Twenty
Luke had a difficult task ahead of him. Reviewing the estate accounts and reading through all correspondence received since their father’s death would be excruciating. He ignored the pinch at his temple. This was something he couldn’t avoid any longer.
If Richard had neglected to act upon Mr. Ogden’s reports of a drying well, there could be other problems requiring immediate attention. Luke didn’t blame his brother as much as he blamed himself. At least Richard had been trying, while he had turned his back on everything.
His brother swept into Luke’s study and skidded to a stop when he spotted him behind the massive desk. “You wished to speak with me?”
Luke rose from his seat and rounded the desk to clap his brother affectionately on the back. Richard stood stiffly with the ledgers in his arms and didn’t attempt to reciprocate.
“It has been too long, Rich. You are looking well.”
It was a lie. His brother looked like hell with bags under his eyes and his face thinner than when Luke had last seen him.
Richard’s dark eyes narrowed. “It has been almost a year. Phoebe and I had begun to wonder if we would ever see you again.”
Richard’s wife probably didn’t care if she ever saw Luke again if he was responsible for his brother’s haggard appearance.
“You knew of my whereabouts.”
The sharp angles of his brother’s face stood out more when he was angered. “I saw no reason to drag Phoebe and my boys away from the comforts of home to chase after you.”
You saw no reason to give up control. Luke took a deep breath. He wasn’t here to feud with his brother.
“I hope Phoebe and my nephews are well.” He spoke quietly, sincerely.
“They are healthy,” Richard said with a sniff. “I doubt you would recognize the boys now. They have grown tremendously.”
Luke ignored his brother’s insinuation. He couldn’t fall into old patterns today by resurrecting past grievances. There was too much to sort out.
He swept an arm toward one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Please have a seat. Would you like a drink?”
“I’ll have a brandy.” Richard lowered onto the chair, laid the books across his lap, and tugged at his sleeves.
“I’ve had it stocked with scotch as well. For Drew.” Luke sauntered to the sideboard and poured two fingers of brandy into cut crystal glasses, then carried one to his brother. “Perhaps later the three of us can enjoy a nightcap.”
“Just like old times, eh?” Richard sipped his drink, his glare fixed on Luke.
Luke smiled to hide his irritation. His brother was spoiling for a fight, but he wouldn’t oblige. “I wish there were old times to recall, but I cannot change the past.”
“Why did you summon me? I have important matters that require my attention today.”
Luke leaned against the desk, crossing his legs in front of him. He nodded toward the books. “I want to review the accounts, and I will need all correspondence from the last year no later than tomorrow.”
Richard drained his drink, his face turning red. “Do you think I have done something wrong?”
Luke held up a hand when Richard shot from his chair in a bluster. “No, but I have. You kept our family afloat, and for your devotion, I will always be grateful. But it’s time for me to live up to my responsibilities. It was unfair to lay the burden at your feet.”
His brother blinked, apparently at a loss for words. What could he say when Luke spoke the truth? Richard looked down at the empty glass in his hand, absently tipping it back and forth.
Luke gently took it from him. “When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep?”
“I don’t know.” His brother raked his fingers through his dark hair and blew out a noisy breath. “A long time ago. Phoebe has been scolding me for burning the midnight oil, but there’s too much to do.”
Now Luke was certain Phoebe wanted nothing to do with him. “Tonight you will retire with your wife. No more late-night work.”
Richard raised his wary gaze. “And who is going to guard the coffers if I stop working into the night?”
His brother had been guarding them a little too closely in Luke’s estimation, but he would never criticize Richard’s efforts. “It is my responsibility. I will see to our family’s welfare now.”
“For how long? Until you leave on your foolish expedition and get yourself killed?”
“I have sent word to Captain Pendry. He is to proceed without me since I am to be married soon.”
Richard’s eyes widened.
“Don’t look so surprised. I intend to wed Lady Vivian, the young woman Father chose on my behalf.”
“But I am surprised, or more accurately, shocked.” A sharp laugh burst from him. “Egads. This must be a dream. Have I fallen asleep at the desk again?”
“Perhaps.” Luke reached out and pinched him.
His brother slapped his hand away. “What the hell, you blasted bugger?”
“There. We have our answer,” Luke said with a chuckle. “You are awake and as foul-mouthed as ever.”
“Sod off.” Richard moved behind the desk, ducking his head as if attempting to hide his smile. “I have filed every letter already answered.” He tugged open a drawer, extracted a stack of papers, and dropped them on the desktop. “These still require an answer. Many are from members of the House. I didn’t know how to respond, so I haven’t.”
Luke rubbed his temple and contemplated the stack. He may have underestimated the amount of time it would take him to address what required his attention. He met his brother’s questioning glance across the desk. “Let’s review the accounts first. Then you will be free to enjoy the house party.”
Richard’s gaze locked on Luke’s fingers at his head. Luke snatched his hand away. “I’ll help you as long as you need me,” his brother said.
