“I see…”
“And as for your mother’s account, her balance of fifteen thousand has dwindled during the last six months to only about five hundred. I knowIhave not made any withdrawals. And I know for certain she has not either. So, Uncle, you tell me who else it could be but you?”
Wilcox got up without saying anything and went to pour himself another drink before turning back to face Thomas.
“So… I have been found out. I knew it was only a matter of time. Now what is to be done, that is the question, is it not?”
Thomas stood, “Yes, it is. So, you admit taking the money?”
“I had no choice. I have had a few money problems lately,” he said with seemingly no remorse. “And since we are all family, I assumed…”
“So, you just take it from your mother and me?”
“You were inattentive and mother… well, she would leave it to me eventually anyway. I saw no harm?”
“Did you ever think to ask her for the money, or did you just take it without her knowledge?”
“I was in rather a hurry, you see. I had some investments that went bad, and when that started, I tried winning at cards. A rather risky solution, I know. And after losing more than winning, I borrowed some money from unconventional sources. And when that money became due and I couldn’t pay, I began to be threatened by… some unsavory fellows. Well, one thing led to another and, before I knew it, I was in so deep I had no other choice. It was literally a matter of life and death, you see.”
“And have you cleared your debts with our money?”
“Some of them.”
“You mean there are still more?”
Wilcox shrugged. “A few.”
Thomas folded his arms, turned away, and began to pace. “And what do you suggest be done, Uncle? You have drained your mother’s savings and nearly bankrupted my estate.” He turned back to his uncle. “And I suppose you have no prospects—either for yourself or any way to make this right to your mother and me?”
“As a matter of fact, Nephew, there might be a way.”
“I am eager to hear.”
“We have spoken about this matter before. A marriage to the perfect young heiress would be most beneficial for the entire family. It could solve all of our problems and make all matters right.”
“And you have a prospect? You found such an heiress willing to marry you at your age?”
Uncle laughed. “Oh, Thomas, the marriage is not for me. It is for you.”
Thomas was now furious. “I told you already, I do not intend to marry Helena. She wishes to marry George Edgerton, and she and I have no intention of marrying each other.”
“Well, you asked for a solution. I am suggesting one,” Uncle said as he poured himself yet another drink.
Thomas glared at his uncle. “I believe I should take legal action against you. This house, your estate, and your other assets would at least be able to pay your mother back from what you have stolen.”
Uncle took a leisurely sip of his whiskey and began to tour his drawing room. “Nephew, do you not think I have already mortgaged every asset I own to the hilt? All you would accomplish is to drag the family name into the mud, but with no financial reward. I have nothing, and I am certain you must understand that. And think how that would affect mother? It might make her ill—or worse.” He turned and glanced askance at Thomas.
“You are the most irreparable scoundrel, Uncle.”
“Yes, I suppose I am, but there you have it.”
Thomas was at a loss for words. It appeared he was at a dead end with his uncle.
Uncle then smiled and said, “Now then, let us discuss some lovely eligible young ladies, I know about, who would make themostperfect Duchess of Pemberton.”
Chapter 10
Claudia appeared at Jenny’s door. She stood quietly and waited for Jenny to notice her.
