Page 14 of Cocky August Rake

“Well.” Rose gingerly set down the teapot. “It’s possible this is good news,” she said.

Nell gave her a flat look. “You have a peculiar understanding of good news.”

“Once he sees how profitable the house is⁠—”

“I received a visit earlier this morning from a particularly impertinent little man,” Nell interrupted, her mouth tightening. “A Mr. Sedgewick. A solicitor claiming to act on Lord Reginald’s behalf.”

Rose exchanged a glance with Violet.

“He demanded the keys to the cellar and attic by three o’clock. Said surveyors for interested purchasers wished to inspect the foundations.”

“Purchasers?” Marianne echoed.

“I reminded him that Lord Reginald had not yet arrived, let alone made any decisions.” Nell’s mouth tightened. “Mr. Sedgewick informed me that any decision remaining was merely a formality. According to him, Lord Reginald’s instructions were quite explicit. The house is to be cleared as soon as the ink is dry, so that his lordship may return to his proper place at sea.”

Silence settled over the room.

A solicitor.

Rose wrapped both hands around her cup. “Perhaps Lord Reginald is merely exploring all of his options.”

“Getting rid of us seems to be his favorite,” Violet said quietly.

“We only have the word of some solicitor, one who no doubt sees the sale as nothing but a hefty commission.” Rose forced herself to meet their worried gazes. “He can do his convincing, we can do ours.”

“And how do you suggest we do that?” Marianne asked.

“He needs to see The Domus for what it is. A lucrative business. Well-run. Discreet. The accounts are sound, the staff know their duties, and the house requires very little from him beyond allowing it to continue.”

Nell studied her.

“Selling it might bring him money today,” Rose added. “Keeping it would bring him money for years.”

“And if he has already made up his mind?” Violet asked.

“Then we change it.”

Nell’s mouth twitched—not quite a smile, but close. “That sounds very simple when you say it.”

Before Rose could argue further, Mr. Huxley appeared in the doorway, his spectacles sitting slightly crooked upon his nose.

“His lordship has arrived.”

The four women went still.

Mr. Huxley glanced toward Nell. “He said he would like to speak with you, Mrs. Smith.”

Nell got to her feet without complaint. “Understood. Thank you Mr. Huxley.”

Rose set down her cup and stood as well. “I’m coming too.”

Mr. Huxley looked uncertain, but Nell only gave Rose a brief nod.

At last, then.

They followed him upstairs through the quiet corridors, stopping outside what had once been the Duke of Malum’s office. Lord Reginald’s office now.

Mr. Huxley knocked once, then opened the door.