Chapter Twenty-Eight
The day following Henry Winston’s visit, Robert left Brentwood estate early and went to London.
As he traveled in his finest carriage, he reflected that, should his plan not succeed, this might very well be the last time he would enjoy its comforts.
It would also mean he would have to finally admit the truth of their financial crisis to his brother.
He sighed, recalling his farewell conversation with Frederick.
His brother had assumed the carriage was going to Clayton House, and he asked to be remembered to Miss Kendall and Lady Gillingham.
“No, Freddy, much as I would enjoy Miss Kendall’s company, she has her hands full with helping her ill father at present. I should not wish to intrude upon her time. My trip has to do with urgent business I must attend to in London. I may be gone a fortnight or even longer.”
“Where will you stay—is not the townhouse rented just now?” Frederick had asked.
“It is. But, my university chum, Henry Winston, has given me leave to stay at his family home. So much more pleasant than a hotel, you know.”
“What is this urgent business?” Frederick had pressed. “Is there anything I can do?”
Robert very nearly had confessed all of the financial woes to Frederick right then, but if he did and then his plan to woo Miss Phoebe Graham failed, he would have to endure all of the pestering questions from his brother. So, he had hedged a bit.
“Oh, well, you see…Mr. Marshall has informed me of a sizeable debt from our father that has just come to light. While we have the money to deal with it, of course, I need to be assured that this creditor’s claim is legitimate before I hand over any coin.
So, that is the main purpose of my trip.
Then, once that is settled, I shall enjoy myself in town awhile—seeing as how the Gillingham ball is canceled, there is no reason to hurry back, do you not agree?
I shall stay and savor the pleasures of London.
I wish you could come with me, but I just have Henry’s permission to use his town home myself.
It would be unforgivably rude to show up with you as well. ”
“No, that is fine,” Frederick assured him. “I was not hinting for an invitation, believe me. I have another sermon coming up soon and need to begin writing it. But, do tell me more about this debt. How big is it and from where did it originate?”
“Oh…I really do not have all the details yet. The amount is somewhere in the neighborhood of a few hundred pounds, I believe. But that is why I must go to town—to learn everything. I left the address of Henry’s town home with our housekeeper.
And, of course, Mrs. Syme can deal with anything else that should come up.
Now, forgive me, Freddy, I must check on my packing. ”
Robert sighed and leaned back on the carriage bench, his hand absently stroking the plush, velvet seat.
His mind turned to his scheme to secure both Miss Graham’s affection and fortune as soon as possible.
It felt like a very reliable plan but so much could go wrong.
What if he were not the gentleman Miss Graham was pining for?
Suppose he should get to town just to learn she had suddenly accepted another’s proposal?
He had so little time to acquire the money he desperately needed.
Could he make all this work? He had to because should he not, his entire life as he knew it would come to an ignoble end.
He would not let that happen. The Morton family name and Brentwood estate must be preserved and free of scandal. He would do whatever it took.
He felt a twinge of guilt over what he was about to attempt, especially since he was aware that he had only just promised his hand and heart to Miss Kendall, even if not quite officially.
It would all come as quite a shock to her, he knew.
She was a nice young lady who did not deserve what was coming.
Certainly, he could have had a decent enough marriage with her had he gone through with his proposal.
But, he simply could not wait for her money, and once she rejected his idea to elope, he knew he had to look elsewhere to save Brentwood.
So, while he was not proud of what he was about to do, he reasoned, with six thousand pounds to her dowry, Charlotte could very easily find another prospective match.
Why, he would even approve of Frederick courting Charlotte since his brother was so obviously entranced by her.
Although it might be a touch awkward initially, should Freddy persuade her to marry him, Robert was certain his own brief attachment to Charlotte would quickly be forgotten.
And, her dowry would enable Freddy and her to move to their own house—then, he would not have to see her that often at Brentwood manor.
Her six thousand pounds, invested well, would bring a sizeable income to them, boosting Frederick’s modest curate salary.
Yes, truly, it could all come out for the best for everyone. If he could but make his plan work.
When he arrived at the Winston townhouse and presented Henry’s letter to the housekeeper, Mrs. Dooley, Robert was warmly welcomed.
Mrs. Dooley showed him to a very elegant bed chamber and asked whether he would be dining in that evening.
Knowing he should save as much pocket money as he could, he graciously accepted, although he stressed that she should not go to any trouble since his visit had come with no notice.
“Cheese on toast and cold meats would suffice,” he had said in his most charming manner. “And wine, of course. In the meantime, might you send up enough hot water so that I may remove the dust from my journey?”
Later that evening, fully refreshed, Robert went out to track down some of his acquaintances.
Part one of his plan was to get the word out as soon as possible of his return to town and his availability for upcoming balls, dinners, and assemblies where he might reacquaint himself with Miss Graham.
As the still-single heir to what everyone believed was a wealthy estate, he would be a most welcome guest at all the ton’s functions, he knew.
He discovered two friends, Simon Turner and Edward Clark, in Brook’s—a gentlemen’s club on St. James street to which he had once proudly belonged.
Sadly, his membership there had been a casualty of his forced retrenching efforts.
But, he bluffed his way past the door and, luckily, once he made his way upstairs and joined Simon and Edward, no one was the wiser as to his true status.
His two friends greeted him enthusiastically, happy and surprised to see him back in town.
After a period of polite conversation to catch up, Robert changed the topic to the marriage mart.
“How do you two find the Season?” he asked. “Henry Winston tells me he has secured true love and a fortune.”
“Lucky dog,” growled Simon, though he was grinning. “Miss Jane Waddingham is not just wealthy, but very handsome.”
“None of us had a chance, sadly,” added Edward. “I believe I was fortunate enough to get one dance with the lady before those two set eyes on each other, and then it was as though the entire room disappeared around them. A faster romance I never saw. Well, I am exceedingly happy for him.”
“Oh, indeed, I am as well,” Robert said earnestly, thinking his friend might see an even faster romance occur should his plan succeed. “For a second son to land an heiress? We should all end up so happily situated.”
His two friends laughed uproariously. “Says the man who inherited a grand estate of his own,” cried Simon. “I have no worries about you, Robert. You are the one who will be in demand again, now that you are back, reducing Edward’s and my chances with the ladies all that much more.”
“No, Simon, you forget.” Edward gave his friend a playful punch in the arm. “Word is our friend here is all but engaged.” He turned to Robert. “Tell us about the lucky lady.”
Robert shook his head in amusement. “I cannot imagine from where all these rumors have sprung. Henry was under the same delusion, and I had to set him straight. I am not engaged and am quite happy to be back among you all to seek a young lady of breeding and distinction to be my future bride and mistress of Brentwood. That is—should such a lady be found.”
The two friends exchanged surprised glances.
“My source of your engagement rumor seemed quite certain, but then, things have a way of being twisted around,” said Edward with a shrug.
“Say—there is a ball being held by the Nelsons, four days hence. Our families are quite close. If you like, I would be happy to send word of your arrival back in town. Lady Nelson would think it quite the coup to have you there.”
“I believe I am available—let me think,” mused Robert. “Yes, yes, I am certain I have no obligations. Do ask her on my behalf, thank you. Tell her to send the invitation to me care of the Winston’s town home on Bridlemile Circle. I should be happy to attend. Are both of you going?”
Simon and Edward nodded.
Perfect, thought Robert. In order for my plan to work, I need a willing, although innocent, partner. Either of these two would do perfectly.