Page 24 of Beauty and the Rake (Endless Love #1)

Graham nodded. “I concur. I wish at least my mother could be here to join in our happiness.”

“Same here, though I doubt Roxanne would agree. Our mother never thought for herself without our father’s input.

She’s always seen that as a sign of weakness.

Roxanne needs to realize our parents grew up in an entirely different era than we did.

Things were a lot stricter than they are today,” Arthur said.

“That they were.”

“I’m so grateful you and my sister found each other,” Arthur said. “I’m glad to see you’ve moved on, and to be honest, I haven’t been sure Roxanne would ever marry again, let alone have a relationship with a man.”

“Thank you. That means a lot,” he replied. “You know she’s going to try and find a bride for you.”

“She started the day she arrived. Lucky for me, you’ve been somewhat of a distraction.”

“Don’t be fooled by her innocent act. If you remember, she had quite a distaste for me at first.”

“An act,” Arthur said with a smirk. “The more she complains means in most cases she likes the person or situation.”

Graham filled each of their glasses and sat back to savor the whiskey. “Can you find an excuse to join us in London?”

“I’m sure I can find the time. Why?”

“There’s a ship I’m interested in acquiring. I would like a second opinion on the matter. The company which owns it is shifting away from maritime shipping in favor of rail.”

Arthur arched a brow. “They can’t do both? I only ask because rail is still not the quickest way to do business.”

“Not the most direct. There is still a need to bring sugar, spices, and other goods from the Caribbean and Far East, and a lot is simply not suited for rail. I’m at a loss for why they don’t see that.”

“Certainly works to your advantage.” Arthur was referring to the sugar plantation Graham owned. His father had purchased it years ago, sold sugar to a lot of customers, but had always had to purchase space on cargo vessels.

“I can ship more for myself to sell and distribute and keep a few loyal customers.”

“You wouldn’t have room for a partner or investor, would you?”

Graham chuckled and placed the glass on his desk. “You catch on fast. That’s exactly what I have in mind.”

“You know I’ve been looking for a way to invest outside of the obvious. Times are changing, and quickly. I don’t wish to be locked out.”

“Neither do I. That’s why I wanted to share this opportunity with you.”

“I appreciate you thinking of me. I really do.”

“It won’t be the last,” Graham said as he leaned forward in his chair. “I mean, if we’re going to be family, we might as well help each other out.”

“Well said.” He glanced at the clock on the mantel. “I should be getting back.”

“Stay. I’m sure Cook can find a couple of good thick steaks that’ll rival White’s.”

“You talked me into it.”

Graham rose and found the bellpull. Moments later, the butler appeared.

The man was always there when he needed him, which was more than he could say about some of the younger generation.

It was easy to spot who truly wanted a life-long position to those who were merely passing through until something better came along.

He informed him of the changes for dinner, and once the butler left, he returned to his desk to pick up his glass.

“Let’s sit somewhere more comfortable,” Graham said.

Once they’d settled, the pair sat in silence for a few minutes. Arthur stretched his long legs out in front of him and sighed.

“It’s nice to just sit. I’ve been so busy with my estate manager, I sometimes forget to slow down.”

Graham grunted his response.

Finishing his glass of whiskey off, Arthur set the glass on the table beside him. “I forgot to ask earlier, but who is it who’s selling this ship and possibly ships?”

“Gregory Crenshaw.”

Arthur jerked his head in Graham’s direction. “Did I hear you right? Did you say Gregory Crenshaw?”

“I did.”

“You do realize who he is?”

“Yes, I do. He’s the man your parents were supposed to meet in India about a business deal, but never did,” Graham said.

“Why would you even consider purchasing a ship or anything else for that matter from him?”

Graham said nothing for a moment, as though choosing his words carefully. “Because he’s not the man he represents himself to be. He’s in great need of money to finance this new railroad scheme, and no one will lend him the money.”

“So he’s turned to liquidating assets in hopes of making the money he needs.”

“Exactly.”

“We’ll have to be careful. The man’s not to be trusted. Everything pointed to him being involved in my parents’ disappearance, but it couldn’t be proved.”

Graham arched a brow. “It’ll be interesting to see his reaction or lack of when I introduce you.”

“Yes, it will. I take it from the way you talk, you’ve been looking into him?”

“Absolutely. I recognized his name immediately. I’ve hired someone to look into him, everything we need to know.”

“What will you do? Contact the authorities?” Arthur asked.

“Once there’s enough information to give them. For now, I’ll rely on this gentleman I’ve hired.”

“Do me a favor and let’s not mention anything about Gregory Crenshaw to Roxanne. All she needs to know is we’re looking at a ship to purchase,” Arthur said.

“I concur. Planning for the wedding and settling into her new home will keep her busy for quite a while.”

It was no exaggeration that Roxanne would have plenty to keep her busy for the next few months.

She was meticulous about nearly everything.

Since her marriage to Casper had been forced on her, she would want to plan the perfect small wedding.

Graham wouldn’t deny her that. Nor would he deny her wish to redecorate the residences.

A knock at the study door caught both men’s attention. It was the butler. How long had they been sitting here since he took the dinner menu change to the cook?

“Dinner is ready, milord.”

“Thank you. You set us in the breakfast room?” It was so much easier for just one or two people to eat in the smaller room than be lost in the large, cavernous dining room.

“Yes, milord.”

“Excellent. We’ll be there momentarily.”