by Cheryl Holt
He would reap all the benefits from Caleb’s disappearance, but Soloman would always be blamed for what had occurred. Millicent had never liked Soloman and had grudgingly accepted him into their lives.
Benjamin was about to achieve his destiny, and she wouldn’t want Soloman to show up at the last minute, to be front and center as Benjamin went through the rituals that would make him Lord Lyndon.
“I’ve been away a long time, Addington, but let’s review a few facts. Who owns this house?”
“You do.”
“Who employs you and pays your salary?”
“It’s you.”
“I understand my mother assumed many responsibilities during my lengthy absences. I also understand that it’s difficult to ignore her when she gives you an idiotic command, but you’re aware of my wishes and how to follow them. From now on, should she adopt an outrageous plan, you are to contact me immediately.”
“Very good, sir.”
“Where is Soloman staying?”
“He didn’t say.”
Benjamin’s spirits flagged. “He could be anywhere.”
“Yes.”
“Do you suppose he’s even still in England? Might he have left already?”
“I couldn’t guess, Captain.”
Benjamin blew out a heavy breath.
Soloman was no fool. He’d been vehemently opposed to returning to England, but Benjamin had pressured him to come back. Since the house had been open and all the servants in residence, he’d have realized he was being snubbed. He’d have known Millicent was denying him entrance.
With Millicent being so horrid, he’d vividly remember why he hated England. He might simply have packed his bags and sailed for Egypt.
“We have to find him,” he told Addington. “I want footmen to scour the city. They’re to check at every hotel and coaching inn, at every private club and gambling den too. Also, I’ll make a list of our old friends who might have provided him with a bed to sleep in.”
“That will be an enormous chore and will involve significant effort.”
“Have you a better suggestion?”
“Might he go to Lyndon Hall?” Addington inquired.
“Maybe,” Benjamin mused. “I’ve been meaning to ride over there to inspect the place. Perhaps I’ll visit tomorrow to see if he’s there.” Benjamin shoved back his chair and stood. “Fetch my mother to the library. I’d like to have a word with her.”
“Shall I tell her what it’s about, Captain?”
“No, I’ll tell her myself, but she can’t decline to heed me. I won’t brook any refusal.”
He marched out and was walking through the foyer when, to his surprise, Wesley bounded down the stairs.
“What are you doing here?” Benjamin asked.
“I could ask you the same,” Wesley responded.
“Yes, but I asked first, and if you don’t politely answer me, I will knock a reply out of you.”
“I came to town last night.”
“Why?”
“I attended a ball—with Veronica.”
“How is she?”
“She’s fine which you would know if you ever talked to her. You being such a busy man and all, I’m sure it’s a great trial to be courteous to your fiancée.”
This was an old quarrel they’d raked over many times, and Benjamin wasn’t about to rake over it again.
“Since you and I are both in London,” Benjamin said, “who is hosting our guests at Grey Manor?”
“I have no idea. When I departed yesterday, things seemed to be swimming along without me.”
“Are you returning this morning?”
“I haven’t decided. There’s another ball tonight and Michael wants to go.”
The name Michael raised Benjamin’s hackles. “Are you referring to your new chum, Michael Boswell?”
“Yes.”
“In the library, Wesley. Now.”
Wesley looked as if he’d argue, and Benjamin pointed down the hall.
“Now, Wesley. My mood is incredibly foul so don’t push your luck.”
Benjamin whipped away and stomped to the room that had been his father’s sanctuary. The man had died when Benjamin was nine so he had many clear memories of him. Mostly, they entailed his father never being home and, when he was, hiding in the library that his son wasn’t allowed to enter.
For many years, Benjamin had wondered why his father had been so distant. With the vanity of youth, he’d suspected his father hadn’t liked him. But as he’d matured, it had dawned on him that he’d likely been avoiding his wife. Millicent was a harridan, and it couldn’t have been easy being married to her.
The library was Benjamin’s, but whenever he stepped inside, he felt like an imposter. He expected Addington to rush in and shoo him out.
Benjamin sat behind the desk, and though it took Wesley an eternity to arrive he eventually slinked in. He sat in the chair across, appearing very much like a schoolboy about to be disciplined.
“Our cousin, Soloman, is in London,” Benjamin said.
“That’s...interesting.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean he’s a controversial character, and with all the family events that are planned, it’s not the best time for him to show his sorry face.”
“I invited him.”
“Should you have?”
As Wesley posed the question, he sounded so much like their mother that Benjamin nearly shuddered with dread. His brother was turning into his mother! How could Benjamin stop the metamorphosis?
“Yes, Wesley, I should have invited him. Do you remember what he looks like? Would you know him if you saw him?”
Wesley scowled. “Probably. Why?”
“Mother chased him away, and I’m hoping he’s still in London, that he didn’t simply sail to Cairo.”
“If he has, I’ll be the first to say I’m glad to hear it.”
“Your opinion has been noted, Wesley, but don’t mention it again. Just...if you run into Soloman, inform him that I’m home and I’m searching for him.”
Wesley was mulishly silent, and Benjamin glared until his brother muttered, “I will—if I see him. But you shouldn’t count on our crossing paths. I don’t exactly socialize in places that would cater to someone like him.”
