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20
The next several days passed in a flurry of activity. Theo arose early, Betts at her side, and faced the challenge of Greenbriar with all the confidence she could muster. When her bravado flagged, she reminded herself there was no one else but her to put the estate to rights.
The line of pillows stayed in the middle of the bed she shared with Haven because Theo refused to remove the barrier while she was still hurt. She was asleep when Haven finally came to their room at night, barely stirring at the sound of him taking off his boots, and he was gone when she awoke. She was certain his avoidance was on purpose to allow her anger towards him to fade. And it was working.
On the morning of her third day at Greenbriar, as she and Jacinda were enjoying a pot of tea and a small tray of freshly baked scones before tackling the frightening task of opening some of the guestrooms, Theo finally made the acquaintance of Uncle Erasmus.
Erasmus shuffled into the drawing room reeking of brandy and disappointment, thin strands of dark hair clinging to his pale scalp. Watery but kind eyes took in Jacinda before he approached Theo, stopping just a few feet away.
“Lady Haven.” The words trembled between his thin lips. “My apologies for not greeting you properly when you arrived at Greenbriar.” His face took on a worried look. “I quite forgot—that is to say—I was indisposed. Please forgive me.”
Erasmus must once have been handsome, but his love of drink was now etched across his features. His fingers trembled against his thighs as he approached, his gaze running over Theo with more focus than she’d expected before he shook his head and began swatting at a non-existent bug.
No wonder Haven pities him.
“There is no apology necessary,” Theo replied with a broad smile. “I am happy to make your acquaintance, Lord Erasmus.”
“Uncle Erasmus.” He lifted a finger, grinning wide and showing yellowed teeth. “I’ve a new niece, have I not?”
“You do, Uncle,” Jacinda said crisply from beside Theo.
“I was hoping,” he looked nervously at Jacinda, “you might spare some coin?”
Jacinda held out her hand to Erasmus who came forward like a dog looking for a treat. “Now, Uncle,” she chastised, “remember what I told you. It will last much longer if you buy something other than brandy.”
He snatched the coins from her palm. “But brandy,” he said in a quivering voice, “is my favorite.”
Jacinda only nodded and returned to her book, dismissing her uncle without another glance. She didn’t see the way her uncle’s trembling lips pulled apart into what resembled a sneer.
But Theo did.
She looked to Jacinda, who seemed oblivious to her uncle’s continued presence in the drawing room, and when Theo looked back at Erasmus, he was waving at her, the smile back on his features, his eyes dreamy as he looked down at his hand clutching the coins.
“Good day, nieces,” he said with a shaky bow before closing the door behind him.
Theo opened her mouth, meaning to question Jacinda about Erasmus, then shut it. Jacinda was very much like her brother. She held things tightly to her chest, rarely revealing her thoughts unless she wished to. The day of Theo’s arrival, Jacinda had confessed quite a bit, probably more than she’d meant to, and since then, Haven’s sister had kept to topics relating to the decorating of Greenbriar. Resolving to not say a word, Theo went back to her list.
“So now you’ve met Erasmus,” Jacinda said, startling Theo from her thoughts. “You must be firm in your dealings with him, Theo. He’s very much like a child. Loving but prone to tantrums when he doesn’t get his way.”
Erasmus was a sot. One with trembling lips which could be mistaken for a sneer. She was being foolish.
“I’ll take care.” Theo nodded.
