Page 53

“We should stop at Everleigh Manor. Have Herbert join us.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” shouted the coachman as he fought to control the horses.

Hector pondered over the estate and how they would see to their affairs without Somerton’s meddling.

The man had become a true nuisance, always pressing too close and asking too many questions. Somerton’s continued attempts to dig into Hector’s marriage had not gone unnoticed. He needed some distance from the parasite for a while.

The carriage arrived at Marcus’ estate after a short journey. It was a sprawling property known for its vast hunting grounds and secluded privacy. It was also the perfect place for gentlemen to conduct business without prying eyes.

As the carriage drew to a halt, Hector saw Marcus waiting on the front steps, a rifle slung casually over his shoulder and a welcoming smile on his face.

“Ah, Hector!” Marcus called out, striding over as Hector descended from the coach.

The two men clasped hands, “Look who is ready for a good day’s sport. I thought you might evade me again.”

“And forfeit the chance to beat you for the second time in two months? Absolutely not,” Hector replied, a rare smile forming on his lips.

As they walked towards the hunting lodge, Herbert joined them. The solicitor was a man of few words, but his loyalty to Hectorwas unwavering. His presence today was as a solicitor and a trusted confidant.

“Good to see you again, Your Grace,” Herbert greeted.

“Come, my good friend. We need your expertise on some matters,” Hector replied.

“Now that we are all here, shall we head inside?” Marcus suggested.

Once inside the lodge, the men quickly set to work. Hector wasted no time and gestured for Herbert to bring out the prepared documents.

Hector’s voice was determined as he spoke. “We shall proceed with the purchases without Somerton’s involvement.”

Marcus raised an eyebrow. “You intend to exclude Somerton?”

Hector gave a curt nod. “He made it abundantly clear that he wished to be involved.”

Marcus let out a low grunt, understanding his cousin’s reluctance to have the Earl partake in their business. “Ah, I see. The man likely has his own designs on the matter. If we delay, he might interfere and spoil the entire affair.”

“My thoughts precisely,” Hector agreed, looking at the solicitor.

Herbert nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Very well, Your Grace. I have taken the liberty of drafting everything. All it requires is your signature.”

Hector scanned the documents with a keen eye. The transaction was straightforward, yet the implications were vast.

“With Somerton excluded, you will control the assets without interference, but I want my shares,” Marcus pointed out.

“And you shall have them in due course. These are in order,” Hector declared, handing the documents back to Herbert. “Make sure they’re filed immediately.”

“I’ll see to it personally,” Herbert replied, tucking the papers in his briefcase.

“Somerton will be very angry when he finds out we went ahead without him.” Marcus had a satisfied grin on his face as he spoke. “In any case, now that our business has been concluded, we can have some fun. My fingers miss the feel of gunpowder.”

He eagerly grabbed his rifle and stood.

The men’s attention shifted to the excitement of the hunt. Rifles in hand, they made their way onto the grounds, the crisp air invigorating their spirits. Marcus led the way, guiding them through the thick woods where game was known to be plentiful.

“What are we hunting?” Herbert whispered with a puzzled gaze.

“Shh, deer,” Marcus whispered as he parted the tall grasses.

“Must I…” Herbert started to argue.