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Chapter 70
After Silas had spoken with Lucy, he returned home, where he found Michael in the parlour. The two brothers poured themselves glasses of wine, and Silas told Michael everything that had transpired in the warmth of the room. Meanwhile, Michael sat silently and listened, his eyes widening in surprise.
“I—I treated him like a friend,” Michael said. “I vouched for him, and I got him a job. Loaned him money. And he stole from us—from Father.” He rubbed his temple, then took a long sip from his wine.
Silas nodded, though he said nothing. He had never seen Michael so upset before. He waited, letting his brother absorb this new information, and let his gaze go to the fire. He felt warm and cosy. More than that, he was relieved at how things had gone. Things could have ultimately been much worse—if Percy had already taken possession of the house and sold it.
Michael laughed, covering his mouth with his hand. He still held the letter from their father in his hand. Silas was worried that he was getting hysterical.
“Well,” Michael said. “It’s good to know that in his last days Father was thinking of you. Of the future.” He lowered his hand. “He clearly expected to live for at least thirty years more.”
“Yes.” Silas couldn’t agree more. “I think he was also thinking of you. For if he bought me a house, then I wouldn’t need Thornbridge Manor.”
Silas suspected that this was what his father intended. He was always looking out for the fair thing to do. Silas hoped that he was right.
Michael’s brows creased. “What are you saying? Of course, you were to receive Thornbridge Manor. The Viscount of Thornbridge gets the estate of Thornbridge.”
“I believe that, because I received the title, you were to receive the house. But father didn’t get a chance to amend the will.”
“He didn’t, and we don’t know that.”
“No, we don’t. In any case,” Silas said, pausing to take a sip of his drink, “I’ve spoken with Lucy, and she agrees. We would both like for you to have Thornbridge Manor.”
“It goes with the title.” Michael shook his head. “I will—I will build a house. A small one, as we planned.”
“If Thornbridge Manor belongs to you, then it stays in the family, and you should have it. I want for you and Lady Rosemary to be happy and comfortable.
“Besides, living there makes me sad. It reminds me too much of Mother and Father. I want a fresh start, and Lucy agrees.”
“Even though you’ve never seen this new manor?”
“Even so.”
Michael was silent for a moment. Silas could see tears in his brother’s eyes.
“Thank you, Silas. You’re a good brother, and a just gentleman.”
“You do so much for the family,” Silas pointed out. “I don’t see why you shouldn’t have things of your own.”
“When will you go and see it?” Michael asked.
“This weekend,” Silas replied. “I want to have all of this settled before Dinah’s wedding.”
“To think,” Michael mused. “All three of us, about to be happily married.”
“Mother and Father would have been so pleased.”
They both clinked their glasses, then sipped. They sat together in silence, thinking happy thoughts. Silas was content. It seemed that, after everything that had come to pass, there was going to be a good ending for everyone.
