The Unwilling Earl by Audrey Harrison Page A

match. She found it easier to believe Daniel’s sincerity, she only had to watch him with her sister to know he was besotted. Mr. Peters had returned to the area and would be attending the party. Margaret determined to drop him a hint that he should give up his quest.
    When the gentlemen arrived, they were introduced and both received a shock when introduced to Mr. Peters. Fred responded first. “Samuel Peters? Sam? Is it really you? I hardly recognised you!”
    Penelope noticed the flush in Mr. Peters’ cheeks and the stiffening and glower from Daniel.
    “It is. Hello Fred. It’s been a long time,” Mr. Peters said looking uncomfortable.
    “We saw you at the theatre, why the devil didn’t you make yourself known?” Fred asked in his usual open way.
    “I wasn’t sure it was you, I have since found out who the Earl of Rivington is,” Mr. Peters said with a slight sneer.
    Daniel bowed his head and a slight smile appeared on his face, “Yes a real member of the aristocracy after all.”
    “ In name maybe,” Mr. Peters responded.
    “Now Sam, you should know better than to upset someone who could one day be a patron of yours. The way Daniel is going he will be running the country before he is much older,” Fred interjected jovially, but it was obvious he was trying to dissolve the tension that was evident between the two men.
    Before anything else could be said the group was called in to dinner. Penelope was left to wonder at the exchange. It was obvious Mr. Peters was uncomfortable but his reaction had been rude and she could only wonder at it. It was a side she did not like and felt that somehow Da niel did not deserve it. For a clergyman to be offensive to an Earl showed a lack of manners that was not appealing.
    The dinner went off smoothly until Mr. Simpson mentioned an investment he was thinking of. “I’ve been told they are looking for investors to build a canal network all across Wales. I am thinking of investing, after all the canal network has been a little gold mine for investors so far.”
    Penelope was seated next to Mr. Simpson with Daniel at her left. She felt Daniel’s interest catch as he overheard the comment.
    “I would advise caution to any further investment in the canal network,” Daniel said to Mr. Sim pson. “All signs are pointing that their days are numbered as the preferred line of transport. You may not see the returns other investors, myself included, have seen.”
    “Ah, keeping the spoils for yourself my Lord,” Mr. Simpson joked amiably.
    Daniel laughed. “Not at all, there are enough investments to go around. I can discuss an area I do think will replace canals for the next improvement to transport. It may be a few years away before you see a return, but I am convinced that there will be large amounts of money to be made, if invested wisely.”
    “I shall be interested to hear what you say,” responded Mr. Simpson. He was an easy-going man, but he was not a fool and would invest carefully.
    Penelope had observed that Mr. Peters had watched the exchange with increasing colour and although it showed a lack of etiquette to talk across a table, he joined the conversation.
    “I think Mr. Simpson should be wary of taking such obvious poor advice,” he said, smiling at his host, but it did not hide the animosity in his voice.
    “And why is it poor advice?” Daniel asked quietly.
    “Anyone who is anyone could see that the canals are here to stay, they are so efficient, why would anyone want to change to yet another mode of transport? This new speculation, Mr. Simpson, must be foolish. Invest in your canals as you were going to.”
    Mr. Simpson looked awkward and Penelope was infuriated on her brother-in-law ’s behalf. If Mr. Peters disagreed with what was being said he should have spoken away from the dining table. She was just about to say something when Fred leaned across his partner to be closer to Mr. Peters.
    “Sam, don’t forget where you are and who you are with!