“No.” Philip’s chest tightened at the memory of her rubbing her wrist even as she’d said she was fine.
“Then what is the problem? We shared a moment alone on a terrace with no one the wiser other than you.”
“And her two friends. You are lucky no one else witnessed it or you would be planning a wedding.”
Markus grinned. “That wouldn’t be so terrible if it was to Lady Eliza.”
White, hot rage flooded Philip. “Markus.”
His cousin raised a brow. “What? Do you fancy her for yourself? I thought you were aiming for one of the Graham sisters.”
“I am not the one in question.”
“No, of course not. You never are.” Markus took another sip. “Perfect Oscar. And now it is perfect Philip who can do no wrong. Oscar was far from that, but apparently, I’m the only one who knew those details.”
“What do you mean?”
“He didn’t like Lady Charlotte. He proposed because your father told him to. He only pretended to admire her because it made the whole situation seem less cold and calculating.”
Shock kept Philip silent for a long moment. “Calculating?”
“You don’t think your father would allow Oscar to marry simply because he liked a lady, do you? Don’t be naïve, cousin. There were other factors at work.”
Philip refused to believe anything Markus said. His cousin would take great pleasure in ruining Philip’s memories of his father and brother. That was all he was trying to do.
“What is your problem, Markus? You’re determined to act as if your life is terrible when it isn’t.”
“Oh? What do I have to be so pleased about?”
“You have a life of privilege and relaxation. Still, you’re unhappy.”
“I’d be happier if you assisted me with my gaming debt.”
“I already said no, and I meant it. You made the mistake and need to fix it yourself. Besides, you were unhappy before that.”
“I have no purpose,” Markus countered.
“Then find one. There’s no need to make the rest of us miserable because you don’t know what to do with your life.” While Philip had gone through a similar struggle after university, he hadn’t floundered the way Markus had.
When Markus’s expression didn’t change, Philip continued, “Help the less fortunate. Learn new farm techniques. Study to be a barrister. Take your vows. Work on the estate. There are numerous ways to find purpose if you look for them.”
Markus scoffed. “As if my father would allow any of those.”
“Because he denied you buying a commission to join the military? That was in our youth. You’re a grown man now. The decision is yours.”
“If only it were that easy.”
Philip shook his head. “It can be. I would be happy to assist you.” He stepped closer to catch his cousin’s gaze. “But don’t gamble away the money you have. And keep your distance from Lady Eliza and the other innocents out there. Don’t ruin them to thwart me or your parents.” Philip started to turn away only to turn back. “If you cross me again, Markus, you’ll regret it.”
With that, he stalked out of the room, hoping he’d made his point. He didn’t know if his cousin would change, but Markus needed to make some changes or keep his unhappiness to himself.
And his cousin had damn well better stay away from Eliza.
Chapter Seventeen
Elizaapplaudedwithenthusiasmat the Princess’s Theatre in Oxford Street where she and Aunt Frieda, along with three couples who were friends of Aunt Frieda’s, had watched a production ofA Dark Night’s Work.
Though the subject matter was indeed dark, the acting was impressive and the action riveting.
