Page 28 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
“So I have.” He placed the commission in his brother’s hand. “Feast your eyes upon your younger brother’s commission. Not so fearful after all, am I?”
Edward laughed. “Good for you, Philip. Soon to live a life of adventure while I wallow away in London, seeking nothing but my own pleasure.”
They fell into step with one another. While Philip spent more time with Leonard and Charles in general, he greatly enjoyed the company of his brother. There was such a familiarity and a comfort that he got with no one else he knew. Well, Margaret was the closest one that had come to that level, and he hoped it would only improve in time.
“Will you enjoy it, do you think? Becoming Earl?”
Edward twisted his mouth in thought. “I do not know if I have ever thought about that. It was always something that I knew I would do. It is not as if I could change it.”
Philip nodded. “I suppose I had more freedom in my choice of career.”
“And have you chosen the right path, Brother?” Edward lifted his eyes to him.
“I think so, but that will remain to be seen. I have always been fond of sailing and the water. I hope that it will be enough. But I do hope that my future will be made happier by the inclusion of a wife.”
Edward smiled. “Ah, yes, the infamous Lady Whitfield. What do you think, honestly, in your heart of hearts? Do you think she will accept you?”
Philip took a breath. “I think there is a chance at least. I do not think she is entirely indifferent to me, but if she cannot love me, then of course, I would prefer she decline my offer, even if Charles is not there ready to make her one himself.”
“What is it about her that has so bewitched you these many years, Brother? I cannot say she and I have spoken for any length of time, but I wish to hear what attracts my brother. You know that for myself, I cannot seem to find a woman that interests me longer than an evening.”
Philip laughed. “Ah, yes. Your philandering ways. What is confusing to me is why Father and Mother see me as the philanderer when their eldest son is the one spending time at the houses of ill repute, charming and seducing all the fine ladies of London.”
Edward grinned wickedly. “I see it as discovering where my interest lies.”
“Quite the research you have been doing. But to answer your question, I have always enjoyed her fieriness and her intelligence. She has always been different than the other fainting ladies of the ballroom who could barely withstand a puff of air.”
Edward nodded. “That would be intriguing, I admit. And she is rather lovely. That I will say for the woman. I hope she says yes to you, Brother.”
“Thank you, Edward.” Philip was touched by the kindness of his brother, for it was a rare thing, mostly replaced with teasing or biting words.
“And then when will you take a wife? You know that Mother and Father will be pressuring you even more to do so, if Margaret accepts me.”
Edward laughed. “I am an Earl’s eldest son. Surely, I can choose my own path,” he winked.
“I should think you were the person who could least choose your own path, Brother. Your time will come soon enough.”
Edward grimaced but then looked around Philip, and said, “Ah, there is someone over there that I simply must see.”
Philip turned to see a dark-haired young woman, waving to Edward, her eyes lifted demurely up to him.
Philip laughed loudly. “Ah, Edward, good luck to you. I will return home to make Mother and Father proud.”
“Do so. Then perhaps they will forget my disappointments.”
“Oh, before you go, what do you think of this?” Edward paused, clearly eager to get to the woman. “If you owed a debt of money to the gaming hell, for instance, do you think they would threaten your life if you could not pay them back?”
Edward groaned. “Please tell me it is not you who is in this trouble. You only told our parents this morning that you have no debts.”
“And I do not. No, it is for a friend. I am merely curious. How would they handle non-payment at a house of fallen women, for instance?”
Edward shrugged. “I suppose every place is different, but if it was a gentleman who owed the money, they would bar them from returning, as well as threaten the reputation. That is the best way to get things done. They do not wish to sully their hands with murder, for it could turn them out of business.”
Philip nodded in agreement. “Thank you, Brother. That is most instructive.”
Edward clapped him on the back and rushed off, Philip laughing after him. His brother was incorrigible, but Philip knew that he would feel different if he ever found a woman he could love.
He was glad to have met Edward that day. Not only was he feeling more confident about his suit to Margaret, but he was also confident that something was not quite right with the story of Charles’ debts.
