by Jane Charles
He would ask Jordan but his brother never denied himself the company of a woman, ever. And, if his brother even had the slightest suspicion of what Miss Cooper was doing to him, Jordan would never let him hear the end of it. His brother would also probably encourage Matthew to enjoy her company, yet Miss Cooper wasn’t like any other woman, especially those his brother gravitated toward. Matthew knew if he were to seduce Miss Cooper, it would only occur after vows had been spoken and he wasn’t sure he was ready to marry or knew her nearly well enough to form a permanent bond.
He had to stop thinking about Grace and her clear eyes, full breasts, and bed. He had to empty her form his thoughts and think of something else or he would never be comfortable, unless he took care of matters himself and he hadn’t needed to do that in years. No, he would turn his mind from her. He wasn’t a young lad experiencing lust and desire for the first time. He had more control.
Matthew turned the horse toward town. He would visit his brother. He needed to speak further with Jordan anyway. All he had gotten out of his brother earlier was an appointment was scheduled. Surely this was not a matter a magistrate could decide. What of the courts? Could Miss Cooper take her case to London?
He shook the thought away. She would have a more difficult time trying to convince the courts that she was the best person to take care of her father. Worse, they would be more likely to push for confinement in Bedlam. Mr. Cooper was not mad.
Matthew blew out a breath and urged his horse toward the village. He needed to make his brother understand. Could he convince him to quit working for Lord Stillwaite? And, how had Jordan managed to become a lawyer without anyone knowing? Father would be livid if he were alive.
Matthew found himself grinning. As much as he didn’t like Jordan being on the opposite side of this issue, he was proud that his brother had decided to do what he wanted and not follow the dictates of father. John had done the same. Only he and Clay fell into line. But, even Clay changed once he met Eleanor. That left Matt, still doing what father wished of him.
Did he dare throw caution to the wind and follow his own dreams?
If so, exactly what did he want to do? Being a vicar was fine and good, but the weight of responsibility and fear of not being perfect, or not being the person parishioners could turn to for guidance weighed on his shoulders. Should one feel weighted down and lose sleep because they were afraid they would make a mistake?
No.
The answer was clear and loud, as if it had been yelled at him.
But what was left if he didn’t do this?
Become a dairy farmer. The voice whispered through his brain. Ridiculous. He knew nothing about being a farmer or cows or chickens or any other type of animal that lived on a farm. Even the horse he was riding was taken care of by others.
And why such answers to his questions? Were these the things he truly wanted? It wasn’t as if God was telling him what to do. God ceased actually speaking to people over a thousand years ago.
It wasn’t that he minded being a vicar. His faith was strong so that wasn’t the issue. But, was this what he should be doing? Was he the right person to be God’s messenger?
Matthew stopped before the stables and left his horse with a lad who couldn’t have been over ten, but anxious to see to his animal, and with determined steps Matthew made it to the inn where Jordan had taken a room. He would think about his future later. Perhaps even discuss it with his brother once the issue of Mr. Cooper was behind them.
Matthew stepped inside the dim interior and glanced around. Jordan was seated at a table, a plate of food before him, speaking with someone who looked oddly like John from behind. But what would John be doing here?
Jordan glanced up and his eyes narrowed. “I didn’t expect you to be back.”
The man turned in his seat. It was John. “What are you doing here? Two brothers in one week?” He took a seat even though Jordan hadn’t offered for him to sit. “Clay isn’t lurking around here anywhere is he?”
John chuckled and shook his head. “Elizabeth and I are on our way to Scotland, after we visit her grandfather and father at Danby Castle.”
Matthew accepted the cup of coffee placed before him. “Why Scotland?”
John looked around. There were several people in here this afternoon. “I’ll explain later.”
Curiosity rose. What was so secretive? Instead of questioning John further, he returned his attention to Jordan. He had to choose his words carefully in case John didn’t know what their brother was about and it wasn’t for him to tell. The one thing he had become good at from being a vicar was holding secrets.
“I intend to go with you when you visit Lord Brachton.”
Jordan’s eyebrows rose. “I don’t recall you were invited.”
“Nor do I feel it is only fair that he hear Stillwaite’s version of the facts.”
“He is simply going to ask for a hearing or if it is even possible to have such one here.”
“But in doing so, his comments could be inflammatory and prejudice him against Mr. Cooper.”
“You don’t trust me?”
“If you were going alone I wouldn’t be concerned. I don’t trust Stillwaite or his motivation.” Matthew leaned forward. “Explain to me why he has this sudden interest in a man he has not seen since before his accident two years ago?”
Jordan shrugged. “He didn’t give his reasons. He is concerned about his niece and brother.”
“If he were concerned, he would have checked on him long before now.”
“It is not my place to judge.” Jordan laid his fork aside. “That was Father’s, then Clay’s job once, apparently it is yours now.”
Matthew stiffened. He never wanted to be the judge of anyone. He hated it when his father was judge, jury and punisher all in one. For years it appeared Clay was the same. Thank goodness he met Eleanor and all of that changed.
