“And dwindles to very little at all. What expenses remain are from tradesmen in Haynesdale Hollow, not London.” Joshua looked up, awaiting an explanation.
“That was when he finally heeded your father, sir and returned to Nottinghamshire as bidden.”
“But Father and I were yet in London.”
“Aye, and Addersley Manor was closed. It was expected that Master Gerald would open part of the house, but he never did. Your father believed the diminished spending marked Master Gerald’s involvement with a young lady in the region, perhaps one of some means.” He raised his brows. “I thought perhaps he charmed an affluent widow. You see that they are for provisions rather than clothing, lavish meals instead of horses and carriages.”
“I see.” Gerald, evidently, had frequented Mr. Darney’s inn.
“Your brother came to your father, requesting funds and a settlement for his nuptials.”
“He meant to wed her.”
Mr. Newson nodded. “He spoke of it, but his lordship would not hear of what he called an unsuitable match. I never knew the lady’s name.” Mr. Newson coughed delicately. “I also believe his lordship believed the fancy to be a fleeting one, as was characteristic of Master Gerald’s liaisons. They argued heatedly—you were in London at the time, sir, when your father came back to meet with Master Gerald—and his lordship chose to buy a commission for Master Gerald. Master Gerald left Addersley Manor immediately to join his company, by his lordship’s design, and never crossed its threshold again.”
“It was arranged so quickly as that?”
Mr. Newson coughed again. “It is possible that the argument was precipitated by your father’s presentation of this plan, and your brother’s insistence that he meant to wed was a response. I was not in attendance and cannot be certain.” He sighed. “Your father was riled beyond all, to be sure. The tale was not shared with his usual coherence and attention to detail.”
Had Gerald even said farewell to Mrs. Lewis? Joshua wondered whether his brother had had the opportunity. Had he truly loved her?
Had Gerald known about the child?
‘You are returned!’she had said, with such joy. It seemed to Joshua that Mrs. Lewis held his brother in affection, even if no one else did.
Had she seen his brother since that day of his departure?
Joshua revealed the note he had received, the second one, and offered it to Mr. Newson. The older man’s gaze flew over it, then he looked up.
“You think this is about the child?”
“I think someone believes Mrs. Lewis has been poorly served.”
“But she is married. Her name makes that clear.”
“I wonder,” Joshua said, knowing that his own cook called herself Mrs. Baird but was unwed. He met the older man’s gaze. “But I intend to find out. I will not see Gerald’s child raised in poverty.”
Mr. Newson took a deep breath and frowned. “I understand your impulse, sir, but be warned that people of that class may seek to win an advantage undeserved. Consider the note!”
Joshua found himself bristling on Mrs. Lewis’ account. “If she had intended to demand funds from Addersley, would she not have done as much by now?”
“She might have done, sir,” Mr. Newson ceded heavily. “Perhaps she awaited your return or that of your father.”
Joshua thought she had been waiting for Gerald. “I do not think she wrote this note or the earlier one, but I will uncover the truth.”
“You cannot be granting coin to any woman with a son who resembles your brother, my lord.”
“Or the line might extend all the way to London,” Joshua said flatly. “I appreciate your concern, Newson, but I must repair this situation. The lady lives nearby, Newson, and the resemblance between her son and Gerald is powerful. I will do what is right in my brother’s name and memory.”
And he might, in the course of doing as much, be able to put Miss Emerson’s notion to rest.
The older man caught his breath, grimaced, then nodded reluctant agreement. “We should set a threshold upon it, sir, that your good nature not be exploited.”
“We will do what is right, Newson, and that is that.”
Joshua feltrestless when he returned home. Finding evidence of the occupation at the ruins but not the individuals responsible gave him the sense of a task left unfinished. He could see no way to ensure Miss Emerson’s safety, if she did venture from Bramble Cottage, and yet he had no responsibility to defend her.
If she had accepted his suit, he might have insisted that she and her aunt—or she and Becky—come to Addersley Manor until all was resolved.
