“Ah then, that is why Mrs. Dunstan was later than normal below stairs,” Sarah said with a half grin.
“That is enough!” Cecilia said, laughing. “And I’m afraid I shall require more than just that pitcher of hot water,” she said, airily waving in that direction. “You did a good job of brushing the soot out of my hair yesterday, but I really need to wash my hair. I swear my scalp itches.”
“I shall get with the footmen to bring up hot water. Should you also like a breakfast tray in here?”
“Yes, that would be lovely. “
Some minute later James came to her dressing room. “Cecilia, remember the investments Owen Sedgewick was involved in?”
“Yes?”
“Our solicitor’s office has just sent over their findings regarding his investments. Remember the Paradise Medicinal investment mentioned?”
“Yes, I do. It was quite extensive.”
“Guess who the partners are in that venture.”
She shook her head. “I have no idea whom Mr. Sedgewick might be involved with.”
“It listed one person as Alastair Sedgewick, Earl of Soothcoor.”
“That makes sense.”
“And the other is Damon Partridge.”
“Damon Partridge of the Partridge and Sons Import and Export Company, who are buying Waddley’s?”
“The same.”
“Gracious.” Cecilia blinked as she sat back on the sofa. “He visited Waddley’s yesterday afternoon. Do you remember, Mr. Thornbridge asked if I wanted to attend?”
“I do. I think I shall visit Mr. Partridge,” James said.
“James, I must wash the last of the soot out of my hair, and it will take a good two hours for my hair to dry.Faugh!I can’t put it off, but there are so many other things I’d like to be doing. Like visiting Christopher!”
“And Dr. Seeton will be back this morning as well.”
“I could not possibly visit Mr. Partridge today,” she said.
“And perhaps that is a good thing.”
“What do you mean?”
“I would speak to him of Paradise Medicinals, and I can do so without confusing the discussion with the upcoming Waddley Spice and Tea Company acquisition.”
She thought for a moment. “I see what you mean. I will reluctantly agree with you, but you know how much I prefer to be involved.”
He laughed. “I do indeed. I promise I shall make a full report to you on my return.”
“Excellent. I must get my bath, now.” She stood up. “Go.” She waved him away.
He laughed again. It occurred to him he’d not laughed so much in his life until he’d married Cecilia. She was his delight. He left her to her new flurry of activity.
* * *
“Christopher is doing well today,”Dr. Seeton said as he came out of the nursery an hour later. “He still has some muscle strain with pain, but not as much as I had expected.”
“That is wonderful to hear. Please join me in the parlor, where we can discuss Christopher’s condition and care,” Cecilia said.
