AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Short for Cador, although his real name is Charles. As children, we used to play games in which we were characters from Cornish legend. I would vacillate, changing characters daily, according to my mood. Eleanor was usually Guinevere, although she would occasionally decide to be the sorceress Morgan le Fay. She was never very good at being evil.” A fond, reminiscent smile touched his lips. “My brother always insisted upon being Cador, powerful, legendary knight of Cornwall, fearless warrior and loyal cousin to King Arthur. The name stuck to the point where even my mother, who has a passionate dislike of Cornish names, lapses and often calls him ‘Cad.’”
“And is he happy to be known by that name?” I asked wonderingly. “The word ‘cad,’ after all, is generally applied to those who are dishonourable and without principle.”
“When you meet Cad,” he told me with a grim smile, “you will understand.” From the look on Eddie’s face when he spoke of his brother, I wasn’t sure I did want to meet Cad Jago.
I decided it was time to take the bull by the horns. “I think you should introduce me to your father,” I said, linking my arm through his. Eddie glanced down at me and began to say something. Instead he stopped and, with a return of something approaching his usual smile, patted my hand gratefully before steering me up to the suite of rooms that comprised the earl’s quarters.
The marks of Tynan Jago’s recent illness were clear. His face was drawn and fine lines fanned the corners of his eyes. He was confined to a wheelchair, but despite his enfeebled state, the Earl of Athal was still a handsome, charismatic figure. Eddie’s blue eyes might be his mother’s, but in all other respects, he resembled his father. Tynan was the poet Eddie longed to emulate, effortlessly graceful, finding beauty where others could not. His amber gaze was warm when it rested on me. I sensed more sympathy from him than from his redoubtable wife.
He clasped Eddie’s hand and his eyes roamed over his son’s face. Eddie’s mood had shifted again and he was calmer now in his father’s presence. Tynan seemed satisfied with what he saw. “It is good to see you, my boy. It has been far too long.”
Eddie hunched an impatient shoulder. “But, sir, you, of all people, must know how this place stifles me,” he said. There was a lingering suggestion of the sulky schoolboy in his manner.
“Nevertheless, you have an obligation to the name,” Tynan reminded him. His voice was gentle and rather sad. “The Jagos don’t own Tenebris; we belong to it. There is so much you need to know, and my illness has reminded me that both of us have a duty in that respect. I’m afraid your wandering days must come to an end, my son.” Eddie’s muttered exclamation interrupted him. I glanced nervously from one to the other. I decided I should leave them to continue their discussion in peace. When I began to rise from my seat, however, Tynan gestured me back. A reassuring smile flickered over his features.
“I cannot compete when it comes to the running of the estate, sir!” Eddie exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. “After all, there is another who knows far more than I ever will.”
“If you are referring to your brother, it is true. Cad understands more about the Athal estate than you, me and my former man of business put together. We should count ourselves fortunate to have the benefit of his natural ability and expertise. But Cad is not my heir.”
“And you never tire of regretting that circumstance, do you, sir?”
“You know that isn’t true, Eddie.” Tynan’s tone was gentle, but he looked tired suddenly. “And it is most unfair of you to suggest that it is.”
Gold eyes met turbulent blue ones in a prolonged exchange. The outcome seemed in doubt at first, but Eddie finally muttered an apology and Tynan’s features relaxed.
“Where is Cad?” Eddie asked, taking a seat next to me. His hand reached out instinctively for mine, and I saw Tynan’s eyes drop to take in the gesture.
“He has been travelling around the country checking on our interests. At present, I believe he is in Liverpool.” He turned to me, explaining further. “Although our family home is here in Cornwall, Miss Varga, the Athal estate is a vast network of business concerns. Prior to my twenty-first birthday, the estate was run by my uncle, Uther Jago. He was also my guardian.” His voice was level, but I sensed a world of stories behind the words. “He built up the empire that exists today. I, in my own way, have added to it. My other son, Cad, acts as my man of business. We have factories in Lancashire and a port office in Liverpool that oversees exports and imports.” Throughout this speech, Eddie fiddled restlessly with the bracelet I wore. He appeared not to be listening. “This will all belong to Eddie, to both of you, one day.”
