Free Honor Reclaimed (All About Honor) by Kathleen Reagan Page B

regards to our shipping company, for many years now.   He is slowing down and would like to
turn over some of the responsibility to the younger generation.   He has requested that I approach you on
returning to London and working with him for a while, at least until one of
your younger cousins are ready to step in.   We need someone there to represent our
holdings in the colonies.   Eventually I would like you to consider transferring some of your
holding there.   I can see that a
young man could establish a dynasty in that virgin territory.”
    “I do not know Uncle.   Of course I will travel to London
within the next few months and visit with Uncle William about what his needs
are, but I am pretty much a homebody and my home and family are here in Monmouthshire .   I have no desire to travel far from them.   As you may have noticed, Eirian is with child.   I do not want to be gone from her when
her time comes, especially considering what happened to Johane.   It would appear that my new wife will prove very fertile as I barely hung my pants on the
bedpost before she was breeding.   I
do not want to take her to some primitive land without access to a doctor’ care
or the support of her family.   I
think that the Colonies will have to wait for my sons to establish a dynasty
there.”   John made it plain that he
had no desire to seek adventure.
    “As you will son, I cannot blame you
for looking after the needs of your wife, but we have to consider the needs of
the family as well.   Rumor has it
that the King is intent on raising the transport taxes on products coming out
of the Colonies.   That would cut
into our profits greatly.   We need
to find a way to turn that around to our advantage.   The King is desperate for funding.   He refuses to call back Parliament to fund his projects, but
he cannot lay the burden on the merchants by heavily penalizing them with
taxes.   He has to leave us our
incentives.”   John continued to be
amazed by his uncle’s ability to keep his finger on the pulse of his business
holding at such a distance from London.
    “Uncle, let me see what I can do to
prepare myself for an extended absence from my holdings.   My estate manager is a good man, but I
have always played an active roll in the running of my estate.   I want to insure that things will
continue to progress along the lines that I had planned.   I will make my arrangements and try to
be in London by the first of the year.”   John tried to nonchalantly glance at Eirian to judge her reaction.
    “Now son, you can not let your young
wife’s concerns dictate your decision.   I am sure she will support you in doing what ever you have to do to
improve the standing of the family as well as improve your own lot in
life.   I am sure she is a sensible
young lady, are you not Madame?”   Uncle Edward turned his address to Eirian.
    “Sir, I do not know much about the
business world, but I do have every confidence in my husband.   I know he can handle what ever is
required of him.   I would only ask
that I be allowed to accompany him to London as I would not wish to be
separated from him at this time.”   Eirian replied.
    “That is absolutely out of the
question my dear.   The travel would
be entirely too difficult for you in your condition.   I forbid it!”   John had never absolutely denied Eirian anything she wanted in all their
years of acquaintance.   She was
shocked at first, but it did not take her long to decide that given time she
would be able to convince him to allow her to accompany him.
    Gwen came to Eirian’s rescue, “John,
I understand how Eirian feels.   A
young woman does not need to be left alone for extended periods of time, especially
in her condition.   She needs your
support, as well as your companionship.   I would hate to see you do what Thomas and I did the first several years
of our marriage.   We were
miserable.   I should have suffered
any inconvenience just to be with