I was now a landholder in Spain, did that make me a Grandee. I doubted it, I wasn’t even sure what that was.
The Duke handed me a folio of pictures taken of what I had just bought sight unseen. The first ones were of two major roads intersecting with the new style cloverleaves.
I had to give some thought of what to do about that. One thing for certain the guys trying to buy it now didn’t have a snowballs chance.
Other pictures were of a hacienda and outbuildings. It was stupendous. I could see how the package was worth the money. There were a thousand hectares or almost twenty-five hundred acres. That was pretty large by any standard.
The land was mostly cattle grazing. I could play cowboy there all I wanted!
After all was wrapped up, the Banker brought out a bottle of Champagne and we had a toast to the successes of the day. Everyone but me made a direct profit on the day, and I suspected if I were patient and investigated things I could also.
The Duke and I had a short conversation about the Ball and my picking up Pamela on Friday. He still wanted to surprise her and I agreed to go along with it.
“Sir Richard, my title and estates are one of the few peerages that may be inherited by the daughter. Thank goodness I only have the one or we would have the abeyance situation.”
“I have heard of it, but don’t understand.”
“Basically, male inheritance is through the oldest. If there are only daughters they have equal rights to the title but the title can only be awarded if the claimants agree on one of them having the title, and there can be no coercion.”
“That sounds like the beginning of a murder mystery.”
“I’ve not heard of it happening but it could, however a motive like that would lead to the surviving sister. Anyway, what I want to share is that I’m going to accelerate Pamela’s estate management education and I don’t think she will be seeing anyone for some time to come.”
“I understand, Your Grace.”
I understand that I may have dodged a bullet. How do you tell a father you feel no attraction for his daughter, as a matter a fact you are slightly repelled by her?
We finished up the transactions. I was determined to get to Spain before year’s end to see what I had just bought.
Saturday came quicker than I wished. I dressed up in my best white tie outfit. Mr. Hamilton fussed over me until I wanted to scream. Then Grand Mum had her turn. I think she polished every one of my miniature medals.
I must say when I looked in the mirror with topcoat, white tie, medals, top hat, and cane I did look spiffy. With strict orders from Mum, the camera came out to record my appearance for posterity.
At least I wouldn’t have pictures with Pamela and me. I thought that until I saw Mr. Hamilton putting a camera bag in the front seat next to him.
He was dressed in a full chauffeur rig for the drive.
When we arrived at the Duke's estate I found out what the rich do for pictures. They hire a professional photographer.
Pamela looked very nice in her ball gown. I suspect this was the first and only time she would ever wear it.
As soon as she came into sight the photographers, both professional, and Mr. Hamilton started snapping away.
They both caught her look when she recognized me as Ricky Jackson the actor. Young Duchesses do not squeal, but it sure sounded like it.
“Why didn’t you tell me you’re Ricky Jackson, I thought you were some stuffy knight, Sir Richard.”
“You didn’t ask.”
This was my way of reminding her how she had treated me. Alas, she hadn’t learned.
“I see you hired a Bentley as I ordered.”
“Yes, your Ladyship.”
“Where is my corsage?”
“You didn’t tell me to purchase one.”
In the military, this was called dumb disobedience and frowned upon. She didn’t have experience with this so she was a little flustered but moved on.
We posed for pictures. Mr. Hamilton was very helpful in adjusting her gown so it fell right. Pamela informed me that I should tip him well. Behind her back, he rolled his eyes but then held out his hand.
I just about lost it but kept a straight face.
“I will do that, your Ladyship, if he serves well for the rest of the evening. Now it was his turn to keep a straight face.
While this byplay was going on the Duke was watching and I could tell he didn’t like his daughter to be mocked, even if she deserved it.
Discretion being the better part of valor I got us into the Bentley and moved on.
The Ball went as I expected, at least I had a better understanding of why she was like she was. This didn’t mean I liked her, just understood her. For only one evening I could put up with this.
She introduced me to her friends as Ricky Jackson the actor. It was done in such a way as though I were a party favor.
The icing on the cake was when one of her friends asked if she would be dating me. Her reply was priceless.
“He is a sweet boy and certainly good looking but I think I want a husband with real money, having to pinch and scrape is such a bore.”
No living off the extra board in Bellefontaine, Ohio is pinching and scraping. Then I amended that thought, deliberately getting detention after school to stay warm and dry is pinching and scraping.
On the ride back to the castle we were prim and proper. She did ask who the car was hired from, they certainly took care
