“Well, of course I would focus on becoming a formal member of a family such as yours, but given both your cousin and her stepsister seem... reluctant to enter into a union, I’m simply making other forays.”
“You stay away from my cousin,” James hisses.
Raverson shrugs innocently, an infuriatingly blasé smile coming over his face. He opens his mouth, but James jerks forward, his stepfather clapping him hard on the back.
“Lord Raverson, I look forward to our lunch,” Stepfather says.
James realizes then that the game has ended and people in the stands are starting to file out. His cousin, Lady Gwen, and Mason have already headed down to the field to greet Lord Mason.
“As do I, Mr.Griggs,” Raverson says. “I’ll see you both soon,” he adds, standing up to button his frock coat before whistling his way down the stands.
James sits there staring after him, panic and terror warring in his chest.
“Now that’s an impressive young man,” Stepfather says, leaning back in his seat. “You should take after him, watch what he does this season. Might be able to show you a thing or two.”
James stares out at the field, refusing to react, lest he turn and throttle his stepfather. Instead, he focuses on Lady Gwen, MissBertram, and Mason, watching as they stand chatting, waiting for Lord Mason to gather his muddy things. Mason’s laugh carries up to the stands and James feels his ire and panic settling onto Mason’s careless shoulders.
They wouldn’t be in this predicament if Mason were more circumspect. If he were careful, like he should be. Instead, he’s gone and slept with perhaps the most dangerous gossip in the city, who now has evidence of their tryst. Mason has endangered them all. Put a target on their backs and assured Raverson’s continued interest in their families.
It’s Mason’s irresponsibility that’s to blame. Mason’s devil-may-care attitude.
Mason’s the problem here.
And he has the gall to suggest James is the one shirking his duties. Accusing him of abusing his power because James isn’t interested in the tittle-tattle of parliament.
Well, no more. If Mason’s going to endanger their families, it will be up to James to protect them all from scandal by making himself so useful and well regarded he can counteract any... salacious gossip Mason may incur.
***
James’ hand flies over his paper as he listens to Lord Roberts, trying to take down all the notes he can. This committee discussion in favor of the Medical Act has proved surprisingly interesting.
Their collective proposal to work with the few well-established medical institutions to begin their registry with properly accredited graduates is a strong start. They’ll then move on to communities using those students as hubs to judge all those privately trained physicians.
Roberts finishes his speech and the lords around James, Lord Mason, and Lord Havenfort begin shifting and shuffling out of the meeting room. James marks down one final medical institution, putting a star beside the University of Edinburgh.
“They do have an excellent program,” Lord Havenfort says.
James looks up to find him smiling. His is a handsome face; so much of him in Lady Gwen as well. But the dark circles beneath his eyes are what catches James’ attention.
“Thank you,” James says, pushing around the lump in his throat that seems to come with addressing anyone of Lord Havenfort’s stature. “I have classmates who’ve gone up for training. I’m sure I could reach out to ask them to begin preparing their rosters.”
“That would be excellent,” Lord Havenfort says, looking...fondseems the wrong emotion. Is that—pride? Can’t possibly be.
“Yes, Mr.Yorks and Mr.Findlay?” Lord Mason chimes in.
“And Mr.Yorks’ younger brother, and Mr.Rilton,” James says, glancing back at Lord Mason. “I think you and Mr.Rilton would have played rugby together for a year?”
“We did. He was quite the defense. Once you’ve written your letters, send me copies, and I’ll reach out to Rilton as well, get them all working together.”
“Perfect,” James says, trying to appear casual. His showing effort is going exceedingly well.
“I’ll leave the University of Edinburgh in your capable hands, then,” Lord Havenfort says as they shuffle out through the last few chairs and down the steps to the antechamber.
“I believe Lady Mason will have a few wives she can contact for references as well,” Lord Mason adds. “I’ll write to her.”
“How is she?” Lord Havenfort asks.
James hustles to keep up with both taller men as they stride across the antechamber toward the street outside. He still feels a bit like a hanger-on, but they’re speakingwithhim, not around him, and that’s something. A few more weeks of this attention and he’ll be able to prove Mason thoroughly wrong. He’ll be irreplaceable, necessary, powerful.