“Who is Mr. Cooper and why are you meeting with Brachton?”
Both gentlemen turned to John, who had remained quiet until now.
Matthew looked at Jordan, waiting for him to answer. As John had done earlier, he glanced around the room. “Not here.” He stabbed a piece of meat with his fork and shoved it in his mouth.
While his brother finished his meal Matthew decided it was probably best to talk about something they didn’t have to worry about being overheard, though he still didn’t know why John was going to Scotland. “Where is Elizabeth?”
At the mention of his wife’s name, John smiled. It was never a full smile, just enough to know that the man was still smitten with his wife. Clay often got the same look when someone referred to Eleanor. Would he ever have someone he would smile at the mere mention of their name?
“She is shopping.”
“Will the two of you be here long?”
“We were only stopping here because we were going to call on you. I didn’t expect to run into Jordan.”
“I was rather surprised myself when he showed up at my house yesterday.”
John looked at his older brother. “Why are you here? You never did say.”
Jordan lifted his eyebrows but didn’t answer. He picked up his mug of ale drained it and stood. “Why don’t we go to my room?”
The two men followed and as soon as they reached the privacy of Jordan’s room, he shut the door.
Jordan wheeled on Matt. “I will have you know that I will do everything in my power to keep Stillwaite in check.”
Matthew took a step back. He hadn’t expected his brother to be so angry. It was totally out of character for him but Matthew wasn’t about to back down.
“Why the sudden interest?”
“He didn’t tell me.”
“Yet, you go along with whatever he wants?”
“I didn’t know you and Stillwaite were friends,” John interrupted.
“We aren’t.” He strode to a table and poured a glass of whiskey. The bottle was half empty. Had his brother drank the other half last night or had he been in
town longer than Matthew realized?
Jordan took a drink before turning to his brothers. “He hired me to look into his brother’s property and negotiate a purchase. He had not anticipated his brother still being incapacitated or his niece needing a guardian, which would undoubtedly fall to him. I didn’t know his brother had been in such a state for nearly two years.”
“Hired you?” John laughed. “Since when do you have employment?”
“Bloody hell,” Jordan muttered before he drained the glass.
Matthew leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. He wasn’t going to tell John what Jordan had been up to; it was up to his brother to tell him whatever he wished.
Jordan slammed the glass down on the table and fell back into a chair before he explained about secretly attending school. By the time he was finished, John was nodding with admiration.
“Does Clay know?”
“I haven’t told him. I wasn’t sure what his reaction would be.”
“I can’t imagine he would object,” Matthew offered.
“Nor I,” John agreed.
Jordan blew out a breath. “It would be nice to not have to worry about who found out or who I represent and I would like to become a barrister.”
“Your reputation will be destroyed,” John laughed.
“To hell with my reputation.” Jordan pushed his fingers through his hair. “I am so sick and tired of people assuming things about me that aren’t true.”
“That you are a rake of the first order and women beg for you to make love to them because nobody is as magnificent as you?” John grinned.
Jordan grinned. “Well, there is a good deal of truth in that statement.”
Matthew watched his brothers. He had heard all about his brother’s reputation and supposed skill in the bedchamber. While Matthew was studying and writing sermons, his brother was going from one bed to the next, pleasuring women across London. He probably was very good at it whereas Matthew couldn’t barely remember what it felt like to be buried so deep you couldn’t tell where he ended and she began. And since it had been ages, he would probably be a lousy lover as well. Though he had never been one of those gentlemen who required a virgin as a wife because it was unfair to judge a woman for doing something men were never questioned about, he now knew that it was what he would require. A virgin wouldn’t know any better, nor his lack of skill noted. Anyone else would probably find him a grave disappointment, especially if they had encountered Jordan along the way. Miss Cooper would be perfect, innocent not to know any better.
Stop thinking about bedding Miss Cooper.
Resentment built in his belly. Not that he wanted to toss up the skirts of any willing female, but Jordan had been allowed to live and experience life. Matthew was not given the same choice. Had he been, what kind of man would he be today?
John sat on the bed and looked at Jordan. “So, Stillwaite is your client and you need to take care of the guardianship.”
“Miss Cooper does not need a guardian.” Matthew pulled away from the wall. “Her father and she get along very well, and have been for two years.”
Jordan looked up at him. “It appears the other way around to me. She is taking care of him.”
“Only because of physical injuries.”
“He can’t even talk,”
Matthew clenched his fists. “Have you tried to have a conversation with the man?”
“Well, no. But Stillwaite assured me that man has lost his faculties.”
Matthew took a deep breath. “He has not. The injury left him unable to speak and the right side of his body does not function as well. But, he is still an intelligent man who can think and understand, even write.”
Jordan leaned back and raised an eyebrow. “You’ve spent time with him?”
“Yes, he is a parishioner of mine.”
“So, he attends church services.”
Matthew turned and found a chair to sit in. “No. He cannot climb into a carriage, or on a horse, nor walk that far.”
Jordan simply nodded.
“Stillwaite wants to commit him, doesn’t he?”
