Page 63 of A Gentleman's Reckoning
“You!”
John sent an uneasy glance toward the servant, hoping he would not be thrown out before he had a chance to explain.
“The nature of my visit is not an unfriendly one, and I beg you will grant me five minutes of your time. If you are not satisfied, I will leave immediately.”
Barnsby looked at him with hard eyes for a long moment, then nodded at his servant who withdrew quietly.
“You may sit,” he said, curtly.
John took the seat across from him and swallowed, more nervous than he would like to admit. He had better just plunge right in since he had promised only five minutes.
“I have regretted the effects of our card game last autumn and that I allowed myself to win so much from you. It was beyond what is reasonable between any two gentlemen, especially two who are at least on nodding acquaintance.” This statement was met with a fraught silence. And then?—
“Go on,” Barnsby said, but John heard a softening in his voice.
“I wish to make restitution. I understand that the money I won from you was necessary for the running of your estate, and that it left you in quite a precarious situation. I am prepared to return the sum in full.”
A look of incredulity spread across Barnsby’s face. “Wait right here.” He got up and went to the door and called out for his servant. “Bring us a bottle of Burgundy.”
He returned to his seat and clasped his hand around the armrest of his chair, looking John fully in the face.
“Let me understand this correctly. You wish to return the winnings of a game that you won fairly? For I, in any event, do not accuse you of cheating, though I heard rumors afterwards that some of society thought you did.”
John gave a shake of his head. “I did not cheat. I was just extraordinarily lucky that night. And yes, I am ready to restore it to you. I am sure that you have heard, but my presence is no longer welcome in London society for other reasons, and I know a little of what it’s like to be in a disagreeable position. Let us just say that I’ve come to my senses.”
Barnsby shook his head in disbelief, but there was a gleam of something warm, like approval, in his eyes. And he even smiled when the servant came in bringing a bottle of Burgundy. He poured a glass for each of them, then raised his own.
“I never thought that I would wish to drink to your health, Aubin, but I do so now. It took courage and…nobility of mind to come here to speak with me, and I appreciate it.”
Something eased inside of John, a tension he had been carrying for months without allowing himself to realize it was there. Despite the fact that he had lost all chances with Lady Geny—he had no hope that he would be given a second chance in her regard—at least he could make amends in other areas. They each drank, and Barnsby set down his glass.
“However, I will not take your money.”
When John looked at him in surprise, Barnsby had a smile on his face that made him wonder why they were not better friends. There was an openness to him that John had not perceived before.
“You did win it fair and square. And Fortune has been kinder to me than I deserved, for a Miss Bradshaw, who is the lovely daughter of a local merchant and who comes with a handsome dowry, has consented to be my wife.” His smile turned wry, almost wistful. “I consider the loss of my fortune to be a painful,but fair, price to pay for having learned a very good lesson. I am now ready to care for my wife and the fortune she brings into our marriage without any foolish conduct that might lose her respect.”
John took in this most surprising turn of events. Of all the things he had thought might happen, it had not occurred to him that Barnsby would refuse his offer. But perhaps that had been an insult to Barnsby, for he was a gentleman and had lost the game fairly.
John returned his smile. “Well then, allow me to drink to your health—and to that of your future wife.”
They drank once again, and he set his glass down. “That will be enough for me. I have been abstaining as of late.”
Barnsby laughed. “Funnily enough, so have I. Let us just say that we have both come to our senses? But”—he stopped with a look of confusion—“what are you doing here? Did you come all this way just to see me?”
“I am visiting my brother in Mossley, not far from here.” With the novel sensation of relief that came from having unburdened himself on one matter, he decided to invite Barnsby into his confidence on the other. “Had you heard of Lord Goodwin’s accusation which eventually had me cut from society?”
“I am sorry to say that I did and was glad of it at the time.”
John dipped his chin. He could understand why. “To be perfectly frank, I’m still not satisfied that Lord Goodwin is innocent in his own conduct. Aside from visiting my brother, I have an address for a mill in Ancoats that he is supposedly building with money from investors. I want to see if the mill exists; that is the other purpose of my visit.”
Barnsby startled John by laughing at some joke he, alone, seemed privy too.
“Well, isn’t this a small world? I am about to do you a good turn, Aubin. Miss Bradshaw’s father is in the textile business and has a mill not far from Ancoats. He knows everything thathappens in the industry and will surely know everything there is to know about this. If you’d like, I’ll give you a letter of introduction from me.”
Surprise almost stole John’s speech, but he managed a nod. “I would like that very much.”
He was still marveling over the amazing stroke of luck as Barnsby went over to his desk to write the letter, then sealed it. John thanked him and took the letter as they both walked over to the door and stood in the entryway.
