Moss Manor, page 26
“You’ll add to it,” Lady Moss assures. “It’ll also take attention away from prying eyes and ears about our business dealings.”
“True,” he agrees. “Lord Benjamin Jones will be here tonight. He is most eager to meet you and Mr. Stevens.”
“Wonderful,” she sighs.
“What of Mr. and Mrs. Warren? They are attending, are they not?”
“Yes,” she confirms. “They’ll be staying with me this week, returning home with William and me.”
“Splendid,” the Baron praises. “Have you inquired about their role in our plans?”
“Tomorrow,” she reveals.
The Baron nods as he glances out the window.
Once they arrive, they’re directed into the home and toward the main ballroom. William stays close by, waiting with Adelaide Stevens when the next song begins. Lady Moss and Baron Hasworthy dance for two songs before relinquishing the other to chat with those in attendance.
“He’s all yours,” Lady Moss says lowly in Adelaide’s ear.
The young girl sequesters a smile.
“Make sure do you as I suggested,” Lady Moss reminds.
“Yes, Lady Moss,” she agrees.
“Abigail,” a male’s voice calls.
She turns to acknowledge the familiar voice. “Uncle John, so good to see you.”
“How are you and William?” he asks after kissing her cheek.
“Fine, thank you,” William replies.
“I hardly recognized you,” Mr. Jenning states. “You have grown much since I last saw you.”
The boy smiles proudly. “Baron Hasworthy said the same.”
“I have heard rumors, dear niece,” Mr. Jenning teases.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“What are you plotting?” he asks with a teasing smile.
“How is Aunt Norma?” she inquires politely.
“Fairing well,” he shares.
“Is she here?” William asks, looking around.
“I thought it best I attend alone,” Mr. Jenning states. “No need to encourage rumors. Besides, I look forward to an adventure with my great-nephew.”
William smiles and takes a hold of his Great Uncles hand.
“Where is Mr. Jackson?” Mr. Jenning inquires.
“You expected to see him tonight?” Lady Moss asks.
“He is with you during many of your outings, is he not? One would almost think he is your husband,” he says with a sly grin.
“He has the night off,” she confirms, doing her best to ignore his comment. “Baron Hasworthy is my escort.”
“Seems as if your escort has intentions with another woman,” he replies, glancing at the Baron who is speaking with Adelaide Stevens.
“I didn’t notice,” she replies nonchalantly.
“One would think he would be looking at you the way in which he looks at her,” Mr. Jenning suggests.
“Why would one think such things?” she asks feigning comprehension.
“All a part of the plan, right Mama?” William asks, rising back on his heels.
“What plan, Abigail?” Mr. Jenning replies.
“A plan that cannot be revealed, Great Uncle,” William shares. “Not yet, anyway.”
“I heard someone speaking of the old Sutton land being bought,” Mr. Jenning states. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about it, would you, dear niece?”
“Why would I know anything?” she replies.
“Do not insult my intelligence,” the man requests with a sprightly tone. “I dare not insult yours.”
She smooths out a part of her dress. “I may have heard something.”
“Which is?” he inquires when she doesn’t elaborate.
Lady Moss shrugs. “How about a drink, William?”
“Do not avoid me, niece,” Mr. Jenning declares playfully.
“I would never,” she replies with a grin. “Would you like a drink as well?”
As they get refreshments and something to eat, Mr. Stevens rushes toward them.
“Lady Moss,” he says with a bow.
“Mr. Stevens,” she replies with a curtsey. “Enjoying your party? I know William and I are.”
“Most indeed,” Mr. Stevens confirms.
“Have you met my Uncle, Mr. John Jenning?”
“Mr. Jenning,” Mr. Steven says with a bow. “It is an honor. You must be very proud of your niece.”
“Quite proud, though I’m not certain what particularly I should be proud of at this moment,” he returns.
“Uncle,” Lady Moss chides with a smirk.
“William, my boy,” Mr. Stevens calls, bowing as well. “Wonderful to see the great Pirate Prince as always.”
