Page 69 of The Baron Takes a Bet
“No.”
Holly sighed, but Gavin continued.
“Well, if that’s the case, I don’t think you should stay here.”
Both Jasper and Holly shot up.
“What?”
“Excuse me?”
“But we wouldn’t have you wandering the streets. I’d like it very much if you would do me the favor of taking over my former residence in Marylebone for the time being.”
Holly and Jasper stared at him. For a moment, Gavin wondered if either of them had heard him.
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely not,” Holly said.
Gavin knew Holly wouldn’t appreciate what he had to say, but as she had never been on the verge of becoming a man, he hoped she’d at least try to understand. Jasper was likely to sell Felton Manor and live off the funds until he ran through them all, and then who knows where he would end up. But if Gavin could delay that for a while, give him some time to learn how to care for his inheritance while allotting him a certain amount of freedom, he might be able to negotiate something both Holly and Jasper could come to terms with. Gavin continued.
“I obviously cannot live at two residences at the same time. Please don’t expect luxury. It’s a bit spartan. More a gentleman’s house, if you will.”
Jasper’s eyes lit with eagerness, but he let out a stunned sort of noise before turning to his sister.
“Is he having a laugh?”
“I hope so,” she said, turning to face him. “You cannot be seriously considering letting a seventeen-year-old boy live alone.”
Gavin let out a breath, knowing that she would likely argue with him later over what he was about to say, but Holly had been mothering her siblings for far too long.
“He isn’t a boy, Holly. He’s a young man, and a young man requires space.”
It hurt him to see the betrayal that flashed in her eyes, but Gavin knew what it was to be angry and young. Stifling Jasper would only lead to a combustible situation. Although he was in much need of guidance, he wouldn’t accept any unless he wanted it.
Holly’s mouth set in a hard line as she turned and left the room. Gavin wondered if he had crossed the line. After all, Jasper wasn’t his brother. And yet they were all his family to protect now, and as much as Gavin adored Holly, he wasn’t willing to blindly accept all her opinions as indisputable facts.
The low laugh of Jasper caught Gavin’s attention.
“I don’t know what you’re playing at, but I think you’ve just made a mistake,” Jasper said, staring at the door his sister stormed out of. “Holly doesn’t like being proven wrong.”
“Well, she hasn’t been. I’m just giving you the benefit of the doubt.” Jasper frowned, not quite sure what he meant. Gavin brought his hand up, brushing his fingers through his hair in concentration. “Holly thinks you are a boy and boys need to be watched after. Prove to her you don’t have to be coddled anymore and she’ll see you as you are. A young man, capable of handling his own affairs.”
Jasper’s smirk faltered as a shadow of doubt crossed his face.
“Do you think she’ll let me sell Felton Manor?” He asked.
Gavin tilted his head.
“Now, why would you wish to sell Felton Manor? As we speak, it’s being properly restored and all the livestock is being handled by Mr. Granger, who has graciously allowed us to hire one of his hands to watch over the cows until we can secure some tenants, which shouldn’t take too long. And Mr. Lemon has nearly completed the repairs to the roof and the third story. It will be a right working property in a few seasons, one that will provide a comfortable income for you. Why sell it?”
“Well,” Jasper began, his gaze dropping to the floor, “I may own some debts.”
“School is already paid for.”
“No, not that,” he said. “Gambling debts.”
“Ah, I see. I remember tossing some dice at Eton. What do you own? Fifty? A hundred pounds?”
