It had taken years on his own for Joseph to realize the extent of his father’s attempts at manipulation. Damn if there weren’t still times when guilt swept through him along with doubt about whether he was right or wrong in the way he lived his own life.
At the butler’s direction, he walked down a long corridor with several closed doors, admiring the architecture and design as he went. The house was both elegant and grand. Much of the décor was a reflection of it having been built in the 1600s. A few modern touches had been added, and it all blended nicely together.
The house made the country estate, where he had grown up and would eventually inherit, look modest in comparison.
However, Joseph didn’t envy the cost it would take to maintain an estate like this. That proved just how much money the Melbournes had.
He found a set of open double doors that led into the billiard room. The large room boasted two billiard tables, several card tables, and an impressive bar complete with crystal decanters, and a servant offering drinks. One wall held a half-dozen antlers from hunting expeditions, along with paintings of fox and hound hunts.
Several gentlemen stood around the room visiting, and one who was familiar walked forward with a smile when Joseph entered.
“Good afternoon, Viscount Garland,” Martin Melbourne said with an outstretched hand.
“Melbourne.” Joseph shook his hand, pleased to see him. “It’s been some time.”
He looked much as Joseph remembered with brown hair that hinted at a receding hairline, a thick mustache, and a stocky build. His confident demeanor suggested he knew his place in the world and was comfortable with it. However, he didn’t have the arrogance that many wealthy men his age had.
“It has. I appreciate the invitation to join you,” Joseph said, hoping Martin would confirm whether he was the one behind it.
“We’re pleased you could come. It should be an enjoyable time. I know my mother has far too many activities planned, but I hope you will enjoy at least some of them.” His easy smile had Joseph smiling in return.
“I look forward to it.” Those were to be expected with a house party.
“You probably know many of the others here.” Martin gestured toward the nearest group of men and led Joseph to them.
Introductions were quickly made, though only a few were necessary as Joseph was familiar with most of the men. The guests were a mix of nobility and landed gentry. Some had made their wealth, and others had inherited it. The combination would make for interesting conversations over the course of the week.
If any were like Joseph, they’d realized that managing their inheritance and estates might not be enough. Agriculture was becoming a more difficult way to generate income with cheaper imports, including wheat and other grains, now being shipped to England.
Joseph knew he wasn’t the only one who would be faced with a challenging set of problems when he inherited. However, he didn’t think any of their fathers were giving away their wealth like Joseph’s was.
Peter Connolly was the son of a man who had made a fortune in shipbuilding. The Earl of Herrington had recently inherited, and rumor suggested that he was on the hunt for a wealthy bride. Thomas Sinclair was a second son and had recently left the Navy. Lord Weston was the oldest member of the group and very set in his ways. The fact that he was friends with the Melbournes came as a surprise.
Soon everyone had a drink in hand. Several played billiards while conversing. More guests trickled in. The air was festive, and everyone was already starting to relax and enjoy themselves.
A short time later, Arthur Melbourne entered the room, and Martin formally introduced Joseph. He was of medium height with the same stocky build and receding hairline as his son, but there was a piercing quality to his brown eyes as if he looked straight into a person and saw them for who they truly were.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Garland,” Melbourne said as he firmly shook Joseph’s hand. “We’re pleased you could come.”
“Thank you for inviting me. It is a pleasure to leave the soot-filled air of London for a time.”
“We enjoy spending two or three months here each year as our schedule permits,” Melbourne said with a smile. “Inviting friends to join us makes it even more special.”
Joseph was impressed by the warm welcome. And he was also impressed by the relationship Arthur Melbourne had with his son. What would it have been like to grow up with a father who looked at one with respect and admiration rather than judgement?
A set of French doors stood open to the outdoors, and some of the group spilled out onto the flag-stoned terrace which overlooked the rolling hills of the back of the estate.
Joseph found himself telling an amusing story from his childhood which gained several laughs. It was easy to pluck out the few humorous tales as they were few in number. Better to dwell on the better times than the difficult ones.
As the afternoon waned, a certain peacefulness came over Joseph. For the first time in longer than he cared to admit, he had the comforting feeling that the future just might settle itself. That there was hope for his plan, especially amidst this room full of intelligent individuals, who for the most part, seemed to welcome new opportunities.
The time had come to move forward with his life and create his own future. His worry over what his father was doing as well as concern for his mother wouldn’t end, but his focus needed to shift if he wanted to support the people who would depend on him when he inherited.
His goal of finding investors such as Melbourne was all the more important. It was too soon to approach the man with his idea, but he felt he was already in his good graces since he’d been invited to this gathering.
With a smile, he finished the last of his drink and turned at the sound of more guests arriving.
The good feeling fell away in an instant at the sight of Reverend Henderson shaking hands with Melbourne.