Page 5 of The Earl's Error
Theodore smiled. “I am sure that Lydia did very well in convincing you to continue.”
“She did. And I would not have her upset,” Lord Castleton continued, with a small, gentle smile as he thought of his wife. “She did so very much want to be here, especially she is going to see her family. Besides which, her sister is to marry at the end of the Season and I know how much she wanted to be present for that.”
“Then I am glad she was so convincing,” Theodore answered, walking back to the brandy table. “Can I offer you a drink?”
His friend nodded, then cast a glance over his shoulder towards the door. “Might I be bold and ask if everything is quite all right?”
Theodore rolled his eyes. “You know as well as I how my mother can be.” Lord Castleton was more than a friend; he was Theodore’s second cousin though they considered themselves to be friends first. Thus, he was all too aware of Lady Albury and her ways, offering Theodore a sympathetic smile as he nodded.
“Then I can well understand your need for a brandy at this time of day,” Lord Castleton answered, with a chuckle. “Has it been very bad?”
With a glance at his friend, Theodore scowled. “My mother has come in to inform me that though it is notIthat have displeased her, it is only I who can bring an end to her upset. Though when I have refused, that has caused her to become irritated with me also!”
“And what is it that you are refusing to do?”
Theodore quickly informed his friend of the story, making Lord Castleton snort when he heard the demand that Lady Albury had made.
“She cannot expect you to ride all the way back to the estate to fetch the heirlooms, can she?” he asked, as Theodore nodded. “Truly?”
“Yes, of course she can – and she does!” Theodore exclaimed, handing Lord Castleton a drink. “You know as well as I that the only person she thinks of is herself and that I, in refusing to do as she asks, have found myself now causing her great distress. No doubt she will make her way directly to Lady Yarmouth’s house and declare to her sister that I am the very worst son that has ever lived.” Letting out a long breath, he shook his head. “It doesnot help that my aunt is residing in London at this time also. She too will have something to say to me about this, I am sure.”
“And what are you going to do?” Lord Castleton took a sip of his brandy and then smacked his lips together. “You will not give in to her, I hope, for you cannot think to ride back to the estate, can you?”
Theodore shook his head. “I am determined to stand against her manipulation though, I will admit, that I have found myself weakening towards her.” He would not have told this to anyone other than Lord Castleton, disliking the fact that he was admitting his weakness but doing it all the same. “The words she throws at me causes me so much guilt, I find that I am quite broken by it all.”
Lord Castleton frowned. “I am sure that you do but you are quite right to refuse her.”
“She did suggest that I send Whitaker.”
At this, his friend’s expression grew dark. “You cannot send your man of business away from London to run an errand for your mother. Do you not need him yourself?”
With a small nod, Theodore looked away. “It is difficult when I feel guilt in my decisions.”
“But it is not a guilt that is right,” Lord Castleton stated, unequivocally. “You need not feel anything like that and certainly do not need to alter your plans. You must find a way to stand up against her.”
And feel the weight of her frustration settle upon me.Seeing his friend lift one eyebrow just a little, Theodore let out a groan. “It is not as easy as it sounds, my friend. The way that she wails and cries when she does not get what she desires, that is one thing, but I then must bear all of her frustration and all of her anger in various different forms – and all directed towards me! It is a heavy chain that tightens itself around my neck and the only way to release it is to give her what she desires.”
Lord Castleton prodded one finger into Theodore’s chest. “No. The only way to release it is to make her see that you will not give in, no matter how much she presses you! Your strength will prove that to her, whether you believe it or not. All you must do is endure.”
“Though whether I have the strength enough for that, I cannot say.”
“I shall help you,” Lord Castleton responded, quickly. “You have managed to do such a thing a couple of times before, have you not?”
Remembering the agony of the occasions when he had steadily refused, Theodore gritted his teeth and nodded. “That was before I was the Earl, however. Before I took on the title. My father was able to bear the brunt of it.”
Lord Castleton dropped his hand but fixed Theodore with a steady gaze. “Do not give in to her, my friend. Stay in London. Do what you came to do, to enjoy yourself and all that the Season will bring you! Show her that you will not be forced into doing as she desires.”
A sudden slamming of a door somewhere along the hallway made Theodore wince though, as his friend glanced towards the door here, as though expecting Lady Albury to suddenly sweep into the room, a fresh determination came over him. Yes, he concluded, his friend was quite right. Lord Castleton’s presence was more than enough to convince him that yes, hedidhave the strength to refuse his mother, no matter how much pressure and complaint she heaped upon him.
“You are quite right.” Finishing his brandy, he nodded to Lord Castleton. “Your words have brought strength back to my mind. I shall not move from my position; I shall not bend to her will. I am the Earl now,Iam the one who bears the title and the responsibility and thus, the heirlooms remain where they are: at my estate.”
“Precisely.” Lord Castleton grinned and Theodore nodded, a small smile touching his lips. “And all will be well.”
Wincing, Theodore hesitated. “I am not certain it shall be,” he answered, slowly, “but I can endure it.” He took a breath and set his shoulders. “Imust.”
3
The novel was more than a little engrossing, to the point that Joceline did not even hear the maid knock at the door. It was only when the girl opened it and stepped into the parlor that she lifted her head.
