18. A Discussion During Dinner
CHAPTER 18
A DISCUSSION DURING DINNER
L ater that night
Curious as to how Marcus had faired with Miss Jane that day, Randy ate the early dinner offered by the cook at Engels Mansion before heading out on foot to Vouros Mansion.
Although he had enjoyed the descriptions of that day’s trek to Philopappos Hill offered by his father and by his brother—the two had been fascinated by the multiple interconnected caves they had toured—he had hoped David might provide him with an update as to his arrangement with Jane Fitzsimmons. The eventual heir to the Devonville marquessate had been absent from the table, however. When Randy asked as to his whereabouts, Will told him he was having dinner in town.
Had Marcus challenged his cousin to a duel? Or had David challenged Marcus?
“He hasn’t been challenged to a duel, if that’s what you are thinking,” Barbara stated from where she sat at the end of the table.
Randy gave a start. “How?—?”
“We discussed this very topic on our way down the hill,” Will said, grinning. “But David assured me he has no intention of coming to blows with Marcus Henley.”
“Which is a relief, seeing as how you are all cousins,” Barbara added.
“But something happened,” he guessed, not making it a question. Randy glanced from his aunt to his uncle and then to his brother.
“Nothing happened,” Tom said firmly. “At least, no one has suffered a broken nose. Yet.” He rolled his eyes as if in disgust.
“Thomas,” Barbara scolded.
“My apologies, Aunt, but I did spend the day in their company, too. Marcus is quite vexed that David seems to have captured Miss Jane’s heart when it’s obvious he wishes to ask for her hand. The man is hopelessly in love with her. ”
“He’s done nothing of the sort,” Will said, referring to David. “But I will admit, my son is playing his role as her intended well enough that even I believe they are betrothed, and I know the truth of the matter.”
Randy groaned. “It’s no wonder Marcus is vexed. I’ve half a mind to tell him the truth.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Barbara stated, which had all the men at the table turning to stare at her. “If the ruse is to be revealed, Miss Jane shall be the one to do it.”
While the boys both grunted their objections, Will asked, “You don’t think she likes Marcus enough to consider his suit?”
“Oh, I think she does,” Barbara replied, which had the men displaying looks of confusion.
Tom angled his head to one side. “My father says I will never understand women, and I believe this is a perfect example of why,” he said, waving his hands. “Could you please explain what you just said, Aunt Barbara?”
Will and Randy both chuckled, but Barbara huffed before setting her knife and fork on her plate. “Having spent the day in her company, I find that Miss Jane is rather shy. Her beauty brings her much attention from those of your sex—most of it unwanted—which is why she is so glad to have arranged a faux betrothal with my son.”
“But you think she likes Marcus?” Tom asked.
Barbara nodded. “Indeed, despite the fact that he is a bit young to be considering marriage.”
At the other end of the table, Will cleared his throat.
Loudly.
“I was younger than him when I proposed to you,” he reminded her.
A wash of red colored Barbara’s face as she blinked several times. “Oh. Well, you were in the Navy and... well, you seemed older,” she stammered. “Marcus...” She paused, as if struggling to describe the young man.
“Is not going to follow in his father’s footsteps,” Will firmly stated. “Although he’s been trained as an archaeologist, he wants to return to London. Take up residence in their townhouse there and do his duty as a viscount once he inherits.”
“And in the meantime?” she asked. “Jasper Henley is not that old.”
“He’s in his forties,” Will argued.
Barbara’s arched brow had him chuckling softly.
“Henley has rarely attended Parliament,” he said by way of explanation. “But perhaps Marcus could be granted a writ of acceleration. Be given his father’s seat in the House of Lords.” He turned to Randy. “You know him from school. What say you on the matter?”
About to take a bite, Randy hesitated before saying, “I believe you are right in everything you have said, Uncle. If he intends to live in the capital, he is going to need an avocation. Perhaps politics—and marriage—would suit him. Keep him out of the gaming hells and...” He clamped his mouth shut before the word ‘brothels’ could escape.
“If only the Henleys were here,” Will murmured.
“Why do you say that?” Randy asked.
“Marcus would do well to discuss all this with his father,” Will replied.
“And his mother,” Barbara chimed in.
“They are due to arrive in a few days,” Randy offered. “But in the meantime, I’m sure Marcus will continue his pursuit of Miss Jane. Do you know if he is having dinner with her and her brother this evening?”
“The Fitzsimmonses were to join Marcus for a supper at a taverna here in town,” Barbara said. “Is that some sort of... public house?” she asked, her nose wrinkling as if she didn’t think it appropriate for Jane to attend.
“Indeed,” Will replied. “Miss Jane will be fine with three strapping lads to act as chaperones.”
“Three?” Randy repeated. “So... David is with them?”
Will and Barbara exchanged quick glances. “He is, but he said he won’t be staying out too late,” his uncle assured him.
Even having been assured Marcus and David hadn’t come to blows during their trip to the caves, Randy wondered if they would continue to be on their best behavior whilst in town. “What are your plans for the morrow?” he asked, finishing the last of his meal.
“I’m going to stay in all day and see to some correspondence,” Barbara replied. “I owe everyone letters.”
“While I arrange for a traveling coach to take us down to Cape Sounion the day after,” Will said.
“To see the Temple of Poseidon?” Randy asked in awe. The ancient Greek temple had been completed in 450 BC, and unlike many of the temples built during that time, most of its columns were still standing. He knew Diana would want to go. The mention of markings and graffiti around the base of the temple could be found in a number of guidebooks.
“Of course. You will be joining us, I hope?” his uncle asked as the cook removed his plate and set a new one in front of him along with what appeared to be a plate of sweets. “Due to the distance, we’ll need accommodations for the night.”
Randy was about to reply, his thoughts still on Diana. Surely she would appreciate the opportunity to see the ruins of the temple overlooking the Aegean Sea. “Would there be room for six of us?”
Will shrugged. “I’ll see what I can do.”
At the other end of the table, Barbara dipped her head to hide a grin.