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Foxton accepted the cup. “I see you’ve all united against me.”
“Not against you, Father,” said Phyllis. “Foryou. We are your family. We love you.”
“Love.The root of all evil,” said Foxton.
“I believe you mean money,” said Beatrice. “For the love of money is the root of all evil.”
“I meant love,” said Foxton. “It doesn’t make the world go round, it turns it inside out. Turns sensible people into fools.”
“That’s how I felt, Grandfather,” said Ford. “Until I met Beatrice.”
“That’s what I thought, as well,” said Drew. “Until I met my Mina. I’m going to be a father.” He grinned from ear to ear. “Can you believe that?”
“That’s wonderful, Drew!” Beatrice cried.
Viola clasped her hands together. “Congratulations, Your Grace.”
“Father,” said Ford’s aunt. “Have you considered that this could be the fulfillment of all your ambitions?”
Foxton’s eyes narrowed. “Can’t say that I have.”
“You’ve always wanted someone in your family to marry into the nobility. And now it’s coming to pass. Your status will be greatly elevated by association with a duke.”
Foxton’s brow wrinkled. “I suppose I hadn’t considered it in that light.”
“And not just any duke,” said Drew. “Me. You’re not a fortune hunter, are you Wright?” he asked suddenly, as if he’d just remembered to ask the question. “My mother seems to think you are.”
“I’m a carpenter,” said Ford, “and a damn good one.”
“I suppose I’ll have to employ you now,” muttered Foxton.
Had Beatrice heard him correctly? “I think yourgrandfather just offered you a job,” she whispered to Ford.
He grinned. “I think he did.”
“I still don’t see why you can’t have your clubhouse somewhere else, Lady Beatrice,” Foxton said with a loud harrumph. “I have other suitable properties, you know.”
“My aunt wanted me to keep this property in the family,” said Beatrice. “And my friends will be the beneficiaries of her bequest.”
“Lady knitters.” Foxton glared at Isobel and Viola.
Viola shook her knitting needles at him.
“Does this Mr. Leonard Castle have a valid claim, Mr. Foxton?” Isobel asked.
Foxton shrugged his bony shoulders. “I didn’t think we’d have to find out. I thought Lady Beatrice would fold more easily.”
“I’ll take that as a no, then. The prosecution rests,” said Isobel.
Beatrice gave her a loving smile.
Foxton set his cup on a side table. As he attempted to rise, he nearly lost his balance.
Both of his daughters immediately rushed to his side, taking his arms.
“Don’t fuss, don’t fuss,” he said testily, but he didn’t try to pull his arms away from them.
They helped him rise. “Let’s go home, Father,” said Ford’s aunt. “This has been enough excitement for one day I should think.” She smiled warmly at Beatrice. “Thank you, Lady Beatrice. For everything.”
