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Chapter 32
Silas was in the study, reading, when Michael entered. Silas glanced over his book at his brother. Michael was, as was usual those days, frowning thoughtfully. He seemed to have a lot on his mind, though he didn’t share it with Silas.
“Yes?” he asked. He had had a delightful morning with Lucy and was in a good mood. He didn’t want to fight with Michael again. He knew that his brother doubted his intentions toward Lucy, but he didn’t understand why Michael seemed to be on Percy’s side.
“I wanted to apologize,” Michael said, to Silas’ surprise.
“I, too, want to apologize.”
“It’s up to you who can or cannot enter our home,” Michael said. “I must defer to your judgment. I know that Percy is merely tolerated by all. I thought… I don’t know.” He shrugged.
“Percy wanted to marry Dinah for her money,” Silas told him. “He got angry with me when I told him that he could not.”
“He’s been having trouble with money. He lost a great deal of what he had,” Michael explained. “He’s just seemed absolutely wretched, and I feel sorry for him.”
“Did he lose it gambling?” Silas asked, knowing the answer.
“Yes. His father has cut him off until he pays back his debts.”
Silas sighed, his eyes on the page that he had been reading. “I hope you’re not planning on helping him too much.” To give Percy money was to kiss it goodbye forever.
“Not financially. I thought I might help him get honest work somewhere.”
“That’s a thought,” Silas mused, looking up at Michael. “You’re so good, brother.” He was a much better friend than Percy Stalton deserved, though Silas couldn’t say that.
“I do my best to be a good Christian and a gentleman.”
“You do.” Silas put his book down. “How do you think you’ll help him?”
“He’s educated, so there’s work to be had,” Michael said. “He would love to come to the party, though.”
“Why?” Silas was immediately suspicious. He had planned on enjoying the fete. If he had to worry about what Percy was doing, then he wouldn’t be able to.
“He wants to beg for your forgiveness.”
“That doesn’t sound like Percy.”
“Just think about it, will you?”
“If he agrees to do honest work to pay off his debts, then I will revisit this discussion with joy.”
Michael smiled, nodding, then turned to go. “Very well.”
Silas watched his brother, studying him. “Michael?”
“Hmmm?” Michael turned back towards him, eyebrows raised.
“Whatever happened to the Lady Arabella?” Silas wondered. “I thought that the two of you were near to walking down the aisle?”
Michael smiled ruefully and ran his fingers through his hair. “Alas, she decided to wed another.”
“Who?” Silas demanded, angry for his brother to have been used in such a manner.
“The Earl of Pennyworth.”
“That scoundrel?” Silas didn’t care for the Earl one bit. Though, he was rich as Croesus, and the Pennyworth estate was essentially a castle. The Countess of Pennyworth would have everything that she ever wanted, and more.
“Indeed. It appears that the younger son of a viscount is nothing to what an earl can promise,” Michael said, and Silas could detect the hint of bitterness in his tone.
