Dangerous in Diamonds - Madeline Hunter [73]
He sat. Cato Valmare, who thought himself very clever—he actually went around calling himself that, lest the descriptive not stick merely on account of others’ impressions—watched with lids at half-mast. Castleford gazed back just as lazily. They began a contest to see who could appear more indifferent.
“I say, Castleford,” Sir Marcus said casually. “Quite a find you have had on that land. Whoever expected such a thing?”
“Everyone except me, it appears,” Castleford said.
“Of course, finding minerals and extracting them are two different things,” Cato said with a superior tone.
“I cannot disagree with that view, Valmare. No matter how one cuts it, they are two different things,” Castleford said.
“It takes considerable investment to mine land properly,” Mr. Drumblewhite said in a nasal voice, as if he taught a lesson to a child. “It is always a big gamble, since the deposits may not be what are expected.”
“I am told that it is wise to watch the managers every hour too,” Sir Marcus said, leaning forward in confidence.
“How boring,” Castleford drawled.
Sir Marcus slapped his knee. “Exactly. I was just telling Drumblewhite here that you are not a man who likes to be bored. You have better ways to spend your time, eh?” His eyebrows rose with insinuation. “Better if he sold out, then, Drumblewhite said. Did you not say that, sir?”
“Indeed I did, Sir Marcus. While you are reputed to have great luck in the financial area, Your Grace, no doubt you prefer other activities, as suits one as esteemed as yourself. The natural order is to let other men get their hands dirty; those born to it.”
Castleford folded his arms and extended his legs. “Alas, one cannot escape such matters entirely. And I have a rule against ever selling land. It is a family tradition.”
Sir Marcus glanced at Drumblewhite, then at Cato. “How unfortunate for you. But, perhaps not entirely so. With the right partners much of the nuisance can still be relieved. Why, Drumblewhite here, for example, has a way with such affairs, inherited no doubt from that merchant hidden among his mother’s ancestors. You understand that I mean no offense by mentioning that, Drumblewhite. I merely point out that your talent comes with your blood and is a natural inclination that cannot be resisted.”
Drumblewhite bowed his head, whether in modesty regarding this talent or in shame, Castleford could not tell. “I would, of course, be happy to help Your Grace in any way, should you have need of me.”
“Why, we all would, would we not? Eh, Cato? It is what friends are for,” Sir Marcus exclaimed.
Cato finally chimed in. “I wonder if a partnership is the best way to handle such help, however. Drumblewhite, when you manage another’s business, what is the fee?”
“Fee? I am a gentleman, sir. I take no fees.”
“No fee?” Castleford said. “You would do this as a kindness? I am touched, Mr. Drumblewhite.”
“I only ask a consideration for my expertise. Another esteemed gentleman in a similar situation generously gave me one quarter of the ownership in his canal, for example. He is freed of all concerns as a result.”
Three pairs of eyes settled on Castleford. He gazed back placidly. Silence ticked by.
“Of course,” Sir Marcus said. “That canal needed building. Managing the extraction of minerals from the ground, while serious business, would not necessarily require that size consideration. Fifteen percent might be considered fair.”
Castleford just looked at them.
“I would do it for ten,” Cato said.
His father turned to him in surprise, but Cato forged on. “It would be a step down, of course. I would only do so to break the ennui, which I suffer from as much as Your Grace.”
Drumblewhite could hardly contain his rage that the young pup had tried to cut him out. “More experience is required than you have, Mr. Valmare.”
Sir Marcus reddened at his friend’s condescending tone. “We could do as well as you, sir, I am sure.”
Castleford gathered his legs and stood. “I have no need of anyone’s services, because I have found