Aaron narrowed his eyes. Why was a baron asking forgiveness of a knight? Then again, human dignity called for moments of humility. “I accept your apology, my lord. But I do have a question. Why threaten Mrs. Rutley and her school?”
Lord Ezra clapped his friend on the back. “I’m afraid the fault is mine, Kirkwood. Mrs. Rutley and I have a history, a long and somewhat difficult friendship if you will. It seems that when I have a few brandies in me, I tend to express a certain… frustration with the woman. Oh, don’t get me wrong. Mrs. Rutley and I have mended our differences, or at least enough to be cordial to one another, but I must harbor some deep-seated animosity toward her if I’m less than complimentary when I’m inebriated. My friend here was only repeating what he heard from me in those alcohol-ridden moments. The truth is, I only wish her and her students nothing but the best.”
Aaron gave the gentleman a half-smile. “Then you have no grievances toward the woman or her school?”
Lord Ezra’s eyes narrowed. “Grievances? No. But I’ll dedicate the rest of my life to destroying her.” The room fell silent before the man barked a harsh laugh. “Of course not. How absurd would that be?”
Aaron gave a relieved chuckle. The man was right. A nobleman seeking vengeance against the headmistress of a girl’s school was preposterous. “I’m glad to have the chance to hear your side of the rumors. After Lord Lenten’s comments and what I’ve heard… Well, it does not matter.”
“The gossip among the women of Chatsworth runs strong,” Lord Ezra said with a snort. “Though, I must admit there are men who can be just as bad. Now, how about that drink? I’ll take a brandy. Lenten?”
Aaron joined the two men in their laughter. Clearly, Lord Ezra held no ill will toward anyone. Or at least not toward Mrs. Rutley. Yet this begged the question as to why he had called. The uncle to a duke would not have made such a formal request of a mere knight only to have a friend offer an apology.
Pouring them each a glass of amber liquid, Aaron joined them in the seating area, taking the couch while the two lords each took a chair.
“I sense there is more to this call than an opportunity for an apology, my lord.”
“You see, Lenten?” Lord Ezra said with a chuckle. “I told you this young man is perceptive.”
The compliment made Aaron smile. He recognized the not-so-subtle use of flattery. After all, he had used it himself often enough.
“You’re correct, Kirkwood,” Lord Ezra replied. “We have another reason to be here today. Mr. Neil Barker.”
Aaron shifted in his seat. “And what have we to discuss about the proprietor of a theater?”
“My family has resided in Chatsworth for several generations,” Lord Ezra explained. “I’ve dreamed of seeing the village grow, so honorable men such as yourself will want to live here and invest in all the area has to offer. I’ll not lie. I’m interested in purchasing most, if not all, of the land within the village proper.”
Aaron took a sip of his brandy. What did such a move mean for such a quaint place? Clearly, he knew far too little about the man who sat before him.
“It has come to my attention that Barker has plans to sell the building in which the theater now resides. I once frequented the place and enjoyed the performances there. But its time has passed. The residents no longer have as much of an interest in watching the paltry plays they put on there. London is not all that far to travel to see a decent production. I went to Barker with a more than reasonable offer, but he refused it. Or rather, he said that you would have the first claim to it if he decided to sell.”
Aaron smiled. “That is true. In fact, tonight after the play ends, Miss Dunston and I plan to speak to those in attendance. He plans to put his decision to a vote. If I win, which I believe I shall, I hope to make it into a gentlemen’s club. With proper investors, of course.”
Lord Lenten’s brows rose. “What a marvelous idea! What better way to draw more people to our humble hamlet!”
Lord Ezra waved a hand to silence Lord Lenten and said to Aaron, “I try to be as accommodating as I can when it comes to investment, which is the reason for my call today. Let’s forget about asking a dozen or more men to put up the funds. Instead, let’s keep it between the three of us.”
Aaron frowned. “I’m sorry, what do you mean exactly?”
“What do I mean?” Lord Ezra repeated. “I mean that you’ll join me in turning Chatsworth into a proper municipality. But we shan’t stop there! Once I have the theater, I’ll purchase the building beside it. My hope is to expand the village one building at a time. The last thing we want is to watch our little town turn into the next Spelling.” He stood and waved his arms in very much the same way a showman would present his next act. “Yes, we’ll create a city so great, everyone of distinction will want to live here. And your name will be written all over it!”
Aaron had only heard of Spelling. From his understanding, it was a nearby village that had died out after many of the mines, once providing the residents an income, were forced to close.
“You’re new here, Kirkwood. But if I’m to guess, I’d say you’re here to make a name for yourself. Am I correct in saying so?”
Aaron could not help but nod.
“Then join me! Join us!”
As much as Lord Ezra’s speech had moved him, Aaron was conflicted. He had promised Miss Louisa not to proposition any other investors until after tonight’s decision. Even the offer itself did not feel quite right. Yet, this is what he wanted, was it not? Perhaps his worry was causing him to overthink. “As welcoming as your offer is, I cannot commit to it just yet. I’ve promised Miss Dunston she would have an opportunity to present her plans for saving the theater, and I cannot go back on my word.”
Lord Ezra blew out a heavy breath. “Spoken like a true man of honor. But have you considered what will happen to you if she’s able to get enough votes to win this contest, for better lack of a word?”
Aaron frowned. “I doubt she’ll win. I’ve been able to secure far more money from my investors than she has collected donations. Even so, not giving her the chance to at least try does not sit well with me.”
“Yet have you considered how devastating the humiliation will be when she loses,” Lord Ezra said. “Ah, well, the decision is yours. But understand this. If she fails, I’ll make an offer this very evening with or without you.” He turned to Lord Lenten. “Let’s go. I have work to complete, and I’m sure Kirkwood will need some time to consider his decision. We’ll see ourselves out.”
Panic filled Aaron as the two lords headed toward the door. Chatsworth would indeed grow in the coming years, and he could be an important part of that growth. Now was when he could secure his destiny, but his chance was walking out the door.