problem.”
Cecilia came back to the sofa but did not sit down.
“You have nothing to worry about. He already refused Beatrice’s proposal. They are merely very good friends.”
“Beatrice proposed to him?” Jess made sure he had heard that correctly.
“Just before the party started. She and Papa had an argument. He wanted her to find a match and she said this house party was about preparing for London and not about finding a match. So she decided to make it impossible by attending the house party already betrothed to someone. But Roger was not about to ruin his alliance with Papa’s company, even for Beatrice.”
“Wonderful, but Roger is not my problem. Beatrice is.”
“Yes, I can see how it will be a challenge for you to find a way to have Papa accept you. He is so set against you and so angry with Beatrice for finding such trouble that I cannot believe he would consider you even if you offered him the business opportunity of a lifetime.”
“I am not going to do that.”
“Of course not. If and when you reclaim that land it is family property. But, I was thinking that you could offer to lease him the mine, just as Roger gives him exclusive use of his creative work.”
“Why would your father be interested in that?” he said, his mind spinning. “Why would a mill owner want to lease a coal mine?”
“Because it would give him more control. If there is one thing Papa does not like, it is surprises. If he knew where the coal to power the mills was coming from, and any problems there might be with supply, then he would have more control, would he not?”
Destry and Jess exchanged looks of amazement. “You thought of this yourself?” Jess asked.
“It is obvious, is it not? It’s like a lady having a seamstress on her staff, and a draper’s shop that always calls when new fabric arrives, and a milliner who saves the best hats for her. Darwell and I have been talking about how to create that sort of coterie when one is new to town.”
Destry shook his head, kneeled on the sofa beside her, and kissed her. “Of course you are right.” He jumped down and came to stand in front of Jess. If William tried to kiss him, there was a punch coming his way.
“Jess, you could apply the same concept to almost anything that interests you. Horses! If you want a horse to win races you must control the breeding, the training, and the track. It makes perfect sense.”
“I’m so happy I could help,” Cecilia said, her smile now self-satisfied as well as joyous. “Now when you talk to Papa you have something to offer him that will make him rethink his opposition to a match.”
“Thank you. You both have been so helpful. But making a match is not my problem.”
“We’re ready for the next one, then,” Cecilia said encouragingly, “but I only have a few minutes before I must change for dinner.”
Jess shook his head. How to explain that a marriage to him was not what was best for her sister. “I think this problem is something that only I can resolve.”
He was surprised when they did not insist, but left him, taking their happiness with them. Perhaps there were more people with whom they wanted to share their non-announcement. Jess went back to the window. Beatrice was gone. Off to dress for dinner, too, he guessed.
Michael Garrett came in as he headed for the door.
“That meddling fool Destry sent you, didn’t he? I do not need his help, or yours or God’s for that matter. Now leave me alone.”
“Destry suggested the same, that I leave you alone, but Olivia wanted me to tell you that we will be leaving in the morning. I consider that a divine message of sorts. Not that we’re leaving but that she sent me to tell you. Jess—”
Jess had had enough. Enough angry women, happy couples, and well-meaning idiot vicars. With no warning and hardly any forethought he lashed out at Garrett with a blow that would have downed a lesser man.
Garrett staggered back, shook his head to stop what had to be ringing in his ears, and pulled his cravat back into place. “So that’s the kind of prayer you’re wanting. I’m not sure that’s what Jesus meant but I’ve turned a few moneylenders on their ass in my day. Let me see if I still have what it takes.”
He didn’t. Jess knew violence had been no