Page 32 of A Wager With A Rake
He was nothing but a fool.The greatest fool who ever lived.He allowed himself to fall in love, knowing it would only lead to the misery and loneliness he was left with when he wasn’t good enough to be her husband.
Court leaned his head back against the plush seat and willed any sense of relief, even if for a brief moment, from the agony that plagued him.
The carriage hit a particularly deep rut, jolting Court from his tormented musings.He swiped a hand down his face and straightened his posture, remembering his purpose for making the journey at all.He’d finally cleaned himself up and decided he couldn’t consume another drop of brandy.
He pulled the list from his pocket.He’d accomplish the last thing he set out to do and he’d have proven to his dead father that he was a far better man than the previous earl had been.
Needing the distraction and recalling that he still had an outstanding matter that required his attention, he executed his plan to right the final wrong his father committed.Even if it would only occupy him for a couple of days, it was at least something he could do and feel somewhat useful.
The carriage rattled to a halt before a cluster of small homes.Court stepped down onto the packed dirt, his boots kicking up small puffs of dust.He surveyed the dilapidated cottages with a heavy heart, knowing one of them housed the final secret of his father’s shameful past.
He approached the shabbiest dwelling, little more than a hovel with a sagging thatched roof and crumbling stone walls.Court rapped his knuckles against the weathered wood of the door.It creaked open a crack and a weary female face peered out, etched with lines of hardship and worry.
“Can I help you?”the woman asked, her voice thin and reedy.Suspicion glinted in her eyes as she took in Court’s fine attire.
“Are you June?”Court inquired gently.She was still a beautiful woman, even as she’d aged and lived a life of hard work.At her guarded nod, he continued, “I am Harcourt Eliot, son of the late Earl of St.Germans.I wondered if I might have a word with you.”
The woman’s eyes widened, and her face paled.“The earl?But why would…” Her gaze darted past Court, searching for a trap.Finding none, she reluctantly stepped back.“Come in then, m’lord.”
Court ducked his head to enter the low doorway.The interior was as dismal as he’d feared—dirt floor, tattered curtains, a few broken worn pieces of furniture.As his eyes adjusted to the dimness, he noticed a young boy peeking out from behind June’s skirts.The child had an achingly familiar look about him, from the unruly dark curls to the proud jut of his chin.Court inhaled sharply.It was like looking at a reflection of his younger self.
“Your son?”he asked June, though he already knew the answer in his bones.
She nodded, laying a protective hand atop the boy’s head.“His name is Eli.”
“Eli,” Court repeated, emotions clogging his throat.He crouched down to the child’s eye level.“Hello, Eli.I’m your brother, Court.”
Court cleared his throat, glancing between June and Eli.“I know this is unexpected, but I recently learned of my father’s… connection to you.He should have done right by you both long ago and has since passed away.But I intend to fulfill that duty in his stead, if you’ll allow me.”
June’s brows furrowed.“What are you proposing, m’lord?”She gripped the boy’s shoulders protectively.“Please don’t take my son.”
“Please, call me Court.”He straightened, meeting her gaze directly.“I’d like for you and Eli both to come live at my estate.You’ll have a comfortable home of your own and Eli can receive a proper education.Everything will be provided for.”
“Leave our home?”June looked stricken, yet also hopeful at the idea.“But we’ve never… I couldn’t possibly impose… It’s such a generous offer.”
“Please,” Court said firmly.“It’s truly the least I can do for my flesh and blood.”
She nodded slowly, tears welling in the corners of her eyes.
Court turned to Eli, softening his tone.“What do you say, Eli?Would you like to learn lots of new things?We have a sister, Rebecca, and you already have a young cousin, with another on the way.”
Eli’s eyes, so like Court’s own, lit up with wonder.“Could I ride a horse?And learn to read?I have always wanted to learn how to do both.”
“Absolutely.”Court grinned.It was the first sign of happiness he’d felt in weeks.
Court turned to June.“Why don’t I leave you to think about the matter and return tomorrow afternoon.You can pack the things you wish to bring and bid farewell to any friends before we depart.”
“Thank you, Court,” the woman said, wrapping her arm around Eli’s shoulders.
He nodded to them both and departed for the inn.
Another night alone, missing Theodosia.
As the next two weeks passed, Court and Eli grew closer, their natural kinship deepening into genuine affection.The young boy shadowed Court’s every step, soaking up his various tales.In return, Eli shared his own stories and dreams, each one precious to Court’s wounded heart.
Eli constantly peppered him with questions about the estate, the horses, school, and everything in between.
Court answered patiently, an unfamiliar tenderness blossoming in his chest.He hadn’t ever allowed himself to imagine what it might be like to be a father.Eli was his brother, but the boy would still need someone to teach him so many things.
