“What I used to do, most likely.There are docks in London.If I can find work there, that should keep me busy and housed until the Council convenes.”
Torquil seemed to consider this.“You know,” they said slowly, “you might be the solution to a problem I’ve had for several months now.”
“What problem is that?”
They grimaced.“Before I tell you, let me preface this with two things.First, I haven’t always been this wealthy.It’s a rather recent change.Just before Emrys proposed, I was living in a room above my press and barely earning enough to eat.So I understand what it’s like to have wealthy friends who seem to be living in a separate world from you.And I understand how galling it can be to accept charity disguised as generosity.Second, with that in mind, I recognize how utterly preposterous this problem is going to sound.”
Conrad laughed.“All right.Duly noted.”
“I probably ought to give you some context first.When my parents fell in love, my grandfather was very upset about it.My mother was a member of a prominent fae family and my father was a human nobody.When they refused to be split apart, my grandfather disinherited my mother and sent her away.”
“That’s terrible.”
“By all accounts, he was absolutely dreadful.My grandmother had no say in the matter and she was forced to keep her communication with her daughter a secret from her husband.I didn’t even know my grandmotherdidn’thate me until after my grandfather died and she approached me to suggest a reconciliation.Part of that reconciliation was a change in inheritance.My grandmother was able to ensure I inherited everything.”
“That’s a clever bit of revenge,” Conrad remarked.
Torquil laughed.“Indeed.The only challenge is that shortly after inheriting everything, I got married to Emrys, who’s an heir in his own right.So now I have more property than I know what to do with.”
“I can see what you mean about this problem sounding absurd.”
“I did warn you.Now, my grandmother has graciously been taking care of the London townhouse for me.This has allowed me to keep all of the staff, and ensures everything of value is safe and that the house is being maintained properly.But I don’t think she cares for the house.”
Conrad considered this.“If she spent so much time living with a dreadful husband, I can imagine it would sour the location for her.”
“Exactly.I’d like to free her from that obligation, but it’s been challenging when Emrys and I don’t really need it.And I could close it up, but that would mean letting some of the servants go and I hate to do that.”Torquil turned to face him on the path.“If I could ask a friend to stay and take care of the house for me, it would mean a great deal.”
Conrad stared at them.“You’re askingme?”
They nodded, smiling.“I would take care of the expenses.It’s my house, after all.So you wouldn’t need to worry about the staff’s salary, or the cost of firewood or candles, or anything like that.Frankly, even paying for the food would mean that I could ensure the entire kitchen staff had something to do.”
“I can’t let you pay for my food, Torquil.”
They arched an eyebrow.“I wouldn’t be doing it for free.In return, you’d be making use of a property for me so that I wouldn’t have to worry about it.You would be helping me keep a number of good people employed.You’d allow me to give averybig signal of what I think of my grandfather’s ideals.”The glint in their eyes softened.“And you’d be giving me peace of mind that a friend of mine is safe.”
“Torquil,” Conrad breathed.“Do you have any idea?—”
“Yes,” they said cheerfully, tucking their hand around his arm again and leading him back down the path.“I know exactly what I’m offering.And, I’d like to add, this offer extends to anyone you’d care to invite over.So if, for example, you had a mind to propose to someone in the future…” their tone dripped with insinuation, “rest assured that this offer includes you and any spouse you might happen to have.If you’d like to invite some of your family to visit, you could do that.You can host parties there.Invite me over for dinner.Consider it yours in everything but name.”
“I could hug you.”
Torquil held their arms out.Conrad gave them a tight embrace, feeling as if he might cry from the complete change of fortune they had dropped into his lap.He pulled away with a sniff.
“You’re very trusting very quickly,” he said.“We met less than a month ago.”
“I’m very good at reading people,” they said, leading the way back to the house.“It was my idea to have you room with Sage.Remember?”
Conrad stared at them incredulously.“That was intentional?”
“Of course.It was a hunch, mind you.But I wasn’t the writer of London’s most popular gossip column for nothing.”
“You nosy little matchmaker.I don’t know how I shall thank you…for any of it.”
“Just take good care of the house for me.And of Sage, too.”
Conrad grinned.“With pleasure.”
As they walked back to rejoin the others and continue the dance lessons, Conrad began formulating new plans.Now that he had a future to offer Sage, he only needed the right words to say.
