ChapterOne
Finally.
Trent rested his forehead against the cool wooden door and took a moment to breathe.After reading her three different stories, Maggie was finally asleep.He’d been so busy out on the estate lately, she was feeling neglected and had become prone to temper tantrums.But he was only her brother, and hardly capable of raising her.Unfortunately, he was also all she had.
He did love her, though.And she believed in him.Idolized him, even.But sometimes it felt like this was all more than he could handle.Overseeing an estate that wasn’t his.Raising a child that wasn’t his.
He shook his head and chastised himself.This was a good life.One he hadn’t earned.It was more than he deserved, and he should be grateful for it.
He sighed as he trotted down the wide staircase and walked into the blue drawing room.At least this one actually was blue, both the sofas and curtains.In the yellow drawing room, there was not a hint of yellow to be found.But this wasn’t his house, so he didn’t question these things.Not out loud, anyway.
“Good evening, Benson.”
Benson already had their backgammon board set up and poured them each a glass of brandy before joining Trent at the table for their nightly game.
“Thank you.”Trent took a sip and sighed heavily, easing back against the chair.A muscle in his leg twitched as if it didn’t know how to relax.
“I doubt Lord Ashdown would have any objection to you hiring some help.”
Trent sighed again.“Warwick managed the job without extra help.Apparently, he even had enough time to facilitate a fraudulent marriage scheme on the side.”
“He did have extra help.He had you.And I know it isn’t my place to comment, but he quite clearly wasn’t doing a very good job of taking care of the estate.Hence, you have so much extra work right now.Not to mention, he wasn’t also raising a child.”
“Ash has already given me far too much, Benson.Not many earls would even acknowledge their bastard brother, so how can I possibly complain as I sit here in his palatial house, drinking his exquisite brandy, while playing backgammon with someone he’s paying to simply keep me company?On top of all that, a nanny to take care of my sister while I’m otherwise engaged.All he asks in return is that I manage his estate.”
“He is very generous.That is most assuredly true, and it is also why I believe he would not want you to work yourself into an early grave.”
“I appreciate your concern, and I am grateful for your companionship, regardless of the reason you’re here.But enough talk.I believe it’s my turn to go first tonight.”Trent rolled the dice and moved two of his pieces down the board.
When the butler entered the room a half hour later, they were nearing the end of their drinks and their game, Benson in the homestretch.
“A telegram for you, sir.”He approached the table with said telegram resting on a silver salver.Trent barely managed to stop himself from rolling his eyes.He struggled with the deference they all showed him.But the staff here saw him as Lord Ashdown’s brother and treated him accordingly.To fault them for it would be disrespectful.And once again, he should be grateful for it.
“Thank you, Moulton.”He took the folded paper, and the man bowed before leaving the room.
The note was from Ash.He set it aside to read later, and when he looked back at the board, one of his pieces was sitting on the bar.
“Did you cheat while I wasn’t watching?”
Benson shrugged.“I suppose you’ll never know.”
Trent chuckled.What would living in this house have been like without him?Quiet and lonely, no doubt.Ash had probably understood that and therefore provided.Just as he did with everything else.
Trent looked back at the telegram.It wasn’t uncommon to receive messages from Ash, but they usually came in the middle of the day, and something about this one niggled at him.
“Perhaps I should go have a look at this.”He picked up the telegram.“Based on where we’re at, I think we can safely declare you the winner tonight.”
Benson lifted his glass before tipping it back.“Make sure you get some rest tonight.Maggie needs you more than this estate does.”
He patted Benson’s shoulder.“Thank you.I truly appreciate your friendship.”
He gave a subtle nod.“Goodnight, sir.”
Trent groaned.“Not you, too.I just called you a friend.”
Benson smiled.“Apologies.Old habits, I suppose.Goodnight, Trent.”
He settled himself behind his desk and read the missive.He was being summoned.That was a first.A weight dropped into his stomach, sending ripples through the brandy he'd drunk.The request sounded innocuous enough, but there were no details.What if Ash had actually run out of patience with his ineptitude and he was about to lose his position at Woodburn Hall?
