“Haud yer weesht. Dinnae be a gowk.”
Philip replied something in kind, and they were soon in a heated debate.
“Let me tell ye one thing, Philip. I can take yer precious device to London tomorrow and deposit it at the patents’ office, together with the money. And ye’ll never see it again. Like what happened to all yer inventions.”
Philip set his lips in a mulish line. “We know it takes a while for them to process things. It could take years.”
“I think your grandfather is right.” Arabella hadn’t intended to speak up.
Philip stared at her. “What do you know about those things?”
“Not much,” she said, “but your grandfather’s correct when he says that the right connection usually opens doors. Especially in London. I’ve heard, or rather read, about Winchester. He has a reputation for being eccentric and forward-thinking. He’s uncommonly open-minded towards scientists and inventors. It might be a good idea to go, if he’s invited you — or rather, the Earl of Threthewick.”
“Aye.” The old man nodded. “Pull yerself together, go to that dinner, talk to the Earl and tell him about yer invention and ask him to use his influence. Not that the future Duke of Morley would ever have to beg anyone’s patronage in anything,” he snorted.
“Don’t ever utter that name in my house.” Philip snarled.
“Aye, that’s another thing. Get over him already. Ye’ve been living in a fantasy world here and as long as that works for ye, fine. But what about the children?”
The children were quiet but while Robin and Joy played, Katy was sitting on the floor, following their conversation. It was clear from the lack of surprise on her face that she must’ve known about this.
Suddenly the puzzle pieces came together, and Arabella understood. Katy knew that Morley was her grandfather. She knew she was going to be a duke’s daughter one day. She’d been shamed at her last visit at Thornton Hall. That was why Katy wanted a governess so desperately.
A flush of angry colour suffused Philip’s face. “Never.” He threw the letter on the table and stormed out of the room.
Fergus folded his arms and nodded, satisfied. “Dinnae fash yersel. He’ll come round. We might need yer help, Miss.”
“My help?” That was the second grandfather within a day who was soliciting her help.
He nodded. “The boy needs to be turned into a lord. Ye need to help him.”
“Aside from the fact that he doesn’t want that, why do you think I am even remotely qualified to do this?”
“Because yer a lady.”
Chapter 20
Philip missed dinner.
It had been a simple affair which Mr Fergus prepared, consisting of a loaf of bread, cheese and butter. The children went to bed soon after, and Arabella heard Philip’s low voice as he read to them. He must’ve returned without her noticing it.
“Join us in the parlour, Miss Weston.” Fergus held the door open to her.
She hesitated. “Surely you would like to spend some time alone with your grandson?”
Fergus made an impatient movement with his hands. “We’ve matters to discuss.”
Arabella went in, curious.
Philip joined soon after. He ran one hand through his hair, mussing it up even further.
“The book’s long finished, but Joy can’t bear the story to be over, so I just have to keep inventing a continuation,” he said with a lopsided grin. “I pretend I’m reading it.”
Fergus nodded. “Yer a good father, Pip.”
“If I’m a good father it’s because I had a good role model.”
The two men grinned at each other.
