O Night Divine A Holiday Collection of Spirited Christmas Tales - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,92

him I would not miss it.”

Innes was surprised. “Do you do this often?”

“What? Put my family ahead of my work?” Haversham shook his head. “When it is called for. The work will get done. Whether I get to it later this evening or put in extra hours tomorrow will not matter to anyone. But I will not be able to reclaim the memory of watching my son in his first recital.”

Innes thought back to his father. He had done the same a time or two, showing up unexpectedly at his school for such affairs. Never with Witch Wife Number Three, of course. His father probably had to lie to her and pretend he was off on urgent business. She would have found a way to stop him from coming to visit him, otherwise. “It is commendable, Mr. Haversham. Your son is fortunate to have you.”

“I try my best, my lord.”

They spoke no more of families and ran quickly through the most pressing matters. He liked Haversham’s nimble mind. Now he had to find himself a good estate manager and a reliable banker or financial advisor.

His father’s men were capable, but they would be working for the new duke. He did not want them knowing his affairs and revealing them to his odious brother. Not that they would ever voluntarily disclose a confidence. But his brother would find ways of forcing them to do it.

He considered asking Romulus about his cousin, Finn Brayden. He had heard glowing reports about his financial acumen. Haversham was keen on the idea the moment he’d tossed out the name. “An excellent man, my lord. His wife makes soaps.”

Innes laughed. “And how is his wife’s soap making relevant to his financial reputation?”

“The wife and her sister run the finest perfume shops in England. They were already known before Finn married her, but he did help the sisters expand the business and keep it thriving. Their shops are mostly in Oxford, but they also sell in the finest London establishments. More than just perfumes, mind you. Colognes for men, soaps, oils, lotions, healing ointments. Have you never heard of the Farthingale soaps?”

“Farthingale? What is his wife’s name?”

“Finn is married to Belle Farthingale. The other sister is Honey Farthingale. She is now married to the Earl of Wycke.”

Innes had never met them. At least, he did not think so. Then again, whenever Violet and Romulus entertained at home, he preferred to be upstairs in the nursery playing marbles with Charles and Harry, the Farthingale boys who were about his age. Sometimes they would allow Hyacinth to play with them so long as she promised not to put the marbles in her mouth. “How are these ladies related to Violet Brayden?”

“Cousins.”

He supposed they were all on good terms. He’d never met people more caring of each other than that Farthingale clan. He doubted much had changed over the years. Hyacinth was of the same mold.

A man could suffocate with so much family around. “Take yourself off, Haversham. Enjoy your tiny Tim’s performance. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thank you, my lord.” He hastily packed up his papers and hurried out before Innes had a change of heart and called him back.

He had no intention of doing so.

Perhaps he would even mention his good deed to Hyacinth and see how she responded. Why her opinion should matter, he simply did not know. Perhaps because he’d been closed off for so much of his life, he knew very little about people or how to respond to them.

No, that was not quite accurate. He was quite familiar with the worst of people and knew how to deal with them.

It was those with a kind nature who threw him off stride.

By eight o’clock that evening, he was walking to the door of Number One Chipping Way, not at all surprised to find Hyacinth standing beside their butler, her smile enormous as she greeted him. “Innes, you look so handsome in your Royal Navy uniform. Papa has worn his, as well. I knew you both would because you’re determined to show off to each other. I suppose you’ll compare medals next.”

“I’m sure your father has more.”

“But yours are newer and quite blinding in their shine.”

She had him grinning again. Then he remembered he needed to lecture her. A blistering lecture she would never forget. He held her back a moment before they entered the parlor to greet her parents. “Hyacinth,” he said, trying to appear stern and not falter as she continued to smile at him.

She