“Pleasure,” William replies, returning the gesture.
“I must confess, dear Lady Moss, I had not believed my wife when she confirmed that Baron Hasworthy would be attending,” Mr. Stevens admits. “I did not doubt you and your relationship, especially after your introduction. But, Lord Garrish, Lord Jones, and Baron Monteleone attending, I merely—“
“No need, Mr. Stevens,” Lady Moss returns sweetly.
“You are a most influential woman,” Mr. Stevens continues.
“How so?” Mr. Jenning inquires.
“More than half of the businessmen she suggested to invite are in attendance,” Mr. Stevens reveals. “I have spoken to most of them and there will be many business meetings to follow.”
“Seems as if there might be a wedding soon too,” Lady Moss adds, gesturing toward Baron Hasworthy and his daughter who are conversing in the distance.
Mr. Stevens’ smile grows. “He does seem fond of her, does he not?”
“Most indeed,” she agrees. Lady Moss glances around to who’s close by. She leans between her uncle and Mr. Stevens. “The Baron is my business partner.”
“Is he?” Mr. Stevens quips with awe.
“What do you mean, dear?” Mr. Jenning inquires.
“They bought Sutton Manor,” William states. He offers an apologetic expression.
“It’s alright, William,” Lady Moss soothes.
“You’re the one who purchased the land?” Mr. Steven asks, shocked by the announcement.
“We contracted it this morning,” Lady Moss shares. “He is my financial partner.”
“What are your plans?” Mr. Jenning inquires.
“We’ll convert some of the land to farm. Some of it already has some grand natural resources of its own, and we’ll begin refurbishing the manor itself,” she says. “It will become a getaway for those in the city.”
“What a splendid idea,” Mr. Stevens praises.
“That is only the beginning,” William says proudly.
“It is indeed,” Lady Moss agrees. “I’ve already spoken to several of the businessmen with the Baron at my side and they’ve agreed to some of our proposals.”
“What proposals?” Mr. Jenning inquires.
“Well, I was hoping that Mr. and Mrs. Stevens would be willing to assist with some linens for the manor,” Lady Moss reveals. “There will be many windows that will need to be covered, many beds, rugs, not to mention furniture—“
“Done,” Mr. Stevens agrees. “And, I’ll give a fair price.”
“Even for some of that fine India silk?” she inquires with a grin.
“Most indeed,” Mr. Stevens confirms.
“There is another dealing that I would like to discuss with you, Mr. Stevens,” she continues. “At a later time of course. It would be one of profit.”
“We shall speak of it in the next day or so,” he agrees.
“When I see my lawyer, I shall make introductions,” she announces.
“That is Mr. Warren, correct?” he checks.
“Yes,” she affirms. “His wife, Elizabeth, is my dearest friend.”
“They are some of the most pleasant people I know,” Uncle John states.
Lady Moss smiles appreciatively.
“Mr. Warren is a find lawyer too,” he adds. “He’s aided my dear niece with the manor and I’m certain he is assisting her and the Baron with their business dealings.”
“Indeed,” she agrees.
“I am most excited to meet him,” Mr. Stevens replies. “I am not too fond of how my lawyer is handling certain matters.”
“I’m certain Charles, or his employer, will be more than accommodating,” she returns.
The music suddenly stops and the crowd backs away from the dance floor.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Mrs. Stevens calls. When she sees her husband, she summons him.
“Excuse me, Lady Moss, Mr. Jenning, William,” he requests with a bow.
“Whatever could this be about?” Mr. Jenning inquires.
“A proposal was accepted, I would think,” Lady Moss says.
“How can—“
“Thank you, everyone, for attending this evening,” Mrs. Stevens continues. “I don’t wish to stop the fun. I merely wanted to announce the wonderful news! My daughter, Adelaide, has accepted Baron Hasworthy’s proposal!”
The crowd claps as Mrs. Stevens finds Lady Moss across the way. She smiles and curtsies and Lady Moss replies in kind.
“You really aren’t marrying him,” William says with a sigh of relief.