“Someone like...him? A murderer? Is that what you’re implying?”
“Well...ah...”
Benjamin rolled his eyes. “Whatever twisted thought is racing through your mind, don’t you dare speak it aloud.”
“All right, I won’t. Is that all you wanted? Is that why you dragged me in here?”
“Tell me about Michael Boswell.”
“What about him?”
“Where did you meet him? How did you meet him? Why did you become friends?”
Wesley counted his answers on his fingers. “I met him at a gambling party, I was introduced by acquaintances, and we’ve become friends because he’s a grand fellow and I like him very much.”
“Tell me about his past, about his family.”
“I don’t know much about him. He doesn’t talk about himself.”
“Then how can you be certain you like him enough to be cordial?”
“We’re ...chums, Benjamin. We don’t gab like hens in a henhouse. We ride and drink and play cards. We do what all young men do. Now then, if you’ll excuse me? I’m very busy.”
“I don’t excuse you,” Benjamin sharply said. “Has he ever asked to borrow money?”
“No.”
“Has he ever asked you to loan him a valuable item or engage in activity that seems furtive or possibly illegal?”
“Gad, no. What is wrong with you? I realize your sense of self-importance is growing by leaps and bounds, but I won’t be interrogated.”
“His name isn’t Boswell.”
“What is it then?” Wesley sneered.
“It’s Fenwick.”
Wesley nearly offered a sarcastic reply then he paused and considered. “But...Fenwick is...Miss Annab
el’s surname.”
“Yes, they’re siblings.”
“No, no,” Wesley hesitantly said, “she’s his paramour.”
“She’s his sister, Wesley. I noticed a similarity in their features, and when I pressed her about it, she admitted the truth.”
“When you pressed her? Where and when would that have occurred? Up in your bedchamber?”
“It doesn’t matter where it occurred. I’m simply warning you about him.”
“Warning received, Benjamin.” Wesley was very angry which was his constant state anymore. “If Michael isn’t her lover, have you assumed the role? Will you take up with her right before your wedding? Will you shame Veronica?”
“Get over it, would you, Wesley? Please?”
“I’m over it,” Wesley fumed.
“You’re making this so difficult. Even if I reneged on my proposal, she wouldn’t wed you instead.”
“She might. If you were out of the way, it could happen. She always preferred me until you butted in.”
Occasionally, Benjamin thought his brother was deranged.
“I’m ordering you to stay away from Michael Fenwick,” he said.
“Ordering me?” Wesley was practically choking on his affront.
“He can’t have valid motives toward you. Not when he’s lied about his identity and you have no information about him.”
“If you’re so determined to learn the details, why don’t you ask Miss Fenwick when you’re rolling around on a mattress with her?”
A muscle ticked in Benjamin’s cheek. He should have pounded on Wesley a few times when they were boys. It might have toughened him up.
“That was uncalled for, Wesley.”
“Was it?”
“Miss Fenwick is not a trollop.”
“Not yet. I’m sure you’ll be a marvelous influence on her character.”
Benjamin ignored the insult. “You will not fraternize with Michael Fenwick. I can’t allow it.”
“Have you sent his sister away too?” Wesley studied Benjamin then scoffed. “Oh, I see how it is. I’m not to socialize with the brother, but you intend to lift the sister’s skirt as often as you like. Will you keep on with her after you’re married? Or will this just be a quick fling?”
“Sod off, Wesley. My relationship with her is none of your business.”
“As my relationship with Michael is none of yours.”
Wesley stood and marched out, and Benjamin eased back in his chair, calming himself so he didn’t chase Wesley down and administer a whack alongside the head.
He was conflicted about Annabel. He figured she was as deceitful and corrupt as her brother, but he loved everything about her: her beauty, her brains, her sass, her independent views and attitudes.
He truly had never met a woman like her, and when his wedding was approaching so rapidly, he had no idea why he was dawdling in London when he could be in the country with her. They’d quarreled because he’d been a jealous, stupid ass, and the fact that he’d suffer any jealousy only showed how thoroughly she’d ensnared him.
He was panicked he would return to Grey Manor and she’d have left. How would he find her? If he asked Michael Fenwick as to her whereabouts, he doubted Fenwick would tell him.
There were so many terrifying scenarios rushing in his mind that he felt dizzy with contemplating all of them. He was so distracted that he barely noticed his mother had arrived. She strutted in, looking irked at being summoned.
“I didn’t realize you were home, Benjamin. You might have notified me.”
“I told you I was coming to the ball tonight.”
“What do you want? I’m dressing for my afternoon visits so please be brief.”
He scrutinized her, his fierce gaze digging deep. She was adept at insolence herself and had certainly cowed him when he’d been a child. But he was a man now, an adult and army officer who controlled the purse strings. Their positions of power had definitely been reversed.
“I’ve been thinking about Wesley,” he said.
“What about him?”
“I’d like to send him away from London. It’s not healthy for him to remain and attend my wedding.”
“Absolutely not,” she huffed. “We will be together as a family.”
“The problem with Veronica is growing more untenable by the day.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Wesley understands and accepts your decision.”
