Page 14 of My Lord, My Rogue
“My dears, please stop by before you depart. It has been wonderful to see both of you. Lord Willington, please stop by and join us for the holidays,” Lady Radcliff added. “Your Grace, have safe travels and relay our good thoughts and best wishes for a safe delivery to your lovely wife.”
“Thank you, Countess. I will do so. I am sure that once my Evie finds out that her friend still lives . . .and has a son, she will be eager to reconnect,” Lancaster replied.
Benjamin and Lancaster followed Radcliff into his office.
Once the door closed, the earl opened a small cabinet in the side of his desk. “Gentlemen, can I offer you a spot of brandy?” Both men nodded and the earl indicated the chairs in front of the fireplace.
Benjamin and Lancaster each chose one of the dark green leather chairs that sat in a small group of four in front of a large white fireplace. Two small side tables with clean glasses sat between the left and right set of chairs. Above the mantle sat a brass clock and above that, a picture of the earl and his countess in their earlier days. Tall bookcases flanked each side of the fireplace with varying colored leather volumes rising towards the ceiling. Burgundy, green and gold striped velvet drapes were pulled back to allow the sunshine to light the room on the outer wall of the room. In front of the wall opposite the fireplace stood a large walnut desk with walnut and brown leather chairs in front.
The earl joined the men with a decanter of brandy. “Your Grace . . .” he started.
“Call me Lancaster. We know each other well,” cut in the duke. “I meant what I said. I have no hard feelings toward Honora, now that I realize what happened.”
“My daughter bears responsibility, and I will not pretend otherwise. Had she obeyed social norms, as we had expected, she might never have met the Marquess.” He stopped and drew a shaky breath. “It still upsets me, as you can imagine. I never thought my daughter would have to live her life this way. The marquess was not a nice man. I should have interceded, even after they married. But it was a hasty handfasting in Scotland, and it threatened to blacken her reputation, which was not something you want for your little girl.” He poured three healthy portions of the amber liquid and passed the glasses to Benjamin and Lancaster.
“As he apparently had no issue, I understand his distant cousin has inherited the marquisate. I do not know the man, but I have connections,” Benjamin offered. “I will be glad to make inquiries and see what information can be found.”
“That would be most kind. I have not asked about too much, for obvious reasons. It could raise suspicions,” the earl said before taking a sip of his brandy and pushing back in his dark leather chair.
“If you do not mind my interference, I will send a missive to the regent, telling him of your quest for guardianship of your grandson. While the situation is unusual, I think with a suitable explanation, I can convince the Prince Regent it would be in the child’s best interest. Because both the dowager and the new heir would have a vested interest in his inheritance, there are grounds for neither being named guardian. And I would not put it past the dowager marchioness to sue for rights, planting someone she had control over,” Lancaster snorted. “Lud! I think Aster was in debt to almost anyone that she might approach.”
“That you would do this for my daughter, after all that happened, means a lot to me. I shan’t forget your generosity, son. I am humbled,” the earl said in a reserved tone. “Honora faces many challenges, and they will come quickly now that the child is in leading strings. I would see her happy one day. It is my hope.”
Benjamin found he would like to see her happy, too. He glanced at his friend and found Lancaster looking his way.
Lancaster stood. “It is settled. I should be in Lancashire in a few days and will send word on Lady Honora’s behalf to the regent.”
Lord Radcliff stood. “Thank you both. I do not want to believe it was divine intervention that brought us together this day. Whatever brought it about, I am indeed thankful.”
“Let us take our leave. We shall thank the ladies for their hospitality on the way out,” Benjamin declared.
“Do not feel you must be a stranger. We would welcome you during the holidays, Lord Willington.”
Benjamin felt Lancaster’s eyes watching him. When he turned to look, he found him wearing a curious smirk.
They said their goodbyes and walked down to their horses, which had already been brought around.
“Is there something you would like to say, Lord Willington,” Lancaster said, smiling.
Damn it! He knows. “Yes. As your best friend, I would like permission from you to see Lady Honora.” The words slid out before he could shut his mouth.
They rode for several long seconds before Lancaster spoke.
“Benjamin, you have been my friend my entire life. I would want the same happy life for you as I have. If you would like to court Lady Honora, you have my blessing. I appreciate you felt the need to ask me.”
“I am not ready to be leg-shackled. But I find her interesting. She seems to have matured.”
“Yes . . . she has, and I wish her merry,” Lancaster said before urging his horse into a gallop.
Benjamin followed quickly, feeling he needed the last word on this matter. He would send a missive later, asking if she would like to go for a ride tomorrow. He was hopeful she would agree.
Chapter 6
The next day
“Lady Honora, Lord Willington will be here soon. And yer son has been asking fer ye.” She smiled. “The young master loves his new puppy. The two of them have exhausted themselves playing hide and seek in the nursery. They are with Mrs. Hadley. I find the woman amazing! She gets down and plays with ’im.” Bridget set a tray with toast and chocolate on the table next to her bed.
“What did I do to deserve breakfast in bed?” Honora asked lightly. “Mmm! Chocolate is my favorite.”