“Baron Hasworthy is a good man,” Mr. Jenning states. “But, he is not the proper man for your mother.”
“Who is?” William asks.
Mr. Jenning smiles. “He may be closer than you think.”
William looks around the room, but confusion resides on his face.
“What are you on about, Uncle?”
He snickers. “You haven’t noticed?”
“Noticed what?” she asks.
“It better not be Mr. Alcott,” William scoffs.
Lady Moss glances around, nervous that he’s present.
“He is not here,” Mr. Jenning chuckles.
“Then, who could it be?” William asks.
“There are many fine men here, dear,” Lady Moss says. “But, none I have interest in marrying.”
Mr. Jenning lowers and whispers in William’s ear. A grand smile spreads across the boy’s face.
“What?” Lady Moss inquires.
“Nothing, dear,” Mr. Jenning claims, standing upright.
Lady Moss scrunches her face and her mouth. “Do not conspire against me with my son.”
“I would never,” Mr. Jenning returns as William snickers.
Chapter Thirty-Two
“You aren’t serious, are you, Abigail?” Mrs. Warren asks, staring at the burnt building with awe.
Lady Moss shrugs. “If you and Charles are not interested, I’m sure Adelaide Stevens and Baron Hasworthy would be most happy to—“
“Don’t you dare,” Mrs. Warren replies with a giggle. “Of course, Charles and I would be most happy.”
“It is a grand gesture,” Mr. Warren adds.
“It is not like you’re getting it for free,” Lady Moss reminds. “You will be expected to oversee the operations of the manor for its guests. Granted, you’ll have the entire top floor of either the West or East wing for yourselves aside from the office for Charles when he has clients come to visit.”
“It is too much,” Mrs. Warren claims.
“Charles will be handling much of the paperwork,” Lady Moss reminds. “There will be much to oversee for this estate, particularly in the beginning, and—“
“And? There’s an and?” Mrs. Warren says.
Lady Moss shrugs. “There are many, ands,” she says. “Many ideas that I have, that Baron Hasworthy has, that Mr. Jackson has, and that William has too.”
“Mr. Jackson?” Mr. Warren inquires.
“What?” he replies when he overhears his name.
“You of all people have been a part of her spinster ways?” Mr. Warren chuckles. “I did not expect it.”
Mr. Jackson looks at Lady Moss. “It’s just good business dealings.”
“So, you knew of her plot for Baron Hasworthy and the young Ms. Stevens?” Mr. Warren asks.
“That, I did not know,” Mr. Jackson replies. “I took no part in her scheming.”
“It was not scheming,” Lady Moss objects.
“By very definition, dear Abigail, you were scheming,” Mr. Warren says with a chuckle.
“Scheming is when there is ill-intent. I had none of it. What I did was for the betterment of everyone,” Lady Moss reminds. “Was anyone hurt?”
“Just some prideful people like your Aunt and Mr. Alcott,” Mr. Jackson snickers.
“I meant innocent people,” she says with a huff.
“No,” he confirms.
“I get my wish for my best friend to live closer. Mrs. Warren gets her wish to be in the country while her husband is still able to tend to business and make good money. The Baron and Adelaide get to marry and—“
“And, you expand your business,” Mr. Warren states.
“Exactly,” Lady Moss agrees.
“What’s next, Abbie?” Mrs. Warren inquires.
“What do you mean?” she replies.
“Everyone knows who you are. You are a woman who owns a business and many women look up to you,” Mrs. Warren says. “Many men despise the idea, but they will not dare cross Baron Hasworthy. What next for you my friend?”
Lady Moss’ brow furrows in confusion.
“You have a child,” Mr. Warren states. “Perhaps it is time to find a husband.”
Lady Moss jerks her head to the side. “You’re all aware of my thoughts on the matter.”
“William needs a father,” Mr. Warren claims.
Lady Moss cuts her gaze to him. “He has several men in his life who aid him just fine. He loves them and they love him.”
“What of brothers or sisters for him?” Mrs. Warren asks gently.
