14
James slammed into the house and the force with which he closed the door behind him caused the recently repaired window to eject the new glass. This shattered on the terrace most satisfactorily.
He stormed through the house to his study and only then realised his dogs were still outside. They were never left to roam without him being with them – they were obedient and docile with him, but woe betide any stranger, farm cat or terrier that they saw if he wasn't there to restrain them.
Grinding his teeth in frustration he turned, intending to go out and call them back. There was no need as his hounds had attached themselves to Sofia, one walking on either side, quite obviously protecting her. He rather thought it might be from him after his outburst.
He was able to watch her without being seen and even in her frightful gown, her lovely face marred with scratches, she was still the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Over the years he'd been pursued many times by eager matrons hoping to entice him to offer for their daughters, but he recalled none of those simpering debutants. Not until he'd set eyes on Sofia had he felt the slightest interest in setting up his nursery.
He walked past two new footmen outside the drawing-room door. They must be the men who'd accompanied his sister. They were wearing his livery and looked comfortable in their new positions.
'Have breakfast brought to me in my study. I don't care what it is as long as it's accompanied by a large jug of coffee.'
He was calmer now and puzzled why he'd reacted so violently. He knew she wasn't like any other young lady so why had he been so shocked by her suggestion? Then as if someone had tipped a bucket of icy water over his head his eyes were opened.
Was she right? Wasn't it love that he felt for her? Sofia had so rightly pointed out, it couldn't be after so short a time, it must be lust. Was she right to say that he'd rather bed her than marry her? That wasn't going to happen. She was an innocent, he an experienced gentleman. No, he must marry her and hope that physical attraction would be enough to make the marriage work.
Never having been in love or even in lust before, he'd possibly mistaken the feelings, given them romantic depths that on closer inspection weren't there.
Smithers had ridden into Bath yet again to expedite the legal matters concerning his acquisition of four wards. The only thing he was certain about at the moment was that it didn't matter how many lawyers Sinclair brought, Annabel was remaining here where she was safe. He cared not about her birth, although he was certain that many gentlemen would find her unacceptable even with the substantial dowry he was giving her.
There was no need to concern himself with any of that as he'd not let any of them marry until they were at least twenty years of age and then only to suitors that he approved of. His sister had been given scant choice in who she married and the bastard had almost killed her and her three children by his neglect and cruelty. His charges could select their own husbands or remain spinsters if that's what they wished to do.
A tray arrived; he devoured every morsel and drank every drop of coffee. Now replete he was ready to go in search of Sofia and try and put things right between them. Before he did, he needed to see his sister, his nephews and niece and make sure that they were comfortable and feeling better than when they'd arrived.
The long clock in the passageway outside his study struck nine – how could so much have happened and it still be so early?
He made his way to the breakfast parlour and could hear laughter and chattering. Despite his protestations that he preferred to be on his own he actually enjoyed knowing he had these seven members added to his family. Having so many to protect and guide was exactly what he needed to make his life less tedious.
'Good morning, I've come to see how you're doing today,' James said expecting to see the two girls as well as his sister and her children. Then he recalled that he'd told them to remain in their rooms until he gave them leave to exit.
'Pray excuse me for a moment, there's something I've neglected to do.'
There was a footman guarding the buffet, not to serve anyone but to assist when needed. He beckoned to him.
'Go to Miss Sinclair and Miss Colette and tell them that they're free to join us for breakfast if they so wish.'
The young man nodded and James strolled across to pour himself another cup of coffee. He really should have eaten here as it would seem odd that he didn't.
'I ate in my study,' he explained, 'but I'll join you whilst you break your fast.'
Rupert had recovered well, he was still painfully thin, but his eyes were bright and his colour healthy. He pointed at his little sister.
'Eloise should be eating in the nursery, Uncle James, children shouldn't be down here with us.' The boy looked at her with disapproval.
'Is that so? Well, nephew, that might have been the case in your previous home but here Eloise is welcome to remain downstairs. Charlotte, when you're feeling ready, we must sit down together and come up with a plan for the education of these three. I'm hoping that the agency in Bath will send us some likely candidates to become governess for Eloise and tutors for the boys.'
Rupert for some reason thought it appropriate to join in this conversation. 'I don't require a tutor; I intend to go to university. I am quite old enough to do so.'
James fixed the boy with a look that turned him pale. He was about to put the young man straight when Charlotte grabbed his hand.
'Please, James, forgive him. He didn't mean to offend you.'
'Rupert, this time I'll let your impertinence go uncorrected. I am your guardian now, your mother and I will decide what's best for you.'
The boy nodded suddenly looking unwell again and James regretted his reprimand.
'Then I'll turn to something that will be of more interest to you youngsters. Go and see my horses, I turn most of them out during the summer months. I'm sure I have at least two that will suit you. Do either of you wish to learn to handle the reins? I'd be happy to teach you to drive my phaeton once you've mastered driving something less alarming.'
