“I do not.” Evander tossed his napkin beside his plate. “You speak of protecting our reputation, yet you do not live as an honorable man yourself.”
“It is not uncommon for men of my station?—”
Evander cut him off, voice sharp. “Your wife is dying, and you would rather slip off to your mistress’s bed. That is your justification?”
His father’s mouth tightened. “Bryon understood.”
“Well, I am not Bryon.” Evander straightened to his full height. “And I never will be.” He pushed back his chair with a scrape. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a call to make.”
“You are a fool, Son.”
“With that insult, I bid you good day,” he said as he strode towards the doorway.
“Have you begun reviewing the estate accounts?” his father called after him.
Pausing, Evander glanced back. “I have.”
“Good,” his father replied. “You will focus on the indigo plantation this quarter. The estate depends on its profit.”
Evander arched a brow. “Are you certain that’s wise? I know very little about indigo plantations.”
“You had best learn—and quickly. The plantation’s success is vital.”
Evander tipped his head in acknowledgment and continued out.
In the entry hall, the butler handed him his hat and opened the door. Stepping outside into the morning air, Evander noticed a stout man in a brown coat loitering nearby. Their eyes met.
The man approached with determined strides. “Are you Lord Westmere?”
“I am,” Evander replied warily.
Without preamble, the man reached into his coat and drew a knife, holding it low but menacing. “Mind your business and stay out of India.”
Rearing back, Evander asked, “Pardon?”
The man stepped closer. “Sell yourNeel Kothi—or else.”
“I’m afraid I do not know what that is.”
The man sneered. “Then learn quickly. You’ve no place meddling there. Do the right thing or it’ll be the last thing you do.” With that final warning, he retreated swiftly down the street.
Evander considered pursuing him, but thought better of it. The man was armed with a knife and that was not to be underestimated.
As he made his way towards Olivia’s townhouse, his mind churned with questions.What is a Neel Kothi?And why did this man threaten him so brazenly on the street?
He arrived sooner than he expected, climbing the stone steps and knocking. The butler admitted him promptly, and he couldn’t help but notice the profusion of fresh flowers he had sent filling the entry hall.
As if summoned by the thought, Olivia appeared from a side corridor. “Evander,” she greeted.
He bowed. “Livy. You are looking lovely as always.”
A playful smile touched her lips. “Flattery? And at such an early hour.”
“It is the truth.” He stepped closer. “I have always found you to be remarkably beautiful.”
“That is kind of you to say…”
Speaking over her, he said, “Surely you must know how beautiful you are.”
