The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(28)
Without waiting for an answer, he strolled out of the room.
She pressed her eyes closed and waited for the pain to consume her again. What exactly was he promising?
Chapter Seven
McCalpin waited in his father’s study after the summons had arrived earlier in the day. As a boy, then as a young man, he’d often heeded his father’s call and waited in the spacious, masculine domain of the Duke of Langham for discussions, reprimands, and even celebrations. Every time he walked into the house, a familiar energy resonated deep within its walls, but for the first time ever, he could not ignore the innate silence that had descended. Only his brother remained living at Langham Hall with his parents. The rest of the family had moved on and started their own families.
Several years ago, his older cousin, Claire, who grew up with him, married Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembroke. Then his younger sister, Emma, married Nicholas St. Mauer, the Earl of Somerton and heir to the Duke of Renton. Claire was raising a family, and Emma was expecting her first. The family he had always cherished was changing and adding new generations.
A powerful sense of restlessness coursed through his veins. He had always known he must marry and produce an heir for the duchy, but he’d pushed such a thought into the future. Not anymore. The time had come for a serious consideration of a wife.
“McCalpin?” William stood before him. “You’re daydreaming.”
“I’ve got several things on my mind.” McCalpin exhaled. “I’m glad you’re here. When I visited the Lawson family earlier in the week, I could only come to one conclusion. I’ve petitioned the Court of Chancery for guardianship over Lord Lawson and his family.”
“Your little embezzler?” A smile broke across his brother’s face as he took the seat next to McCalpin.
His lips twitched as his gaze settled on the wide expanse of Langham Park before him. The carefully manicured lawns, exotic plants, and magnificent trees didn’t hold his focus. A tall, lushly curved, dark-haired farmer had taken command of his thoughts. He could still taste her delicious mouth that hinted of fresh peppermint. Her soft skin rivaled the most luxurious cashmere. He closed his eyes, remembering the silent “O” she’d made with that luscious mouth when he’d called her kitten.
He shook his head to leash his wandering musings. “Will you help me?”
“If you’ll wipe that foolish grin from your face, then absolutely.” William winged an eyebrow. “Same type of help?”
McCalpin nodded. “I’ll need to present a full accounting on the state of the viscountcy.”
The Duke of Langham strolled in with his wife on his arm. Each was a powerful presence on their own, but when combined as a united front, they were a force even the Prince Regent could not dissuade. Both he and William stood when they entered.
Obviously, he had misconstrued the summons. He believed this was nothing more than a call to go over their respective schedules for the next couple of months. His father had insisted he start to take a more active role in the duchy. With his mother present, the summons wasn’t as innocuous as he first had believed.
“You’re looking well.” The Duchess of Langham smiled fondly and took his hands before she kissed his cheek.
“Duchess, you are as beautiful as always.” He returned her kiss.
“We understand you’ve assumed financial responsibility for the young Viscount Lawson and his sisters?” she queried.
“Yes. When the old trustee died, the documents named the Marquess of McCalpin as successor. Obviously, they must have meant Uncle Michael and not me. However, the family is in serious straights. I petitioned the Court of Chancery for the guardianship for the young viscount and his sisters. Do you know the family?”
The duchess gracefully sat in the chair next to McCalpin. His father sat at his desk and waved a hand for William to join them. “Lord Lawson’s father was the unofficial envoy to the new United States. He came home after Grenville, who served as foreign secretary to the Crown, appointed George Hammond.” He furrowed his brows. “He was a friend of my brother from university, and his father, the old viscount, was a friend of my father. Do you know who was named their guardian?”
McCalpin sat in one of the chairs in front of the duke’s mahogany desk and extended one leg. “I had Russell research their situation. Apparently, after Lord Burns passed, no one came forward to take the responsibility.”
A grin broke across the duke’s face. “Well, it’s a huge responsibility, but one that needs to be addressed. I’m glad you realize what’s required and are ready to make the commitment to their family.”
With a tilt of her head, he became his mother’s sole focus, which was never a good sign. It meant she’d taken a personal interest in the development. “It’s a shame there aren’t any family members who would step forward. What are their ages?”
Ah, well, if he was going to follow through on his promise, he needed to make the full commitment. “The viscount is nine, and his middle and youngest sisters are nineteen and eighteen. I’m not really certain the age of the eldest sister. She said she’s twenty-five and demanded I release her money immediately. She claimed she was a year older than the documents state.”
“What did you do?” The duke looked through a pile of correspondence on his desk. When he looked up, his gaze cut to McCalpin’s as if this was a test, and he wanted the right answer.