Page 6 of The Scholar's Key
“Don’t.”
Eric stood slowly, as cautiously as he was bringing up this subject of conversation. “It’s just, ever since Leticia—”
“Do not say her name. Please. I do not want to speak of this. Especially now, when I am about to leave.”
“That is exactly why I think we should speak of it. We have never truly talked about it, never resolved anything. I want you to know—”
“Eric, it’s over. Done. You and I are not only brothers, but the best of friends, and I do not want anything to change that. I do not care about what happened.”
“It left you a shell of the man you used to be.”
“I am perfectly happy with the man I am now. I need you to be too.”
Eric was silent, staring at him without saying anything for what felt like minutes, but Noah wasn’t about to break the silence. He didn’t see a need to.
Finally, Eric sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
“I do not want this next part of your life to begin on a sour note. Just know that whatever you do, whatever choices you make, I support you.”
“Thank you,” Noah said, taking a step backward before this continued. “I am going to begin packing. I plan to be gone for a few months so I shall help my valet to ensure all is in order.”
“When do you leave?”
“In a week.”
Eric sobered. “It is hard to believe you will not be here every day. I’ll miss you, brother, you know that?”
“Of course,” Noah said, his countenance softening somewhat. “Believe it or not, I will miss you too.”
CHAPTER3
Noah had not been to Bath for years, but so far, he was enjoying himself.
The city was not nearly as large or as dirty as London. He had yet to try the baths themselves, but he had promised Eric that he would do so while he was here — even though he would likely conveniently be too busy. It seemed his brother was worried that he wouldn’t take care of himself, but he had nothing to fear.
The very reason he was here was that he was finally doing something for himself. He had spent his entire life in Eric’s shadow, and now he was going to do something that made sense for him, that gave him purpose in his own life.
“Well,” his Uncle Albert said as he poured a cup of tea from the breakfast tray in front of them, “How are you feeling about your first day?”
“I am looking forward to it,” Noah said, reaching for the coffee, which he favored. “I will begin at the Worthington home. They have made Bath their chief residence for years, and I am hoping to find more history on the area.”
His uncle nodded, although Noah knew better than to spend much time explaining his work. Uncle Albert had inherited a bank from his father, Noah’s grandfather. It had been something of a scandal when Noah’s parents married as his father was to be a marquess and his mother a member of the gentry whose family was in banking, but it had been a match made due to gambling debts on one side and the determination to become as high ranking as possible on the other. A financial transaction, but one that, incredibly enough, had led to a love match.
“One more thing before I forget,” his uncle said, pausing in the doorway. He was a wide, broad man who nearly filled it. “Your aunt was quite particular that we take you to the Assembly Rooms tomorrow evening.”
“Oh, there is no need—”
“That’s what I said, but your aunt is insisting,” his uncle said with a shrug as though he couldn’t help the decision – which he probably couldn’t. His wife was a force. “She said that we must show you the very best that Bath has to offer. She is partial to you, son. I think she wants to entice you to stay.”
Noah chuckled at that, although he was already trying to determine just how he could extricate himself from having to spend time at the Assembly Rooms. He had never enjoyed that part of society – making conversation with people he hardly knew. Hopefully, they would have a place where he could hide away and play cards.
“Thank you, Uncle,” he said. “For all of your support and opening your home to me.”
“Of course. You are always a pleasure, Noah.”
“I best go. It’s my first day at this library, and I’d like to meet the family before I begin.”
“Give my regards to Worthington,” his uncle said, raising a glass.
