'Leave it to me, my lord, I will select the items myself and have them taken round as soon as they are ready.'
'They need to be there as soon as possible – before I go around myself.'
'It will be done as you requested, my lord.'
He whistled to the dog who bounded over looking a little guilty. Perry decided not to investigate what his dog had been doing. He had a suspicion that Zorro had left a nasty surprise for one of the gardeners to find.
He wasted a further half an hour before returning to the breakfast parlour. His brother had yet to appear but the food was there and he was sharp-set. He was in the process of heaping his plate when Beau strolled in.
'You are looking more cheerful, little brother, and your colour is better too.'
'I am hopeful that in three weeks my beautiful bride will be restored to me. I shall only inform her about our future living arrangements then. I do not wish to influence her in my favour but have her take me back as I am.'
'A noble sentiment, but I do not think you can take the risk. From what you have told me she has already forgiven you – after all she would not have suggested that you remarry if she was intending to return to Spain.'
'I shall take your advice, Beau, and tell her everything I have set in motion when I go to see her shortly. I am relieved you have not set the alterations in motion in the west wing as that would be a wasted expense. Would you ask Carstairs, when he returns, to sell the two estates I inherited. I wish to be financially independent when we move next year.'
'What do you intend to do with the money when you have it?'
'I had thought to invest in a manufactory or two – the people need work and this will be a way of satisfying my need for an income and my people for employment.'
His brother looked shocked, as well he might, because no Sheldon had ever been involved in trade before. 'I have a small interest in a shipping company. Why not investigate that first?'
'I take it that shipping is acceptable whereas manufacturing is not.' His brother frowned and Perry raised his hand to prevent the pithy retort that would be coming his way. 'As long as I don't have to sail in one myself I am quite open to putting my money in import and export instead. However, even with insurance I don't think my money will be as secure as it would be in a factory.'
'I refuse to discuss such matters when I am eating my breakfast. I had been meaning to tell you that your hound has been attracting a deal of attention in the neighbourhood.' Beau waved his fork in the air. 'Why don't you look for a suitable bitch to breed with him?'
'I rather think Zorro will find his own mate, and that there will be a surplus of puppies by next spring.'
'In which case, I shall get my kennelman to find me a couple. I have become quite attached to your dog.'
Conversation ceased whilst they both ate heartily. The time, when they had finished, was just after ten o'clock, so he must attend to his appearance and then present himself next door. This time he would go to the front as a visitor would, not to the terrace entrance.
'Are you dining next door again, Beau?'
'I thought to invite Bennett and Grace, Carshalton and Madeline, as well as Aubrey, Mary and Sofia. I think your wife will have no objection to spending time with you in company.'
'Thank you, your kindness is much appreciated. I shall see you at dinner.'
*
Sofia spent longer on her appearance than was strictly necessary when she was intending to spend a quiet morning in the house. Polly finished dressing her hair and stood back.
'There, my lady, that new style is perfect on you. The modiste will be arriving soon with the samples and fashion plates for you to choose your new gowns.'
'You have my measurements so there is no need for me to do more than look through the styles and materials. I'm expecting Lord Peregrine at any moment, therefore, if she arrives whilst he is here you must have her bring everything to my sitting room and I will come as soon as I can to make my selections.'
As she was admiring her appearance in the long glass there was a loud knock on the sitting room door and Polly ran to answer it. There was the sound of voices and the scuffle of feet next door and then her maid rushed in beaming.
'This is the note that has come with the other things, my lady.'
'What other things?' She moved swiftly into the sitting room and stopped, her mouth rounded. An enormous, beribboned basket of exotic fruit stood on the central table and a huge vase of hothouse flowers had been placed on the bureau at the other side of the chamber.
She unfolded the note.
My darling Sofia,
Here are some small tokens of my love – courtesy of the duke's hothouse. I am counting the seconds until I can come and see you in person.
Love everlasting
Your husband Peregrine.
His missive was as extravagant as his gifts. She could imagine him writing it, his eyes gleaming with amusement, and loved him for it. Perhaps waiting three weeks to forgive him was a trifle longer than it need be.
