A Lady Never Tells(158)
“It was only a small farm in Schuylkill County,” Mary told him. “We lived there for a while, but it wasn’t—”
“Schuylkill County!” Sam leaned forward. “That’s it! There’s coal there.”
Mary nodded. “I remember Papa saying that. He wished he could mine it, but it’s not feasible. It’s too far to haul the coal.”
“But not any longer,” Sam said excitedly. “They’re building a canal.” He turned to Rose. “Don’t you remember me saying that I want to start a drayage company out west? That’s where I plan to go. I’m going to haul coal from the mines to the canal. Then it can be shipped down the canal to Philadelphia.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Then it makes sense!” Mary turned to Royce. “He could have Rose and money.”
Royce nodded. “If he was married to Rose, no one would question his running the thing for all four of you.”
“We found the deed on him,” Oliver said. “I put it in the safe when I got home last night. Sam, since you are moving there, perhaps you ought to see what you can do with that piece of property. It might provide a nice investment for Rose and her sisters.”
“Of course. I don’t know much about coal mining, but we could lease it to someone who does. Or maybe I’ll have to figure out how to run a coal mine.”
Rose grinned. “Or maybe I will.”
There was the sound of footsteps in the hall, and a moment later, Lady Vivian swept into the room. She was wearing a green velvet riding habit and, if possible, looked even more lovely in it than she had in the elegant gown she had worn last night.
“All I need,” the earl muttered.
“I had to come hear exactly what happened last night,” Vivian announced, ignoring Stewkesbury. “I didn’t even have breakfast.” She tossed them all a glittering smile. “Thank heavens you’re still eating.”
“Please, help yourself,” Stewkesbury said as she strode over to the sideboard to pick up a plate.
Lady Vivian tossed a grin over her shoulder. “I had forgotten how foul-tempered you are in the morning, Oliver. Well, I’m glad that Dalrymple woman is gone. She was a dull sort.” Vivian made her way down the sideboard, filling her plate. “Though dragging her off bodily did seem a bit extreme, don’t you think?”
“Mmm. Perhaps you should remember it next time you set out to annoy me.”
Vivian laughed, a hearty, infectious sound that brought a smile to everyone’s lips. “Perhaps I will.” She brought her plate to the table. “Now … tell me the whole of it,” she said, sitting down and digging in.
Stewkesbury sighed. “It’s not a tale I wish known, my lady.”
Vivian rolled her eyes. “As if I would tell anyone.”
“’Tis true. At least you’re not a chatterbox. All right.”
Succinctly Oliver related the tale of Miss Dalrymple’s deception and Mr. Suttersby’s plan to abduct Rose, his story supplemented by a number of additions from the others. Vivian listened, rapt—though she managed to put away a healthy amount of food as she absorbed the story. When he had finished, she sipped her tea, looking thoughtful.
“I think I can help you,” she said at last, setting the cup down in its saucer.
Stewkesbury looked at her warily. “In what way?”
“Oh, don’t look at me so. I don’t mean with any of this skulduggery. I am sure you will manage to hush it all up excessively well. I’m talking about the girls and their Season.” She glanced over at Charlotte. “I am certain you’ll agree with me about this, Charlotte.” She swiveled back to Oliver. “You don’t need a governess as a chaperone. What they need is someone who has been in the beau monde, not just a woman who has worked for those who are. You can hire tutors for dancing or even for music and painting, if you are really desirous of their being well turned-out. But for teaching them how to converse, how to act, how to handle a social situation, you need an actual lady.”
“Why do I have the feeling you have just the lady in mind?” Stewkesbury crossed his arms and looked at her.
“Because you are an intelligent man. I do. She is from a very respectable family, the widow of Major Bruce Hawthorne.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Never heard of him.” Oliver shook his head.
“Even so, he existed. He was the grandson of some earl or other, but never flush in the pocket, I’m afraid. He died, leaving Mrs. Hawthorne penniless. She is entirely dependent upon her relatives, and I am sure she would be glad of the opportunity.”