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Jasper was shown right into the parlor when he arrived at Sandbourne. Stephen stood there, in front of the little alcove, where the clockwork swan was kept.
In a brutal act of vandalism, the clockwork swan was smashed, all over the floor.
“My father prized it so highly,” Stephen murmured sadly.
“I’m so sorry,” Jasper said.
“This isn’t the worst, Jasper,” Stephen said. “They took my household staff captive, tying them up downstairs, and threatening them with death. And then—and then,” he paused, shaking his head.
“What else?” he asked, his chest tight with fear.
“Come with me,” Stephen said, leading him down the hallway, to his study, where a frame had been taken down. The vault behind it, the door hung open. “All of my money, my mother’s jewels. All of it, gone.”
“You have no investments? Nothing at the bank in London?”
“No. Nothing,” he says. “Those went a long time ago. I thought that it would make things simpler, not to have any.”
“It’s almost as if they were setting you up.” Jasper’s mind was at work, assessing the scene.
“They look for their opportunity, and then they take it. I may not look it, but I’m struggling. And now…”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”
Stephen shrugged. “I feel like it would be best if I just sell it.”
“Sell Sandbourne?” It was unheard of. It was Stephen’s inheritance, like his title, something that he was supposed to pass on to his own children.
“I’ve never had a head for farming, not like my father did,” Stephen replied.
“You’re—you’re merely in shock.” Once Stephen had recovered, he would think differently.I’m sure of it.
“Or maybe I’m awake for the first time,” Stephen said, laughing.
Jasper stared at him in surprise. This was a side of Stephen that he’d never encountered before. Bitter. Defeated.
“I was meant to be the second son,” Stephen said, running his fingers through his hair. “When John died, I stepped into his place. One that I was never meant to fill.” He shook his head. “It was all supposed to be his. He should be here, attempting to romance Lady Selina, running Sandbourne… instead, I’m here, using up all of the money. Failing horribly at everything.”
“What do you mean?” Jasper asked.
“Her heart is closed. She smiles so openly. But her heart is closed to me, Jasper. I should have seen it, but I didn’t.”
“I’m so sorry, Stephen,” Jasper said, feeling awful for his friend. Stephen laughed sadly.
“I won’t be able to sell it, will I? I’ll have to let it to someone. I need to get out of Gillingham County. I need to clear my head. Lady Selina’s stories have inspired me.”
“I will gladly give you the money to get you there until you start making revenue from letting Sandbourne.”
“Thank you,” Stephen said. “I’ll try to shift for myself, though. Can—can we keep this a secret?”
Jasper considered it. “It might give us an advantage, over the villains who did it, if we pretend that you didn’t tell me.”
“Maybe.” Stephen shrugged. “I’m not ready for everyone to know of my shame.”
“For what it’s worth, I am truly sorry,” Jasper said, “about everything.”
Stephen looked at him. “How long—you and Lady Selina?”
“Since the day I met her.”
Stephen nodded. “Well. I can’t fight that then.”
“I should have told you.”
“You’re right. You should have,” Stephen said. “I thought we were friends.”
“We are,” Jasper said. “We always will be.”
