An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(62)
“We have not decided. But I was hoping to leave knowing we can have everyone home in Essex for a few weeks soon.”
“Why?”
“Louisa was to have a season, and now we must decide what to do about her.”
“There is nothing to decide. Louisa will spend what remains of the spring in London and enjoy the season as already planned.”
“Barely three months in mourning? People will talk,” Hastings warned.
“Three months is too long for the likes of him,” Quinn promised. “Louisa will do very well without Father scaring off the gentlemen she likes best. She’ll have me at her side almost every moment.”
“If you’re sure we can manage the gossip, then very well. I would not feel right if we harmed Louisa’s chances in anyway,” Sally agreed.
“To have a successful season, we must all be out in society. I’ll speak to my secretary and make sure I have no commitments that month besides those required for Louisa’s benefit.”
“Speaking of your secretary?” Sally started with one brow arched playfully high. “How are you lucky enough to employ not only a competent assistant, but an attractive woman for the post?”
“It wasn’t luck.” He filled them in on the particulars of the night Theodora’s father had died, but left off explaining they had become lovers since. There were some things his family did not need to know about. He mentioned her mother, and the dog he’d given the older woman in the hopes of jollying her spirits. “Miss Dalton is extremely dedicated. Claims work takes her mind off her troubles, and that seems to be true. She also has a mind like a steel trap for details, and I have no complaints.”
“Well, it is very unconventional of you, and very kind to shelter her mother, too. You know my opinion on the intelligence of women and what we are capable of. Our choices are hardly ever our own.” She leaned over and punched his shoulder like a man would. “You’ve made me so very proud.”
“I live to please the women of the family,” he exclaimed, although it was hardly an exaggeration. Someone had to put them first, when his father never had.
He took up his drink as Sally and Amy chatted about the plight of women who fall on hard times, and how few go out of their way to offer real solutions, watching the bonds of affection grow between the two sisters as they discussed mutual interests with great animation. Amy was the product of his father’s sordid affairs, but he—and Sally, too, it seemed—could care less about her past. Amy had suffered more than anyone in the family, and if he had his way, she never would again.
Hastings lured him away to Cabot’s adjacent book room to refill their glasses. “Female secretary? I swear, I don’t know why I’m surprised by your good luck.”
A beautiful, contrary woman, whose eyes flashed with fire when she was thwarted. He could get used to getting in Theodora’s way occasionally. “Have you not become used to us by now? We never do anything in line with convention.”
The man’s gaze strayed to the doorway beyond which his wife sat, a contemplative smile hovering on his lips. “I have a lifetime to learn.”
“Do it quickly and brace yourself. Sally is bound to shock us all again soon.” He glanced at his pocket watch. Time was passing, and as much as he’d like to remain to talk for the afternoon, he should leave. “Or perhaps it will be Louisa’s turn next to upset the applecart.”
Hastings turned, his expression serious. “Has there been any word of Jennings and my ship?”
“Please remember you gave up your ship for marriage of your own free will, and no, I’ve heard nothing at all of the Selfridge, Fredrick, or Captain Jennings.” Quinn shook his head at the desperate mission his father had sent Jennings on to find Quinn’s brother Fredrick months ago. “I’m still well connected, keeping my ears open. There’s been no news.”
“They’ve been gone so long.” Hastings took a sip of his brandy. “I should never have allowed Jennings to replace me. I should have gone after Fredrick myself when your father asked me too.”
He pointed toward the door. “And have my sister miserable again. Have you both miserable. You made the right decision. Jennings is a fine sailor. No matter what, he’s a survivor, too. Have faith in him.”
Hastings wasn’t won over and continued to brood, staring into his drink as he grappled with the feeling of helplessness.
Quinn understood the feeling too well. “How is Rutherford, really?”
“Silent unless Louisa is with him. The day we heard about your father, he retired to his apartment and only let Mr. Morgan attend him. A lot of the fight went out of him that day.” Hasting’s winced. “Truth be told, I was a little worried about coming to London so soon, but Lord Cameron came to call and has promised to stay for a few days, and make a little too much noise to gain the old man’s attention.”
“He’s good at that.”
Hastings leaned against Cabot’s desk. “Now, tell me what I can do for you?”
“For me?”
“You seem preoccupied.”
“Of course I’m preoccupied. I’ve just become an earl.”
“You know what I mean.” Hastings nudged him. “I thought you’d be happier. I know I am,” Hastings said with a wry smile. Hastings had run afoul of his father’s ambitions too in the past.