“He has his cousins and the Barton twins,” Lady Moss reminds.
“That is not the same, Abbie,” Mrs. Warren declares. “You know it.”
“Come, William,” she says, extending her hand toward him. “There is much for me to do today. You do not have to do studies until tomorrow.”
“Abbie,” Mrs. Warren calls.
“I want to stay,” the boy replies.
She looks at her friends and Mr. Jackson for a moment. “I’ll see you all back at the manor then.” Lady Moss heads toward her horse and gathers the reins.
“A hand, Miss?” Mr. Jackson inquires.
She pauses for a moment and then nods. Lady Moss rides off without another word.
“What’s up her—“
“Charles,” Mrs. Warren warns. “Don’t.”
“She admitted long ago that she did not love Mr. Woolridge,” he reminds. “So, why is she so—“
“Abigail is right, Mr. Warren,” she exclaims heatedly as she walks away from him. “You have much to learn about women.”
“What did I say?” he asks Mr. Jackson.
Mr. Jackson shrugs, unsure of how the conversation changed so quickly and unaware of why Lady Moss, and now Mrs. Warren, are angry.
“Come, William,” Mrs. Warren calls. “Let’s explore the building.”
William happily complies.
“I think there would be much greatness here added to your adventures,” Mrs. Warren suggests. “What do you think?”
William nods. “Much to discover. Perhaps some treasure. Perhaps some evil king who needs to be vanquished.”
“Perhaps a maiden in distress,” Mrs. Warren adds. “Should we gather some treasures for the Pirate Queen?”
“What did you have in mind?” William asks with eagerness.
“Well,” she replies, looking around at the wildflowers. “Here’s the golden flower of the sun.” She plucks some Lady’s bedstraw. “These are rare…said to be tears from the sun and are of the utmost luck.”
“Ooh,” William says with awe. He jumps over to white daisies. “Here are cloudy bell flowers, left behind when fairies migrate over the land. They’re said to have magical healing powers.”
“I have heard of them,” Mrs. Warren replies. “Though, I have never seen one before. I am most lucky to partake in this adventure with you. Why don’t you go that way and I’ll look over here?”
“Okay,” William replies, rushing off, but stays in view.
She turns to face the gentlemen who’ve been following behind her and the child. “It might do you good to find a way to cheer up my friend, Charles,” Mrs. Warren suggests when he and Mr. Jackson approach.
Mr. Warren lets out a defeated sigh. “Yes, my love,” he replies. He looks at Mr. Jackson and shrugs. “Women.” He darts off to catch up with William.
“What of you, Mr. Jackson?” she inquires when they are alone.
“What of me?”
“You honestly want me to believe that you knew nothing of my friend’s plans?” she asks.
Mr. Jackson is silent for several long moments as they casually stroll after William and Mr. Warren. He refrains from confirming her speculation.
“She consults with you quite a bit,” Mrs. Warren assumes. “She trusts your honesty and opinion.”
“I suppose,” he replies.
Mrs. Warren stops, forcing him to turn and look at her. “You suppose?” Her head tilts to the side as she chuckles lightly. “You men have no clue when it comes to women.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“May I be blunt, Mr. Jackson?” she inquires.
“I prefer people to say what they mean,” he replies.
“Good,” she says with a smile. “Please do not be so dense about my friend and her tendencies. She holds you in the highest regards, Mr. Jackson.”
He doesn’t comment.
“She entrusts you with her farm. She entrusts you with her son. She entrusts you with more than any other man she knows, not even her Uncle nor her father,” Mrs. Warren adds. “Both of you are too stubborn and prideful.”
“How am I—?”
“I’m not referring to business, Mr. Jackson,” she says.
“What are you on about?”
“She confides in you, does she not, Mr. Jackson…even after she speaks with the Baron?” she asks.
He nods.
Mrs. Warren tilts her head to see how far away William and her husband are from them. “I saw what you did, Mr. Jackson.”
“What did I do?”
Her smile widens. “The night you last visited,” she reveals. “When you kissed my friend.”
