I’m not stunned, but more so saddened. “Mr. Palmers is trying to turn everyone else against me.”
Jahleel finds a chair and holds to its top rail. The way it’s positioned, the curve of the stiles waiting to support him and allow a closer conversation with Thom, I guess he seeks counsel from the living, too.
Everyone but me.
“Tell her about Palmers and Mr. Wilcox.”
“Palmers was a good one once, but he became more jealous of your father the bigger Wilcox Coal grew.”
Thom leans forward like he’s about to share a secret. “Even if he had it, he’d run it into the ground. Palmers has no more of a head for business than Tavis. Gambles worse than anything. And old Tavis had to get him out of some jams.” He sighs, sounding like he misses the good old days.
Funny. I don’t remember that many good ones.
“But at least Tavis could tell jokes,” Thom continues. “That Palmers, he and his wife got nothin’ to say to make you laugh. They forget themselves and mouth mean stuff when they think no one of means is listening.”
“I can attest to this,” Jahleel says. “Palmers threatened me while I was with Livingston at White’s. He’s dangerous.”
Thom says a few more things under his breath, but I suppress trembles. Jahleel’s under attack, everyone is because of me and Wilcox Coal. “You chose not to tell me this, Your Grace?”
Jahleel gazes at me, hazel eyes swirling with regret. “So much happened when I returned. But Palmers made it clear he wants Wilcox Coal and your dowry. Thom, how long will it take him to burn up twenty thousand pounds?”
“Not that long.” Thom shakes his head. “At twenty thousand … Hey, marryme. I’d make that silver last. I’d pour it into fancier drays. Then my boys could build their own coal company and run Palmers out of business.”
One glance at Jahleel confirms the notion running through my head. The master strategist has set up a new move for me, but this time I’m willing. “Thom, I’ve always loved this jacket. I remember when you first put it on. I think you strutted like a peacock.”
“Yes. Replaced that dingy gray thing I wore from the beginning when your father started the company. I was his first hire.”
“What if you were to sell it to me?”
“Lady Hampton, you can have it if you want it that bad. It’s not like a blind man can run a dray.”
“But the operation—”
“Katherine, it may not work. It may only give him partial sight.” Jahleel turns his countenance to the window. “But a chance to see striking colors … The greenery of my maze. The robin blue of Lady Lydia’s lace. The blush of my lover’s cheeks. I’d take the risk.”
“I do hear you two are getting along.” Thom caresses the jacket, then holds it out to me. “Does this mean you’re giving the company away? Take this. I don’t want no parts of anything with the unfunny man.”
“No. I’m not selling to Mr. Palmers. On the contrary, you should own half of Wilcox Coal. And this jacket is the payment.”
Furry gray brows draw together. Thom asks, “Has she been drinking, Your Grace? She sipped some of that wild-lettuce tea that made you say all kinds of crazy things?” He rocks with laughter. “Oh, I heard. That Steele. He has a sense of humor.”
Jahleel colors. “Mr. Thom, I’d believe what she’s saying. She’s awake, serious, and fabulous.”
“Oh, you twohavebeen getting along. I don’t think you’re a very good witness.”
“I’m more than a good witness,” Jahleel says. “I’m an enabler. Lady Hampton, if you have purchased such a wonderful garment from Mr. Thom in exchange for half the coal company, might I buy the jacket from you for sale for ten thousand pounds? I hearthat is how much it might cost for new drays and to fund his drivers properly.”
“Woman, he’s on that wild lettuce. But hold out for twenty.”
The movement feels good. This resolution is perfect … and sad. “Yes. Twenty thousand from the Duke of Torrance for this jacket.”
“Done. At twenty.” Jahleel takes the jacket from me.
But then I take it back. “I’m investing this jacket and fifteen thousand pounds into you, Thom. Make sure Wilcox-Thom Coal thrives. The old company lost dozens of customers, but I’m sure you and your sons will gain them back.”
“You know, Thom-Wilcox sounds better. And will give my sons more pride in this venture.” Thom sweeps his hand over the velvet of his jet coat. “I get to keep this and fifteen thousand pounds. Are you serious, Lady Hampton?”
“Yes, Thom. Consider it payment for the years we couldn’t pay you and all the labor you invested into my father’s dream. And your sons have helped so much. I will retain half of the company for Georgina’s and Scarlett’s future children. They’ll have a piece of what their grandfather built. My child is taken care of.”
