Romancing the Heiress(25)
Author: Darcy Burke
Just as Phin had suspected, though he didn’t like the idea of two ruins. That hadn’t been his grandfather’s plan. Maintaining the legacy his grandfather had left was of the utmost importance to Phin.
“I hate having to do that,” Phin admitted.
“I know. It wasn’t what your grandfather built. But this would have happened even if he were still here.”
“Would it? I haven’t been able to afford a proper maintenance person for three years now.” Phin didn’t bother trying to keep the bitterness from his tone. It was moments like these when the old anger he felt toward his father reared up.
“Don’t go down that path,” Tom warned with a gravel-filled tone. “You can’t know what would have happened, and it doesn’t matter now anyway. This is the way things are.”
“Yes, and now I have two ruins in the labyrinth of the same building instead of a before and after.”
“Perhaps you’ll come up with a way to make them distinct. Come up with two different stories as to how they were ruined. I’ll wager Miss Webster can help you with that. You two were always imagining and coming up with elaborate games and tales in your youth.”
Yes, they had, and Tom was right that she could help. Except that didn’t improve his mood. He’d just resolved that he should stop thinking of Leah, and asking for her help would prevent that. Phin realized Tom was staring at him rather intently. “What?” he asked.
Tom gave his head a shake. “Nothing. Like I said, I just came to tell you what the builder suggested.”
“I should tell you about something,” Phin said, mustering the will to share what Mercer had talked to him about. He may as well. “A businessman is also visiting the festival, but he’s not here to wed. He’s looking for…opportunities, I think. He asked me questions about the gardens and how we make money.”
His bushy eyebrows climbing, Tom smirked. “It doesn’t.”
“Precisely. Mercer kept calling them ‘pleasure’ gardens and said I should charge admission, particularly for the summer events. He pointed out that the people selling food and drink don’t give away their product for free. Why should I? I’ve never thought of the gardens as a product.”
“He asks a worthwhile question.”
Phin knew it, which was why he was telling Tom. Still, he didn’t like that Mercer had walked in and suggested a solution to Phin’s financial woes. “I can’t imagine charging people entry. Grandpapa would have hated that. He designated the use of the gardens for the people of Marrywell. I can’t ask them to pay to enjoy them.”
“I understand. And I agree that your grandfather would have fought that.” Tom pressed his lips together. “Bloody difficult situation, Phin. Are you going to give it some thought at least?”
“What do I know of operating such an enterprise? Someone would have to manage it. That is not something at which I am skilled. I’m grateful to have you as steward dealing with the estate.” Phin looked directly at Tom. “And no, I’m not asking you take on managing the gardens as well.”
“I didn’t think you were.”
“I’d have to charge enough to pay the person who would oversee that aspect.” Phin massaged his temple. “This is making my head ache.”
“Too bad we can’t think of a way to bring in a small pile of money to get that enterprise started.”
“Such as a dowry?” Phin asked.
Tom’s gaze sharpened on him. “Is that what you’ve been doing courting that young lady? I hear you’ve been promenading with her through the gardens and dancing with her every night.”
“She’s an heiress.”
Blowing out a breath, Tom fixed him with an earnest stare. “Think long and hard about that. Marriage is a lifetime commitment, and you won’t want to feel trapped in a union you didn’t really want.”
“Why do you assume I don’t want to marry her?”
“I don’t,” Tom said somewhat hurriedly. “I don’t know her at all. Does your grandmother?”
“Yes, Miss Selkirk came for tea. Gran liked her very much. Miss Selkirk plays the pianoforte brilliantly. Indeed, we played a duet. It was charming.” That much was true. Phin would look forward to sharing music with her.
And what else?
“That’s something, then,” Tom said. “Just promise me you’ll be sure about it before you propose. Isn’t there something more you can sell?”
“I already sold the livestock we didn’t need and the few paintings that were worth anything.” That hadn’t been much. Phin refused to sell his mother’s jewelry. Not only would it rightfully distress Gran, those pieces belonged to his daughter, should he be blessed with one or more.
Phin straightened his shoulders. “The heiress plan will have to work. I like Miss Selkirk and can certainly grow to love her.” How awful that sounded. He hadn’t really spent much time thinking of marriage. He was still young and assumed he’d meet a woman with whom he’d fall in love. Preferably before becoming leg shackled.
“You should marry a woman you love, not one you may in the future.” Tom gave Phin a pointed look. “Or may not.”
“As it happens, I am not currently in love with a woman, so that is not an option.”
Tom narrowed his eyes at him and said nothing for a moment. It was almost as if he was waiting for Phin to realize he was in love with someone and had simply forgotten.
Ultimately, Tom grunted. “If you’re certain this is the right course, I won’t stop you. But I can’t promise not to remind you of this conversation and my reservations at some point to come.” He clapped Phin on the shoulder. “I’m only trying to guide you, as your father and grandfather would have. I also don’t wish to overstep, so I’ll be quiet now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Phin watched the man leave and wondered at his odd behavior. Why would he think Phin was in love with someone? No, it couldn’t have been that. He just wanted Phin to have that chance, likely because Tom and Marjorie enjoyed a close and loving marriage. They were wonderful to behold, actually, a true inspiration. It was really too bad Phin wasn’t going to emulate them.
Leah surged to the front of his mind once more. Not because he would—or could—consider marrying her, but because of that unforgettable kiss.