“No. Just a feeling in my bones. Something bad is going to happen.”
Wesley shook his head in disgust. “You old croaker. You don’t scare me. You’re off in your attic—everyone knows it. Except your pet, Marsh. I hear you told him he would die in battle, but he didn’t. And I don’t believe this little warning of yours either.”
“I never said he would die. Only that he wouldn’t live to receive his inheritance. But if something happens to you”—she shrugged, eyes glinting—“who inherits then?”
Despite himself, a chill went down Wesley’s spine. He pulled his gaze from hers and yanked at the valise, just as she released it. The momentum nearly knocked him backward down the stairs. His heart clenched and he grasped for the railing, catching himself just in time.
The nurse did not blink. “Be careful, Master Wesley. We all make mistakes, but some falls are more deadly than others.”
When Wesley trudged back downstairs, his parents were standing outside his bedchamber. Eyeing the valise he carried, his father slowly shook his head, and his mother’s lips pinched tight.Excellent,Wesley thought.So much for a stealthy departure...
They followed him into his room and shut the door behind them.
His father began, “I take it you’ve heard that Sophie has left Overtree Hall?”
“I have. She wrote to me as well.”
“I cannot say I approve of her sneaking off like this,” his mother said, “but perhaps it is for the best that she is absent for a time—put some distance between you.”
His father gestured to the valise. “I can guess what you are planning, but I beseech you not to interfere.”
“Don’t follow her and make a bigger mess than we already have to deal with as it is,” his mother pleaded. “Like it or not, Sophie is married to Stephen.”
“As I am painfully aware.” Wesley forked a hand through his hair.
“But don’t you see?” his mother asked. “You have been given a second chance. You are free to marry anyone you like. A fine lady of excellent character from the best family.”
“Your mother is right,” his father said. “Perhaps it is time to find a wife of your own.” His voice gentled. “If you married, your wife would help you forget Sophie. And the children the two of you bring into the world would comfort you in the loss of Sophie’s child. You have your own heir to think of. The heir to Overtree Hall.”
Traditionally, heirs were firstborn sons, but since the estate was not entailed, Wesley knew he would be able to choose his own heir someday, once he was master of Overtree Hall. However, there was no need to worry about who would inherit what for several decades to come.
His mother added, “Did you not once admire Miss Blake?”
He puckered his face. “A hundred years ago, maybe. When I was young.”
“Why not now? She is very pretty, in her way.”
Wesley shook his head. “I don’t know that I agree. She has a pleasantly shaped faced, I grant you. But all those freckles...”
“Wesley, be serious. I cannot believe you would object to a perfectly suitable marriage partner for so superficial a reason.”
“It is more than that, Mamma, I assure you. Her sharp tongue does her no favors either.”
His father wrinkled his face in disgust. “I would not be as fastidious as you for a kingdom, Wesley.”
“He cannot help his sensibilities, my dear,” his mother said. “Though I trust he is overstating his case to vex us, because he doesn’t like us interfering.” She turned back to him. “But do be reasonable, Wesley. Miss Blake would make you an excellent wife. I am sure she would have you, if you asked. She has long wished to marry an Overtree, I believe.”
“Has she?” his father asked. “I thought she had seemed a little cool towards Wesley lately.”
“Yes, she has,” Wesley agreed. Though he didn’t explain why.
His father gripped his shoulder—a surprisingly strong grip.
“Be that as it may be. Please honor us in this by not going after Sophie. Stay here.”
The nurse’s warning echoed through Wesley’s mind once again:“Stay away from her, orit will not go well with you.... Some falls aremore deadly than others.”
Wesley swallowed. “I shall... think about it,” he allowed. “But I make no promises.”
