Best Laid Plans (A Gentleman of Misfortune, Book 2)

Chapter Fifteen

I wasn't really surprised when Pennyworth handed me a folded paper the next morning when I was dressing. "I take it this is your suggestion for a steward," I said, unfolding the paper.

"It is."

The name Frederick Walton meant nothing to me. "Is he looking for a position? Or would I be trying to bribe him away from someone else?" I asked, trying to make sense of the details.

"He is not currently working for any other estate. He is my sister's second son," Pennyworth said. "He has been well educated but had to return home when he fell ill. Now that he is well, he is anxious for a position. In the country, he has found it difficult to find any estate looking for a new steward."

Pennyworth's nephew? That didn't exactly surprise me. But that he was inexperienced? The only advantage I saw was that he wouldn't require the same wage as a man with years of experience.

"Then, he hasn't had to manage a derelict estate," I said thoughtfully. I'd never considered myself an indecisive person, but it seemed like I was second-guessing every choice I made lately. "Would he be up to the challenge?"

"As his uncle, I know my opinion may seem a bit biased, but Frederick would be an excellent fit."

I set the paper down to tie my cravat and I took a moment to think it over. The young man couldn't be much older than me, so I wouldn't have to be worried about an older man being condescending. But would this Frederick Walton have the strength to keep up with the estate if he had just recovered from an illness?

"Well, we'll make a trial of it, if he is willing," I said with a sigh. "He'll have to work hard to earn the usual wage a steward makes."

My valet looked pleased. "I will write to him straight away unless you would prefer to do so yourself?"

"If you are willing to do so, go right ahead." I turned to put on my jacket. "Warn him about the state of the house. Stress that I cannot pour thousands of pounds into restoring it immediately. His first order of business will be to hire staff to clean the inside and gardeners for the outside."

"Of course, Master Bywood." Pennyworth didn't sound smug merely matter-of-fact. "Any other warnings I should include?"

After careful consideration, I decided that I had already covered the main points. I turned to leave but then paused. "Pennyworth, have you by chance learned anything of Bath? Anything about the inhabitants?"

"Such as?"

"Conrad Ingram."

Pennyworth frowned. "I've heard the name. Not in a positive way."

I hesitated. What had I expected? "If you happen to hear anything more, let me know. Ward is of the opinion that Ingram is spying on us. For what reason, I don't know."

The expression on Pennyworth's face became one of serious thoughtfulness. "I see. I will keep my eyes open, then."

Nodding my thanks, I faced the door. "Well, I suppose I cannot put this off any longer.

"Enjoy your picnic," Pennyworth said, his tone amused.

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Given how the last picnic I attended had resulted in me soaked through, I was not particularly excited about the planned picnic. There was nothing else planned, though, so I decided to attend. It would give me something else to think about since there was nothing I could do about Pearsend until I had a steward.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were the leaders of the picnic. In their carriage, they had Miss Anderson, Melbourne, and Mrs. Forester. Somehow, Ward had managed to secure a curricle for himself and Miss Forester. That left myself and James Forester with Colonel March and his wife in the second landau.