Page 11 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
Charles took a breath. “I was reluctant to tell anyone about it, but I have been receiving harmful messages of late.”
“Is that so? What do these messages contain?”
Charles twisted his mouth in discomfort. “They tell me to pay my debts or else.”
“Or else what?” Philip felt the blood leave his face. He had always thought his friend was so strong and immovable and unaccustomed to fear.
“They threaten my life in these messages.”
Philip lifted his brows in surprise. “But Charles, why? What debts do you have?”
Charles smiled weakly. “Too many, I am afraid. Especially at the gaming hall.”
Philip was baffled. “My friend, I had no idea! Why did you never say? Then, we should not have spent so much time there together. I knew you lost now and again, but there was no indication to me that there were problems.”
Charles shrugged. “I was ashamed of course. And the Earl of Durby does not enjoy going around being ashamed. I went many times to the gaming hell without you, and it was too many now to count. I lost far too much.”
Philip was still incredulous. He thought his friend was penny-pinching and understanding of money. He would never have dreamed that Charles Hitchcock could become victim to a vice such as this. He thought they went to the gaming hells for mere pleasure.
“I am sorry. Is there something I can do to help you?” Philip’s fists clenched. “I would be happy to pay the messenger a visit with a sword in my hand.”
Charles smiled. “There is nothing to do. I shall endeavor to pay my debts. That is why I wish to increase our profit with Leonard in his wine business. You have much to occupy your own time, what with your plans for the future. What are they by the way?”
Philip could sense that Charles wished to get off the topic. He could understand his friend’s reticence to discuss it further, but he truly wished he could do something to help. Unfortunately, he was not the eldest son and so could not simply pay his friend’s debts outright.
Philip rubbed the stubble on his chin. It was beginning to irritate him. “Well, I actually have plans to take what money my father provides and buy myself a military commission as a naval officer. I thought that could be at least somewhat prestigious and adventurous.” He grinned. “But despite my craving for adventure, and despite Leonard’s fond memories of the past, I was hoping to not go so often to the gaming hells myself.” His mind flashed to Margaret, wondering how she would feel about such pursuits.
He tapped his chest. “Pure heart, you remember.”
Charles laughed. “Ah, yes, I remember.”
The smile soon disappeared and was replaced with that brooding expression Philip had seen in the room earlier.
“Are you certain there is nothing that I can do, Charles?”
Charles nodded and then opened his eyes wide. “But, you must promise me that you will tell no one of what has occurred. Not even Leonard. I wish to take care of these matters on my own.”
Philip nodded hesitantly. What could Charles have in mind? He was an intelligent mind, but every so often, Philip feared that Charles could be quite reckless.
Chapter Five
After tea, Juliet returned with Margaret to the drawing room. They sat down on the divan next to the sun-lit window and Margaret could tell Juliet was worried about something.
“Do you forgive me, Margaret? I hope my gift was not too impertinent. I know that you have kept it away these months because of your father. But I,” tears began to well in her sister-in-law’s eyes, “I know that you have been so sad and troubled by dreams. I thought painting could relax you, just like it had helped Leonard. Do say that you will forgive me.”
Margaret tenderly took Juliet’s hand in her own. She felt stronger because of Philip’s words.
“There is nothing to forgive, Juliet. Father would have wanted me to paint. It still may take me some time, but I think your gift was most appropriate.” She remembered the way Philip’s hand felt clasped around her own, and she found herself floating away in a daydream.
“Margaret, did you hear me?”
“Pardon?”
“I asked if you would like to play something.”
“Oh, did you?” Her eyes fluttered as she tried to push away thoughts of Philip’s calming green eyes. “I must have been thinking of something else.”
“Your next painting?” Juliet asked hopefully, but then grinned widely, a wicked look in her eye. “I think I know what disturbs your mind. Something occurred with Philip Winston in this very room only a little while earlier. What is it?”
