Page 8 of The Baron’s Perfect Match (Twist of Fate #1)

New York City

J acob looked over the large stack of letters on his desk. He was ecstatic that including articles for women in the paper had turned out to be so lucrative. With such an enthusiastic response for more articles, he’d be able to include a few more in the Friday edition.

He loved flexing his journalistic muscles, and the more he wrote, the more he realized the power of his words.

His article on the challenges faced by women seeking paying jobs outside the home had been the most popular thus far.

Jacob was more determined than ever to bring issues affecting women into the light.

After speaking with the wives of his employees, he’d begun to understand how stifled some of them felt at not even being given a chance to prove they could do more than raise children or cook a decent supper.

He walked out of his office and down the hall to consult with his editor.

“Robert, a word, please,” Jacob said when he got to the man’s desk.

“Sure, Jacob. What do you need?”

“I have a large stack of women’s letters on my desk that need to be gone through. I trust you to figure out the best placement of articles and recipes to fit within the confines of the newspaper’s layout.”

“Of course I’ll look them over. Do you have any preference for how many to include?”

“Well, I don’t want them to be the only news of the day.

I’ve written an article about the growing tensions with the British and their interference with trade and the impressment of American sailors,” Jacob said, handing him his article.

“People should be aware of what’s happening in our country.

I think a good mix of news and helpful articles, as well as a few recipes, will work best, but I’ll leave the final layout to you. ”

“Your article will get top billing, and I’ll get right on the rest of the placements,” Robert said, standing. “Do you think these tensions with the British will lead to war?”

“I honestly don’t know, but our readers seem to like it when we cover things like this. No one likes to be kept in the dark.”

“Your writing is compelling, Jacob. It’s always straightforward and easy to understand.”

“Thank you. By the way, I believe there’s enough material to begin including some women’s articles in the Wednesday edition as well,” Jacob said, walking with his editor back to his office .

Robert whistled through his teeth when he saw the stack of papers. “You weren’t kidding, huh? That pile will be enough for the next month, maybe longer.”

“I want to keep the Friday edition as the mainstay for the women’s articles, but I’m certainly not opposed to any article or recipe being included in the Monday or Wednesday editions if you need to fill space.”

Robert nodded as he scooped up the stack of letters. “Not a problem. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, Robert.”

As Robert left his office, Jacob took a seat behind his desk.

He’d accomplished everything he ever wanted to do and more.

He was a published journalist and the co-owner of a popular newspaper.

With each new level of success he achieved, he was sad he couldn’t share it with his parents.

That would have made his achievements mean so much more.

Jacob knew he owed a lot of the paper’s success to his employees, and he was adamant about paying them a living wage.

He didn’t believe he should be the only one to reap the rewards of his success.

He knew all the men by name and made a point of learning about their families.

He wanted his workers to be happy to come to work.

Happy employees meant a productive staff, and Jacob knew his staff well.

They were a dedicated group who took great pride in their work.

The paper was turning a very good profit, and soon, he hoped that he would be able to share a bigger share of that profit with the employees, but first, he needed to consult Henry. He valued his insight and judgment.

Jacob pulled on his jacket, intent on talking with Henry about his latest idea sooner rather than later, but a young boy appeared at the door before he could leave.

“Jacob Stanford?” the boy asked.

Jacob nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”

The boy held out a letter. “I was told to put this directly in your hands.”

Jacob took the letter and pulled a coin out of his pocket. “Here. You did well.”

The boy snatched the coin and ran out of the office before Jacob could utter another word. He went back to his desk and sat down, tearing open the letter.

Mr. Jacob Stanford,

I am pleased to inform you that you are the long-lost heir to the Fletcher title and estate in England. Your presence is required as soon as possible to claim the title. Please present yourself at my office in London at your earliest convenience.

Colin Haggerty

Solicitor

Jacob stared at the letter.

What was this?

How could he be the heir to an English title?

He’d never heard of a Lord Fletcher or anything about an estate in England. His parents had never mentioned having relatives across the pond. This clearly must be a mistake. Now he had even more reason to go visit Henry. He needed his wise counsel about what he should do next.

Thirty minutes later, he was seated in Henry’s study while his partner read over the letter.

“You say this came this morning?”

“Yes, but it doesn’t make any sense. I don’t have any relatives in England, and certainly not anyone connected to English society.”

“These things are seldom a mistake, Jacob. There could be a connection somewhere in your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents’ family history.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I suspect that could very well be the case here.”

“This is so unexpected. I know very little about England beyond what I’ve written about them impressing our sailors. What do you recommend I do?”

“Well, you must go to London, of course. This isn’t something to treat lightly, and you owe it to yourself to find out everything you can about your family’s legacy.”

“But what about the paper?”

“The paper will be fine while you’re gone. Robert is an excellent editor, and if he has any questions, I shall make myself readily available.”

“I don’t know, Henry. What do I know about being a member of the aristocracy? I’m a journalist.”

“As much as you knew about running a newspaper. Nothing at first, but you’ll learn. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and I have the utmost faith in your abilities.”

“Thank you, but I don’t know if I’ll even accept it if this turns out to be true. My life is here in New York.”

“Don’t close your mind before you know all the facts, my boy.

Without new challenges in our lives, things can get stale.

It would be good for you to go to England and explore what this is all about.

And don’t tell me that you don’t have the funds when we both know that you can easily afford the journey.

For safety’s sake, though, don’t take too much ready cash with you.

That makes you too tempting a target for pickpockets.

I’d suggest you carry a bank note on your voyage to be redeemed at a London bank.

That way, you’ll have plenty of funds to do as you wish while you’re there. ”

“I guess I can do that, but it will mean I’ll be gone for at least four months, maybe as long as six or seven, depending on the situation over there. Can you handle things for that long?”

“Yes. We’ll be fine. You mustn’t worry. Your absence will give me the opportunity to pen a few articles I’ve been thinking about.”

“Before I leave, we must go to the lawyer’s office and draw up new ownership papers,” Jacob said. “With me gone for so long, you’ll need the controlling share to make any changes necessary. By the way, you’re always welcome to write articles. No need to wait until I leave.”

“It’s not necessary to change our agreement, Jacob. All will be well here. ”

“Thank you for your trust in me, but I would feel better knowing that you’re legally in charge of the paper.”

“Well, if you insist, I’ll send a note around to the lawyer and set up an appointment for us.”

“Excellent. However, there’s one more item I wish to discuss with you.”

“Oh? Do you have a new idea for the paper?”

“Not exactly. What I’d like to discuss is the possibility of sharing some of the profits with the workers.

According to the latest accounting, we’re performing well—actually, quite well indeed.

Without our dedicated staff, the paper wouldn’t be thriving as it is, and I’d like to reward them for all their hard work. ”

Henry’s eyes lit up. “That’s an excellent idea. What if we give the workers a supplemental paycheck this month?”

“Exactly what I was thinking. I truly believe sharing the wealth with our workers will make the paper even more lucrative,” Jacob said. “Perhaps while I’m gone, a picnic for the workers and their families can also be arranged once the weather warms up.”

“Yes. I’m sure Mrs. Williams would be delighted to organize the event. Who doesn’t enjoy a picnic? Is there anything else?”

Jacob shook his head. “No. That’s all I can think of for now.”

“Good. Now go book your passage to England. I have a feeling this trip may be life-changing for you.”

“I’ll go to England as you suggest and find out any relevant details, but I plan to head back to New York as soon as I can. Good day, Henry.”

“Good day, Jacob. Remember, keep an open mind.”

“I will,” Jacob said, leaving Henry’s shipping office, although he wasn’t looking forward to a late February crossing across the Atlantic.