“And, knowing you, I imagine you consider you ought to have been able to prevent your cousin’s wife from being bitten by the adder as well. Because, when it comes to your Uncle Leo and Flavion, everything is ultimately your responsibility.” Marcus mocked him in the gentle way that only good friends can get away with. “As long as I’ve known you — hell, since we were both fourteen — you were always helping Flavion so as not to disappoint your uncle. I’d thought you would see things more clearly by now.”
Stephen didn’t respond for a few seconds. He knew Marcus spoke logically, but Stephen could not change how he felt. He owed his uncle everything. Uncle Leo had treated him as a son, even to the detriment of his marriage and his relationship with his true son. It ought not to have been that way. Uncle Leo ought not to have neglected Flavion on account of his preference for his nephew. Stephen dropped his hands and looked up at Marcus.
“I didn’t know about Corinne… about the child,” Stephen said. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”
Marcus looked down at his hands, his brow furrowed. “I knew you’d probably blame yourself — take responsibility once again. Lord Hartley always worshiped her from afar, and when she needed a husband, he was willing to step up. It isn’t a love match, but I think they are both happy. Corinne’s a wonderful mother, and Hartley dotes on her. I can’t say I’m not glad that Flavion abandoned her. She’d have been miserable married to him.”
Stephen thought of Cecily. He could not disagree with Marcus’ statement. But he felt badly nonetheless. And Marcus was also right. Had Stephen known about his ex-fiancée’s condition, he most likely would have returned. He would have taken over the responsibility.
He would have resented the hell out of both Corinne and Flavion. Would he have resented the child?
An unappealing pattern was becoming apparent to him. Was he the weaker for it? He’d thought it had been honorable to step in and fix Flavion’s problems, but had he harmed him by doing so? He knew Flavion was flawed. But he was like a brother.
“I’m not helping Flavion now.” Although tempted to confess that he’d made love to Cecily, he could not dishonor her that way. So instead, he said, “I’m tempted by his wife.” More than tempted, by God.
“I had thought so but wasn’t certain until I saw the look on your face when the maid informed you of the countess’ condition.” Marcus crossed his foot over one knee and leaned back. “There are many men of my acquaintance for whom this would not pose a problem, but knowing you, it’s most likely damned inconvenient.”
“You could say that,” Stephen said. He met Marcus’ gaze.
Marcus shrugged. “It’s early yet, but does your cousin have any more of that marvelous whiskey? I don’t know about you, but I’d welcome a drink while we consider your predicament.”
“He does,” Stephen answered, turning to the shelf that held the decanters and glasses. If he remained in England much longer, he was likely going to pickle himself. Pouring one out for his friend, he pondered where to begin. “I instructed Salaam to keep an eye on Flavion as long as Cecily is confined to her chambers, for at least the next couple of days. There are two very irate papas on the lookout for my cousin, Lord Griffin and Colonel Benning.”
At this information, Marcus nodded approvingly.
“I have also hired a detective to investigate Flavion’s actions before his marriage. There is something… I cannot put my finger on it, but Miss Cunnington is disproportionately possessive of my cousin, and I wonder… Perhaps Flavion has made her some promises that can only be fulfilled if Lady Kensington is out of the picture. Therefore, I think it wise to have a greater understanding of that situation. And then…”
“Yes?” Marcus encouraged him.
“If I can assure myself of both Flavion and Cecily’s safety, as well as the solvency of the Kensington properties, then I can return to managing my own affairs.”
“Affairs?” Marcus raised his brows.
Stephen scoffed. “I am expecting some important shipments to come in any day, and one of my ships’ captains has given notice. I’ll need to replace him as well as renegotiate some contracts due to expire. It is not as though I live the life of an idle gentleman, as you well know.”
“But what of your… attraction to the delectable Lady Kensington?” Marcus would not let up. Though a good friend, he could be relentless when he so desired.
Stephen placed his fist against his mouth and turned his head to admire the view outside the window. It did not make sense to him, the tumult of feelings he was coming to have for her. It had only been a few days. How had he come to feel as though her presence in his life was so… necessary?
The situation was impossible.
Even if Flavion were to divorce her, it would take years. In spite of their lovemaking the previous night, Stephen could not permit himself to have an affair with his cousin’s wife.
Oh hell and damnation, he already was. But it could not continue. The notion was abhorrent to him. His conscience already warred with him on an hourly basis. He needed to talk with her. He needed to explain to her that he could not continue exploiting this situation for his own gratification. Because, apparently, that was what it had come down to most recently.
Only last night he had buried himself in her — in her softness. She’d allowed him to intimately explore every inch of her petal-soft skin. The mere thought compelled him to go to her now. Which was ridiculous. She was injured, ill. Shifting uneasily, he dropped his hand and looked back over at his friend — his friend whose eyes were all too knowing.
“It is impossible,” was all he said. “I have considered a number of scenarios, and in none of them do I feel that it would be appropriate for me to allow my affection for her to rule this situation.”
Marcus watched him closely. “No scenarios at all?”
Setting his jaw, he nodded firmly. “None.”
Marcus took a sip of his drink and then sighed loudly. “Well then, at the risk of adding to your burdens, would it be possible for you to advise me on my own investments?”
Ah, this was something he was comfortable with. Something he could be sure of. “Most definitely, my friend.”
As Marcus left to retrieve his portfolio, Stephen hoped that things would become less complicated soon.
