“Of course. He was very pleased to get it.”
“He was accused of cheating at cards to win it.”
Philip straightened in his chair. “I thought he purchased it. From Halifax, the baron who owned it. That’s what he told me.”
Uncle Herbert shook his head. “He won it.”
“That was a significant amount of land to risk in a card game.” Halifax had been foolish to wager it.
“Lord Oxley also played in that card game.”
Alarm filled Philip as his thoughts raced. “Did Oxley think Father cheated?”
“He’s never said.”
“Because Oscar agreed to marry his daughter.” The truth was clear.
Uncle Herbert remained silent but watched Philip closely.
Philip lunged to his feet to pace the length of the room before turning back to his uncle. “Am I right?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t there and Oxley has never said a word about it.”
“What of Halifax?”
“He is the one who accused your father. But he died soon after losing the land. His heart gave out.”
“This is unbelievable.” Not only did it leave a sour taste in his mouth, but it shook everything he’d always thought about his father. And his brother. “Why did Oscar agree to the match?”
“Oscar did everything he could to earn your father’s approval. That didn’t change when this situation arose.”
Philip returned to his chair and looked his uncle in the eye. “I don’t want to marry any of Oxley’s daughters.”
His uncle grimaced. “That could prove to be a problem.” He studied Philip. “Is there a reason why?”
Again, Philip hesitated. “There’s another who has caught my attention.” And my heart. But he didn’t say that. Much still stood between him and Eliza.
“I see.” Uncle Herbert stared into his glass at the amber liquid then lifted it to drain it in one gulp. After a long moment, he looked at Philip. “I don’t know how Oxley will react. But he invested in a railroad that failed. From what little I know, he’s in trouble financially and was counting on his daughter marrying Oscar. And now you.”
“You think he might threaten to tell what happened the night of that card game if I don’t marry one of his daughters.”
His uncle shrugged. “One never knows what a desperate man will do.”
Anger stirred at the unfairness of the situation. He felt as if the ground had turned to sand, shifting beneath his feet. What he’d thought to be true wasn’t.
But did any of what he’d learned change his future? How could he be true to his heart as well as to the memory of his father and brother?
Chapter Twenty-One
Theeveningartexhibitionat the Dulwich Picture Gallery in South London was one Eliza had been looking forward to. Her interest in art had increased dramatically while she and her aunt had been abroad. They’d toured many museums and galleries throughout Europe.
This gallery was the world’s first that had been built specifically for the public rather than private individuals to view its collection. It had been founded in 1811 when Sir Francis Bourgeois bequeathed his collection, which consisted mainly of old masters, specifically for the public to see. Normally, the gallery was only open during the day but this evening, they were holding a special event to celebrate a new collection of donated paintings that were now on display.
While Eliza was lucky enough to have viewed many private collections during her travels, she welcomed the idea of allowing the public to see artwork as well. She couldn’t imagine not being able to study and appreciate paintings, statues, and other works of art when it allowed one to see the world through someone else’s eyes, much as books did.
Hopefully, the evening would prove to be a welcome distraction from her dour thoughts. Winston had listened to her story and seemed to understand, something she appreciated. He apologized for thinking she’d had some nefarious plan to trap Philip into marriage.
They’d cleared the air on the matter but none of that changed what Philip thought. She detested knowing he had such a poor opinion of her, regardless of whether they had a chance for a future together. At this point, it was obvious they wouldn’t.
