Taking his drink with him, Wilcox walked along one wall of the library as if examining the titles of the many shelved books. He finally turned to Thomas and raised his glass, once again, to his nephew.
“I happened to run into Sir Charles Hudson at theAthenaeumlast Thursday. And he was telling me about a dinner party he attended recently where you were also a guest.”
“Must have been Lady Marston’s dinner party. I remember nodding to Sir Charles.”
“Yes. Well, he said that you were being quite cozy with a certain young lady, by the name of…” He waved his hand. “Her name quite escapes me at the moment.”
“Miss Elizabeth Westerly.”
“Yes. Exactly.”
“And that concerns you how?” Thomas asked with some irritation.
“Well, Thomas, I thought it was quite clear during our last discussion that you were to seek an alliance with your friend, the quite lovely, Miss Helena Comerford.”
“It was you, I believe, Uncle, who was seeking the alliance. Not me.”
Uncle assumed a forced smile and an insinuating attitude. “But… I thought you understood the urgent necessity for replenishing the estate’s funds. You know the situation we are… you are in… And Miss Comerford comes with such a handsome dowry. You must think of the good of the family in these trying times.”
“And that is a good point, Uncle. And exactly why are these times so trying? I have been going over the estate’s books, and I have many questions as to what is happening with our investments.”
“You have?” Uncle said.
“Yes, and I have noticed that, since I came of age seven years ago, you have still been managing our investment accounts. Tell me, how can you account for that fact? It was my understanding that, once I became the Duke of Pemberton, the sole responsibility for the estate fell to me. Is that not correct?”
“Well, technically that is true. However, you did not seem to take an active interest in management, so I just continued assisting you, as best I could until you did take an interest.”
“I have gone back to the accounts at the time father died, and I found we had a robust and most successful estate balance. Our investments were producing a solid income, and, in fact, it was growing very well. And then when you became guardian things began to slide.”
Wilcox’s expression hardened. “Well, my boy, markets fluctuate and there are no guarantees of a steady income.”
Thomas studied the ledger he had before him. “I understand that. And that is why I am going to London to meet with my solicitors and bankers.” He walked from behind his desk and stood directly in front of his uncle. “And to be perfectly clear, I will be handling all estate business from here on out. Is that understood?
Wilcox did not flinch but held his fake smile and took another sip of whiskey. “I have only ever served your best interests, Thomas, and I hopeyouunderstand that as well.”
Thomas did not respond to that statement, but continued facing his Uncle and asked, “You said you wished to speak to me. And how can I help you?”
Wilcox turned and went to pour himself another drink. “Oh, it was nothing of consequence,” he said, turning back to Thomas. “But since we have briefly touched on the topic, I want to stress, again, how important it is for you to make the alliance with Miss Comerford. The estate’s troubles, to which you allude, make it all the more imperative that you act with haste. Miss Comerford is a most eligible and attractive young lady and I would hate for you to miss out on an alliance that would be beneficial to you both. After all, you have told me many times how close you are as friends. Does it not seem logical to go to the next step and make your union official?”
“Your argument has merit, Uncle, but…” Thomas turned away perplexed. “But I…”
Thomas was once again facing his eternal dilemma—when it came to committing to a woman, he found it impossible—no matter how attractive any one woman might be—to give up on all the other lovely women he still wished to know. No one woman had ever completely captivated him to the extent that he wanted to marry her.
And then he was overcome with the memory of Amanda and David, his best friend at the time, running off together to France the morning of his wedding. Alone and broken, he remembered vowing he would never trust another woman—ever again. And that memory continued to haunt and paralyze him.
“Uncle, I am not ready. And I know for certain that Helena and I are not suited for each other. We have known each other all our lives. We grew up together and we are like brother and sister. It is not a match that she and I can contemplate.”
“But I know her father is most anxious for this union. And remember, she brings with her, a substantial living and the possibility of a union of property when the Earl dies. You really should consider the great advantages of a marriage with her.”
“Uncle, I cannot believe you can be so hard-hearted and mercenary.”
“So be it, Thomas. Then you had better find another match thatwillwork—for the health of your estate depends upon it.”
“Thank you, Uncle, for your advice. But feel free to relieve yourself of any further responsibility for the estate. I am taking full control now and you need trouble yourself no further in these matters.”
Wilcox nodded. “Then I think I shall go visit Mama now.”
* * *
