Page 110 of Lords, Ladies and Love

“I am surprised my father would put such a task upon you.” Their mother sent her a worried glance. “He knows how awful that time in our life was.”

Minerva smiled, but he saw her lips quiver. “It will be fine, Mama. As Angel said, I have been trying to become braver. If Grandpapa thinks I can do this, then I must.”

Their mother’s lips tightened. “I nearly lost you then. Now I am to send you away?” She shook her head. “Surely, there must be some other way?” She sent a look toward Mr. Barton, who merely shrugged.

“Min can do this,” Seth assured their mother. “She’s tougher than she looks.”

“Perhaps I should come with you,” her mother suggested.

Shaking her head vigorously, Minerva folded the letter and tucked it into her sleeve. “You need rest, Mama. My lady’s maid can accompany me—I am sure she shall enjoy seeing Scotland.”

Theo grimaced. It was true. Their mother could not accompany her—their grandfather’s death had taken its toll, and their mother was a delicate sort. But by the looks of it, neither could he or Seth. He did not much like the idea of Minerva trekking across the country, even if accompanied by others.

Mama twined her hands tightly together. “And you shall have to take some strong men with you. Who knows what you might encounter.”

“Oh, take Mr. Young. He’s tall and handsome,” Angel suggested with a grin.

“Handsome does not matter,” their mother said tightly. “But he is strong.”

“See? I shall be fine.” Minerva offered another fragile smile.

He certainly hoped she was not wrong. The estate needed this inheritance too badly for them to fail.

“Theo, you are being awfully quiet,” Angel commented. “What is your task? Or are you going to keep it from us as you do with everything?”

He knew what she was getting at. The state of their finances had been a recent revelation, and even then, they did not know the full state of it all. But that was his job as the oldest brother and the marquis. The last thing any of his siblings needed was to be burdened with such stresses.

He clenched his jaw and re-read the letter, aware of everyone’s gaze upon him. None of them would understand, of course.

“I am to return home,” he said tightly.

“Home?” Seth asked. “As in to Eastbrook Manor?”

Theo nodded slightly.

“Well, it seems as though you have lucked out there, Brother.” Seth grinned.

Theo would not remind them that he had not been back there since his wife had died. There were too many memories, too much pain in that place. He did what he needed to keep the entailed estate running—but from a distance.

“I must spend two months there and then plan a ball for when you have all completed your tasks.” Theo pinched the bridge of his nose. He had never planned a blasted ball in his life. That had been up to his wife when she’d been alive, and since then, he’d been far too busy trying to repair all the damage she had created to worry about such frivolities.

“Well, a ball shall be fun,” Angel said brightly “Goodness knows we shall all deserve one after this.”

Trying to ignore the noose tightening around his throat, Theo nodded vaguely. Angel had to work, Seth needed to find a wife, and Minerva would have to face fears that had haunted her for most of her life. He’d hold a ball, but he couldn’t be certain they would be celebrating anything.

Chapter Two

Gold burnished flourishes caught the light, giving away the location of the house. Eastbrook Manor—his ancestral seat. That small glimpse of the house through the trees sent weight into his stomach, leaving him feeling as though he would not be able to take one step out of the carriage. Theo pinched the bridge of his nose and grimaced. Of all the tasks that had been set, his was the easiest.

So, why did it feel so bloody hard?

He rapped his knuckles on the roof of the carriage, which ground promptly to a halt. He stepped out swiftly and adjusted his hat. “I’ll walk from here, George.” Theo gestured down the long road that led to the house. “You continue on and unload the luggage there.”

The driver gave a curt nod. “As you will, my lord.” The carriage rolled off down the bumpy road until it disappeared around the corner. Theo knew what awaited him around that corner.

The house would come into full view. He would be greeted by cream stone, long columns, elegant sash windows, and those infamous gold tips that sat like burning flames all around the roof of the house. Put on by his grandfather as a show of wealth, those little flashes of gold could be seen far and wide on good days.

The house was one of the finest in the country—a place even kings had commented upon.

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