A few of the veterans lodged there didn’t have anywhere to go. No families, no money, and no home. Others were still too troubled by the shock of the battlefield to face the real world and didn’t have anyone who could take care of them. The Royal Veterans’ Society was their only chance at a normal life. They needed time and care to recover, and he would do anything to help them, including avoiding angering Lord Roxbury.
Next to him, Finn rubbed his forehead as he read the list as well. “I can’t find anyone who could be relocated.”
“Neither can I.”
“Those who are physically and mentally fit don’t have anything outside of here. We need more time. We have too many delicate cases.” Finn sagged in the chair and stared at Ethan.
“What?” he grumbled.
“I don’t blame you, but last night was a complete disaster. The auction was our opportunity to attract interest in ourwork, restore your reputation, and meet Lady Kingsley. And the situation ended up harming us.”
“I agree, but if we had forced our presence upon Lady Kingsley’s guests, we would have lost her favour. She was conflicted. I’m sure she’s thinking about last night with regret. Let Roxbury pick up the mantle of the victorious villain. He fits it well.” Too well. Ethan was eager to see Cora soon and offer his help.
“Yes, but the number of patients and lodgers is increasing, and there are men who can’t share a room with others due to their mental states. We need Lady Kingsley’s support to expand the centre and force Roxbury to sell his share. We need more space, supplies, and nurses. Once he’s out of the picture, we can quietly fix the legal problem of the building.”
Shouts resounded from the corridor as if to prove Finn’s point about the increasingly tense cohabitation of the guests.
Ethan pushed aside the list and pressed a finger to his temple. “I don’t want to refuse help to anyone in need.”
“That’s decent of you, but we need to do something after last night.”
Ethan leant back on his chair. “What do you suggest?”
Finn shrugged. “Talk with Lady Kingsley. Let her see who Roxbury really is. Tell her everything you know about him.”
“She seems under a spell when he’s around, and I don’t have any evidence of his foul behaviour.”
The door was flung open. Ethan shot up on pure instinct but softened when Mrs. Sterling strode into the room. She didn’t greet him or smile. She didn’t acknowledge Finn’s presence. She came to an abrupt stop in front of his desk.
“Mrs. Sterling—” He bowed.
She slammed an envelope on his desk. “I don’t want your charity.”
Finn exchanged a terrified glance with Ethan.
“It’s not charity,” Ethan said, keeping his voice calm. “I’m aware that your husband’s pension isn’t enough to cover your expenses. The sum I offer will allow you and your daughter to live decently.”
“It’s not a shame to accept the money, madam,” Finn said. “James wanted to take care of you.”
She whipped her head towards him like a bloodhound who caught the trail of prey. “James wanted to return home to his family, and you failed to protect him.”
Ethan held up his hands, biting down a comment about his late lieutenant being a reckless, ill-tempered man who couldn’t follow orders. “James was very brave and an excellent fighter” —that was true— “but no one can fight against an explosion.” Especially when James shouldn’t have been in the warehouse the pirates had blown up.
She pointed a finger at him, her black eyes turning darker. “Keeping your men safe was your duty, and you failed. As I said, I don’t want your charity.” She stomped out of the study, leaving behind a trail of anger and Ethan’s offer of money.
Finn shut the door. “You should tell her the truth.”
“For what purpose? Torturing her?”
“She might accept the money.”
“She’s a proud woman. She won’t believe me and will hate me more than she does now.” He glanced at the window, catching a glimpse of the angry widow striding down the pavement. “I prefer she hates me than taint her husband’s memory.”
“James’s death wasn’t your fault.” Finn must have repeated that a dozen times, but Ethan didn’t fully embrace the truth.
Guilt piled up on top of his other worries. Unbidden, his thoughts drifted towards Cora again. The way she’d voiced his dissent and almost ordered him to stay had left a mark in his mind. She was a fierce protector of what she thought to be right, and he could do nothing but admire her for her courageand compassion. Her passion and determination were both refreshing and enticing. When she became angry, her amber eyes were set on fire. He couldn’t help but find her strong spirit attractive. Every encounter with her left him in turmoil; his thoughts were scattered, and he kept thinking about what he should have said and done to impress her.
“What are you thinking about?” Finn asked, sitting down again.
