The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(29)
McCalpin leaned back in his chair. He’d been through this so many times before that it made little difference how he answered. The duke would somehow turn his words into an opportunity for a lecture on responsibility and duty. “I refused. She wants to introduce her sisters into society and bring the young viscount to London.”
The duchess stole a glance at her husband before addressing McCalpin. “How do you know she wasn’t telling the truth? Her desire to establish her sisters in society and bring her brother to town seems that she’s taken the responsibility for their welfare to heart.”
The fact the Lawson family suffered caused him a deep shame. Even though they’d suffered for years before he became involved was little comfort. He should have personally seen to their welfare earlier instead of sending March to his solicitor.
However, last night had been a turning point. March’s quandary that her family would eat the remains from their cat’s latest kill made him angry with Lord Burns and truthfully with himself for his own lack of action. Today, he would change the Lawson’s fortunes for the better.
He shrugged his shoulders. Neither of his parents would leave the matter be unless they knew the specifics. He would satisfy their curiosity without telling them how the young woman had forged his name to acquire funds. “She claimed the trust documents were written in error. I believe it was just too convenient of an excuse. I explained that she had to deliver proof before I’d release the monies.”
“As the future Duke of Langham, it’s expected that you will take over the responsibility.” The duke looked to his duchess. “Lord Burns never left his estate. A complete recluse. Rumors were he was insane.” He shook his head. “At the end, the poor man didn’t recognize any of his staff and couldn’t remember anything, not even what he’d eaten at his last meal.”
The duchess patted McCalpin’s hand. “That poor family probably hasn’t had any attention in years.”
The duke leaned back in his chair, and his blue eyes twinkled in delight. “Seems you’ll have to participate in the upcoming social Season with the sisters. Perhaps you’ll find a wife this year.”
At the mention of “wife,” McCalpin stood. “All in good time, Father. Besides, I’ve not been appointed guardian yet.”
The duchess delivered one of her brightest smiles. “It’s not a question of if you become their guardian but when.” She looked to her husband with pure delight. “Could any of your friends help make McCalpin’s appointment come sooner? We’ll help introduce the young ladies into society. I’ll contact Lady Jersey for vouchers to Almack’s.”
“Madame, please don’t—”
“Son, you know your mother. Once she makes a plan, there’s no stopping her.” The duke gazed upon his wife with a roguish smile. “Where will the family stay when they arrive in town?”
McCalpin furrowed his brow and shot a look to Will. His brother shrugged his shoulders.
“I hadn’t really considered the situation. Perhaps I’ll hire a chaperone since the oldest daughter, Miss March Lawson, wants to open the family townhouse.”
“That won’t due. She’s a friend of Emma’s.” His mother straightened in her chair and glanced at her husband. “They should reside here. It’d be a pleasure to introduce them to society.”
Within the span of a minute, everything started to spiral out of his control. “Wait! What, Mother—”
“Excellent idea, Ginny,” his father added. He stole a glance at McCalpin and smiled. “An efficient way of killing two birds with one stone, as they say. You can escort your young charges and help me court some of the naysayers to my child labor law petition.”
More like killing two hares with one swipe of a paw.
His parents had completely outmaneuvered him. There was one thing he hated almost as much as numbers—dances and balls and other frivolous entertainments designed to make it easy for husband-hunting misses to prey upon the bachelors of society. Unfortunately, he was one of those bachelors. With his parents in support of March’s plan, he would soon be forced into the lion’s den—the ton and all its horrid splendor.
“The guardianship comes at the perfect time.” His father’s steely gaze foretold that things were going to get more complicated than they already were. The air thickened with tension, reminding him of the days when he’d come into this room for a lecture on the proper behavior expected of the ducal heir.
Will finally spoke after being uncharacteristically quiet. “Father, I mentioned to McCalpin your plans for dinner next week.”
His father narrowed his eyes. Obviously, he wanted to approach McCalpin without any forewarning. “I’ll expect you to have dinner here practically every day since your wards will be staying here.”
“I have no objection to taking whatever steps necessary to help the Lawson family, but I have no expectations you and Mother should be involved in this responsibility.”
His mother smiled sweetly. “It’s no bother, McCalpin. I’ll enjoy having a full house again.”
His father nodded in agreement. “Plus, you and I can work after dinner most nights before we attend the formal functions. It’s my opinion you should take a seat in the House of Commons. Such an opportunity would be perfect preparation for the House of Lords. By the way, Severin found several discrepancies in the McCalpin Manor accounts. You need to have a conversation about that. I’m sure it’s just a bookkeeping error, but it’s best not to let these things fester.”