Page 12 of Duke of Emeralds
Although he had always been a man of action, the thought of marriage, of committing himself to another person for the rest of his life, was daunting.
As Isaac departed, the butler reappeared with a missive for Thomas. He recognized the penmanship immediately, and asmile tugged at the corners of his lips. It was from his sister, Elspet, in Scotland. Thomas always looked forward to her correspondence, a lifeline to the home and family he had left behind. He broke the seal and began to read:
Dearest Tommy,
I hope this letter finds you well. The children are growing like weeds, and Jacob has taken to following his father around the estate, much to Robert’s delight and my dismay. He has a knack for finding trouble, that one!
I’ve started a new garden behind the house, a little patch of earth where I can grow my flowers. You know how I’ve always loved my roses, and I thought it would be nice to have a place where I can tend to them myself. The children have been helping me, each of them with their own little plot of earth to tend to. It’s been a joy to watch them take to it, their little hands digging in the dirt, their faces alight with excitement as they watch their seeds sprout and grow.
But Jacob, bless his wee heart, has taken a particular interest in my roses. He loves to “help” me tend to them, but more often than not, his help involves uprooting my poor flowers and presenting them to me with a proud smile. I can’t help but laugh, even as I scold him and try to teach him the proper way to care for a garden. He’s a handful, but he’s my handful, and I wouldn’t have him any other way.
I miss you, Tommy. I miss your laughter and your smile, the way you always knew how to make me feel better, even on thedarkest of days. I wish you could be here to see the garden, to see the children growing and thriving. But I know you have your own life to live, your own path to follow, and I wouldn’t dream of holding you back.
Please write back soon and tell me all about your life in England and the ton. I want to hear everything, from the grandest ball to the smallest detail of your day. Until then, know that you are always in my thoughts, and that I love you dearly.
Your loving sister,
Elspet
Thomas sighed as he folded the letter. He sat at his desk, Elspet’s letter heavy in his hand. He had failed his sister once, letting her marry a man she did not love just to keep their family out of penury.
And his mother… He ran a hand down his jaw.Rest in heaven, me beloved, Ma.
Picking up his quill and dipping it into the inkwell, he began to write:
Dearest Elspet,
I am glad to hear that you and the little ones are doing well. I miss you all dearly and wish I could be there to see your newgarden. Jacob is certainly a handful, but I am sure he is a joy to have around. Give him a hug from me and tell him to be gentle with your roses.
I have news of my own to share. I am to be married soon…
As Thomas finished writing, he realized his words did not sound like that of a man looking forward to marrying, and he was sure his sister would take note of it. Well, what was he to do? Duty had a price, and he must pay it.
Thomas folded the letter carefully, sealing it with a drop of wax. He would send it off in the morning, but for now, he had other matters to attend to.
Two hours later, Thomas made his way to the club, the familiar scent of tobacco and whiskey filling his nostrils as he stepped inside. He found Leonard sitting alone at a table, a glass of amber liquid in his hand. Thomas made his way over, pulling out a chair and joining him.
“Do you have a habit of joining the party uninvited?” Leonard teased.
Thomas chuckled, helping himself to a drink. “Suffice to say that I like to employ surprise.”
Leonard laughed, raising his glass in a toast. They shared a moment of camaraderie, the tension of the day melting away, but it did not last long. Leonard sobered and held Thomas’ gaze.
“I trust you will take care of my sister,” he said.
It was less a question than a warning. Leonard was protective of his sister, and Thomas couldn’t fault him for that. He would be the same if the roles were reversed.
“From the moment I made her the offer, she became me responsibility,” Thomas said. “Rest assured, she is already well looked after.”
Leonard’s eyes narrowed slightly, but his eyes held some mirth. “Careful there. I haven’t given my sister away to you just yet.”
Thomas chuckled, but as he sat there, the weight of his past failures pressed down on him, and he couldn’t help the unease that washed over him.
I cannot fail again.
CHAPTER 8
The bell above the door of Mr. Jameson’s shop chimed softly as Hester stepped inside, her arms laden with a carefully wrapped package. Mr. Jameson looked up from his ledger, his eyes lighting up as he saw her.
