“Father did nothing to deserve such a brutal attack. The villagers loved him. Like you, I cannot think of any enemies he had. Could it be an enemy of yours—someone from your past?” Slade arched a brow.
“Father knew of my work, and so you know, I had resigned. I have racked my brain to think of anyone that could want the duke dead. It makes no sense. I will do this horrible thing only because I have no suspects.” His brother sounded exhausted.
“So, you plan to go through with this.” It was not a question. “Are you sure the nightshade is reversible?”
“Doctor Fellows says it is. He plans to monitor it closely. My wounds are grave on their own. It is a risk, I admit. But I could die from these wounds.”
“I am not a fan of the plan—especially of not alerting our mother. You sell her short if you think she cannot convey adequate mourning. She just lost Father.” He was silent for a moment. “Your death would make me duke,” he said with a visible shudder of revulsion. He tried to be positive. “I suppose I could do it for a week. No longer. This had better work.”I will tell Mother, though. I cannot lose her from grief.As duke, he would make that decision.
Graham laughed. “I realize you dislike the plan. I agree with you. And I cannot control your actions once you are duke,” he added meaningfully.
“I understand.” Slade felt better that Graham understood his concerns and seemed to agree. He knew brother would not openly defy the Crown, so any awareness to Mother would have to be Slade’s decision.
“By the way, how does your business fare? I hear good things. However, I have also heard you have made enemies of the East India Company. There is a trading company agent I would make you aware of.” Graham coughed. “He has left a trail of chaos in his wake.”
“I know of him.” Slade gave a wicked grin. Mr. Banshee had made it known how he felt about his company. So far, he and Latham had foiled every attempt at sabotage. “Perhaps they will come to respect our willingness to compete with them. We do not threaten the bulk of their business. I would not describe them as enemies,” Slade hedged.
“Trust me, brother. You have made enemies.” His gaze locked with his brother’s. “I sense that you know it. You are a small fish swimming with a whale that wishes to eat you.”
“Fine. I admit it. We have made enemies; however, we are successful because we respect the Indian people and what they offer. East India treats the people terribly. Beyond the stealing, their military—or whatever they claim it to be—is an excuse for atrocities.”
“I realize that.” His brother took a slow, labored breath. “Will you stay nearby until I recover? I need to know you are safe. I cannot worry about you.” Graham’s voice sounded pleading.
“Of course. A warning, brother. This lark you are planning betternottake your life, Graham. I have no plans to be a duke and if that occurs, I may never forgive you,” he goaded, happy to see his brother’s face light up in a smile.
“You always could make me laugh, Slade. You find humor in any situation.” Graham laughed weakly. “You have always been the family rebel. I have always admired that in you.”
Despite his best efforts, he found himself laughing with his brother. “Father was not always pleased with my rebelliousness.” He watched his brother with concern. “What you say about this plan may be true, Graham, but I am not convinced that we can do this to Mother. The people that come up with theseplansdo not know our mother. We both know her. I have faith in her acting talent. And I thinkknowingwould draw on an inner strength she has abandoned in her grief.”
“If we tell her, she will have to be careful not to give it away. If I am wrong about the focus of this plot, they could also target Mother and Tabetha.” Graham took a deep breath and coughed.
“I realize what you are saying. Let me consider this a little longer.” Slade remained vexed about his brother. “I want you to have time to heal. Where will you go?”
“We have a safe house in London. I may go there.”
“Where? I would prefer you to stay closer. That’s days away. I would rather you were not traveling so far. However, if you are going to London, I shall follow as soon as it makes sense. Perhaps Mother and Tabetha would enjoy Christmastide in London.”
Graham arched a brow.
“Technically, I will be the duke, Your Grace—even if ’tis for a short time.” Slade gave his brother a sheepish smile.
“This could be trouble,” Graham laughed, grabbing at his stomach. “You are wearing me down.”
“And Lady Evers. Have you heard from her?” Slade schooled his voice to prevent sarcasm.
“She sent word that her coach arrives no later than tomorrow morning.And sends her love.” Graham’s voice held no emotion, yet he looked away.
“You don’t have to marry her, Graham. Why are you going through with it?” Slade could see nothing to recommend this woman.
“I confess, with Father’s death, I wish I had waited. I did it for him,” Graham lamented. “Now, I do not know how to untie myself from her without jilting her. I cannot do that. I have made my bed.”
“Maybe not.” Slade had an idea. “How much does she know of your health?”
“Nothing, I believe. I am not sure she has inquired,” Graham said thoughtfully.
“And when is this ruse of yours supposed to happen?”
“I see where you are going with this.” Graham’s face had color in it for the first time.
