‘What was that, Edward?’ asked Christopher, which should have alerted Tobias to the fact that they were up to something, but he was too busy contemplating the shape of Mrs Wilmott’s lips, which were notably thinner when she was talking to him, than to others, to recognise that his brothers were plotting a trap.
‘I am glad you asked, Christopher. I found it rather odd that our esteemed brother accused Mrs Wilmott of trying to drown him.’
‘I too found that strange,’ said Freddie. ‘Surely Tobias would have told us before now if he had narrowly escaped death at the hands of a woman half his size.’
‘I would not say she was that small,’ said Christopher, who was still standing between Tobias and the exit. ‘Short, yes, but she probably reaches his armpit.’
‘Tall enough for them to gaze into one another’s eyes while dancing the waltz,’ said Freddie.
Tobias took a step towards Christopher, hoping rather than believing his brother would move to the side and let him past.
‘So, did she?’ asked Christopher. ‘Try and drown you, that is? Because if she did, I have two thoughts.’
Tobias hoped that if he didn’t respond, Christopher wouldn’t elaborate. But, sadly, he was doomed to be disappointed.
‘Firstly, if that outrageous story was true, then it makes her other one more believable, because, I do not know about you two—’ Christopher nodded towards Edward and Freddie, whose grins were now wide and amused ‘—but that sounds less credible to me than her being Sebastian’s sister-in-law, and Tobias brought it up. Despite not having told us about it prior to this afternoon, it appears our dear brother does believe Mrs Wilmott tried to drown him at some stage.’
Tobias curled his hands into fists; he would never hit his brothers, but the gesture made him feel slightly better.
‘That is all true, Christopher,’ said Edward. ‘The whole encounter was unusual, but if one peculiar thing is correct, then it stands to reason the other one is as well. So, what is your second thought?’
‘That we invite Mrs Wilmott to come and reside with us while she is in London.’
‘Absolutely not.’
Christopher carried on as if Tobias had not spoken. ‘If it turns out she is not dangerous to Tobias’ person and if it turns out she is telling the truth about her connection to our family, then I think Sebastian would want us to invite her to come and live with his daughter.’
‘It will never happen.’ His brothers once again pretended he hadn’t spoken.
‘I think you are right, Christopher,’ said Edward.
‘Agreed.’
If he didn’t want to punch them all, it would be pleasant to sit back and enjoy a rare moment when the three brothers were in complete accord and were not trying to tease one another to death.
‘Mrs Wilmott will never live under any roof belonging to me,’ Tobias said. ‘And that is the end of the matter. Can you not see that she could be a threat to Charlotte’s safety? We know nothing about her. Nothing.’
‘I hardly think a woman of that size would be a threat to anyone.’
‘She will never live in this house.’
Tobias stepped forward, and when Christopher did not move out of the way, he pushed the chair to one side and strode around him. He may be willing for his brothers’ growing families to live in his house, but he would not extend the same courtesy to the woman who may very well turn out to be an imposter. Slamming the door behind him was beneath him, but he did it anyway.
Chapter Seven
Grace would have been content to travel back in her own curricle with Sarah, but the Dashworth ladies had insisted that she ride with them within the Glanmore carriage. It was a tight space, which gave her no room to vent under her breath. If she started saying all that was on her mind about their brother-in-law, Grace thought the three women might not look as kindly at her as they were now.
‘I do apologise for His Grace’s behaviour,’ said Emily when they were underway. ‘The brothers do not talk of Lord Sebastian often, but they are still hurting over his death. Anything to do with him brings intense emotions.’
That Grace could understand. ‘Sebastian was a wonderful man. I also feel his loss, even though it has been a long time since he passed away.’
‘I am sorry, too, that you have lost a sister,’ said Emily.
The other ladies murmured in agreement and Grace had to drop her gaze to her lap to stop herself from crying. ‘Clare was my best friend. There is not a day that goes by when I do not wish to speak to her again. But I am so pleased to hear that Charlotte is thriving.’ She paused, glancing up. ‘He was not just saying that, was he?’
‘His Grace dotes on Charlotte. She is an incredibly happy young girl.’
That was good, great even. It should not leave Grace feeling as if her heart were being squeezed. All she had wanted, all the things she had sacrificed over the last couple of years, had been to ensure Charlotte’s safety and prosperity.
