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“A Captain Reginal, Your Grace. From the domestic fleet. The carrier said he came from Yorkshire.”
“Yorkshire?” He stood and reached out his hand grabbing the letter and slicing it open to read the contents.
“Yes, Your Grace,” his butler replied, but Theo barely heard him. His eyes were scanning the words on the page. His jaw clenched as phrases like fire, dead, faulty boiler jumped out at him.
“Get Landon and Sussex immediately.” Then he sat back down in his chair to read the words again.
By the time the two other men had arrived, he already made up him mind to travel to Yorkshire to assess the damage himself. He wasn’t certain what to do about Violette yet, he was sure she’d understand why he needed to go but he wasn’t certain she’d wait. She told him so just a few hours ago. Damnation.
“What’s the matter?” Landon asked the second he entered the room.
By way of response, Theo handed him the note. Turning to Luke, he offered an explanation as Ryker read. “There was a fire in the harbor at Yorkshire. They think it might have been a faulty boiler that started it on one of our ships. ”
Luke paled. “I just had the boilers installed.”
Theo blinked. “What?”
“I’d ordered it be done not a week ago.” Luke tossed himself in a chair. “I should have gone to oversee the installation. I’ve just been so busy and with Tabbie pregnant—”
“If anyone is to blame, it’s me.” Theo sat back down. “I’ve put too much on your plate while not shouldering my own burden.” He dropped his head into his hands. It had been foolish to stay in Barbados for so long. He’d been trying to do right but he was beginning to realize it had been all wrong. Was his plan with Violette equal folly? The doubts he’d felt at first became sharper. Was it really fair to ask so much of her?
“Nonsense.” Landon sliced his hand through the air. “You have been handling all the international investments of a very large dukedom and you’ve done marvelously. I do think you’re ready for more responsibility.” He turned to Luke. “You’ve done a top-notch job of handling much of this dukedom and your own earldom. I can’t see any other man shouldering the burden better.”
Theo appreciated Ryker’s words of comfort, but guilt still sat heavily in his chest. What if something like this happened while he was away? “I’ll begin packing now. I can leave within the hour.”
Luke shook his head. “We should talk with the women. Tabbie and Tri
cia have a great deal of experience helping those in need, with all their orphan work, they’d likely be able to help.”
“I agree.” Landon rubbed the bridge of his nose. “In fact, Tricia should probably go with us.”
“Us?” Theo stood again. He appreciated the thought but he wouldn’t put them out more than he already had. “You don’t have to do this. I could go on my own.”
“We know you can,” Luke answered. “But you’ll do better with us there. Besides, we should collect the supplies that will surely be needed. We can leave at first light tomorrow.”
“And what about Violette?” Theo shook his head. “I’ve only just convinced her to stay and have asked her permission to court her.”
Ryker shook his head. “Well this is an interesting twist. You’ve decided to court.” He stood, and crossed the room, patting Theo on the back. “If you’re serious, bring her with us. Tricia and I can be chaperones. But you’d better ask her mother directly. It’s a delicate request especially because they’ve only just arrived and her mother doesn’t seem well enough to make the journey with us. ”
He stared at the far wall. It was time to make a decision. If he brought her with him, he was declaring his intent. No going back. His doubts still crowded his thoughts, making him second-guess his plan. But it had to work. It was the best chance he had. Surely, that was his reason and not the feelings that he kept pushing to the side.
Besides, if he left her, he’d have to set her free to find another suitor. That made his chest knot uncomfortably. Shaking his head, he made his decision. They’d marry. He’d simply have to keep his feelings out of the arrangement. And he refused to fall in love if he was just a means to an end for her.
* * *
Violette woke, her mind spinning with all that had happened yesterday. Theo wanted to marry her, though not for the reasons she wanted. It was something and it was more than she’d dared to hope for. Perhaps, in time, his feelings would grow to match hers.
She did care for him. That much was clear. Whatever doubts she might have had, had been brushed away with the memory of the sweep of his lips on hers.
Violette made her way to her mother’s room where she was relieved to find her mother dressed and ready for breakfast.
“How are you feeling?” she asked.
Her mother grimaced. “Dreadful. But it’s just a cough. I’ll be better in a few days’ time. How has your time with His Grace been?”
“Quite well.” She gave her mother a small smile. At least one of them wanted the match without reservation. “Though it turns out our Mr. Riley is actually the duke of Waverly.”
“Oh dear.” Her mother gave a slight cough, covering her mouth with a handkerchief. “Why didn’t he tell us?”
