Page 63 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
Catherine understood him. While they were left with a considerable sum provided by their late parents, taking such a lump might cause the financial ruin of their family. Reginald had always been the one to handle the financial affairs, but she still knew something of it and she knew enough to know that five thousand pounds was a small fortune whichever way they chose to look at it.
“The letter states just a single day to decide whether I would be paying for it or not,” Reginal continued, as little droplets of sweat started to roll down his forehead. “Of course I want to pay, but I would need more time. I need to sort out affairs, sell property, see all the ways that might help me achieve that insane sum.”
“I will pay it,” Dominic said simply.
At first, Catherine didn’t think she heard him right. She blinked heavily at his comment, allowing the words to settle in, for her mind to process it. Then, Reginald shook his head.
“Absolutely not,” Reginald spoke sternly. “I could never ask that of you. I could never accept it. I am too much of a gentleman to accept charity.”
Dominic frowned. He obviously didn’t see it as charity and Catherine could tell.
“Too much of a gentleman to swallow your pride and help the woman you love?” Dominic asked, without a single hint of judgment in his voice. It was a simple question, one that demanded of Reginald to choose what sort of man he wanted to be: proud and alone, or humble and with his family.
Reginald didn’t say anything to that at first. He looked down at his lap, at his fingers which he had been cracking for the past several minutes, unable to settle his nerves in any other way.
“Now, I know that is a large sum of money by anyone’s account,” Dominic continued matter-of-factly, “so, if you wish, consider it a loan, if that will make it easier on you. I do not need it back, though.”
“Dominic, are you certain of this?” Catherine felt the need to interfere.
He smiled tenderly at her. “Absolutely,” he nodded. “Money is nothing without family, and despite how everything started, you have become my family, Cate. Reginald is now my brother, although I’m certain he doesn’t see me as such, for which I do not blame him. I want to make this my way of showing you two that I am truly sorry for how I manipulated you both.
But I’ve learned my lesson. I grew from it. And as I told you, money means nothing without family.” This time, he turned toReginald. “If my money brings your child and the woman you love back, then I see no better use for it.”
Reginald swallowed heavily, getting up and offering him his hand. Dominic shook it sympathetically, with a friendly nod.
“Now that we got that out of the way, let me fetch Tim and we can see what we can find out regarding the delivery of this letter.”
***
“This is the lad who delivered the letter,” Tim said, as he stood by a little boy, who was nervously wringing his dirty, little hat in his hands.
Dominic watched him from behind his mahogany writing table, a boy like any other he had seen in the bustling streets of London. Those street urchins were a common sight, weaving through the crowded thoroughfares with agility and strength uncommon for their small stature.
The boy before him was dressed in tattered rags that barely shielded him from the chill of the damp cobblestones, but Dominic knew that he, like all the other street urchins, was a survivor of the city’s harsh realities.
With a mop of tousled hair and dirt-streaked cheeks, the boy’s face bore the marks of countless struggles. His eyes, wide and alert, darted about Dominic’s study with a mixture of curiosity and wariness, ever watchful for opportunities or dangers lurking in the shadows.
“Don’t worry,” Dominic spoke kindly and with compassion, realizing that the boy thought he was in trouble. Or at least, that trouble was just around the corner. “We just need some information from you, nothing else. And if you tell us what we need to hear, there might be a sixpence in it for you.”
The boy’s eyes widened at the mention of a sixpence and he hastily nodded.
Dominic smiled. “What is your name?”
“Charlie, sir,” the boy replied, to what Tim pushed him gently.
“You are speaking to the duke, lad,” Tim reminded him.
Charlie nodded hastily. “Your Grace.”
“That’s all right,” Dominic reassured him. He lifted his gaze, then addressed Tim. “Tim, why don’t you tell Mrs. Jenkins to prepare some hot tea and scones with strawberry jam? Ourfriend Charlie here might be hungry.” He turned to Charlie. “Would you like that?”
Charlie gasped silently, swallowing heavily at the offer. “Y-y-yes… please, Your Grace.”
“Please, Tim,” Dominic gestured at his friend.
Tom nodded without a word, leaving Dominic with Charlie a moment later. Dominic was of the opinion that Charlie might find it easier to remember any valuable information on a full stomach. That might also erase the memory of whatever money he was paid to be silent regarding his delivery. Dominic just had to up his offer and make it better. So far, it seemed that he was doing a good job.
“You know, my housekeeper, Mrs. Jenkins, makes the best strawberry jam in the world,” Dominic smiled.