“Thank you. I won’t take up any more of your time than necessary.”
His brother scooped up the ledgers and correspondence then moved to the table where they could spread out. Luke poured another drink for both of them before joining him.
His brother had opened the book and was flipping through the pages. Pointing, he looked up. “This is where I took over.”
Luke studied his brother rather than the numbers. He looked younger already, as though a great burden had been lifted.
“Drew said you never wanted to be duke,” Luke said. “Was he correct?”
Richard simply stared back for a long time until Luke began to wonder if he would answer. “I prayed every night for your safe return.” His eyes misted over and he looked away, clearing his throat.
How could Luke have ever thought his brother wanted to usurp him? His own throat felt scratchy. He coughed into his fist and nodded toward the ledger. “So this was your first entry?”
“That is the amount received for the sale of wool from Marshfeld. Why don’t I read you what I have recorded?”
Luke leaned back in his chair, the pressure in his head easing. He listened to his brother rattle off their expenditures and gains, along with his thoughts on the potential for the Marshfeld estate to turn a hefty profit next year if they added to the flock.
At one time, he and Richard had been inseparable and equally put out with their youngest brother, who always wanted to be part of their fun. Luke didn’t know if they could ever recapture the closeness they had shared as lads, but he would be content if everything could be like this. Living in peace with one another and working cooperatively.
“I don’t know if I can ever make up for abandoning you, but I promise to do right by our family from now on.”
“I will hold you to it,” Richard said without looking up from the scribbled notes in the margins. “You know I will.”
***
Vivi had eagerly accepted Miss Truax’s invitation to join her for a walk through the gardens, happy for an excuse to escape the duchess’s drawing room.
She had been cautious not to make any missteps in the Duchess of Foxhaven’s presence, even though Her Grace seemed like a kind lady. Vivi didn’t want to provide Luke’s mother with any reason to object to their union. A walk outside allowed her to drop her guard a little.
Dressed in her best walking gown and armed with a parasol, she meandered along the twisting path through the phlox, matching Miss Truax’s snail’s pace.
“Luke tells me you are the duchess’s cousin. How wonderful that you were available to support her this past year.”
Miss Truax slanted a look at her. “You should refer to him as His Grace. It is unbecoming to refer to him by his Christian name.”
“Oh! Yes, I just thought…” She trailed off when the woman lifted a harsh eyebrow. Luke had assured her Miss Truax would become her friend, but Vivi feared they were getting off to a tenuous start.
Miss Truax stopped and faced her with a strained smile. “Forgive me, my lady. I did not intend to sound cross. I am simply trying to do as His Grace wishes.”
“What are his wishes?”
“To train you to be a duchess, of course. You have never been in society, am I correct?”
Vivi nodded; her insides were tying themselves into tight little knots. What was the lady insinuating?
“With your inexperience, you are likely to make a blunder. His Grace doesn’t want to be embarrassed, so I have agreed to coach you.”
Coach her? Why did that make her think of bits and harnesses? “I see.”
Miss Truax crossed her arms. “Lady Vivian, have you any idea who Foxhaven is? He is in line for the throne.”
Vivi snorted. Luke was as likely to inherit the crown as she was, and she almost told her companion so, but the other lady’s severe frown gave her pause.
“You must take these matters seriously,” Miss Truax chided. “How can you expect to become a proper wife when you are mocking His Grace?”
“I’m not mocking him.”
The lady wrinkled her nose. “And you are not exhibiting respect for his station either. You want to bring him honor, do you not?”
Vivi nodded sharply once. She didn’t care for the other woman’s tone or condescending manner, but if Luke thought she needed Miss Truax’s help…
She swallowed hard, trying to view her circumstances with logic rather than being hurt by his doubts in her.
“Very good,” Miss Truax said. “Perhaps we should start with you telling me about yourself. We wouldn’t want any skeletons from your past making an appearance and embarrassing His Grace.” Her eyebrows rose higher, and her smile looked suspiciously like a smirk. “The first thing everyone will want to know is the reason your brother did not allow you a Season. After all, you are becoming a bit long in the tooth for husband hunting.”
Vivi’s jaw dropped. She was hardly close to being placed on the shelf. “Uh…I’m not sure I take your meaning.”
But she did. All too well. If Miss Truax had already ascertained something in her past had kept her brother from presenting her to society, how long would it take for others to draw the same conclusion?
Two gentlemen rounded a curve headed in their direction. It was Lord Brookhaven and Mr. Collier, minus their female traveling partner. Vivi never thought she would be happy to see either man again, but what a boon to run into them at this moment.
She waved and called out to them.
“Do you know those gentlemen?” Miss Truax asked.
“I called them by name, did I not?”
The lady huffed but said nothing more.
Mr. Collier’s grin widened as the men approached. “Lady Vivian, how lovely to see you at Irvine Castle at last.”
