He stood to start his morning toilette when the door to his bedchamber flew open and Robert strode in, dressed in a light blue and gold brocade waistcoat with navy trousers and top coat. “About time you woke up.” He dropped down on the end of Thomas’s bed and stretched out his long legs.
“Glad I had not yet picked up my razor. And I suppose you’ve been up since dawn achieving greatness.”
Robert huffed. “Hardly. But I did get up for breakfast. Mother wants all three of us around this afternoon while Beth’s potential suitors file in and out.”
“A reminder that our sister has protective brothers?”
“More or less. Especially the one who can swing a cane.” At Thomas’s snarl, Robert gave a short laugh. “And Father has business down at the docks today.”
Thomas paused, looking at Robert in the washstand mirror. “What kind of business?”
A shrug. “Mother said that he’s purchased a shipping company.”
Thomas faced his brother. “When?”
“No idea. Some time back, apparently. The sale’s been finalized, ownership transferred. Still a lot to do with the shift in management.” Robert gestured blithely in the direction of the docks. “Something like that. I was not listening that closely.”
Thomas turned back to his shaving. “I guess if it’s not something to do with Ballast Bill’s particular company, you have no interest.”
“Do not mock. If this whole business with Father doesn’t get straightened out, Bill’s hell may be my future.”
Thomas paused as he drew the razor along his jaw. “You still acting as one of his floor managers?”
Another shrug.
“Do you not think that will impede what Father wants us to do?”
Robert gave a wry smile. “No one’s recognized me yet. I don’t shave, and I don’t go on the floor till almost midnight. I wear that green suit and highland bonnet, and most of them don’t even bother to look at my face. I’m just Robbie Green, the man to avoid. I pick up the takes from the tables and have the wolves escort out the ones who get out of hand. I make sure the doxies are protected, and it keeps everyone happy and risking their family fortunes.”
Rose’s words echoed in Thomas’s head:People believe what they think they see.He studied his brother a minute as he finished his shave and wiped his face. “You love it.”
Robert nodded and sat up straighter. “I do.” He stood. “Now. We need to get Michael up and out. A ride in Hyde Park would do him good. And it would put us out in front of some Society mamas on Rotten Row.”
“Is he up for it? Isn’t it too early for that?”
“No. But he won’t get any better hiding in his bedchamber with the curtains drawn either. And riding in the landau should not bring any anxiety with it. We will work up to strolling near the Serpentine. It is early for that, but I thought it might be easier on him if the park were less crowded the first few times.”
Thomas went into his dressing room to choose his clothes for the day.
“You want to ring for Langley?”
“No. I sent him to deliver a message to the Timmons home. I can certainly dress myself for an outing in the park.”
“Pick a starched cravat. Maybe that gray and red waistcoat. Something other than blue. We don’t want to compete with each other.”
“When did you become a dandy?”
“Since we need to get through this season as fast as possible. I’ve also made a list of potential wive—wait. Did you say you sent a message to the Timmonses?”
“I did.”
“Are you going to court Cecily?”
“No. That would be too much like courting Beth. Besides, she’ll be covered over with suitors this first season.”
Robert remained silent several minutes. “So... Rose?”
“No!” Thomas came back into the bedchamber, tucking in his shirt and buttoning the gray and red waistcoat. “No. I just want to finish the discussion we started last night about her gossip circuit. I think we can help each other. In the meantime, help me with this cravat.”
