Page 26 of Drowned in the Pleasure of a Devilish Baron
“Farewell, Felix,” Philip said with a curious look between the two before he left the drawing room.
Felix fidgeted, searching for where to begin. Making idle small talk was a safer place to start. “Good weather we’re having,” he said, casting a glance outside. “And how is Lady Camden?”
“She is quite well. Busy looking after the household, but she does it so well.” He fixed him with a look. “Now I know you have not come to simply chat about my wife and the weather. Whatever you need to say, take your time, son. I’m ready to hear it and give you what advice I can.”
His avuncular tone set Felix more at ease. “I’m ready to take a wife,” he began. “There’s a lady I feel… quite fond of. She shares the same feelings.” He let out a breath. “But I suppose I’m only ready in that sense. I know nothing of supporting a wife, a family. I was young when Father died. I don’t know what goes into starting a family of your own.” He dropped his eyes to his feet. “And… you know my financial situation. I’m not wealthy.”
When he could bring himself to make eye contact with the Earl once more, the eyes he met were kind and filled with understanding. “Go on.”
“I’m working on changing that. I have to change it,” he admitted. “The family will not even consider the match until I do. But what else do I need to know, about marriage, about life as a husband? I want to do this right, but I haven’t the slightest idea where to begin.”
The Earl looked away, appearing to consider his question. “Your coming here to ask such a question reveals a great deal about your character,” he said at last. “This family, they do not appreciate the content of your character alone, I suppose?”
“They do not. Though we have known each other a lifetime, they hope for a better match for the lady. I cannot say I blame them.”
“Pish posh,” the Earl said, and now his tone was angry. “Utter foolishness. You’re a good gentleman, with a good education and a good name behind you. You’re young, you’ll find your footing and do very well for yourself, I’m sure of it.” His eyes snapped suddenly to Felix’s. “So sure of it, in fact, that I wonder if you would not accept a bit of help?”
“Help?”
“Just that. I believe what I’ve said. I’m certain you will find something to put your hand to, and when you do, it will be a roaring success. I would like to get in on that success before it comes, in the form of a loan.”
Felix immediately shook his head. “I could not consider it,” he said firmly. “I don’t even have an idea of what to do yet. How could I take money from you?”
“Be reasonable, won’t you? Take a bit of money to get yourself started. I trust you. I’m certain you won’t fritter it away at the club on whiskey and gentleman’s wagers. And in the meantime, you have something to show this family that is so slow to accept you as a proper prospect for marriage.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your words, My Lord, but there is simply no chance of me taking money from you without a reason.”
The Earl smiled slowly. “That’s your answer, then.”
Felix looked from side to side. “What’s my answer?”
“Find a reason,” he said. “That’s all you have to do. Find a reason, come back to me, and I’ll help you get it off the ground.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“Itisthat easy, my boy,” he said patiently. “You are making things harder on yourself by not seeing that. Thetonhas seen you grow up too soon, take on responsibilities that were not your own, and raise your little sister. You can accept some help and still be a man.”
Felix considered his words. Could he accept help? Was his pride getting in the way?
“I will think on what you’ve said, and I thank you.”
“Good.” The Earl settled back more comfortably in his seat. “Now on to the reason you’re here. Let’s talk about what’s expected of you as a husband.”
Felix leaned forward, wondering if he should write this down.
“Don’t look so frightened,” he laughed. “It’s fairly simple. There are three main things you must keep in mind. First, you are the head of your household, but never discount what your wife has to say. This is only true if you have chosen well, which it sounds like you have.” He smiled. “You know my lady, she’s sharp as a tack. I would be a fool to ignore her counsel.”
“I do, indeed, know Lady Camden,” Felix said. “The marriage you two have is a large part of why I came to you for advice.”
“Rule number two is to always remember that you are no longer on your own.” He raised bushy eyebrows. “I know you are no gambler, no fool, but sometimes men change as they age. Every penny out of your pocket is one that is leaving your whole family. Though you are the one working for it, your job above all else is to feed and care for your wife and children.”
“I would never let my family suffer,” Felix swore.
“You say that now, as a young gentleman with his whole life before him and a heart full of love,” the Earl said. “But when you have a nursery full of squalling children and you’ve had a bad week and there’s no end in sight, you may feel the tug of temptation.”
“Temptation for what?”
“Temptation to leave it all behind, to lose yourself in a drink and time spent with other gentlemen. Every now and again, there is nothing wrong with blowing off a bit of steam. But let it happen too often and you will shame yourself and your family. Every choice you make has to be for the good of all of you, even when it’s hard.”
