The duchess and the children left with Lucy. Karrington’s gaze followed them out before he turned and walked over to the sideboard. “May I offer you both something stronger than tea?”
“God, yes, man. It has been a night.” Elijah took a seat on the chaise lounge. “Oh, forgive my manners, Your Grace.”
Karrington chuckled. “No, it’s fine when it’s just us gentlemen. I understand you are not accustomed to society.” He passed Elijah then Henry a drink.
“I see Lady Julia is still upset with me.” Henry finally voiced what had been bothering him since he first saw the dark-haired beauty again.
Karrington’s gaze shifted to Elijah as he took a seat on the sofa, drink in hand.
“Elijah is aware of my connection with Lady Julia. You can speak freely in his presence.” Henry sat on the chaise lounge, relaxing his weary body.
“I apologize for Lady Julia’s behavior. I fear she may not warm to you after everything that happened.” Karrington propped his ankle over his knee.
“It’s fine. I anticipated her wrath. I was shocked to see her here. Is she not with Hempstead?” Henry tried to ignore the frantic beat of his heart and the yearning in his chest.
“No, Lady Julia has been living with us for over two years now. She came to stay before Teddy was born. Her Grace quite depends on her. Lady Julia had a difficult time at first, but being so close to Livie and the children has improved her spirits greatly.” Karrington took a sip of his brandy, looking at Henry over his glass.
“I am glad she has her cousin. They have always been more like sisters than cousins.” He took a sip of his drink, letting it ease his rattled nerves.
“I am shocked to see you so soon, though your last letter did mention your return.” Karrington swirled the contents of his glass.
“Yes, however, it seems I no longer have a home. Do you know what happened?” Henry could still not believe he had no place to go. Perhaps his mother and uncle simply found other accommodations.
He could not help but wonder what all was lost and what could be done to rectify the situation.
“Yes, your uncle, along with a great number of other members of society, invested in a speculative investment in the Central American Republic of Pomais—”
“A what! Why the hell would he invest in a republic in Central America?” Henry pulled at his short hair in bewilderment.
“Your uncle has become close to a Mr. White who is a personal friend of the current Cacique of Pomais, Mr. Archibald Stanford—”
“What the bloody hell is a Cacique!” Henry’s voice rose as he stared at Karrington who raised an eyebrow at the outburst.
Henry had no idea why his mother and uncle would invest in a Central American Country. It was preposterous.
“It’s a king.” Elijah shrugged his shoulders when both men looked at him.
“White and Stanford began securing investors and settlers to the new settlement of Pomais. The first group of settlers left over six months ago. Your mother and uncle are due to leave with the next group at the end of the Season,” Karrington said.
“Pomais? I’ve never heard of it in all my travels.” Elijah stroked his chin in thought.
“Yes, well, it seems that a number of people would like an adventure. Mother Di tried to convince Prescott to sign up.” Karrington gave a curt shake of his head. “I had to persuade them not to invest their savings like so many other members of the ton.”
Henry swallowed hard. His neck suddenly hot, he pulled at his tight cravat. “Are you telling me they invested the family’s funds into a damn country no one has ever heard of?”
Karrington took a healthy gulp of his brandy, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. “Yes. Stanford and White were selling government bonds and land certificates. They exchanged actual funds for Pomais dollars.”
Henry groaned as he covered his face with both hands. “How much did my uncle invest?”
“I have no idea. I have inquired several times, only to be thwarted on the subject. I’m sorry I did not intercede sooner, when your uncle first became involved with Stanford and White.” Karrington’s voice was full of regret.
Henry’s body shook from outrage at his uncle for investing in such a scheme. Pressing his fingers to his eyes, he tried to ward off a pending headache. It wasn’t his responsibility to invest the family funds. Henry was the marquess, not his bloody uncle.
“Where are they? I want some damn answers!” Henry stood abruptly, needing to move, to do something.
“Your mother and uncle are currently staying with Mr. White and his wife.” Karrington looked up at him, pity in his blue gaze. Henry loathed that look. It made him feel like a victim.
“Has this White invested all of his funds as well?” Henry began pacing, feeling like a caged animal.
