This was a nightmare. Panic rose high enough to nearly close Eve’s throat and her mind scrambled for an explanation…She’d fallen asleep by the fireplace, waiting for her brother to return and this was nothing but a very bad dream brought on by the state of her worry and distress. In a moment, she’d waken and be in their lodgings.
“You wagered your sister and are now leaving her in the care of a gentleman you hadn’t met before last night?” The older woman asked in shock and dismay.
“Aya, and I ain’t ta proud ta be admittin’ it,” Brendan answered. “It’s the best for Eve. At least I know she’ll be safe.”
“Throw them out, Mrs. Peade,” Kilsyth ordered.
Thank goodness! Eve breathed a sigh of relief.
“Ye can’t,” Brendan argued. “It’s all right and legal. I’ve been ta the solicitor and have made the Earl of Kilsyth Eve’s guardian.”
“Let me see those damned documents.” Kilsyth yanked the papers from Brendan’s hand.
Oh, please let there be an error or something that would get her out of this situation since it apparentlywasn’ta nightmare. At least not the kind that visited during slumber.
The longer he read, the more Kilsyth frowned, which didn’t bode well for Eve’s predicament.
“Well, at least she comes with ten thousand pounds.”
“Ten thousand pounds?” Did she still have part of her dowry?
“After I spent the first half, I wasn’t allowed access ta more. Father’s will stated that I might use some to clothe and care for Eve, but ten thousand must remain untouched for when she married.”
“What if I never marry?” Hope, for the first time in a year, fluttered in Eve’s breast
“Then it is yers when ye are three and twenty.”
Some of that hope deflated because Eve would need to learn how to get by for the next two years. But there was optimism that her future may not be as bleak and empty as she’d anticipated. Did that mean Cait also had her dowry, or was she even aware any was left? Not that it changed anything, but at least their sister would have security beyond the wages she earned as a teacher.
“By then, I hope dat ye’ll forgive me.”
Of course, by then she’d have funds that he’d probably come begging for if he hadn’t learned his lesson. Eve glared at him. Brendan had brought them both to this. He’d lost everything she’d ever known or had, save the dowry he couldn’t touch, and never would. “Ye’ll never get another farthin’ from me.”
“Have a heart, Eve.”
“I can’t afford ta, Brendan.” Just as he couldn’t afford to have morals, which made her fear what her exact purpose was to be in the Lord of Kilsyth’s home.
“Mrs. Peade, summon the footman and have Mr. Doyle removed.”
“Very well, Lord Kilsyth.”
“No need. I’ll see meself out.” With barely a look in her direction, Brendan shuffled from the library, his head down as he left Eve very much alone with these strangers.
The documents must be legal since Kilsyth wasn’t having her removed. What was she to do now?
Eve tried to think. She couldn’t remain here under any circumstances. “I’m sorry ta have been disturbin’ yer mornin’. I’ll be goin’ now.” She edged toward the door.
“I don’t believe so, Miss Doyle,” Kilsyth countered. “Apparently, you now belong tome.”
Chapter 3
Henry studied Miss Doyle and decided that she’d do quite well for his purposes. This might be exactly what he needed. The challenge that was missing from his life. The hole that needed to be filled.
“Really, Lord Kilsyth, you can’t mean to keep her,” Mrs. Peade objected. “What of her family?”
His housekeeper did give him something to think on. “Miss Doyle, I assume your father is dead since your brother mentioned a will.”
“Aye.”
