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CHAPTER7
Two days later
The day had been gut-wrenching. He credited his brother for managing his funeral with little notice. Graham’s new will, created shortly after their father’s funeral, had been specific. It ordered his body not be set out for viewing, that only family should attend his burial, and that he be buried within only three days. Graham had mentioned his distaste for having the bodies sitting too long, causing his revisions to the will.
While a welcomed relief, Slade thought it strange no one found fault with Graham’s direction. The altered will proved convenient. He briefly wondered if Lady Evers felt slighted by the minimized crowd attending her betrothed’s funeral,but no.She joined late, determined to make a grand entrance, and maintaining the impression she had already given him. Each interaction with the woman made him question his brother’s decision to marry her.
The internment in the mausoleum had been quick. Once the coffin was confined and the crypt sealed, the immediate family returned to the house to greet the family and friends that had come to pay their respects. It had the appearance of being real, coupled with the snowy weather that had suddenly appeared.
Meanwhile, Slade worried about Graham and chafed at the bit to get to London to be closer to him. He felt a need to protect his brother, but from whom, he did not know. The belladonna was a dangerous poison, and an improper dosage could kill. He took a deep breath and looked up at the sky, sending a silent prayer that Doctor Fellows had known the proper amount to administer, and hoping Graham had awoken from the drug-induced sleep by now.I have no plans to lose my brother and no plans to remain a duke.
“Mother, I am needed in London and plan to return when our guests leave. I wonder if you and Tabetha might join me. Much of the social scene is over, except for those few that live in Mayfair year-round. We can keep your attendance quiet.”
“Allow me to discuss it with your sister, my dear,” she said, giving a knowing nod towards his brother’s betrothed whose tearful display across the room over the loss of her ‘dearest Graham’ had several of the guests trying to help her.
“I see your point, Mother. We shall discuss it later. I was feeling the need to be closer to the ship and . . . well, ’tis all. I would find your company helpful at a time like this.”
“Your friend, Viscount Latham, showed that all was well. You are so much like your brother. You must take a deep breath and give yourself a chance to heal. We just lost your dearest father,” she returned, choking a little on emotion.
“Of course,” he said, giving her an admiring smile. His mother was right about the impact of grief, just as he had been right to tell her about Graham. It lessened one of his worries, at least.
He took a deep breath, silently petitioning for patience, as Lady Evers walked up and slid her arm through his while sniffling and dabbing her red-rimmed eyes with a lace handkerchief. She led him to where Latham stood, wearing an amused look on his face.
“Viscount Latham, I am most worried about my dearest, almost brother,” she gushed. “You must promise to allow him to stay here in Dover until he feels ready to embark on another long trek to I . . . India.”
Slade quirked a brow, looking down at her. “My dear Lady Evers, I assure you I am most capable of handling my affairs.”
“You were to be my brother and I consider you family . . .”
He cut her off as irritation flared, and something else, although he could not yet name the specific aversion. Drawing a deep breath, he pasted a smile of deference on his face. “I know you speak out of concern formyfamily.” He emphasized the wordmyand continued, “However, we find ourselves at odds with your difficulty in accepting Graham’s death, as you felt forced to remain in Brighton to complete your . . . obligations before being able to attend him.”
She looked up at him with unbridled contempt.
Slade felt justified in delivering his blow, satisfied she would know his feelings toward her shallow heart. He wanted nothing to do with her. “I must see to Mother and Tabetha, and we have more guests,” he said, carefully disengaging her arm.
“Your Grace,” she began.
“Thank you for understanding,” he said again, cutting her off. Her face told him she had more to say.
The door to the room opened and Lady Bella Stewart walked in on the arm of her brother, Viscount Percy Stewart.Wonderful! I can think of no better diversion than Lady Bella, and I have not spoken to Percy in too long. He moved in their direction.
“Stewart, Lady Bella, it is good to see you both.” Slade gave a bow to Lady Bella.
“My lord! Truly, your family has had too much tragedy. Losing your brother was quite a blow. I had prayed he would survive the injuries from the accident,” Lady Bella said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
He hated this ruse. His heart was broken over the loss of his father. And the added worry was more than anyone should bear. Still, if Graham was right. If it helped identify the person responsible for the treachery, it would be worth it—if Graham lived. “Thank you, my lady.” He kissed her gloved hand, lingering a moment longer. “We appreciate your kindness. It has been a shock.” He turned to her brother. “Stewart, I hear felicitations are in order.”
“Thank you, Drake. I apologize. I mean, Your Grace.”
“Please. Both of you. It is with great reluctance that I have to accept my father’s and brother’s title.” He was telling the truth. “I realize it must be done but favor me with your familiar use of my name, for now.” He grimaced.
Stewart clapped him on the back. “I understand, Drake. I am here for you—whatever I can do,” Lord Stewart said, giving a sly look at his sister and glancing back at Slade.”
“My parents were behind us.” Stewart looked around the room. “Ah, they are with your sister and mother. I have not had a chance before but should like to offer my condolences, as well. This is all a tremendous tragedy,” he said, clasping Slade’s hand.
Slade did not realize he had been holding his breath, dreading her brother’s reaction to his courtship with Bella. Often, brothers were reticent to allow their sisters to court their friends, knowing the faults of their friends too well. Seeing his overt acceptance of it, he released a pent-up breath and nodded in appreciation.
“You have my approval,” the viscount leaned in, gripping Drake’s hand and holding it firm. “But do not hurt her,” he said.
