Thomas said nothing for a moment then answered, “It would cause a great family scandal if I did. So, I have decided to focus my efforts instead on rebuilding the estate. I still havesomeviable investments and I am going to try and figure out how I might put the estate to greater use. If I can find some new revenue, I feel I can recover eventually.”
“I feel just terrible, Thomas. I feel partially responsible.”
“Why ever would you say that? This is no fault of yours.”
“I do not know how Wilcox could have gone so astray. If I…” she drifted off into her inner thoughts.
“A man’s character is only partially formed by upbringing. I know from the way you raised me after mother died, that you gave the very best of yourself. I can only surmise that there is an inherent flaw in Uncle’s native character. It is not of your doing.”
“And have you decided on a course of action?” she asked.
But she was interrupted by the serving of the next course—which neither wanted, having lost their appetites.
After Willoughby left, they just sat looking at their empty plates.
“I am not certain what I shall do next,” Thomas said. “I need to find something that interests me and that I can believe will enrich the estate.”
“If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know,” she said.
He laughed. “If you had any money I might ask you for a loan, but, of course, that is not a possibility.”
“I have friends who might be able to help…”
“Thank you, but no. This is something I must deal with first on my own. But after I find what I want to do… who knows?”
Grandmamma thought for a moment and then said, “I must go to London. I need to meet with Wilcox. I do not believe this matter to be completely over yet. He must be made accountable for his actions, whether you take legal action or not.” She smiled. “Sometimes a mother’s chastisement can be a lot more effective than legal action.”
* * *
Aunt Rosemary and George had arrived separately and were greeted by Lord Ralph Comerford and his wife, Sara, as they entered the drawing room at Springford Manor.
“Happy Birthday, Sister,” his Lordship said, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek.
Rosemary waved her hand. “Too many birthdays to count anymore, Ralph. At five-and-forty I am too old to pay any attention, and too young to admit to anything over five-and-thirty.”
Ralph laughed. “My darling, sister. You passed five-and-forty more years ago than I care to remember.”
She gave her brother several pats on the cheek. “Be kind, dear Brother. Remember I am only yourslightlyolder sister and I know all your dirty little secrets.”
As Rosemary was greeting Sara, Helena pulled George hurriedly aside and asked, “How are you holding up, dearest? I have missed seeing you so very much.”
“As I have you. Have you told your father yet about Thomas marrying?”
“Tonight at dinner. I thought it best to tell him when others were present. I think he is less likely to throw a fit if there are guests.”
Just then Helena’s younger brother, Timothy, came over and slapped George on the shoulder. “I say, Georgie, old chap, are you Aunt Rosemary’s new beau?”
George laughed nervously. “Not likely. We arrived at the same time but separately. And when are you going back up to Oxford for the next term?”
“Oh, do not remind me. I have been blocking it out all summer. Too much fun you know.”
“What are you studying?”
“Fly fishing.”
“At university?”
Timothy laughed. “No, dolt, in the Gloucestershire streams. I am blocking outunientirely. Refuse to think of it until I absolutely must.”
