“Wealth?” Marcus asked. “I need no wealth. I do well on my own.”
“That is only because Victor paid for your school and assisted when you wished to purchase rank. He would have the rest of us poor if not for keeping up with appearances,” Maria pouted.
His sister knew very well why the purse strings had been tightened and closed. “It is no longer my responsibility to see you clothed and housed.” Victor shot a look to Kingsley who hastily drank his wine.
Maria waved her hand in dismissal. “You will have more money than you could possibly spend once Thompson kicks up his toes. I have heard that there are few men who are richer than him.”
For once Victor would like to have a conversation that did not revolve around money. But his family remained greedy and so jealous of what Charlotte and her father had that they could think of nothing else.
It was rather sickening. “Do any of you ever care about the damage to the stables or the land, or that the fields were flooded and crops ruined and that our tenant farmers will suffer through the winter if I do not step in and assist?” He tossed his napkin on the table and stood. “Some were even injured trying to save livestock and we still do not know why anyone would cause this damage intentionally. I believe that is far more important than you being in possession of a painting.”
His appetite was gone. Victor could no longer stand to look at his family and stomped from the dining room in search of spirits in the library. Not only had they not cared about the damage, but they also had not once asked after Charlotte, or his life in Willanton. In fact, he could probably disappear for all they cared so long as the bills were being paid.
“Please say that I can join you and not be forced to endure them much longer.”
Victor chuckled and welcomed his brother into the library. “Close the door behind you and lock it please.”
Marcus did as he asked and came forward to accept the glass of brandy. “What did you mean about the stables, the dam and flooding?”
“You don’t know?” Victor asked. “I was certain that you did since you left the day it happened.”
“It must have occurred after I was gone because I have no idea what you are talking about.”
With a sigh, Victor settled into a chair and told Marcus what he knew, then they discussed other matters such as Marcus selling his commission and he told his brother about Charlotte and their home in Willanton. It was the early morning hours before they both climbed the stairs to find their chambers.
It was good to spend time with his brother and hopefully with his help, all the damage could be repaired quickly so that Victor could return home. His real home in Willanton and to Charlotte, who he was missing more and more each day.
Chapter 32
Ittookthreedays,but Charlotte’s carriage came to a stop before her childhood home and the only emotion she experienced since she had received the missive was sadness for her father in that he couldn’t have been happy with what he had and always wanted more money, more power, a title…
A footman came forward and opened the carriage door. Charlotte stepped out and looked up at the mansion her father had coveted until he was able to purchase it. The weight of disappointment settled about her shoulders along with trepidation. There were few happy memories in this house and at the first opportunity, she would sell it.
Callie had accompanied Charlotte and joined her on the gravel drive. She was thankful to have her maid with her for it made the travels easier. Otherwise, she might have dwelled on her loss more, or worried about what she would tell Victor when she saw him.
Tilly was waiting just inside the entry, and for the first time in days, Charlotte smiled. Tilly had been such a comfort to her growing up. Charlotte had asked her father if she could take her maid when she had left but he had forbidden it.
“Tilly.” Charlotte held out her hands and the maid came forward. “I have missed you.”
“I am sorry for your loss, Lady Blackmar.”
“Thank you.”
“Your chamber has been prepared. Is there anything that you need?”
“Has my husband arrived?”
“He has not.”
Charlotte thought this odd. Victor wouldn’t need to travel as far as she and assumed he had already arrived.
Perhaps he couldn’t leave Thornhill Park right away.
“I will send a message to Mr. Ward. He has been quite anxious in awaiting your arrival,” the butler advised. He was not the same solicitor her father had employed previously, but few servants remained at Hartfield Hall before seeking employment in a more pleasant home and one that paid reasonable wages.
Charlotte nodded to the man, though the solicitor would likely wish to meet with Victor instead of her.
“Come along, Lady Blackmar. I will see that you are settled.”
