Stepping into the parlor, Henry wandered to the window and clasped his hands behind his back, waiting for his visitor to be shown in. From what he remembered, Simon Brackwell had been sent to a boarding school in Wales, and just before that had been the last time they had seen each other. He himself had been sent to Eton at the tender age of seven, as was right for a son of a Viscount, and, over the years, he had forgotten entirely about his cousin, save for a letter some years ago, stating that Mr. Brackwell had gone to the continent to secure his late father’s holdings.
It is to my shame that I have forgotten about him.
At that very moment, the door opened, and the butler ushered a gentleman in.
“Mr. Simon Brackwell, my Lord.”
“But of course.” Striding forward, Henry put out one hand and took the man’s hand, taking in his features. There were some similarities between them, what with the brown hair and green eyes but, aside from that, Henry did not see much else. Then again, he considered, shaking his cousin’s hand firmly, he could barely recall his uncle! “Brackwell, how are you?”
“I am grateful that you allowed me to simply walk into your house and call upon you,” came the reply, as he smiled broadly. “I know this must be something of a surprise.”
“It is, but it is a pleasant one,” Henry replied, quickly. “Please come in and sit down.”
“I thank you.” Sitting down, Mr. Brackwell looked around him, taking in everything in the room. “This room has a most pleasant aspect.”
A little surprised at how refined this gentleman was, Henry thanked him and then sat down, nodding to the butler that a tray with coffee and cakes should be brought in.
“You were on the continent, or so I heard.”
Mr. Brackwell nodded, looking at Henry again.
“Yes, I was.” There came a slight frown upon his face as he spoke, though his words thereafter explained his expression. “My father begged me to go to the continent on his behalf, and make certain that all of his holdings were quite secure, for there had been a few skirmishes reported. He was a little unwell and I confess, I did not want to go, but both he and my mother begged me to do so. Thus, I took my leave of England, but once I was there, I received a letter only a month later stating that my father had passed away.”
Henry’s heart grew heavy, recalling the passing of his own father.
“I too was also away from home when the news came of my father’s passing,” he said, seeing Mr. Brackwell’s eyes widen. “It was not as far as the continent of course, but all the same, the pain was great. I wished I could have been there with him.”
“Then we have that in common,” Mr. Brackwell murmured, rubbing one hand over his chin. “It took me far too long to return home, and by then, the funeral had already taken place. I comforted my mother and sister as best I could – though thankfully, my sister was already wed by that time – and once I had made certain that my mother was well cared for, I returned to the continent to continue my business there. The small estatemy father handed down to me was left to the care of my mother until my return. I took my pain and grief with me, however.”
“My sympathies.”
Mr. Brackwell nodded his thanks, only for the door to open and the trays to be brought in. Henry took the chance to study his cousin, taking in the lines around his eyes and the hints of grey through his hair. They were both of similar age, but it appeared that the sorrow and sadness of losing his father had taken its toll on the man’s appearance.
“So,” Henry continued, once his cousin was sitting with refreshments to hand, “what is it that brings you to my door?”
With a smile, Mr. Brackwell shifted in his chair to make himself a little more comfortable.
“In truth, it was in the hope of becoming a little better acquainted with you. Yes, we are cousins, and so we are family, but we do not know one another very well at all. I have come to London on business, but I do not know anyone here in the city, save for an old friend who lives a little nearer to the East End than I would like!”
Henry winced.
“I understand.”
“I am not asking for you to introduce me to your friends or the like, or to bring me to any of the society events which you attend,” Mr. Brackwell continued, hastily, waving one hand. “I do not want such a thing, for I am not of your class or standing, but–”
“But that does not make you any less a gentleman,” Henry interrupted as Mr. Brackwell smiled in obvious appreciation. “I would be glad to introduce you to one or two of my friends, even though you say you have no wish to be introduced. I am certain that they would be very glad to meet you. It would bring you a little more companionship to be sure, and that is only a good thing.” Rather touched by his cousin’s desire to recovertheir connection – one which had been broken since childhood – Henry leaned forward in his chair and nodded fervently. “Yes, I think that must be the way forward. It will help you in your connections here in London – and indeed, might do so when it comes to business also – and my friends are of a good sort. They will be more than welcoming, I assure you.”
After a few moments, Mr. Brackwell nodded.
“Very well.” There was still a hint of hesitancy in his voice, but Henry only smiled, sure that his cousin’s wariness would fade quickly. “Mayhap I shall speak to them about crop rotation and the like! The estate is a good deal smaller than yours, of course, but it still requires the same care.”
“I am certain that they will all be very glad indeed to speak with you about whatever you wish,” Henry told him, a smile on his face as his cousin reached for another cake from the tray. “I am glad that you have returned to London. It will be good for us to grow our connection again. We have so very little family, I do believe that such connections are important.” His smile began to dim as the realization that he had not been doing anything to encourage his connection to his cousin and his family filled him. “I should like to do whatever I can for you, Brackwell.”
“I appreciate that, more than I can say.” There was a warmth in Mr. Brackwell’s voice now, a familiarity in the way he spoke which Henry was certain came from their connection as children. “Mayhap this connection will bring me into the sphere of a young lady! My mother insists that I marry soon.” Chuckling, he rolled his eyes, then steadied his gaze again. “Thank you, Lord Yarmouth.”
“Not at all.” With a nod, Henry took a sip of his coffee and then set the cup back down again. “I look forward to introducing you to them all.”
“You say he is your cousin?”
