Page 78 of Deceiving an Earl
For the past several days, ever since he’d dragged himself from his rooms and bathed and decided to start living again, he’d been researching investment deals.
He was deep into reading the papers when a footman knocked and brought him a calling card on a silver platter.
“I said I was not to be disturbed,” Oliver snapped.
“He said it was important.” The footman didn’t appear surprised at Oliver’s surly tone. He’d been surly since learning about Ellen’s betrothal.
Oliver put the papers down and picked up the calling card, surprised to see that it was from little Lord Fieldhurst.
He didn’t want to see Philip. Not because he didn’t care, but because he cared too much. He’d grown attached to Philip, and now Ellen was taking him away.
But he couldn’t not see the boy. He didn’t have it in him to do that.
“Send him in.”
Philip entered a few moments later, and Oliver found himself looking more closely than usual at the boy. He still didn’t believe Ashland’s preposterous theory that Philip could be his son but, since the seed had been planted in his head, he’d not been able to fully shake it loose.
He knew in his heart that Ellen would never have kept such a secret from him.
“We haven’t finished going over the last of the estate books,” Philip said by way of greeting.
Oliver waved to the seat in front of his desk and they both sat. “Have you spoken to your mother regarding our meetings?” Oliver asked.
“My mother doesn’t control me.”
Oliver pressed his lips together, not liking Philip’s tone toward Ellen. But there was little he could say or do at this point. Any power he had, had been taken from him by Ellen.
“She’s asked me to leave off the rest of your education.”
Philip jumped up, his face darkening in anger. Oliver stood as well, uncertain what the boy would do. His temper was large, but he’d controlled it in front of Oliver before.
“This is ridiculous,” Philip spat. “You’re the first… You want to help me. Why would she deny me that?”
And just like that the anger changed to confusion and Oliver glimpsed a younger, more vulnerable version of Philip. In some ways he was still a boy, lost without his father and searching for another father figure.
What if…
It wasn’t even possible.
“She’s starting a new life and she can’t have…”Me. She can’t have me lurking about her new husband.
“But that doesn’t mean she has the right to cut off our friendship.”
Oliver was warmed that Philip thought they had a friendship. The boy truly was lost, trying to find his way in life. It was unfortunate that Arthur hadn’t better prepared his son to take over the earldom.
“Philip—”
“What do you think of her engagement to Needham?” Philip asked.
Oliver hesitated. “It’s not up to me to agree or disagree.”
“I don’t like him.”
Neither did Oliver, but his thoughts were colored by his feelings for Ellen and therefore not reliable. Philip was angry that his life was changing once again, and he had no control over it, so his opinion was colored as well.
“I’m sure with time—”
“You sound just like her,” Philip said in disgust. “I won’t like him. Ever. And if you aren’t going to keep your promise then I guess I’m wasting my time here.”
