“My wife saw a traveling carriage bearing the Norwich crest this morning and begged me to come inquire as to your presence and see to your comfort.” The man drew close enough to quit his jovial shouting and run his eyes down Edward’s less-than-fine clothing. He hadn’t wished to sully any of his finer clothing and so had not brought any. “But it would seem she was mistaken.” His statement ended on a slight question, as he glanced between them and the carriage that did, in fact, bear Edward’s crest.
Edward folded his arms as he drew himself up in a manner that would inform all and sundry that he was an earl, rough clothing or no.
Mr. Kenworthy blinked, clearly befuddled, but a grin quickly spread across his cheeks. “Oh, ho! So perhaps she was correct indeed. She has a knack for knowing all those worth knowing. Her father is a baronet, you know. You might have heard of him—Lord Buckley, very influential in London. I am certain he would wish us to make your acquaintance, and, as such, you will forgive the breach in conduct as I introduce myself. Mr. Kenworthy, at your service.” The speech was punctuated with him swinging from his saddle and bowing crisply at the waist. He had an athletic build and was likely a year or two younger than Edward’s own twenty-six years.
Edward was torn between amusement at the total lack of propriety the man showed and anger at the knowledge of his dealings with the Bartons.
He settled on anger.
“Lord Norwich.” Edward inclined his head only a fraction with the introduction. “It is fortunate you would happen upon us now, as I was just discussing your apparent need for a competent carpenter. Perhaps I might suggest one?”
A shadow of puzzlement crossed Mr. Kenworthy’s face until his lazy grin reappeared. “No need. Mr. Monroe down in the village does a fine job.” He stuck his hands partially into his coat pockets and leaned into his hips as if pleased with himself.
Edward arranged his mouth into a semblance of a smile that he intended to appear as anything but.
“Interesting. I wonder, then, why the Bartons’ cottage is in such disrepair. One would think that an upstanding gentleman in possession of a fine carpenter would be capable of remedying such a thing.”
The insolent man flicked a disinterested glance at the house in question. “Nonsense. This cottage was repaired just last winter.”
Edward’s jaw tightened further at the total dismissal in the man’s words. “Well then. Perhaps Mr. Monroe is not quite so competent as you seem to believe.”
Mr. Kenworthy finally appeared to be recognizing Edward’s anger that was boiling close to the surface. He took a small step backward, looking to his steed. His voice was not so jovial when next he spoke. “Mr. Monroe does what is warranted.”
Edward’s eyebrows rose. “Then the Bartons do not warrant a finer job than this pathetic repair?”
“My lord, you do not need—”
Edward silenced Barton’s quiet words with a slight lift of his hand. He raised an eyebrow at Mr. Kenworthy. “Well?”
The man let out a scoff. “Well, if you must know, no. My priorities lay elsewhere, as I am sure you, as a landowner, are aware.”
“I, as the owner of two estates, a hunting box, and a home in London can assure you none of my tenants or servants are living in homes such as this travesty!” His voice rose, as did his anger.
Mr. Kenworthy barked a laugh, his eyes narrowing with the mirthless sound. “It is clear we disagree on this matter. I will bid you good day, Lord Norwich.”
Edward was appalled at the man’s treatment of him—a peer far higher in status than he was—but even more so at his treatment of those so dependent on him. The dishonorable pig ought to be stripped of his wealth.
“And a good day to you, Mr. Kenworthy. Consider this your notice that these tenants will be vacating their home by week’s end.”
Barton coughed in surprise from beside him.
“Oh?” Mr. Kenworthy looked back from where he was standing with a hand on his saddle, preparing to mount.
“Yes. They shall be removing to a fine home on the grounds of Drayton Hall.”
“You intend to poach my tenants?” The man’s voice held a hint of steel that Edward would not have guessed he possessed.
“I intend to grant your tenants what you have failed to provide.”
“You, sir, are out of line!” He dropped his horse’s reins and turned back, thunderous.
Finally!Edward was strangely exhilarated to see his anger reflected in this man’s demeanor.
“I am nosir. You will address me as Lord Norwich.”
The man’s face turned red, and Edward was gratified by his ability to elicit a rise from the lazy man. “I will do no such thing! You cannot expect such respect when you come ontomylands and treat me so abominably.”
“I can, and I shall.” Edward stepped closer to the man. His anger felt disproportionate to the situation perhaps, but his pent-up frustrations borne of his terrible travels, Amelia’s absence, and Barton’s family’s conditions had been unstoppered by this ill-mannered swine of a man. It felt strangely satisfying.
