Phineas turned to his steward as they rode away from the fields. “The Willoughby farm looks quite prosperous, doesn’t it, Albion?”
“Yes. They’re doing well. I meant to tell you earlier that Mrs. Hewlitt has not paid her quarterly rent yet.”
“She hasn’t?”
“No.”
“Has she been farming the land herself since her husband died?”
“Yes. Her eldest son is fourteen, and he has been doing most of the work, I believe.”
“That’s a heavy load to carry at fourteen. Shall we ride over and see if we can assist her in some way? Maybe the family would be better off in the village and we can find the son an apprenticeship of some sort.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Phin, Albion. Phin.”
Albion smiled. “Yes, Phin.”
“Good. You’re as good a friend to me as Will, you know.”
“Lord Dagenham has been here for a while now.”
“Mmm. Yes?”
“He just has never stayed this long before.”
“No, I suppose he hasn’t.”
“This place must hold a greater attraction for him now. Because of Lady Burchester.”
Strange. Albion had said something similar to Phineas yesterday and the day before, mentioning that William must like Burchester now because of Caro. Phineas didn’t doubt it—he shared that sentiment with William—but it was odd for Albion to harp on about it. Almost as if he were trying to tell Phineas something.
“Why is that, do you think?” Phineas asked.
“She’s made so many improvements, hasn’t she?”
“Yes. And, of course, she’s highly decorative herself. I am very lucky in my wife, Albion. I wish the same for you one day.”
“Oh, I’m far from being able to marry.”
“Why is that? Do I not pay you enough?”
“As your steward, I have to tell you my salary is adequate.”
“But you do such a good job for me, Albion. I’d hate to lose you to someone like the Duke of Kittredge. I’ve heard he’s on the hunt for a new steward, and I can’t have you leaving me and Burchester. Let me talk to my wife, and we’ll see if we can’t pay you more.”
“You must speak to your wife?”
“You know she’s in charge of the money now.”
Albion raised a brow. “Yourmoney?”
“Truth to tell, it’s her money. But she kindly says it’sourmoney.”
“Yes, she and Lord Dagenham have been spending a good deal of time together going over old ledgers.”
“Will has a head for figures.”
