“Yes, of course. Don’t feel as though you have to ask,” Arthur said.
“He’s right, and dinner is at seven-thirty. We gather in the drawing room around seven,” Daphne said as she walked back to the parrot’s perch and cage.
Charles nodded and rose from his chair. “I shall see you then.” He turned and walked toward the closed door. It had been the only excuse he could come up with to get away.Even conversation with his newly found family found him withdrawing to his safe spot. He would have to overcome this. But not now. He’d bought himself some time to relax on his terms. He would try it again at dinner.
Inside the library, he found two walls lined with books. A grand piano sat in the center of the room with the furniture placed so everyone could enjoy music. Perhaps another time. Playing would just invite people to come and listen, and he didn’t care for the idea. His music had always been something very personal to him. He quickly found a book on the War of the Roses he hadn’t read. Shutting the door behind him, he once again walked back to his rooms. He found himself alone, Frazier probably downstairs taking care of something on his behalf.
Chapter Four
Charles and Arthursat in front of the desk of Jeremy Smith, the family solicitor. Smith had wanted to not only meet Charles in person, he had news to share with him.
“You’ve written three rather successful books. Have you ever considered where the royalties were going?” Smith inquired.
“Royalties? No. I signed a contract which is good for three more years, I believe. I’ve never seen any royalties from any of them.”
“Your father set up a bank account in your name and that’s where they’ve been sent. Your father’s name was on it of course, but when he died, Arthur’s name replaced your father’s.”
“If you want, I can have my name taken off the account, Charles,” Arthur said.
“No. No changes need to be made,” Charles replied.
Smith picked up a black ledger book from his desk and handed it to Charles. “This is a full accounting of your royalties. It is up to date as of the end of last month.”
Charles began to leaf through the book, holding it where Arthur could also see it. He tried not to reveal his emotions as this was far more than he ever imagined. “This is for the first three books?”
“Yes, it is. Nothing has been taken out.”
Looking at Arthur and then Smith, he tried to find the words. Finally, simple words left his mouth. “This is a tidy sum.”
“It is,” Smith replied.
“Thank you for showing me this. Can I expect a copy each month?”
“If that’s what you wish.”
Charles shook his head. “Only if money goes out, and any deposits which are made.”
Charles sat back and listened as Smith and his brother went over other matters. He couldn’t get his mind to focus on anything else. He’d never had his own money. Denton had always taken care of his needs through money his father regularly sent. He even made sure Charles had pocket money for the times he did go to the village. If something was more than he had, Charles simply had it billed to Denton.
“Charles?”
He glanced over at Arthur. “Yes?”
“Are you ready to go?”
Charles nodded. “Yes, whenever you’re ready.”
“If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know,” Smith said, extending a hand to both brothers.
“I’m sure I will once the shock has worn off,” Charles said. “Thank you.”
The pair walked out into the sunshine and headed to their waiting carriage. Charles would have preferred to walk to Parliament, but his brother insisted they’d get there just as quickly by taking the carriage. He climbed in after Arthur and sat. “Are we going to your office?”
“Yes. I thought first we might have lunch in the Parliament dining room. The food is superb, and after that we’ll go to my office and check on what I might have missed.”
“Do you miss it when you’re away?”
“This is my first session, but I do enjoy it. Ask me that question in a year or two when I’m more seasoned,” Arthur replied with a grin.
