Robert stood, picked up the poker, and rooted through the ashes in the grate. “Dare you besmirch my fair lady’s reputation?”
The low fire, which had only been built to lift the early morning chill that lingered in the stone house, even in June, had long since died. Thomas knew his brother’s habit of stirring a fire was more distraction than a need for warmth and always had been. There was no humor in his voice, and Thomas studied his face, which had had the same dark hollows around the eyes and drawn lines around the mouth for days. “I thought you were pleased with your progress with the divine Lydia.”
A shrug. “I’m calling on her three times a week. She has two other suitors, both of whom have better placement in Debrett’s than I do.”
“But not the charm.”
Another shrug, and Robert replaced the poker. He ignored Thomas and faced their father, who closed the ledger and looked up at his sons as he spoke. “Gentlemen, we need to discuss Roger Bentley.”
Robert sat in a chair closer to the desk. “I thought Thomas was exonerated.”
Philip waved away that topic. “I mean the business side. Bentley’s family has taken him to their estate in Kent. I’ve been in touch with their solicitors, and they are ready to divest themselves of his remaining holdings. I have made them fair offers, and they have accepted.”
The brothers exchanged looks. “So his little empire has truly collapsed,” Robert said.
“Yes. Even if he wakes, his business and social reputations will be in ruin, and he will only have the financial worth that we have provided to his family.”
“If he wakes up, I’ll—”
Philip pointed at Thomas. “You will do nothing and do not imply otherwise. You are fortunate the magistrate saw your attack on Bentley as a defense of Lady Rose and not revenge or an extension of our business endeavors. Had his previous behavior against her not been so egregious and well known, it could have easily gone the other way.”
Thomas closed his hand around the head of his cane, which rested against the arm of the wingback. He had fumed when that suggestion had been made by the Bentley family solicitor and had taken to the boxing ring to work out his anger.
Philip took a deep breath. “In fact, I think it wise that we all put this behind us for awhile. Fairside is now entrenched as a power on the docks and is in good hands with the current management. It’s time we moved on to the next stage in our plans. I want you to get with your valets and prepare to leave Monday for Ashton Park.”
Thomas stood. “Monday? But—”
“I know you plan to see Lady Rose tomorrow, but whatever your plans with her after that will have to wait.”
“Father, I intend to marry her. Soon!”
Philip’s expression was kind but stoic. “Thomas, I’m not asking you to wait just because I want you to accompany us to Ashton Park. You need to do it for Lady Rose as well.”
Thomas felt an odd suspicion building in his gut. “Why would you say that?”
Philip leaned back in his chair. “I spoke with Huntingdale last evening.”
His suspicions grew. “Why?”
“Because I was curious as to why she would not see you even though they have accepted your offer of marriage.”
“What she went through—”
“May have affected her more than you realize. He said she has not emerged from her room since it happened. It’s not just you she has refused to see. She refuses see anyone, even her own family. Your note seems to have helped, but Rose is still quite... fragile.”
“She’s agreed to see me tomorrow afternoon.”
“So I heard. But if you push her—”
“I will not.”
“Says the man who just threatened to kill a man in a coma.”
Thomas snapped around at Robert. “That’s different and you know it!”
Robert raised his hands in defense and looked at Philip. “Patience is apparently not an Ashton virtue.”
“Patience is overrated,” mumbled Thomas.
