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Phineas straightened and narrowed his eyes. “I will get what is rightfully mine, one way or another.”
“Whatever do you mean by that?” Daphne asked.
“You don’t need to concern yourself about that,” Phineas said. “I have no doubt that Grandmother will see the error of her ways soon enough.”
Their grandmother rose from her dressing table chair and stepped closer to Phineas. “Leave us, Phineas,” she ordered in a tone that brooked no argument.
Phineas frowned. “As you wish, my lady.” He dropped into a flamboyant bow before brushing past Daphne.
As Phineas stumbled down the hall, Daphne stepped into her grandmother’s bedchamber and closed the door behind her. “Are you all right?”
Her grandmother gave her a weak smile. “Phineas just needed to vent his frustrations.”
“It sounded like he was yelling at you.”
“He was, but it was nothing that I couldn’t handle,” her grandmother said. “It might be best if you avoid him for the time being.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He is rather upset that I have named you as my heir.”
“I assumed as much.”
Her grandmother returned to the dressing table and sat down. She reached for a bottle of lotion, then said, “Once he calms down, I will explain that I have still left him a sizeable inheritance.”
“Do you believe he will calm down?”
“He is an angry drunk,” her grandmother stated. “His father was the same way.”
“That is most unfortunate.”
As her grandmother rubbed lotion on her wrinkled arms, she continued. “Phineas only just returned from visiting the pub.”
“He was out all night?”
“That he was, but I didn’t expect any different from him.”
Daphne sat down on the settee. “You must be disappointed by his disreputable behavior.”
Her grandmother paused. “It is something I have come to accept. It makes me sad, but it is Phineas’ life. I can’t live it for him.”
“You will always have me, Grandmother.”
“For which I am immensely grateful.”
Daphne rose and embraced her grandmother. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
She stepped back and asked, “Would you care to join me for breakfast in the parlor?”
“Not today,” her grandmother replied. “I have already requested a tray to be brought up.”
“Then I shall see you in the drawing room after my ride.”
“Be sure to take two grooms with you.”
Daphne shook her head. “I don’t believe it is necessary that grooms accompany me, especially since I intend to stay on our lands.”