Jordan pursed his lips but said nothing.
“Dammit man.” Matthew stood, the chair toppled backwards. “At least spend time with Mr. Cooper before you decide to help Stillwaite condemn a man that has no more business being locked up in Bedlam than we do.”
“I will give the matter some thought,” he said slowly, studying Matt. “Is your interest solely for a parishioner, or are you more passionate because Miss Cooper is his daughter?”
Matthew stilled and stared at his brother. Could Jordan read him so well? No, it was impossible. “Miss Cooper is also a parishioner, who does attend services. She has asked for my help and I am glad to give it.”
Jordan’s eyes bore into Matt’s for a moment before he merely nodded and focused on John. “So, why are you headed to Scotland?”
“We believe Adele and Julia are there.”
That is right. Jordan had mentioned the two had not died, but that was right before Miss Cooper showed up on his doorstep pleading for help.
“Why were we told they were dead?”
“Father arranged it.” John began. “When Adele ran away with Julia, father caught up with them. He paid her to leave the country and then set the story about that they had died. That freed him to marry Rose.”
“He sent money to keep them away and when Julia turned eighteen, father tried to find them. An opportunity arose to join our family with another and father needed a daughter so he could arrange a marriage.” Jordan added.
“How was he going to explain Julia’s presence all of a sudden? Was he going to say someone found her and raised her this entire time and he just now learned?”
John smirked. “Probably.”
“They disappeared after that. I assume it is because Adele had no desire for her daughter to return to England, or for Julia to become one of father’s puppets for betterment of the family.” Jordan added.
“Where had they been this entire time?”
“France,” John answered.
Matthew sank back down in the chair. All this time he thought they were dead, mourned their loss. How could his father be so cruel? “Does Rose know?”
“No,” John insisted. “And we aren’t going to tell her, unless we find ourselves in a position where it is necessary that she knows.”
“If anyone learned, she and Madeline would be ruined. The marriage is not valid which makes Madeline a bastard.”
“Which is why we will never let on,” John agreed.
“If Adele is in Scotland, what do you intend to do?”
“Make sure she never steps foot in London or anywhere close to us.”
“Why didn’t they just divorce?” Jordan asked
“I assume it is because father didn’t want anyone to see him as a failure. It is better to have society believe your wife was killed then for them to know she was running away.”
“What if she decides she wants to return to London anyway?” Matthew asked.
John’s jaw set and his eyes grew cold. “It won’t be allowed. Madeline needs to be protected above all else.”
Grace paid for the foodstuffs and arranged for delivery before she stepped out onto the walk. This afternoon her uncle would meet with Lord Brachton and all day her stomach had been in a tight knot of worry to the point she was nauseous. She should be there. Who knew what her uncle would say. What if Brachton made a decision without even speaking to her or her father? She bit her bottom lip and glanced around. She had to be at that meeting, but she didn’t even know what time it was to be held. Should she call on her uncle and ask?
She glanced down the street to the only inn in town.
No, she didn’t want to do that. She didn’t even want to speak with him at the moment.
Mr. Jordan Trent stepped outside. He would know when the meeting was taking place and certainly he would tell her. Grace hastened down the road before he disapp
eared. He turned in her direction, their eyes met for a moment and a smile graced his face as recognition dawned. Mr. Trent really was a handsome man and he probably sent a number of hearts atwitter in London. But he was not as handsome as Vicar Trent and it wasn’t right that a vicar should cause a girls pulse to increase. It seemed almost sinful.
Mr. Trent walked toward her and stopped when they met in the middle of the walk. He offered a bow with his head. “Good day, Miss Cooper.”
There was something that was simply likable about Mr. Trent, though she didn’t understand it, especially after Audrey had described him in such unflattering terms. She barely knew the man and he was working for her uncle, which she needed to keep in mind. “When are you meeting with Lord Brachton?”
His left eyebrow hitched. “I assume my brother told you of the appointment?”
“Yes. What time will it be?”
He placed his hands behind him and rocked back on his heels, so much like Vicar Trent. His eyes narrowed on her. “Why do you wish to know?”
“I have a vested interest. You will be discussing my father, which also involves my future.”
“There is no need for you to worry, Miss Cooper. Everything will be handled as it should.”
Grace blew out an exasperated breath. “Please, do not condescend to me as if I am some young miss new to society.”
Both of his eyebrows rose in surprise.
“I know what is best for me and my father.”
“Do you?”
She was taken aback by his question. “Of course I do. I am his daughter.”
“You’ve put your life on hold to take care of an invalid. Do you think he really wishes you to do so?”
How dare he assume what her father’s wishes were? “My father is not an invalid and my life is not on hold. It is a full, rewarding life, I will have you know.” Grace fought the urge to stomp her foot to emphasize her point. That would only make her appear childish and convince Mr. Trent that her father was better off being cared for by others.
“You haven’t attended a Season.” He held up one finger. “You don’t leave this small village.” He visibly shuddered when he held up a second finger, as if counting off what was wrong with her life. “You are not married.”