Christopher leisurely picked up the three volumes from the small table next to him. “Yes, I do. You did well to keep it a secret, and as your brother, I understand why you did, but you could have told me. Iamfamily.” It still rubbed him raw that he’d been left out.
Andrew ran his hand through his hair. “You were away at school. I didn’t think you needed to worry about it, and I certainly didn’t want Mother to know. By the time you came home, I’d married Amelia and the investments did well. There was really no reason to tell you. How did you find out?”
Christopher clapped Andrew on the shoulder. “You leave out the ledger in your study quite often. It’s very interesting reading. I only wish you had told me, so I could have learned how you did it last year.”
“You don’t need to go into trade. I wouldn’t have, but the duke gave me some sound advice.”
It was his turn to be surprised. “The Duke of Northwick?”
“Yes. The man is knowledgeable on far more than philosophy. When paired with his wife, I believe they could solve any problem if their audience was willing to listen.”
Christopher raised his brows. “That’s high praise from you. You make me think I should consult the duke on my next problem.”
“You could do a lot worse.”
“Then I definitely shall, as I have more than a couple I’m mulling over.” He walked to the bookcase where he’d found the books and reshelved them.
Andrew rested his hands on the back of the wingback chair nearest him. “Like what you wish to make of your life? I thought you wereconsidering the military.”
Before his brother could mention the winnings from Harewood, Christopher interrupted. “No. I’ve actually made my decision on that front, and as soon as I hear the results of my inquiry, I promise I will let you know.”
“To be honest, Chris. I’m pleased that you will be moving on from tutoring at Oxford. You have so much more potential.”
Nowthiswas new. Not that Andrew had ever made Christopher feel like he wasn’t worthy, but to hear his older brother thought well of him was reassuring. “I promise I will be settled by my thirtieth birthday.”
“So you can marry? I’ve seen the bets in White’s.”
He grimaced. “That was Durham’s idea. Said I was one person he could count on to stay my course.” He rolled his shoulders, not comfortable that people were betting against his keeping to his plan. “Actually, I’d like to find the right woman by the time I’m five and thirty. I want to be young enough to take an interest inallmy children.”
“Fatherwasinterested in your future.”
Christopher met his brother’s gaze. “He was just more interested in women, paintings, horses, and the latest invention more.” Andrew didn’t deny it, and for that Christopher was grateful. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve had you looking over my shoulder since I was in leading strings.”
“I was, but I haven’t been able to look over your shoulder since you reached nineteen.” Andrew grinned as he pointedly looked at Christopher’s shoulders, which were the exact same height as his.
Christopher grinned back. “And grateful I am at that. A man has to have some secrets from his brother.”
“They’re only secrets until I discover them, like that mistress you were keeping two years ago.”
Christopher laughed. “Yes, I can thank Harewood for revealingthat.”
Andrew shook his head, but his lips twitched with mirth. “Now, we’d best head back to the study before we run into any more students. I never thought I’d have to be looking out foryourreputation.”
Christopher grimaced as he followed his brother out of the cozy corner and through the maze that was the former ballroom turned educational area. The room that covered an entire wing of the building now housed an extensive library and many study and discussion areas. The second-story balcony held more books around the outside walls, making it easy for the duke and duchess to oversee all that happened. He hadn’t had a chance to explore much else, but he fully intended to. Lady Sophie was somewhere at the school. He just needed to find her, preferably soon.
Once back in the faculty study, his brother set out to find his wife.
Christopher walked past the case of scotch he’d had carted from Hawthorne Park and delivered to the study. He hoped to share it with a few of his fellow instructors. It was a pleasant way to relax in the evening. At the moment he was alone, so he took the opportunity to write to his solicitor.
He was anxious to prepare his new property for the year. He planned to have it in better circumstances in a couple of years, so his prospects for a wife would be better. He was in no hurry, happy to increase his new wealth and take his time to enjoy the Season each year, something he hadn’t been able to do. In fact, it could take him years to find a woman of the peerage that he rubbed along well with.
He also needed to have his solicitor forward any paperwork on Durham’s townhouse. He wanted to give Durham a chance to win it back before the Season started, and having the paperwork in his possession gave him that opportunity. The man always paid his debts, but that was much to his own detriment. Christopher didn’t need the additional home. He would simply stay at Sommerset House withAndrew and Amelia when in Town.
He’d just finished his letter when the far door opened and the short but broad man he’d noticed at the welcome gathering stepped in. There were a variety of desks, chairs, and settees, not to mention two fireplaces between them, but the man spotted him immediately. “Ah, I see our new resident lord has found our haven.” The stocky man started across the room, weaving between the furniture. He wore a waistcoat, cravat, pantaloons, and boots, but no tailcoat. “Mr. Loyd Billings, proud owner of a small estate in Winslow and fortunate to have this position to sustain it.” The man chuckled as he extended his hand.
Christopher stood. “Mr. Billings, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. I’m Lord Tamworth, as I’m sure you heard.” The man’s grip was a bit strong, and close up, his nose seemed slightly crooked.
“It must be complicated for you as an unmarried man of means, my lord. Grateful I am that I have a missus back home.”
