‘We have a few clients in this area requiring attention. I must confess, however, that I volunteered to come here,’ he admitted, glancing towards Heather. ‘The scenery is so beautiful—I could not resist.’
Heather blushed prettily at the implication.
Grace noted the exchange and raised an eyebrow. ‘How do the staff at the Manor fare? Are they being looked after under the new owner?’
He cleared his throat at the direct question. ‘I believe the Duke of Armitage is the new owner—he is another client of ours.’ He shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable. He realisedthis was a sensitive subject and wished to change it, but Grace pressed him further.
However, he hesitated before replying, ‘To be honest, I do not know much about it. My father usually deals with the more important clientele, as you can imagine.’
Noticing the worried expressions on their faces, he added, ‘I am sure the new steward is managing everything appropriately.’
‘Has Lord Armitage taken up residence yet?’ Heather asked.
‘Come to the Manor? Goodness, no. His Grace has no intention of setting foot in the place. He is elderly and in poor health of late; I believe he does not travel much anymore.’
This unsettled Grace. They had been forced to leave their home, only for it to remain empty. Lord Armitage was clearly interested only in the Estate’s income.
Mr Smith hesitated before adding, ‘But Mr Gibbs is residing at the Manor and benefitting from its comforts, so it will not remain closed. The staff are safe.’
Both sisters looked stricken. If only Grace could have been employed as the steward, they might still be living there.
Noticing their distress, Mr Smith was visibly affected.
‘I believe the misfortunes brought upon you by your cousin—and carried out by my father—were an injustice. I did not like how we left you last time we met.’
Clearing his throat, he continued, ‘I would like to offer you my services, should you ever require assistance. Would it be too forward of me to help manage your finances and affairs? I know that being a lady in a world of men can be difficult to navigate.’
It would have been a great help, but Grace’s pride would not allow her to accept.
‘I thank you, sir, but we have everything we need,’ Grace replied. Then, glancing at Heather, she relented slightly. ‘However, Heather has some jewellery she wishes to sell, with the proceeds to be used for investment.’
Grace caught her sister’s eye, and Heather beamed.
‘I would be more than happy to assist,’ Mr Smith said, his expression brightening at the prospect of spending more time with her.
‘How are you finding Sandgate? I hope it is to your liking,’ Grace asked nonchalantly, quietly pleased with her matchmaking efforts.
‘I must confess, I have not seen enough of it to say. I have been staying at The Little Lamb and intend to remain for a few more weeks,’ he admitted.
Grace hid a smile. Her younger sister liked him, and Mr Smith appeared quite smitten.
Determined to encourage them further, she said, ‘Well then, you must allow me to introduce you to the local families at the next assembly. Do you like to dance, Mr Smith?’
He declared that he did, and they agreed to meet at the event. Before long, he became a regular morning visitor at Skye Cottage, spending several hours in the company of the ladies—particularly Heather—as he guided her through the intricacies of investment.
Chapter 6
The following fortnight, the sisters attended the Sandgate local assemblies, and, true to his word, Mr Smith arrived as well. He was immediately swept up in a flurry of introductions, orchestrated by Grace. The ladies admired him greatly, while the gentlemen found him agreeable company.
Though the assembly was not as grand as the social gatherings in London, it had a charm of its own. The relaxed atmosphere of the rustic assembly hall and the warmth of the locals more than compensated for its lack of opulence.
After a couple of dances, Grace spotted her childhood friends, Charlotte and Anne. They greeted each other warmly, slipping back into easy conversation despite the months that had passed since their last meeting.
A short while later, Heather finished her dance and joined them. Charlotte grinned mischievously.
‘So, dearest Heather, I hear from the grapevine that you have a new beau,’ she teased.
Heather turned crimson and cried, ‘Grace, you told her!’
