Simon lowered his gaze. There was also another consideration in place.
Francesca would marry. That was inevitable. And when she did, the man she married would become increasingly involved in the management of the Anderson estate.
A husband would naturally assume responsibility for the family's property and finances, particularly if Francesca remained as uninterested in such matters as Simon expected her to be.
That could be useful. Very useful.
A sensible husband would want an experienced man beside him. Someone familiar with the estate. Someone who understood its debts, its investments, its creditors, and the arrangements that had kept the family afloat for years.
Someone like Simon.
He could remain the trusted uncle, the dependable adviser, the man who had been managing matters long before Francesca's husband ever arrived. And if that husband proved ambitious, Simon could appeal to his ambitions.
