The Honourable Thomas Beresford, known to his brother and a select number of intimate friends simply as Tom, set down his pen. Ensuring it was aligned neatly with the papers on his inlaid mahogany desk, he addressed his man of business.
‘Thank you, Merton. You may proceed with the purchase of the tavern in Winchester, but I have decided not to acquire any of the ships you have highlighted. Keep looking.’
Merton bowed. ‘Yes, sir.’
‘Now to the country houses. How many have you found?’
‘Two, sir, with a possible third.’
Handing over three packages, each tied tidily with a leather thong, Merton stood impassively while Tom perused the contents. This took some time, but the man did not speak or move. He had been working with the Beresford brothers for long enough to know how things should be done.
‘You have not included an estimated price for this one in Kent—’ Tom tapped the middle sheaf ‘—Wyatt House, near Chiddingstone.’
The man nodded. ‘Wyatt House is not yet officially available for sale. But I am assured by my various contacts that it will be very soon.’
‘Tell me more.’ Tom leaned back in his chair, stretching his long legs out in front of him.
‘It is owned by a widow—Mrs Godwin. Her husband died almost two years ago and since then she has amassed substantial debts.’
Tom raised an eyebrow. This sounded promising. ‘This purchase is to be different from my usual acquisitions, Merton. This house will be for my own use.’
Merton’s eyes widened. ‘Forgive me for asking, sir, but are you seeking a house that you will make your home?’
‘Home? No!’ Tom heard the vehemence in his own voice. With some effort, he continued in a milder tone. ‘I have no need of a home, Merton. This house is a business acquisition that I will use when it suits me to entertain—nothing more. Dealing with business matters during a private house party is much more effective than endless London dinners and balls. My brother the Earl has use of the family properties for his own purposes, and I now believe it is time for me to acquire my own building.’
There. That had struck exactly the right tone. Tom had no need of a home. Boarding school had been the only home he had known for most of his life. In truth, any notion of home had left him once Mama had died...
Merton nodded, disapproval clearly apparent in his rigid posture. He spoke again, a little stiffly. ‘You asked me to find options within reasonable reach of London, large enough for entertaining, yet not too large?’
‘Correct. I do not want the encumbrance of a large estate.’ Thankfully, all was businesslike again.
Merton pursed his lips thoughtfully. ‘In that case, Wyatt House is the best of the three possibilities I have presented. The first, I understand, is modest in size and capacity, while the third has substantial lands which would have to be managed or disposed of separately. Wyatt House, I am told, is sizeable, yet comes only with gardens, not farms.’
‘Very well. I shall consider how to approach this Mrs Godwin. Does she go out in Society?’
His aide gave a wry grimace. ‘She does. Indeed, she is well-known for her lavish parties, both here in London and at her country home.’
‘Ah—hence the debts.’ Tom flashed a knowing smile at his man.
‘Indeed, sir.’ Merton paused. ‘Last year, once she had come out of mourning, Mrs Godwin held a house party at Wyatt House for Christmas which lasted all the way until Twelfth Night. That is how I was able to ascertain that the house is large enough to host a sizeable party.’
‘Excellent. You never fail me, Merton.’
His secretary remained impassive.
‘Now, to cultivate an acquaintance with Mrs Godwin! Tell me about her.’
‘She is young for a widow—not yet five and thirty. She was only married to the unfortunate Mr Godwin for a matter of months.’
Tom nodded. ‘Perfect!’
Merton coughed discreetly.
‘Yes?’
‘I believe Mrs Godwin is in Town at present, sir. I also understand she is acquainted with Lady Jersey, who might help you secure an introduction.’
‘Whatever it is I am paying you, it is not enough!’ Tom declared with a grin, abandoning the frustrations of a moment ago. He stood and rang the bell for his valet. ‘Now to don my best evening coat.’ He flashed Merton a wicked smile. ‘I have a widow to charm!’