“I’d suggest you ask Mr. Martin about that,” Norris said in response to the latest one. An answer he’d already given numerous times.
“Of course,” George said, and made another note in his book while Theo—who had realised he was staring at George’s mouth—dragged his gaze away, pretending absorption in the large open volume on the table.
It was impossible to concentrate on the boring columns of figures, especially when he couldn’t stop looking at and thinking about George. The lust that heated his blood troubled him far less than the other, newer feelings he was experiencing. Helpless yearning. Bewildered affection. Feelings that he was finding it increasingly difficult to ignore.
Finally, after another hour, George ran out of questions, and Norris closed the ledgers, tucking them back into his satchel.
“If there’s anything else I can help you with, Mr. Asquith,” he said, as he stood to take his leave, “please let me know.”
“Thank you,” George said. “I will.”
Theo rose to his feet too. “I’ll see you out.”
When they reached the front door, Norris paused. “Mr. Caldwell, do you remember the brief discussion we had the last time you were here? I mentioned to you that there’s a local gentleman who may be interested in acquiring this property.”
“I remember,” Theo said coolly. “And I gather there’s a rumour going around that I’ve already agreed to sell to him.”
Norris frowned. “Really? I can’t imagine how that started.” Then he shrugged. “That said, it’s widely known that he’s interested in purchasing more land in the area and people do love to gossip. At any rate, I was speaking with him a few days ago and he mentioned the matter again. He’s off to Liverpool for a few weeks, but he told me he'd like to meet with you when he returns.”
Theo stared at Norris. Just a few days ago, the prospect of an easy sale that would leave him with a tidy sum in his hand would have elated him, but after his conversation with the Morgans, and the one that followed with George, he felt rather differently. Finally, he said, “I’m willing to consider selling, but not on any terms.”
“Of course,” Norris said easily. “It would only be a conversation, to see if you can agree something mutually acceptable.”
Reassured, Theo said, “Very well. In that case, I’d be happy to meet with him.”
Norris smiled then, displaying an alarming array of crooked teeth. “Very good. I’ll speak with him when he returns, and let you know the date. Is there any particular day of the week that would suit you best?”
“No, I’m happy with whatever you arrange,” Theo said. “My days are quite free presently.”
“Excellent,” Norris said, and thrust his hand out. “Then I’ll take my leave of you, Mr. Caldwell, and let you know the date as soon as I can.”
When Theo returned to the dining room, it was to find George still scribbling in his notebook. “So,” he said. “What did you think of the ledgers?”
“They look fine,” George said. “They’re well kept and everything looks in order. Norris is doing his job well enough, but—” He broke off, frowning.
“What?” Theo prompted.
George met his gaze, and his own was troubled. “It’s not what’s in there that’s the concern, Theo. It’s what’s not there. The things I’d expect to see in the ledgers. The upkeep costs, that sort of thing.”
Martin’s words came back to him then, about the state of repair of the house, the cottages, the roads. The expenses that had not been… expended. A hot flush of shame washed over him. These last months, he had assumed Blackfriars would continue running without him having to actually do anything. Plainly, he’d been wrong—feckless as usual—and now he felt like the worst kind of thoughtless fool.
He was no better than his father, expecting the rents to be paid without him even troubling to think about the place.
He hated that George was seeing his ineptitude.
“You wrote down a lot of questions for Martin,” he said at last.
“He seems to be the man we need to talk to,” George replied. “It’s good that we’ve already arranged to meet him today.” He tapped his fingertips on the table, thinking. “Perhaps you should invite him to join us for dinner after? Mrs. Ford will probably be delighted to cook for him.”
Theo nodded. “Good idea.” He tried to smile, but knew it was poor effort. The truth was, he could already imagine how the day and evening were going to go. He would have nothing to contribute to the discussion but his attention, listening while George asked his pointed, intelligent questions and Martin answered him with all his years-long knowledge of Blackfriars.
“What’s wrong?” George said, frowning.
Theo shook his head. “Nothing.” He smiled and rose to his feet. “Shall we head over there now? It’s a quarter to twelve.”
George was quiet as they walked to Martin’s farm.
“What’s wrong?” Theo asked, nudging his arm with one elbow. “You seem preoccupied.”
