“My, my, Lady Catherine, you’ve done your research, haven’t you? Or rather, had it done for you,” Lord Bircham murmured as his eyes narrowed while he regarded her.
Catherine swallowed her nerves and turned her attention to her solicitor, Mr. Sheffield.
“My cousin’s intentions are noble, I’m sure, but if I need to invest some of the funds from my estate to diversify, I’d rather select the investments.” Catherine had decided that being generous in word to her cousin would be wise, prideful as he seemed.
“I see,” Mr. Sheffield remarked. “Your grandmother was already contemplating an investment in the East India Company, so I think that is a good option. As for Drury Lane, I would advise you to find out more information.”
“I have a meeting tomorrow, and I’m expecting documentation today,” Catherine replied.
“Very good.” Mr. Sheffield adjusted his spectacles and continued to read.
Lord Bircham cleared his throat and leaned forward. “I trust you’ll give the same attention to my suggestions, Mr. Sheffield.”
Mr. Sheffield regarded him. “Of course. After all, I’m pursuing the best interests of the estate, Lord Bircham. Whatever isbestfor the estate is what I’ll suggest we investigate.”
It wasn’t the most powerful setdown, but it got the point across nicely, Catherine thought. She leaned back in her chair, observing the two men. She’d welcomed them into the green salon, choosing that room for the two writing desks along the wall and the view of the sunset as the afternoon waned.
Her mind longed to wander to the earlier events of the day, to Quin’s kiss and their walk afterward. Every little smile, secretive wink, or touch of his hand had been glorious, and she’d enjoyed every moment in his company. But she forced her thoughts into submission as Mr. Sheffield began to speak again.
“Before any approval can happen for your philanthropy, there must be a plan for your endeavors, submitted in writing.” He turned to her. “However, personally, I welcome such an idea.”
Catherine felt a swell of pride at his approval. “Thank you.”
“And I do suggest we look into Lord Bircham’s company as well.”
At this, Catherine deflated slightly. If it was in the best interest for her estate, then fine, but her instinct said it wasn’t. And she wasn’t sure how to articulate her feeling.
“I see” was all she could manage.
She’d find out more information and fight Lord Bircham’s investment choice with hard facts.
As Mr. Sheffield stood to take his leave, she thanked him for his perceptiveness and watched as he disappeared through the door.
Lord Bircham stood but made no move to leave the room. Rather, he nodded to the ever-present Mrs. Burke. “It seems you were planning quite the strategy this morning.”
Catherine didn’t reply, simply waited for him to continue. “Mrs. Burke said you had a gentleman caller who was quite persuasive in his thoughts. I would suggest you steer clear of such men. They can easily influence someone of delicate sensibilities.”
Catherine faltered. “Pardon me?”
She turned to regard Mrs. Burke, who was studiously avoiding her.
“Those ideas were all mine,” Catherine asserted. “And Qu—His Grace—assisted only with more financial detail.”
“Yes, well, a title doesn’t mean—”
“He’s a professor of politics and history and has overseen the Wesley dukedom with great success,” Catherine interrupted.Damn politeness.
“Those who cannot do, teach, dear Catherine.”
“Lady Catherine,” she corrected, clenching her jaw and daring him to contradict her.
“Lady Catherine.” He nodded contritely; however, his expression was anything but.
“I’ll be sure to personally check into the companies you’ve suggested,” she said clearly, hoping to assure him and show she wasn’t afraid of confrontation. She wasn’t about to give him any ideas concerning her “delicate sensibilities” as he’d put it.
“Good. I think you’ll be impressed and see things from my perspective.”
“Of that, we shall certainly see,” Catherine replied, feeling nothing but caution.