“If that’s what you suppose, you’re mad. Did you arrange the match deliberately to hurt him?”
“Gad, no. I did it for you so you’d receive her dowry—and a pretty, cultured wife to boot. It’s always a benefit when the bride is equal to her fortune.”
“When we were boys, I could have sworn Wesley was your favorite.”
“Of course he was.”
She’d never made any bones about it. Wesley had been easy to manipulate and influence. He’d always obeyed her and Benjamin never had.
“Why break his heart like this?” Benjamin asked as he had dozens of times already.
“How often must I say it? He had a juvenile crush on Veronica! It was an infatuation she didn’t share. His opinion about your engagement to her is irrelevant, and I can’t comprehend why we must continue to bicker over it.”
“The wedding will be so awkward with him there! And afterward, how will we ever host a family dinner? He’s never going to get over it, Mother. He thrives on how we’ve victimized him. He’s enjoying his misery too much.”
“He’ll eventually move on, but if he doesn’t, so what? We all create our own happiness in this life, and he needs to forge his own path. Why don’t we find a bride for him? He’s twenty-two which is old enough to be a husband. Let’s marry him to a winsome, rich girl, and after a few months, Veronica will be a distant memory.”
Benjamin snorted with disgust. “That’s your answer? Shackle him to someone else?”
“Why not? It’s the perfect solution for what’s ailing him.”
“If I listen to any more of your absurd comments my head might explode.”
“If my presence is bothering you so much, I needn’t tarry. Will that be all?”
“No. Guess what a little bird told me.”
She sighed with aggravation. “I won’t play games with you. What is it?”
“Soloman is in London.”
“Is he?” she blandly replied.
“Will you pretend with me, Mother?”
“I have no idea what you’re implying.” She looked innocent as a saint.
“He stopped by to see me, and you had the servants insist we were away.”
“By servants, I assume you mean Addington. If he can’t keep his mouth shut, perhaps he’s outlived his usefulness to me.”
Benjamin struggled to tamp down his spurt of temper. He’d never gotten along with his mother, had never felt any compulsion to comply with her edicts and commands. Even as a boy, he’d refused to heed her simply because he’d recognized her to be frivolous and silly.
When the tragedy over Caleb had erupted, she’d cut the cord to whatever limited respect he’d had for her. She’d been glad Caleb vanished. She’d once confessed to Benjamin that it was the conclusion she’d been praying for, that he could now be the earl as Fate had intended.
During that tumultuous era, he’d heard many awful remarks, but he’d deemed that one to be the worst of the lot.
“Whose house is this, Mother?”
“Yours, but I’ve always run it for you. Don’t claim I have no authority.”
“I’m not claiming it. I’m flat-out telling you: You have no authority. I’m being very clear about it. Addington and the housekeeper will provide me with weekly reports. I will make all the decisions, and in the future, should you set them on any course they believe I wouldn’t like, Addington is to send a fast messenger so I can counter any farce you’ve implemented.”
“If you don’t require my assistance, I’m happy to return to the country.”
“You may depart
immediately—if that is your desire.”
In offering to leave, she’d been bluffing. She would never wallow in the country while his festivities were approaching. Her cheeks heated with fury. “I’d rather stay in town in the hopes I may be of service in finishing your nuptial plans.”
“Fine. You may stay—if you admit to me that you sent Soloman away.”
“So what if I did?” she brazenly said. “We don’t need him here, and I don’t want him here.”
“You don’t.”
“No.”
“It’s not up to you, Mother. He will be by my side at the investiture, and he will be the best man at my wedding.”
“No! I forbid it. Wesley will be your best man. You will not choose Soloman over your brother.”
“Can you actually imagine I would force Wesley to stand up with me as I marry his great beloved?”
“Why wouldn’t he? Family first, Benjamin. It’s the lesson I instilled in both of you.”
It was strange how different people viewed the past. He couldn’t recall her instilling any lessons. Or maybe she’d tried, but he’d ignored her.
“I have instructed Addington to locate Soloman for me, and you will not interfere.”
“Don’t do this, Benjamin. I’m begging you. What good can come from it? What’s the point?”
“The point is, Mother, that I want him there. My Uncle Ralston would want him there. Everything that happened to Soloman ten years ago was cruel and wrong.”
“Unless he killed that baby.”
“If you ever utter such a horrid slur in my presence again, I will lock you in a nunnery for the rest of your days.” He gestured to the door. “You’re excused.”
“Don’t presume to order me about, Benjamin. I’ll go when I’m ready.”
His temper was spiking so hotly that he could barely keep from rounding the desk and dragging her out. “I’ve also informed Addington that I’m not to be referred to as Lord Lyndon. I take it that was another of your absurd ideas?”
“It’s just a few weeks to the investiture. There’s no reason to delay.”
“There’s every reason, Mother.”
“Name one,” she sarcastically said.
“Because I don’t wish it to occur,” he hissed. “Now get out of here before you make me angry.”
She hesitated, and for an instant, it appeared as if she’d voice a snide comment that would push him over the edge. But she must have noted the rage in his eyes. She dipped her head and left.