“A fair number, sir,” he acknowledged.
“I could use your help. Rupert had a house, a grand place in Mayfair, that I understand he inherited from the previous master. It follows that the thing is mine now, but it needs a thorough cleaning and sprucing, top to bottom. Would you know people who would do good work and want to be paid for it?” Kendrick named the sum.
Robbie’s eyes widened a little. “Aye, sir, I can think of a fair few who would. Would you like me to spread the word?”
“I would—but I hoped you might be interested in overseeing the logistics.”
Robbie’s eyebrows shot up, but he hesitated. “Not Joseph? He was the previous master’s majordomo.”
“I haven’t ascertained if he wants to continue in the position,” Kendrick said. “I’d like his help. He knows the house’s history. But I got the impression he was not eager to return—at least in his prior function. But you know the people. If you’ll get a preliminary work force together, I’ll ask him if he’d like to assist. If not, you’ll work with Etienne.”
Etienne shot him a longsuffering look but didn’t comment.
Kendrick added, “And let me know if anyone gives those you recruit a difficult time of it.”
“Aye, sir. When would you like us to begin?”
“Whenever your interested work force can start. Etienne has the expenses for cleaning supplies and other items.” He had not found the banking records for the Ossuary’s funds, but he had accounts of his own, accrued over the centuries. Until now, he had had little need to dip into them for more than new clothes and travel expenses. Kendrick clapped them both on the shoulder. “Thank you both.” Then he strode off to find Joseph.
He had not felt so electrified and purposeful in years. Speaking with Genevieve had lit a fire in him—enough that he had spoken without thought when he had realized that he was attracted to her.Like some green lad, Kendrick thought ruefully. It was no wonder that she had stiffened up and retreated. Gentlemen didn’t speak to ladies of wanting them.
“I don’t know why you’d say such an extraordinary thing,” she had said stiffly, after staring at him like he had sprouted another head.
“Forgive me for putting it that way,” he had said by way of apology. “I have never been truly civilized. But believe me that I meant it. And it is extraordinary—to me. It’s been decades since I’ve found myself wanting anything. I find myself surprised…and delighted, Jenny.”
He took some heart that the disturbed look on her face seemed to have more to do with the nickname he had bestowed upon her than by his declaration.
But all of it was true. Genevieve Dryden was a riddle of passion and hurts, fervent convictions and stubborn will wrapped in a highly attractive package that he wanted to unravel, one ribbon at a time. And Kendrick believed the best way to go about showing that he was sincere, as well as proving that he had listened to her and he believed she was correct in her assertions, was to put some of what they had spoken of into practice. Which was why he had approached Robbie MacPherson and was now looking for the former master’s majordomo.
Joseph was a harder character to find. He had to inquire of several people—and they were not as helpful as Robbie, though Kendrick made a point to be persuasive and nonthreatening. But finally, he ran Joseph to ground on the streets above, outside a music hall teeming with life as performers wearing loud, colorful clothes danced and observers called encouragement and heckled in equal number.
“Listening again?” Kendrick asked, stopping beside the other vampire and gazing around at the crowd. Men and women milled around, bundled in all sorts of clothes and layers, skin colors blending from the browns of Africa and Hindustan to swarthy Mediterranean shades and up to pale, sickly Englishmen.
“And if I were?” Joseph murmured.
“I would say this is an ideal place to do it, but I marvel that you have not gone deaf by now,” Kendrick said as another burst of laughter echoed. In the snatches of conversation and shouted comments in various languages and cants, he could even hear phrases of Mandarin.
“I assume you came looking for me for a reason. I have not found any more law books, though I have an appointment to meet with Dominic and go over the ones we have in hand later this week.”
“I wondered how much you enjoyed the job you did for Rupert.”
“Not at all,” Joseph said with a grim smile.
“So, you would not be interested in assisting with a project that involves the house?”
He frowned. “What sort of project?”
Kendrick explained his plan to offer at least a small portion of those living in the Ossuary a wage to clean out the house, and Robbie’s willingness to find people interested. “You are most familiar with it, but I understand if you would rather cut ties.”
“Did you know that for all the years I spent on the fringes of Rupert’s court, I never drew a wage?” Joseph tilted his head to the side, his eyes unfocused. “I was repaid with ‘status’ and ‘power.’”
“So, you really stayed for the less fortunate who intersected with his circles.”
“Yes. Those who drew his ire, who fell out of favor…those they wanted to make an example of. Or play with.” His mouth twisted. “But I can help. Truth be told, I would enjoy seeing it scoured free of the past. And money talks.”
Kendrick nodded. “I am hoping Miss Dryden’s suggestions to improve the fare of the Ossuary dwellers will bear fruit.”
“Miss Dryden?” Joseph shot him an odd look.
