“His mistress, Lady Eugenie.”
An image of a thin, lanky girl that he had known from his youth came to his mind. How had she managed to murder his brother? “I hadn’t realized Phineas had taken Lady Eugenie as a mistress.”
“Apparently so. I think we both know that he was rather fond of the ladies,” his father said. “I thought marriage would rein him in, but I was wrong.”
Greydon needed to know more details about the murder. “How did she kill him?”
“A knife was plunged into his heart,” his father replied. “The coroner said that Lady Eugenie was found over the body with blood on her hands.”
“A crime of passion,” Greydon said. “Did she say why she did it?”
His father shook his head. “No, the coroner did not reveal that information.”
Greydon’s thoughts strayed towards Phineas’ widow and what she must be going through right now. “I assume Harriet knows.”
His father nodded. “She was notified earlier this morning, and I already had a doctor confirm that she is not increasing.”
Greydon stared at his father in disbelief. He couldn’t believe that his father was so insensitive that he would subject his own daughter-in-law to such an invasive procedure after only learning of the death of her husband.
“That was a rather cruel thing for you to do, Father,” he remarked.
His father looked uninterested or unconcerned by his remark. “It had to be done straightaway. I wouldn’t wish for her to get pregnant with another man’s child.”
“Harriet wouldn’t do something so despicable,” Greydon said. “She has always acted with the epitome of grace.”
“Women are emotional creatures and she might seek out another to comfort her during this difficult time,” his father said.
“That is unfair of you to say.”
His father shrugged one shoulder. “I am being pragmatic with our given situation.”
Greydon rose from his seat and walked over to the window. He shouldn’t be surprised by his father’s distant demeanor when it came to Phineas’ murder. When Greydon’s mother died, his father reacted in a similar fashion, carrying on in a resolute manner. He had long suspected his father’s heart had been irrevocably broken when his mother died, making him even more ornery over the years.
He had so many questions that he needed answered and he would start with the coroner. He wanted to ensure the case was strong so Lady Eugenie would pay for what she had done. A noose around her neck was no less than what she deserved.
Placing his hand on the window frame, he let out a sigh. He wasn’t particularly close with his brother, but he never wished ill-will to fall upon him. He led his life and Phineas had led his, knowing they both had a different path. Phineas was the heir, the chosen one. Their father tended to have a soft spot towards Phineas and often overlooked his unruly behavior. Whereas nothing Greydon had ever done in life was good enough for his father.
His brother was a known rake. He generally spent his time in gambling halls and with his mistresses. His reputation was one of ill-repute, but he didn’t care. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, and he was more concerned with himself than others. It had always been that way, though.
His father leaned forward in his chair. “I know this is sudden, but we must accept Phineas is dead and move on. You are my heir and are now known as the Viscount Rushcliffe. I will expect you to stop working as a Bow Street Runner since you have much to learn.”
Greydon pushed off from the window and turned to face his father. He knew the man was callous in his approach, but did he not love his son enough to grieve him, even for a day?
His father continued. “I sent word to Helena, but I do hope she won’t fall apart upon hearing the news.”
“You sent a messenger to inform my sister that Phineas is dead?” Greydon asked. Did he care so little of his daughter? Helena was the spitting image of their mother and he often wondered if it was too painful for his father to look upon her.
“What would you have me do?” his father asked defiantly. “I am a busy man and I do not have time to run across Town.”
“There are some things that are more important than work.”
His father gave him a blank stare, as if he had never considered that possibility. “This ‘work’ has allowed you to live in the lap of luxury and I am proud of the fact that you will inherit a thriving estate.”
“I am most grateful for that.”
“Are you?” his father asked. “Because you have spent your time running around London looking like a commoner.” His voice was gruff.
Greydon glanced down at his soiled clothes and hoped that this discussion wouldn’t turn into an argument about his duty to this family. He didn’t think he had the energy to fight with his father. He just wanted to step away and attempt to process what had happened to Phineas.
