The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(93)
“Come in, Lawson,” McCalpin coaxed. He approached the young lord and extended his hand. Bennett tentatively reached for it, and after a firm shake, dropped it as if it were scalding hot.
“McCalpin—” The boy immediately turned red as his voice broke into a squeak that foretold his coming passage to adulthood. He swallowed, then started again. “I’d like to discuss my sisters.”
McCalpin didn’t blink. Bennett’s request for such a conversation about all three Lawson sisters was unexpected. He’d fully anticipated that the boy would launch into a one-sided conversation about March. “Of course. Come sit by the fire.”
Bennett nodded and proceeded to take a seat in the chair next to McCalpin’s. With a deep breath, the young lordling stoically commenced, “After my eldest sister left Langham Hall, I discussed our living arrangements with Faith and Julia. We believe it best for all that we take up residence at our family townhouse as soon as possible. Perhaps you would hire an appropriate chaperone for my sisters. Under the circumstances, it’s best I return to Lawson Court with my eldest sister. I plan on leaving tomorrow.”
McCalpin choked on the last swallow of brandy as the shock of what Bennett was asking sunk in. Finally, he recovered the ability to talk. “I thought you were comfortable at Langham Hall. Have you discussed this with March?”
“She really has no standing in this discussion, does she? When she was forced to leave Langham Hall, I took over the role as head of the family.” Bennett raised one eyebrow and regarded him. “I can’t leave her alone.” The boy swallowed, and fear flashed briefly in his eyes. It was the first sign of weakness since he entered.
“Bennett, there’s no cause to worry. I won’t allow anything or anyone to harm her.” McCalpin leaned close to the boy. “She’d want you to stay here and continue your studies.”
“With all due respect, my lord, I’m the only man she can rely on now.” The boy stared into his eyes, but the fear was still present. “She told Faith and Julia that Rupert said you were going to charge her with stealing.” The boy sniffed as he was close to tears. “I’ll not allow her to suffer any further humiliation. You can have my money to pay for the missing funds. Nor will I allow her to suffer the constant threat of Rupert’s taunts or live by herself. She needs someone with her.”
“I have no plans to charge your sister with theft or harm her in anyway.” She’d done enough harm to both of them to last their lives. His gaze drifted to the window. How had something so perfect turned into a lie, one that cut him to the very bone. He exhaled, but the pain refused to leave him. “Your sister can handle herself.”
“She won’t have enough to eat. She has no money. She told us that she’s repaying all the missing money including the amount she borrowed from the trust fund. She plans to find full-time employment in Leyton.” By now, the boy was practically frantic. “Julia is beside herself in grief. She can’t stop pacing the length of her bedroom. She keeps asking Faith who will take care of March. Poor Faith doesn’t have an answer, but I do.” He stood defiantly and declared, “I will.”
He gripped the boy by one shoulder and looked directly in his eyes. Bennett’s love for his sister reminded him of his love for Emma. The boy’s fear that something evil would befall March was very real. McCalpin’s own doubts and worry started to break free in his chest.
“I know it’s hard to believe now, but I care for your sister and would never allow her to suffer or be hurt. You and your family are under my protection and that includes March. Understand?” He squeezed the boy’s shoulder once more. “If it’ll ease your worry, I’ll go see her tomorrow.”
Bennett swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed into prominence. The boy nodded and stood. “Thank you, but you should know that I don’t approve of what you’ve done. She’d never steal, and she’s never cheated anyone. I’ve known her my entire life. She’s the most honorable person I’ve ever met.” He wiped his check to hide the evidence of his emotion. “Please see about employing a chaperone. If you don’t, I’ll find a solicitor to help me. Imagine the headline in The Midnight Cryer the next day. ‘The young Lord Lawson must seek his own legal counsel to break free from the tyranny of the Marquess of McCalpin, who seeks retribution at all costs.’”
Stunned, he simply stared.
“The duke has taught me strategy in our chess matches,” Bennett offered with one brow lifted. “I’ve discovered tactics required to play the game can be used to pursue other interests.”
His father was having marvelous success with the little rogue. Even though his threat was unorthodox, it proved the boy accepted his family as a responsibility and would protect them by all means necessary.
“I’ll consider your request for the chaperone.” There was no way in hell he’d let the Lawson family out of his sight. Not after what had happened over the last several days. The vultures of the ton would slaughter Bennett’s sisters with their cuts and sharp retorts if not accompanied by either his mother or himself personally.
“Thank you. I mustn’t tarry any longer. I have a mathematics lesson in a half-hour.” Without a customary handshake, Bennett quietly exited McCalpin’s study. His disappointment in his guardian readily apparent for both of them to see as his eyes clouded with worry.