“How long till the investors start dumping the stock?”
“Three days from now, we will buy out the majority share.”
London doesn't blink as the information sinks in. She has two days to get them to listen to her. If not, she will buy up the majority shares and pray that his grandfather will understand and reimburse her.
London waits for the meeting to clear out before she limps to the telegraph. She quickly sends the order for her investor to buy up all the stock he can in two days. She hears Lady Sheridan coming as she shouts at a housemaid in the hallway. She starts cleaning up the tea service.
“Mouse!” Lady Sheridan snaps from the doorway, causing her to jump and almost drop the teapot.
“Yes, my Lady,” she carefully sets the teapot on the tray and rolls the cart towards the door.
“There has been a change of plans. We are leaving this evening for the Bronte Hotel. I will need you to see to all the packing. Make sure nothing is left behind. The next four days will be busy.”
“How long will I need to pack for?” London asks.
“A week. George has decided to host the wedding from the Grand Ballroom! We simply don’t have enough room for all the guests here.” Tessa is glowing with excitement.
“I'm counting on you to do a good job. If all goes well, after the nuptials, you will become my new lady's maid.” Tessa stares at her, clearly expecting a response.
“Oh, you're too kind,” London gasps and curtsies. “Thank you.” In her heart, she thinks, over my dead body.
“Yes, well. It will depend on how well the wedding goes.” She turns in her gown, and the wave of perfume causes London to bring a finger to her nose. “I like the gloves. They give an extra layer of professionalism. Make sure all the maids get some. Leave the cart. The others will take care of it. You need to help pack for us.”
“Yes, my lady,” she says as she pushes the tray from the room and follows her up the stairs. Now, what do I do? The only thing she can think is to mail a letter. Lady Hubbard shouts for her, and she deflates, if she can find the time.
Chapter 9
“The wedding is in a few days. You need to stop worrying about the stocks and enjoy this moment,” Matthew insists.
“I’m not sure the wedding will be in a few days. I’m thinking about postponing it until next month,” Declan announces.
“Absolutely not!” Matthew leaps to his feet and moves to the end of the table. “The Hubbard’s left last night for the Bronte Hotel. The first party is tonight!”
“Party! What on earth are you talking about?” Declan runs a hand over his bearded face.
“Declan, do you ever listen,” Matthew rumbles. “The family moved the wedding to the Grand Ballroom at the Bronte Hotel due to the number of guests coming. It's the party of the year!”
Declan stares at him with his mouth open. “I told you I wanted a simple affair, not a circus!”
“I understand, but your bride to be insisted.”
“Does no one care that I almost lost my business two nights ago?” Declan shouts. “Everything I have is tied up in this custom furniture line, grandfather!”
“I'm well aware of that, Declan. You said the losses weren't significant, and we have an agreement. I will see to it that my word is kept. I can help you rebuild, son. You know I wouldn't sit back and let your dreams go up in smoke.”
“As long as I do it your way?” Declan grumbles.
“Exactly! Now tell me what is going on with your business.”
“It's the stocks. The newspaper is printing outrageous lies, and the investors are already starting to dump the stocks.”
“Investors are jumpy, son. They’ll come back once the drama dies down.”
“Perhaps, but I need to work, not worry about getting married!”
“Declan, you have your priorities all turned around. You're getting married this weekend if I have to drag you to the Bronte Hotel by your hair!” he demands.
“What good will it do to have a bride if I can’t provide for her?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Declan. You are a Sheridan! A Duke, and you know that one setback will not determine who you are or your worth!”
“Grandfather, you built Sheridan Furniture with my father. I intend with this custom line to take it global. I want to ensure your legacy, that’s all.”
Matthew walks over and stares hard into his eyes. “You are my legacy. Not some store.”
“Thank you for saying that, but I need to contribute to our family name. Not rely on a trust fund or inheritance. Working brings me joy. I need it.”
“A man can’t live on work alone, Declan, you need love and family. I don’t want to leave this earth knowing you are alone.” Suddenly exhausted, Matthew leans heavier on his cane and walks slowly to the table.
“Someone tried to destroy my business and didn't care that we were inside. We could've died! I'm having a hard time enjoying anything right now. I have to get back to the shop and salvage what I can. I'm meeting with a reporter to give a real account of the accident, and for the first time, I'm allowing them inside to take photographs. Hopefully, that will make the investors less jumpy.”
“Don't forget that many of the investors will be at this party. You can ease their worries, and by showing that you’re not concerned. I'll see to getting us packed. We're
