‘Evelyn.’
Howard tried to laugh, but failed. ‘You can’t be serious?’
The look of horror on Howard’s face reflected the ridiculousness of the proposal. Sir Robert realised he had spoken without caution or thought, but he would not back down now. Sounding more confident than he felt, Sir Robert added, ‘I am serious, so there is no need to be concerned.’
Howard stubbed out his cigar with violent stabs and stood. ‘Look here, Robert. You cannot leave a woman to run things. Dance steps and piano pieces have no place in understanding ledgers and tenancy agreements.’
‘She will learn.’
‘She cannot.’
‘It is not your concern.’
Howard shook his head in disbelief. ‘Grief has turned your mind. You have gone quite mad. There is no talking to you when you are in this state.’
‘Evelyn will inherit Carrack House and Estate. There is no more to be said on the matter.’
‘Your decision is based on spite not sound judgement!’ shouted Howard. Sir Robert returned his gaze to the paintingin his hand. Howard let out a guttural growl of contempt. Sir Robert ignored him. Howard swore and swept from the room. His raised voice continued in the hall as servants hurried to bring him his hat and coat. ‘A woman is ill-equipped to have such a responsibility!’ he shouted, shouldering himself into his coat. ‘You are a fool, Robert!’ He slammed his hat on his head. ‘And I will enjoy gloating when I have been proved right!’
‘I will ensure Evelyn is equipped,’ Sir Robert shouted back. He took a deep breath and placed the paintings carefully on his desk, ‘She won’t fail!’ he muttered to himself. He looked at his trembling hands and pressed them firmly on the polished wood to still them. ‘She can’t fail. I won’t let her.’
* * *
Miss Brown stood before Sir Robert and stole a nervous glance towards his wife. Lady Pendragon remained silent and her masked expression gave no hint to the governess why she had been summoned. He had informed his wife of his decision only moments before and although she expressed concern, these days she lacked the energy to argue. However, her cold silence told him she refused to take part.
Sir Robert cleared his throat. ‘Did Evelyn enjoy her walk?’
Miss Brown remained wary. ‘Yes, Sir Robert. We walked around the gardens and towards the Melon Yard. A cat on the estate has recently had some kittens and Evelyn finds some comfort in seeing them.’
It was an unusual situation and he understood Miss Brown’s apprehension. This was the first time he had summoned her as there had been no need to before. Circumstances had changed and the situation he now found himself in was too serious for small talk. Sir Robert decided to get straight to the point.
‘Do you think Evelyn is intelligent?’
Miss Brown looked somewhat puzzled with his question. She glanced again to his wife, which irritated him.
‘Well?’ he snapped.
Miss Brown straightened, growing an inch before his eyes. ‘Yes, Sir Robert. Your daughter is very intelligent.’
‘Is she capable?’
Miss Brown raised an eyebrow. ‘Capable of what, sir?’
There was an edge to her voice he did not like. On this occasion he would ignore it.
‘Does she have strength in her character? Resilience? The capability to learn?’
‘Your daughter is an exceptional young lady, Sir Robert. She is kind, thoughtful and tries so hard to please.’
Sir Robert waved his hand. This was not going well. He had made a terrible mistake. In truth, his opinion of a woman’s role in life was no different to that of his brother. Howard had been right; grief had turned his mind and made him speak hastily. Unfortunately, it was too late now.
‘I plan to leave Carrack House and its estate to Evelyn, but I need to be sure she is capable of the responsibility it entails.’
The governess, who had remained wary since entering the drawing room, suddenly smiled. ‘She is more than capable, Sir Robert. She would enjoy learning about the estate and spending time in your company. I have no doubt that Evelyn would devote her life to it.’
Sir Robert let out the breath he had been holding. This was good news. Very good news indeed.
‘We have much to do,’ Sir Robert said as he began to pace out his thoughts. ‘Up till now she has been trained for marriage, but we must mould her to be as equal to any man with regards to intelligence.’
