregory did not much like Mr Waterman. Regardless of the reasons for his disapprobation, Elizabeth was becoming rather annoyed by his subtle disparagement of a man who was not only highly esteemed by her sister’s family, but whom she herself found to be sympathetic, helpful—and quite attractive.
‘How disappointing for Mrs Waterman,’ she said, an edge to her voice. She’d never met Mr Waterman’s mother, but she could not think very highly of a lady, incomparable or not, who would publicly disparage her son. ‘Though I find her difficulty somewhat surprising. I myself had no trouble whatsoever in understanding Mr Waterman.’
‘Truly?’ Sir Gregory blinked, clearly taken aback. ‘Well. You always were rather observant for a female. But,’ he gestured to the mantel clock, ‘my time remaining is short, so let us proceed to a more pleasant matter! I understand there was a sad accident a few days ago. As distressed as the lad already is at losing his papa, I thought he might appreciate this.’
Sir Gregory picked up a wrapped parcel from behind the sofa and handed it to Elizabeth. ‘Go ahead, open it. If it meets your approval, you can give it to the boy.’
Inside the wrapped package, Elizabeth found a new toy soldier, all gleaming paint and shiny brass. ‘How considerate of you, Sir Gregory!’ Elizabeth exclaimed. The gesture was even more impressive when one considered that the baronet was not a man used to dealing with children.
Though she still could not approve his unkind words about Mr Waterman, Sir Gregory could have chosen no better way to redeem himself in her eyes than by this kindness to her child. ‘How can I thank you?’
‘I take it you do approve, then? To bring you pleasure, ma’am, is all the thanks I desire.’
The fervour of his gaze made her a little uncomfortable. ‘How did you know about David’s broken soldier?’ she asked, looking down at the soldier.
‘Oh, I have my little sources,’ Sir Gregory said with a chuckle. ‘I sent my valet out to find a replacement. I’m pleased he chose something suitable.’
Though she shouldn’t have expected a busy man like Sir Gregory to take the time to visit a toy seller personally, her enthusiasm dimmed a trifle. ‘Yes, he did very well.’
‘Shall we summon the boy and let him have his treat?’
‘If you can spare