Greydon chuckled. “I do believe our mothers would have liked each other very much.”
Lord Kendal walked over and extended him a drink. “That they would have.” He paused. “My father and mother passed away much too soon.”
“As did my mother.”
Glancing down at the drink in his hand, Lord Kendal said, “I was not prepared to assume his title and all the responsibility that came with it. I wish I had listened more and learned by his hand.” He sighed. “Nor was I prepared to deal with my brother and his wayward behavior.”
Not knowing what to say, Greydon took a sip of his drink and turned his head towards the doorway, half-hoping to see Lord William.
Lord Kendal continued. “How did you handle Phineas’ behavior?”
“I must admit that his behavior drove a wedge between us,” Greydon replied. “We were estranged when Phineas died.”
“That is awful, but I understand why that was the case. The only reason why I still support William is because I promised my mother on her deathbed to always watch out for him,” Lord Kendal revealed. “I’m trying to keep our family together but I feel as if I am failing.”
“I am sure you are doing better than you realize.”
Lord Kendal grinned. “Since when were you the optimistic one?”
“I suppose I have changed over the years.”
“I never understood how much my father carried on his shoulders until I was forced to take the reins,” Lord Kendal said. “I know I have no right to complain, but it is a terrible burden to carry. Between voting in the House of Lords and running our estate, I have time for little else, much less a wife and family.”
Greydon took a sip of his drink as he pondered Lord Kendal’s words. He knew his father lived and breathed his work, but perhaps he hadn’t understood the toll it had taken upon him personally.
Before he could respond, Lord William staggered into the room with his cravat hanging around his neck. His hair was tousled and his eyes were bloodshot.
“Stanhope said you wanted to see me,” Lord William said in a booming voice.
Lord Kendal looked unimpressed by his brother’s haggard appearance. “You have been drinking.”
“But of course I have,” Lord William responded. “What else am I supposed to do with my life?”
Placing his drink down onto the tray, Lord Kendal said, “You could finish your studies at Oxford and do something with your life.”
“For what purpose?” Lord William burped. “I am perfectly content the way I am.”
“You are wasting your life,” Lord Kendal asserted.
Lord William brought a hand up to his chest. “I disagree, and I would prefer it if you kept your voice down. You are shouting.”
“No,youare the one shouting,” Lord Kendal remarked.
“Am I?” Lord William asked, looking baffled by the thought. “I suppose I am.”
Lord Kendal shook his head. “You are an utter drain on my finances.”
In a soft voice, Lord William replied, “Father didn’t seem to have any complaints. Why do you have so many?”
“You are whispering and I can barely hear you,” Lord Kendal said.
Lord William cleared his throat. “Good, perhaps you will stop nagging me.”
Lord Kendal stiffened. “We shall continue this conversation when you are sober,” he stated. “Until then, Lord Rushcliffe has a few questions that he wants to ask you.”
“Do you mind if I lay down?” Lord William asked as he walked over to a camelback settee. “I had an exhausting night last night.”
“I do mind, actually,” Greydon said.