“It is lovely to be here at last,” she lied. She would give anything to be back at Twinspur Cottage with only Luke, Lord Andrew, and Lana to keep her company. “Allow me to introduce you to my companion. Gentlemen, I’m pleased to present Miss Truax, cousin to the Duchess of Foxhaven. Miss Truax, Lord Brookhaven and Mr. Collier.”
The viscount tipped his hat then leaned his weight on his walking stick.
Mr. Collier captured the young woman’s hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “How charming to make your acquaintance, Miss Truax. Perhaps we could accompany you on your stroll.”
Vivi was wise enough not to accept invitations from gentlemen she barely knew, but Miss Truax had apparently skipped her lessons on that topic. She accepted Mr. Collier’s arm and began down the path with him.
Lord Brookhaven winced.
“We were just returning to the castle,” Vivi said. “We are expected.”
“Are we?” Miss Truax threw over her shoulder.
The viscount saved her from having to answer. “We were returning to the castle as well. I promise we will see you safely inside, my lady.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
Vivi couldn’t explain the reason his promise felt reassuring. Perhaps because he wasn’t deep into his cups this afternoon and he had a kind light to his eyes. She fell into step with him behind Miss Truax and Mr. Collier.
Mr. Collier cut a fine figure in his buckskins and jacket. His bulging calves reminded her of Luke’s glorious body and the way he had touched her their last night at the cottage. How she would love to steal away for another assignation, but Luke had warned her that he wouldn’t have much leisure time until he had a handle on the books.
Vivi tipped her head to the side, intrigued by the movement of Mr. Collier’s calves as he sauntered along the path. There was an odd shifting back and forth like a clock pendulum. She opened her mouth to ask Lord Brookhaven if he thought the gentleman padded his calves, but snapped it shut again.
Sweet strawberry jam. Maybe she did require a keeper.
Mr. Collier glanced over his shoulder as if sensing he was being watched. She looked away quickly. He stopped and spun around with a wide grin. He had nice teeth and full lips that were better suited for a lady. For that matter, his lushly curled eyelashes combined with his rosy cheeks made him much too pretty for a man. She might think him handsome if his smile ever reached his pale blue eyes.
“I am told there will be dancing this evening. Perhaps you ladies will allow me to sign your dance cards.”
Miss Truax pursed her lips and glanced between Mr. Collier and Vivi.
Lord Brookhaven gestured to the path with his stick. “The ladies are expected, Mr. Collier. Let’s not detain them.”
The gentleman laughed and offered his escort to Miss Truax again.
Vivi didn’t see what he found humorous. He was an odd fellow to be sure.
She breathed a sigh of relief when they emerged from the gardens.
“How lovely to see you again, my lord. Mr. Collier.” Vivi’s smile didn’t reach her eyes either. “Miss Truax, thank you for the kind invitation to join you this afternoon. Now, if you will excuse me, I should begin preparations to attend dinner this evening.”
She dashed for the house without waiting for a reply. When she passed into the darker interior of the castle, light footsteps sounded on the stone floor behind her.
“Lady Vivian, please wait.”
She bit back a curse. It was Miss Truax. Vivi stopped and tried to appear patient when she turned to face the woman. “Yes, Miss Truax? How may I help you?”
Miss Truax slumped over, resting her hands on her knees, breathing heavily. “Mr. Collier,” she said, panting hard.
“What about him?”
“H-how do…you…know him?”
Vivi crossed her arms. “His Grace introduced us the first night of our journey. He and Lord Brookhaven joined our party for dinner.”
Miss Truax frowned. “Oh.”
“Why do you ask how I know him?”
“I thought—”
When she didn’t finish speaking, Vivi waved for her to continue. “Tell me what you thought, Miss Truax, so I may put your mind at ease before I retire to my chambers.”
The lady straightened, having caught her breath. “Lady Vivian, I am sorry for my harsh words earlier. The Forests have been through a trying time this past year.”
Miss Truax held a hand out to her in offering. “Please understand I only want to save them from further heartache. Mr. Collier seems to hold you in high esteem. If you return his regard, you shouldn’t allow Luke to believe your affections are his to win.”
Vivi’s smile was tight. “His Grace is well aware of where my affections lie.”
“Of course.” Her hand dropped by her side. “Others may wonder too, my lady, if they see you in Mr. Collier’s company. This family does not need any more problems. They are good people.”
“Thank you for your concern, Miss Truax. I can assure you I have no intentions of causing any trouble.” Vivi wheeled around and marched for the staircase.
Miss Truax’s words repeated in her head all the way to her chambers. When she closed the door, she leaned against it with a defeated sigh.
How long would it be before she embarrassed Luke and made his family a source of ridicule? It hadn’t taken long at all when she had moved in with her cousin. The village had already been gossiping about her unladylike behaviors long before Mrs. Honeywell spread the rumor about her being ruined. Her past actions had probably made the gossip easier to believe.
Luke’s family didn’t need any more problems, and that was all Vivi had been most of her life.
One giant problem.