Charlton's carriage arrived at their ducal mansion in the capital at about 4:30 in the afternoon.
"Welcome back, milord." The butler, greeted as Charlton stepped foot inside their mansion.
Charlton smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement, "It's good to be back. Has father been waiting for me? Where is he?"
"His grace is currently in his office. Should I tell him that you have arrived?"
"No need, I'll go there myself. Anyway, Kylo is heading here by dinner, he will also be staying here for ten nights. So, please have a room prepared for him."
"Understood, milord, then I shall go inform the housekeepers." The butler replied.
Charlton nodded then left to go to his father's office.
--
Charlton knocked on the door, "Father, may I come in?" He asked.
Duke Charles hearing that it was his son turned to look up from the paper he has been reading. "Yes, come in."
When he heard the permission, it was only then that he opened the door to enter the room. Seeing his father holding a document he asked, "Sorry, are you busy?"
"No, it's alright." Charles replied as he placed the document down. "Come sit down. How have you been?"
Charlton went over to sit, "I have been well father. Thank you. Have you read my last letter? What do you think?"
"While I still have some inquiries, I do agree that a railway from the capital extending to Suffox would be very beneficial to our duchy. In any case, you have my approval. If you need funds, just tell me." Charles replied.
"Thank you, father." Charlton smiled, feeling a bit proud. Well, it was not his plan entirely, but it's not like he could tell his father that it was Serena's.
Charles shook his head as he smiled back. He was truly surprised when he received the letter, he did not expect that his son was already thinking of ways to improve their duchy. "What have you been up to lately? And how did you even get involved with that Thomas Brassey?" Charles asked.
Charlton thought that there was nothing wrong with sharing his future ventures with some merchants to his father for it would not really reveal anything about his plans. Besides, it would be all over the news later.
"I met him through Edward, and that is how I learned of his project. In fact, I have formed some friendship with not only him, but other merchants too. I have decided to invest in some of their business ventures. I hope that is alright."
"You must have been interacting with Edward a lot." Charles commented.
"Yes, we have been working on a contract and I apologize for not saying ahead of time, but I have signed a contract to work with his company for a year."
Charles nodded, though his wife would most probably be against her son working for anyone, he thought that it's good to have as a learning experience.
"Father, will you be staying here the whole summer?"
Charles shook his head, "I would only attend the sessions this week at the house of lords. I can't be away from the duchy for too long, so I plan to head back by Friday. Your mother should be expecting you with me."
"Uh… well, if it is alright, I might not be able to return home before the first week of August. I would need to work with other upcoming artists and would need to attend the opening event for Benz-motors which is tentatively slated for the 8th of July. I was hoping that you can attend." Charlton explained.
Charles sighed, "your mother would not like that. But alright, I'll explain it to her. You continue telling me about these ventures you're joining."
Charlton grinned, that's why he prefers explaining things to his father. He allows him enough freedom, as compared to his mother who always coddles him. And so, he continued explaining about the ventures he would be joining, omitting some minor details of course.
Charles did enjoy listening to his son tell him about his activities. Though he could always ask Jack about those, he gave his son his own privacy. Anyway, seeing his son motivated and passionate about something positive did make him happy.
As a child, although Charlton has always excelled in everything he does, he has rarely shown initiative. Most of the time, he would usually just go with the flow. At one point, he thought that he would remain like that all his life. Don't get him wrong, he was a happy father having such a good son. He never did give him any headache while growing up. He was always polite, respected his elders, and would never ask for anything more than what was given to him. It's just that he never thought he would want to achieve anything aside from his birthright. Then again, he did work hard to afford him that life.
"It's good that you are being passionate about going into business. You know that you always have my support. If there's anything you need, you can ask for my help. When I leave, I will assign some of my guards to go with you when you decide to travel back home." Charles finally said when Charlton finished explaining.
"Thank you, father. I will ask when I need a hand." Charlton replied. He felt guilty that he could not tell him his real motivations, but he doesn't want to involve his father with his plan. Besides, he doesn't need more in his plate. He knew how precarious his position in court was.
After a while, they heard the butler knock on the door informing them that dinner was ready and that Kylo has arrived.
Charles looked at Charlton, he did not mention that Kylo would be coming over.
"Uh, Kylo would be staying here for a while. I will join him in going to Militeia. We would only be staying there for 3 nights. He has this girl he wants to woo and well…" Charlton started to come up with an excuse.
Charles sighed. Georgina will not like it when she finds out, but as a man, he does understand his son. At that age, he too wanted to go everywhere, always restless, not wanting to stay in one place. Besides, there are times when he wants Charlton to be more willful.
"Just make sure that you take care of yourself and bring Jack along." He said as he opened the door.
Charlton could not help but grin. He was truly lucky when it comes to his parents. In comparison to the people he knew, none of them can boast to get the same treatment.
--
TBC