Not since those first days after his accident.
Not since he had begun spending time with Lady Charlotte.
He had certainly been motivated to stay busy after his accident—and he had—but his habitual restlessness had somehow been . . . less.
But now, the sensation had returned in force.
“Speaking of the marquisate,” Andrew said, standing to bounce Isolde and fixing Alex with a more serious gaze, “have ye further considered accepting the title?”
“Nae. My wishes havenae changed.” Alex downed his tea in a rush, setting down the cup and saucer before his nerves set the china to rattling. “But the situation has developed, as ye all know. My visit yesterday with Mr. Argent was not particularly encouraging.”
Mr. Argent was a capable sort. They had spoken for three hours, Alex listening as Mr. Argent expounded on the marquisate and its holdings. Alex had been impressed by the man’s diligence and dedication.
At the end of their discussion, Alex had hired Mr. Argent himself. He tasked Argent with determining the precise state of affairs and giving Alex a recommended list of needed changes to Lord Frank’s handling of Lockheade businesses and lands.
Perhaps with that list in hand, Alex could confront Ferndown and Lord Frank and hammer out a solution. Though he was at a loss as to how to make it binding . . .
“Before I make any decisions, I need to know all the facts,” Alex continued. “I have no doubt Mr. Argent will be diligent in his recommendations.”
“It is to your credit that you care so,” Ewan said, reaching for another beef sandwich from a side tray. “But I know from watching my wife deal with our more modest holdings—it is not a task for the faint of heart.”
“Aye. I agree with Ewan.” Rafe nodded his head. “Besides, I heard today that if you sign the attainder and swear off the title, Lords will postpone resolving the matter until at least next year. No one has the energy to draft the legislation necessary to award the marquisate to Master Frederick.”
“I heard the same.” Andrew paused as Isolde fussed. He expertly moved her to his shoulder, rubbing her back and crooning softly.
“That is a concern,” Alex agreed. “The longer this drags on, the more entrenched Lord Frank becomes in managing the marquisate. If he is behaving as we suspect, the damage he will inflict will be immense. I may not have the luxury of waiting for a resolution.”
Silence for a moment.
“I know up to now I haven’t said anything to try to persuade ye to take up the title, Alex,” Andrew said, “as I feel like the decision needs tae be yours alone, but . . .”
“But?” Alex prompted.
“As a fellow Scot, I find it a wee bit difficult to hold my tongue.” Andrew continued to rub Isolde’s back, thewean’seyes drooping in sleep. “As Lockheade, ye could be a voice for real change in Lords. You and I, we could stand shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of our countrymen. We’ve spoken of this before, I know, but Scotland stands at a crossroads with England.”
“Perhaps, but England has vilified Scotland for centuries.” Alex took a deep breath, wishing his leg was healed enough to allow him to pace. His body nearly bounced with suppressed energy.
“Yes, but the new king has a more nuanced view of Scotland. There is even talk of him visiting Edinburgh next year.”
“Aye,” Rafe agreed with a nod. “After the unrest last year in Glasgow—”
“The Radical War?” Ewan asked.
“Och, that is a galling name for a civil uprising tied to unfair working conditions and low wages. Only an English newspaper would call it such.” Andrew rolled his eyes. “Regardless, Westminster is eager to mend fences at the moment. It’s why they have leapt onto this idea that ye might marry Lady Charlotte—”
“I’m not going to marry Lottie—ehr, Lady Charlotte,” Alex interrupted.
Of course, no one missed his slip.
“Lottie?” An amused grin tugged at Rafe’s lips.
“Aye.” Andrew winked at Rafe. “And he admitted earlier that she’s right bonnie, too.”
“I give him a month.” Rafe grinned wider. “A man can only deny his heart for so long.”
Alex sighed, shaking his head at the teasing.
“Whynotmarry her?” Ewan asked. “It’s a genuine question. Ye obviously care for the lady.”
