“Yes but…” He exhaled. “I mean no offense. I understand Lord Hector’s situation, but unless he, ahem, behaves less wildly, he’ll never be considered sane enough to inherit the dukedom. I’ll never find a lord who will want to be his champion, or a doctor who will certify he’s sane.”
Which would be a shame because she was sure Hector would make a great duke. But then again, he’d told her he didn’t want to become a duke. “And?”
Ernest joined his hands as if in prayer. “Lord Hector seems particularly fond of you. I was wondering if you’d be so kind as to help him become the duke he’s destined to be.”
Maddie took a moment before answering. “Me? What should I do exactly?”
“Well, to put it bluntly, teach him manners. I can instruct him, but I’m sure he’ll learn faster if you’re involved. We can’t expect him to find a champion if he goes around half naked or growls in that animalistic fashion. He gave me such a fright. No peer will ever agree to address the queen on his behalf. Lord Hector needs a little encouragement and someone who understands his situation to be steered in the right direction.”
She worried at her bottom lip. “I believe he doesn’t want to assume the title.”
Ernest fixed the knot of his cravat, although it didn’t need any adjustment. “He must.”
“You can’t force him to petition to have the title restored to him. It’s his choice.”
“There are things I probably should disclose to Lord Hector first behind the reasons why I think he should become the Duke of Blackburn. Suffice to say the dukedom is in great need of a duke who cares about his tenants and employees. Someone who’s honest and with a good heart. Someone who doesn’t take advantage of his position to abuse others. If Lord Hector is even slightly like his late brother, then he’d be a great duke.”
The urge to defend Hector burned her from the inside out. “He is. Hector is an admirable man.”
“That’s what the Blackburn tenants need.”
Drat. She’d never paid attention to Lord Quentin’s business affairs. He was often the subject of gossip, being still a bachelor. But she had no idea whether he was a trustworthy landlord or not.
“Hasn’t Lord Quentin been taking care of the Wentworths’ estate?”
Ernest rose. “As I said, I should talk with Lord Hector first. I’m sure you’ll come to the right conclusion regarding helping his lordship adjust to his return to society.” He bowed, radiating sadness. “Thank you for your time. Please think about what I told you.”
“I will.” She stood up as well. “But I agreed to become Lady Babineaux’s companion.”
Ernest shot her a pointed look as if to say, ‘you’re joking.’ They didn’t talk as she led him to the hallway, both lost in their thoughts.
She opened the door. “Pardon my curiosity, but you seem to have the fate of the dukedom at heart for a solicitor of a dead duke.”
He put his hat on. “I do, Maddie. I do. Lord Robert showed me kindness when no one else did. His employees, now Lord Quentin’s employees, are people in need. Had Lord Robert been alive, he would have never allowed…” He cleared his throat. “I’ve talked too much. Please don’t hesitate to send me a message should you convince Lord Hector to see me again. I’d like to show him something that might prompt him to make a decision. Good day. Please tell Verity I’ll see her soon.” He bowed again before walking away.
She shut the door and leant against it. She was more than happy to help Hector so long as he wanted to take his brother’s place. But it had to be his choice.
She’d barely started to go upstairs when her mother sauntered into the hallway with a folded copy ofThe Times.
“That’s an amazing opportunity for you.” Her mother had the same expression as that time when Verity announced her engagement with Ernest. Mother hadn’t objected only because he made nearly eight thousand pounds per year.
“I thought you were out.” She couldn’t completely remove the frustration from her voice.
“I returned a few moments before dear Ernest arrived.”
“What opportunity?” Maddie asked, not really interested in the answer. “Have you eavesdropped on my conversation withdearErnest?”
“I have.” The fact Mother didn’t scold her for her sauciness didn’t bode well. “To make sure he behaved like a gentleman. Look.” She opened the newspaper and showed it to her.
Maddie leant closer to read it.The castaway duke: Lord Hector returns. The future of Lord Quentin is uncertain.Is Lord Hector capable of managing the dukedom of Blackburn?
“What opportunity, Mother?” Maddie asked again.
“To be a duchess!” A crease appeared between Mother’s eyebrows.
“What about Lady Babineaux?”
“Forget that old crow. When we met Hector years ago, I didn’t take him seriously. He was a young gentleman with an obsession for vegetables and about to leave for the Americas.Pff. Yes, he was the brother of a duke, but who would have seen him as a good match? I hoped Robert would have proposed, but then he had the brilliant idea of dying.”
