Saving Percival (The Cousins Book 3)

Chapter One

Five Years Later

Frowning, Percival closed the account book. Even after spending a year tidying up his late uncle's affairs, he couldn't believe how much of a disarray there was. There were bills to pay and repairs that had been neglected for far too long, not to mention the everyday needs of the tenants-the list seemed never-ending. 

He wanted nothing more than to leave the place behind him and never look back. 

But he knew that wasn't the answer. In fact, it would only make matters worse. The bills needed to be paid, whether or not he wanted to do so. The tenants needed to be appeased so they would work their farms. Furthermore, if his mother and aunt didn't come down hard on him, telling him all the ways he had failed, he knew nothing about them.

Percival leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, feeling out of place. He had always known that, with primogeniture law, he would inherit Lawrence Manor. But now that it was here, he wasn't sure what to do next.

A vision of laughing brown eyes popped into his head, and Percival shook his head in an attempt to rid himself of the thought. He was still confused as to what had occurred and where Miss Cooper had gone when she vanished from London.

Hopefully, that would change soon.

The door of the office creaked open, making him sit up and open his eyes. Another thing that needed to be fixed but hadn't been. At least, it was just a minor concern and annoyed only himself. Hendricks, who had served as the butler for as long as Percival could remember, stepped in. "Yes?" Percival said, his voice slightly exasperated yet grateful for the interruption. "What is it?"

"Mr. Poole is here," the butler said, his words dripping with disdain. "Do you wish to see him?" 

At last! Perhaps this would be the good news he was expecting. "Yes, excellent!" Percival declared and shoved his chair away from the desk. He was determined not to suffer another disappointment. "Let him in now, Hendricks. Didn't I say I was expecting him?"

Pursing his lips, the butler backed away silently. Percival couldn't help but feel a little guilty about his harsh words. Hendricks was just doing his job as a loyal servant, after all. But this wasn't just any occasion - this visitor's information could make or break everything. George Poole might not be the most upstanding fellow, but that didn't matter now. Hendrick's disapproval of the situation was unimportant. 

Percival quickly dismissed his thoughts as the guest walked in. "Greetings, Sir Percival!" the man said cheerfully, looking the same as when they had first encountered one another. "Well met, sir."

"Poole," Percival responded. Should he offer his hand? How was one supposed to greet an investigator one had hired? He settled for a slight nod. "What news do you bring?"

The man's gaze wandered around the room, examining the oak walls that lent an oppressive atmosphere to the dimly lit space. It was clear from his expression he was evaluating both the wealth of the occupant and the contents of the room. "Thank you for seeing me today," the man said when he finally concluded his examination. "I'm sure you're extremely busy."

Anxious to hear the results of Poole's investigation, Percival motioned towards the armchair facing his desk. "I thought you wouldn't be back until next week," the young man said as he sat down. "Have you had trouble?"

"The rain soaked roads were a bit of an obstacle, but nothing a good horse couldn't push through," Poole responded, as he settled himself into the armchair. "I was glad of the fine day to come here. I thought it would be better than writing a letter."

Surely that was enough social small talk? Offering refreshments was not something Percival was inclined to do as it would only prolong the conversation. "Did you find her, Poole?" he asked, his tone sharper than he'd intended. This had been happening with more frequency in the past few years. It was no surprise that nobody wanted to spend much time around him.