Charles arched a brow and stopped writing. “I’ve written three books. Each book is about a period of English history and how they influence today’s world.”
“That sounds like it takes a lot of research. How do you choose which period to write about?”
“I don’t. The subject matter chooses me.”
“Interesting,” Arthur replied. “Do you do speaking engagements?”
“Rarely. If my publisher receives an invitation, we discuss the matter. They go through them for me. Oxford is wanting me to come speak.”
“Will you accept the Oxford invitation?”
Charles ran his hand through his hair and then scrubbed his beard with his hand. “At some time. They ask every time I come out with a new book.”
“I suppose you should. It speaks volumes on how well received your books are.”
“Yes. It’s just one subject matter that I’m passionate about. Perhaps I’ll be able to expand into something else at some time.”
Arthur could tell his brother had been well schooled and that he had a passion for things most men wouldn’t. He wondered what he wanted to expand into but decided that was enough for one day. “Are you hungry, Charles?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“I’m going to stop and purchase a hamper so we can have something to eat while we’re heading back to London.”
Charles grunted, his attention on something else. He stayed silent. Arthur knew he stayed on one subject for only so long. But in a matter of minutes, he recalled his conversation and answered. “Excellent idea.”
Any further conversation was halted. At least on Charles’s end. Arthur engaged the coachman when they pulled up in front of an establishment. He sat back until the man returned carrying a basket. The coachman handed it in to Arthur and in moments, the carriage groaned as it pulled out onto the street.
Once they were on the way to London, Arthur opened the basket which was sitting beside him. “We’ve got some Cornish pasties, two varieties of cheeses, apples and pears, a loaf of crusty bread, and a bottle of wine.”
Arthur began to take items out of the basket and lay them on the seat next to him. He found two plates and handed one to his brother. That was still a strange word to come out of his mouth. He sliced cheese and an apple and pear. Charles didn’t seem to have any trouble in helping himself to what he wanted. Arthur followed suit, though he took less, making sure there would be plenty. He noticed that his brother ate like there was no tomorrow. He wondered why.
Once everything was put away, Arthur placed the basket on the far side of the seat he occupied. He looked across and found Charles settled back, his eyes closed, taking a well-deserved nap. He imagined the recent days had been tiring for him. He’d been through quite a few changes. Denton’s father had died, leaving Charles precariously in an odd position. If Arthur hadn’t found out his brother existed, he may well have been taken advantage of. He’d thought that when he first set eyes on Charles, but the more he was around him, the more he understood it was a partial act. Charles knew he could learn much more if he played ignorant. People thought him odd anyway, so playing into that thought, he could pretend one thing while he was learning; he would take things in stride.
Arthur picked up a book he’d brought along with him but found he couldn’t concentrate on the words in front of him. After several tries, he set the book down and closed his eyes. It was the last thing he remembered.
The next thing he recalled was Charles trying to wake him up. His first thought was they’d reached London. “Arthur, we’re getting closer to London.”
“How can you tell?”
“Traffic has become heavier. More people too.”
“You would be correct,” Arthur replied. “We’re still about an hour outside London.”
“How do you know?” Charles had a puzzled look on his face as he looked out the window.
“I recognize that field,” he replied, pointing to the window on the opposite side of the coach.
Charles nodded and peered out that side of the coach. He didn’t say a word. It was as though he were trying to remember every detail of that field for future encounters. Finally, he sat back and closed his eyes. Arthur knew Charles’s mind had to be going full speed. He was certain he would in the same situation. Charles was basically a stranger. Neither knew the other, and Arthur was sure this was going to be more delicate than what was going on now.
He and Daphne had discussed where Charles should live when they headed back to the country. There was a separate wing that was barely used. Sometimes it was occupied by guests, so the rooms got used. Other times it sat empty. It also had a full kitchen if Charles liked it and wanted to use it. If he felt uncomfortable, Charles could also live in one of the spare cottages, like he did at Denton’s. There was one cottage that came to mind to Arthur. It sat on the edge of the meadow, hidden by trees and brush. It had a small stable and outbuilding and was close enough to the main house that Charles could walk the distance.
The cottage might be the best option At least for a while, until Charles acclimated to the huge changes in his life. Arthur would still let his brother make his choice, but he would also talk to Charles’s valet and get his input. He would make a point to do so while they were still in London.
Arthur tried to close his eyes, but sleep wouldn’t come this time. Instead, he pulled a notebook out of a pocket of hisgreatcoat and began to make some notes about Charles, his attitude, where he might be more comfortable living. Turning a page, he began recalling things from Parliament he was working on and what he needed in order to comment on anything. He thoroughly enjoyed being an MP. It gave him a chance to help people and the country. Though he kept his personal life private for the most part, this new chapter with Charles was certainly going to wag some tongues. No one would doubt his claim that Charles was his brother. They looked exactly alike. Still, he didn’t want to expose his brother to unneeded publicity.
When he finished his thoughts, he replaced the notebook into his pocket. For some reason, he glanced up and saw Charles studying him with keen interest.
“I was writing notes on some bills I’m working on. It makes it easier for me when I get to my office to work if I have something to go by.”
