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Thinking back to what Mary said about the bath. “I think Mary would do wonderfully.”
“Mary Summers?”
Mia told her what she said about the lavender oil.
“I shall consider her, if you don’t mind?”
Mia smiled at her mother and gave her a hug. “I don’t mind at all. I never wanted to tell you this but the sight of blood makes me a little queasy.”
Her mother tilted her head back and laughed heartily. “Oh my dear girl, it is a good thing you have your father’s way with numbers. Now let’s get back so I can talk to Charlie.”
Simon paced the length of his study while James sat across from Charlie. “What is taking them so long?”
James frowned. “Perhaps you should go look for them.”
Simon nodded but as he headed to the door, Mia and her mother walked into the room. He immediately noticed a difference in his wife but couldn’t determine the cause. That would have to wait until later. As usual, Mrs. Featherstone took control.
“Everyone out save James.”
“Mrs. Featherstone, I will remain here while you talk to my brother,” Simon demanded.
“No, young man, you will not. Go to the library with my daughter and have a brandy. You both need it after the night you had. I will join you after I talk with Charlie.”
Mia grabbed his hand. “Come on, you know you can’t win against her.”
For once, he didn’t hear any rancor when she spoke of her mother. With a nod, he followed her out of the room to the library. “Did you have a talk with your mother?”
“Yes,” she said, pouring them both some brandy. She handed him the snifter. “Why do you ask?”
“I noticed a difference in your attitude when you walked in the room with her. Do you want to talk about it?”
Mia smiled and then told him all that her mother had said. “I feel a little foolish. Like an ill-behaved child.”
“I’m just glad you understand her reasons.” He took a long draught of brandy. “So, she always knew you would be my wife. That explains a lot.”
“Oh?”
“When you first came here, she told me to do whatever it takes to keep you here. It took me a minute to realize she meant seduction if necessary.” Simon smiled at the look of shock on Mia’s face.
“She said that to you?”
“Yes.”
Mia burst out laughing. “She’s devious. She already knew you loved me. It was her way of making sure the fortune-teller was right.”
Mrs. Featherstone slowly walked into the room. It was one of the few times he’d seen her look so pensive.
“What’s wrong?”
Mrs. Featherstone sat down. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, my lord, but your brother is an opium eater.”
Simon’s gaze moved to Mia who nodded. “You knew?”
“After what you’d told me tonight and with his previous actions, it makes sense,” Mia said softly.
“He admitted it to me,” Mrs. Featherstone said. “He told me it started over a year ago when he went to a gaming hell. Before long, he couldn’t go more than a day without it. His expenses were not just gambling losses, it was the opium.”
Simon released a frustrated sigh. “What do we do now?”
