Bound By A Scandalous Secret

‘Sounds expensive,’ Ross remarked with genuine sympathy.

How many estates did Ross’s family own? Five, at least, not counting the hunting lodges and the town house in Bath. There were problems enough simply maintaining them. Think of how it would be if any were allowed to go into disrepair. This was all new to Dell, as well. He’d just arrived in Brussels with his regiment when he’d been called back to claim the title. His parents, older brother and younger sister had been killed in a horrific fire. Ross had delivered the news to him and brought him home.

A few weeks later Dell’s regiment fought at Waterloo.

‘A drain on the finances, for certain,’ Dell said. ‘Curse Sir Hollis for neglecting his property.’

‘Do you have sufficient funds?’ Ross asked.

His friends never asked, but when Ross knew they were in need he was happy to offer a loan or a gift.

Dell lifted a hand. ‘I can manage. It simply rankles to see how little has been maintained.’ He shook his head. ‘The poor tenants. They have put up with a great deal and more now with this nasty weather.’

The butler appeared at the door. ‘Dinner is served, sir.’

Dell stood. ‘At least food is plentiful. And I’ve no doubt Cook has made us a feast.’

They walked to the dining room, its long table set for two adjacent to each other to make it easier for conversing and passing food dishes. The cook indeed had not disappointed. There were partridges, squash and parsnips. Ross’s appetite made a resurgence.

‘I hope your day was not a bore,’ Dell said. ‘Did you find some way to amuse yourself?’

‘I did remarkably well,’ Ross answered, spearing a piece of buttered parsnips with his fork. ‘I rode into the village and explored your property.’

‘And that amused you?’ Dell looked sceptical.

‘The villagers were talkative.’ He pointed his fork at Dell. ‘You are considered a prime catch, you know.’

Dell laughed. ‘I take it you did not say who you were.’

Not in the village, he hadn’t. ‘I introduced myself simply as John Gordon.’

‘That explains why there are no matchmaking mamas parked on the entry stairs.’

Ross smiled. ‘I do believe tactics were being discussed to contrive an introduction to you.’

Dell shrugged. ‘They waste their time. How can I marry? These properties of mine are taking up all my time.’

How many did he have? Three?

‘I’m not certain your actual presence was considered important.’ To so many young women, marrying a title was more important than actually being a peer’s wife. ‘In any event, it would not hurt to socialise with some of your more important neighbours, you know.’

‘Who?’ he asked unenthusiastically.

Ross took a bite of food, chewed and swallowed it before he answered. ‘They said in the village that Lord Tinmore was in the country.’

‘That prosy old fellow?’ Dell cried.

‘He’s influential in Parliament,’ Ross reminded him. ‘It won’t hurt at all to entertain him a bit. He might be a help to you when you take your seat.’

‘Your father will help me.’

‘My father certainly will help you, but it will not hurt to be acquainted with Tinmore, as well.’ Ross tore off some meat from his partridge. ‘You are related to Tinmore’s wife and her sisters, I was told.’

‘They are my distant cousins, I believe,’ Dell said. ‘The ones who grew up in this house.’

‘Perhaps they would like to visit the house again.’ Ross knew Genna would desire it, at least.

Dell frowned. ‘More likely they would resent the invitation. I learned today that, not only was the estate left in near shambles, but the daughters were left with virtually nothing. My father turned them out within months of their father’s death. That is why the eldest daughter married Tinmore. For his money.’

‘Seems you learned a great deal.’ No wonder Genna Summerfield sounded bitter.

Dell gave a dry laugh. ‘The estate manager was talkative, as well.’

‘Perhaps it would be a good idea to make amends.’ And it would not hurt for Dell to be in company a little.

Dell expelled a long breath. ‘I suppose I must try.’

Ross swirled the wine in his glass. ‘I would not recommend risking offending Lord Tinmore.’

Dell peered at him. ‘For someone with an aversion to politics, you certainly are cognizant of its workings.’

‘How could I not be? My father talks of nothing else.’ Ross refilled Dell’s glass. ‘I would not say I have an aversion, though. I simply know it will eventually consume my life and I am in no hurry for that to happen.’

Dell gulped down his wine and spoke beneath his breath. ‘I never wanted this title.’

Ross reached over and placed his hand on Dell’s shoulder. ‘I know.’

They finished the course in silence and were served small cakes for dessert.

When that too was taken away and the decanter of brandy set on the table, Dell filled both their glasses. ‘Oh, very well,’ he said. ‘I will invite them to dinner.’

Ross lifted his glass and nodded approvingly.

Dell looked him in the eye. ‘Be warned, though. The youngest sister is not yet married.’

Ross grinned. ‘I am so warned.’

* * *

Two days later, Genna joined her sister and Lord Tinmore at breakfast. Sometimes if she showed up early enough to share the morning meal and acted cheerful, she could count on being left to her own devices until almost dinner time. Besides, she liked to see if Lorene needed her company. There were often houseguests or callers who came out of obligation to the Earl of Tinmore. Most were polite to Lorene, but Genna knew everyone thought her a fortune hunter. Genna often sat through these tedious meetings so Lorene would not be alone, even though it was entirely Lorene’s fault she was in this predicament.

A footman entered the breakfast room with a folded piece of paper on a silver tray. ‘A message arrived for you, sir.’

Tinmore acknowledged the servant with a nod. The footman bowed and left the room again.

Tinmore opened the folded paper and read. ‘An invitation,’ he said, although neither Lorene nor Genna had asked. He tossed the paper to Lorene. ‘From your cousin.’

‘My cousin?’ Lorene picked up the paper. ‘It is from Lord Penford, inviting us to dinner tomorrow night at Summerfield House.’