“I think I am very happy for you, despite the strange circumstances.”
“I appreciate your congratulations, although I am not filled with happiness. When I first informed Miss Carshaw about my lack of fortune and, thereafter, about my concerns over her brother, there was a great deal of upset caused by my words.”
Lord Foster shook his head.
“That is understandable, but it is good that you told her the truth.”
Letting out a snort, Benjamin scowled.
“You cannot know the astonishment and the distress that came into my heart when I discovered the title of her brother. Quite how I went for so long without being informed of it, I do not know. Perhaps things would have changed had I heard it beforehand.”
“You should begladthat you did not know, given that you would have missed out on what is clearly going to be a situation of happiness since you have a growing care and concern for the lady – and she seems contented to stand by your side,” Lord Foster put in. “What are your intentions now? How you intend to prove that Lord Kingston either is, or is not, involved?”
Benjamin’s scowl darkened all the more.
“I have considered it, but I fear I must ask Miss Carshaw if she would be willing to aid me.” The thought twisted his stomach. “It is not something I am eager to do, given the struggle she has already faced, but I believe it is something I must do. Lord Montague has gone from England so I cannot speak to him, although I would dearly love to do so.”
“Yes, last I heard, he was on the continent,” Lord Foster rolled his eyes. “Exactly how long he intends to stay there, I cannot imagine, although I confess that I do not find myself sorry over the possibility that he might remain there for many years yet.”
“Nor indeed do I, despite the circumstances,” Benjamin had to agree. “It is better for him to remain far from society. Therefore, my only choice at present is to make my way to Lord Kingston’s home, and into his study, which will require Miss Carshaw’s aid.”
“Into his study?” Lord Stoneleigh repeated, as Benjamin nodded slowly. “You intend to look for evidence there, I presume.”
“Yes. I must find a way to prove that he is the man who has taken my fortune. I find myself believing, after further consideration, that he is responsible. After all, what other reason could there be for him to try to drive me far from his sister, if it were not that he did not want her to wed the man he had robbed - for fear that he would be discovered.”
“Mayhap because he wanted her to wed Lord Bullfield. There must be something between them for the man to agree to such a thing.”
“Then why not insist upon that at the very beginning? Miss Carshaw stated that her brother initially gave her one month to find and secure her own husband.”
“Perhaps because he believed that she would be entirely unsuccessful, and wanted to use the opportunity to prove to her the strength of his hold upon her life. After all, you have been told by many a gentleman that Lord Kingston is a man to be avoided, have you not?”
“Yes, that is so, but that still gives Miss Carshaw the chance to be successful. If he only ever had intended for her to wed Lord Bullfield, I do not think that he would even have allowed the possibility of her success,” Benjamin argued.
“I can understand your point of view. You must be careful, for, as I have said, Lord Kingston is not a man to be trifled with. If you have forced his hand by determining that you will wed his sister when he had other plans already in place, then you will have angered him.”
“I care not.” Benjamin stated, firmly. “My only consideration is for Miss Carshaw. I want to make certain that she is free from her brother and if possible, I wish to provide her a life where she is comfortable and contented.” A smile lifted his lips as he considered what she had said previously. “She insists that she can be more than happy without my wealth, but I am certain that it would be a great deal of help to us both if I were to recover my fortune.”
“I am certain it would be also,” Lord Foster agreed wholeheartedly. “Let me also suggest another thing that you might wish to use. It may be a less intrusive way of discovering whether or not the man is involved.”
“Yes?”
Lord Foster considered for a moment, looking away as one hand rubbed under his chin.
“You state that the man your fortune went to was identified in that contract as a gentleman by the name of Baron March.”
“That is the name my solicitors were given, yes. But there is no such fellow.”
“Then why not use that name in front of the Viscount? Study his reaction. If he responds in a manner that tells you he knows the name, then you can be more certain of his involvement. If he does not so much as blink, then perhaps you are on the wrong trail.”
“You could also ask Miss Carshaw to speak it rather than yourself,” Lord Stoneleigh suggested. “If she is willing, that is. It may come as more of a surprise from her whereas he might be more on his guard when it comes to you.”
“A wise suggestion indeed, gentlemen.” Benjamin considered for a moment. Would Miss Carshaw be willing to do such a thing? She had tried to defend her brother once already, but he understood her reasons for that. It had been shock speaking, rather than outright denial. If she wanted to know the truth, then would this not be a way to discover it?
“I will speak to Miss Carshaw. If she is willing, then that is what we shall do. If not, then I shall speak to Lord Kingston myself,” he declared, as both gentlemen nodded. “As you are both no doubt aware, the lady means a great deal to me. I do not wish to cause her any distress. If I can spare her from it, then I will.”
“Speak with your betrothed,” Lord Foster suggested. “If she can do this, then it will bring you both a great deal of clarity, which, at this moment, is all that you require.”
Benjamin nodded, then watched as Lord Stoneleigh rose from his chair, making his way across the room. Pouring a brandy, he handed it to Lord Foster and then poured a second, which he gave to Benjamin himself. The third he kept, standing in the center of the room, and lifting it in a toast.
