Page 74 of The Chef and the Countess

Winterwood tsked. “That is not just. I had no idea. As my dear wife said, ignorance is no excuse.” He chewed his sandwich thoughtfully. “Mr. Hallahan said your uncle left you on Mr. Hallahan’s doorstep. I was horrified to hear that, my lady.”

“It was my cousin, Viscount Shinwell, but my uncle did nothing to stop it. My aunt, my only blood relation, is away wintering in Italy. I am thankful Mr. Hallahan allowed me to stay and work here. Otherwise, I would have had nowhere else to go.”

The earl’s eyes bulged in shock. “You are working at this restaurant? Oh, that is not to be borne. As my wife stated, you are a Countess of Winterwood and should be afforded all assistance and respect. I could not agree more. ‘Make it right,’ her ladyship demanded, and I follow her edict in all things.”

Celia could not believe this. She could scream and cry and reprimand the earl for not ‘making it right’ in the first place. Then again, what would be the point? He had only followed the solicitor’s advice. The entire peerage primogeniture system needed massive reform. “My lord, how do you intend to do that if there is not much money in the estate? I’ve seen the books. You have a family to look after and an earldom to keep afloat.”

“I do at that, my lady. However, there may be a silver lining for my family—and for you.” The earl sipped his water. “Mr. Sanderson put the cottage up for sale as soon as you departed. I am unsure why it is referred to as a cottage, as it seems more of a large-sized residence. Well, a Scottish lord expressed an interest. Or is it laird?” Winterwood scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Yes, it’s laird. Nonetheless, he wants it for a hunting retreat, or so he said. Mr. Sanderson, wily as he is, discovered the laird is also interested in the timber on the property. It is worth quite a lot. There were negotiations back and forth, and the laird has put forth an offer. Twenty-five thousand pounds, can you imagine? Most of that amount is for the timber.”

Celia was stunned. She’d never dreamed the property was worth that much. Several thousand acres were included with the actual residence. “I cannot imagine,” she murmured.

“Mr. Sanderson said I could keep the property and work the timber myself, but that would be a costly outlay for men and equipment, let alone building a lumber mill. It’s money that I do not have, not even with my late cousin’s modest investments.”

“Why are you telling me all this, my lord?”

“Because I wish to share the proceeds with you, my dear lady.”

Celia’s mouth dropped open, but she swiftly closed it. “How?” she whispered.

“Mr. Sanderson has worked a deal with Roderick MacAdam, the aforementioned Scottish laird. The earldom will receive a yearly stipend of six percent of the profits from MacAdam’s lumber business. I wish to split it down the middle: the cost of the cottage, timber, and three percent of the lumber. That will be twelve thousand five hundred pounds to you.”

That much? Plus three percent on the lumber? Holy crow! “Does Mr. Sanderson know you are here, my lord?”

“He does, my lady, although he tried to talk me out of it.”

She could well imagine. “Your offer is generous and much appreciated. I have a counteroffer.”

The earl’s eyes bulged again.

“I will accept nine thousand pounds and nothing more. That should have been my dowry or the settlement Carlton should have left me in his will or at least the two combined. Besides, my lord, you have an heir, a family, and the manor house, which is in a shocking state of disrepair. The yearly profits for the lumber should remain with the Winterwood earldom.”

“Are you certain, my lady? The lumber venture could prove to be lucrative.”

Celia could live quite comfortably on the interest of nine thousand pounds. “I am sure. And please, call me Celia.”

The earl gave her a beaming smile. “Then you must call me Franklin. What shall we do next?”

“Will you be in London for long, Franklin?”

“I came to gander at rentals here in the city besides visiting you. I do not think I wish to rent an entire town house, however. I have seen a few already. I find them too ostentatious. My lady wife will concur.” Franklin sighed, his vulnerability showing. “I am not cut out to be an aristocrat. And attending Parliament in the House of Lords? The prospect has me quivering with fear.”

“I will do all I can to assist you. My dear friend, Doctor Drew Hornsby, has a viscount father and a duke uncle in the House of Lords. I am sure they would be glad to show you the ropes, as it were.” Celia smiled. “Drew also has a flat for rent in Gloucester Square; if that is not available or suitable, we can find you another.”

“I am glad I came to see you,” Franklin smiled. “I do hope we can keep this acquaintance.”

“We shall be good friends. Wait and see.”

“I am exceedingly pleased. Now, you must hire a solicitor and have him contact Mr. Sanderson with the details.”

Solicitor? Again, she would have to confer with Drew. “I will do that as soon as possible. Why not stay for a meal, Franklin? Mr. Hallahan is quite talented. I believe shrimp and haddock dishes are on the luncheon menu.”

Franklin clapped his hands together. “I adore haddock! Being from Nova Scotia, seafood makes up a great part of my meals. Will you join me?”

Should she? Why not, indeed?

* * *

Hannah hurried into the kitchen. “Two fish cakes, table four!”