Frances had surprised him. She’d easily charmed King’s two boys—his wife’s brothers, whom King treated like sons. Joshua and George, who everyone called Georgie, allowed Frances to order them about and looked at her with a sort of awe. She even convinced Georgie to carry Marcella for her. When Rory had gone to kiss her goodnight in the chamber she’d share with Genevieve and himself, she whispered, “May I have another baby brother, Papa?”
The words had ripped at his heart but given him hope as well. He glanced at Genevieve, and she smiled, clearly thinking the same thing he did. Perhaps one day they would have more children, and Frances would make a wonderful older sister.
“Do you intend to drink that?” King asked Rory. “You’ve been swirling it about all night.”
Rory looked down at his brandy glass, still mostly full.
“You know he can’t hold his drink,” Henry said. “He’ll be snoring in a quarter hour if he consumes that.” He held out a hand. “Let me have it.”
Rory handed it to him. “Why have we never been here before, Henry? I didn’t even know there was a residence on your ancestral land.”
“I can answer that,” King said. “No gambling establishments within an easy distance.”
Henry laughed. “I cannot argue.”
“And you’ve given up cards and dice?” Rory asked.
“I can’t say I don’t still have the urge to gamble,” Henry admitted, “but I’m doing my best to keep it in check. I couldn’t do it without Katie.”
“She’s clearly a good influence on you,” King said.
“And what about you?” Rory asked. “As surprised as I was that Henry married, I was equally surprised that you tied the knot, and to a woman with two children to look after. The boys clearly see you as a father. The little one even calls you Pa.”
“Shocking, isn’t it?” King said. “No one would have ever guessed I’d be a good father. I certainly didn’t have any sort of example inmyfather.” He looked at Rory. “Speaking of fathers, I wrote to yours.”
“Why the hell would you do that?”
“He was one of the few in the Lords who didn’t vote for attainder by verdict. My father deserved to be found guilty by treason, but your father argued that I had no part in his acts and shouldn’t be punished along with him. I appreciated his support, even if the vote went the other way.”
“Once in a while, he does the right thing,” Rory said. “And I have enough money for the three of us. I know you won’t take agift.” He held a hand up. “Consider it a loan with generous terms. No interest, and the principle is due in one hundred years.”
“Henry might still have some pride,” King said, “but Vi will have my head if I don’t accept your offer. She wants to open another tavern in Soho. It’s a good idea to get the boys out of Seven Dials.”
“Consider it done. I’d like to do something good with Harriet’s money, and Frances need never worry, as money was set aside for her dowry as soon as she was born.”
“Speaking of children,” King said, “Frances is a force to be reckoned with. She reminds me much more of you than Harriet.”
“How so?”
“She has the ability to take charge. I remember at every new school, it would take you about three hours before you had three or four boys acting as footmen for you. Joshua and Georgie never had a chance.”
Henry sat, his feet thudding on the floor. “Rory, I wish King and I could have done more for you after the accident.”
Rory shook his head. “You both tried. I should have let you help instead of running away. Frances paid the price when I ran. I’m trying to repair the relationship now.”
“Yes, but how will you ever repair your reputation?” Henry asked. “What can you have been thinking running around the Continent with Munro Notley? You know what they call him—Mr. Notorious.”
Rory nodded. “I can’t say I’d ever heard of him before we met in Venice. He does seem to cause trouble wherever he goes.”
“He has a reputation as a notorious rake,” King added.
“He’s back on the Continent already,” Rory said. “I’m sure my marriage to my governess has overtaken any talk of my friendship with Notley.”
Henry sat back again. “I like your Genevieve. If she’d been my governess, I would have turned out much better.”
“I agree,” King said. “She’s formidable but kind. I can tell she loves Frances already.”
Rory nodded. He could see it too. He thought she might also love him almost as much as Violet and Katie loved King and Henry respectively. “We’ve all been very fortunate in our choice of wives,” he said. “Quite a coup for men who were called Misfortune’s Favorites throughout school.”
