Page 47 of Watching the Earl

He spread out his four sheets of paper and counted. While he did that, she counted hers again, just to be sure, then she waited. He totaled each page then looked at her. “I also have one hundred and twelve.”

“What if we’re both correct? Does that mean we both win or we both lose?” That had never occurred to her.

“In this case, it means we neither win nor lose. It’s as if we never bet. But just because we have the same number doesn’t mean that they are all correct. For example, how many Marys do you have?”

“I have three Marys and twice as many Toms.”

He reviewed his pages and checked off all the Marys and Toms. “I have the same. Perhaps we should start with the footmen.”

She reviewed her list and told him all the names she had. Then he told her his as she checked them off. “Wait, one of them is different. I have a Joseph, but you have a Toby.”

He sat back and grinned. “I’m afraid you’re incorrect. Toby has been a footman here since I was in leading strings.”

She frowned. “I’m positive there is a Joseph.” She waved over a footman. “Is there a Joseph who serves as a footman?”

The man gave a nod. “Yes, my lady. I am Joseph. Joseph Nowill.”

“Then where is Toby?” Philip’s question had the footman turning toward him.

“My lord, Toby married last year. He and his wife moved to Manchester.”

“Thank you.” He waved the man aside. “It appears, wife, that you have won. I have obviously not done well at keeping up with those under my employ.”

It wasn’t his words so much as his tone that signaled something far deeper than their little bet. She didn’t wish him to be upset. “Surely you cannot be expected to be aware of every servant every day. Is that not what Mr. Haines and Mrs. Newman are for? In our estate management class, Lord Hopton said that if you hire the right butler, housekeeper, stable manager, and steward, you should never have to bother yourself with any other servants.”

“Estate management? You learned about estate management at this school?”

“Yes. Your sister has asked me to teach her, but she doesn’t want to tell her husband. I don’t think that’s a good idea. Oh, and you mustn’t tell him. I fear I wasn’t supposed to tell you, but we’re married, so as you said, it is as if I told myself, isn’t it?” She sincerely hoped that was the case.

“Yes. We should not have secrets from each other.”

Relieved, she relaxed. “I’m so glad. Are you ready to eat? I admit to being quite hungry. My mother said I should never admit that in front of a gentleman, but as you’re my husband, I wouldn’t want to keep that from you.” She grinned, very happy that she needn’t worry about how much she ate or that she was hungry.

“No, you shouldn’t keep that from me, and yes, I’m ready to eat.” He waved the footmen forward, and bowls of chestnut soup and plates of fish and veal were put on the table. She’d just taken a large bite of sole when Philip spoke.

“I’d like to continue comparing our list of servants. There may be other changes I’ve missed. It is my duty to provide for everyone, so I wish to know who they all are.”

She could tell that he was still disappointed in himself. When she finished chewing, she took a sip of wine before answering. “Of course. I will also need to remember all your tenants’ names—and your neighbors’, I imagine.”

He looked up from his plate. “I will introduce you to our tenants tomorrow, but as to all the neighbors, they’re in Town. We can call on them there.”

She nodded, pleased she would meet the people who sustained their living soon, almost as much as she was pleased by how Philip continued to correct her that it was all theirs, not his. It truly was only his, but that he wanted her to think of it as her own warmed her heart.

To get a better understanding of the estate, she started asking questions. By the time they’d finished their meal, she felt much more knowledgeable about Crestfield.

“Have you ever invested in trade? I know Lord Tamworth has, and he’s been very successful. The Duke of Northwick also invests. It sounds a bit risky to me, like gambling.”

Philip set his napkin aside and twirled his glass of port, what he called his dessert, while she’d had syllabub and three Shrewsbury cakes with apricot marmalade, not able to choose since they both looked so wonderful and tasted just as good. She’d have to compliment the cook on the morrow.

“I suppose that investments in trade are a bit like gambling. Lord Tamworth does a lot of research before he invests. I have not invested as of yet, but that’s not to say I won’t. Fortunately, it’s not something I must do. Crestfield does very well.”

That was reassuring, though she had guessed as much, since the staff she’d met were quite content. Then again, they had no idea they’d almost lost their employment. “Is there enough for redecorating my rooms? I wouldn’t need much. I just prefer waking up in green. It reminds me of being outside.”

“You may do whatever you like. But for my sake, don’t do all the rooms at the same time. I’m not sure I could accept that much change all at once.”

Thrilled, she leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

He turned to look at her, clearly surprised. “For what?”