She retrieved the letter from thepocket in her skirts. “Cousin Cathleen is in trouble. Before herfather died, he lost their home to a neighbor in a card game. Mr.Gormley, a man she mistrusts and is afraid of, has offered her thechoice between marriage or being cast out into thestreet.”
“I’m sorry to hear it, butwhat on earth can I do about it?” Her father made a slashing motionwith his hand. “I severed my connection with that family yearsago.”
Erina stared at him bitterly. Sheexcused herself, and wiping away tears, which resulted more fromanger than sorrow, gathered up the skirts of her green velvetriding habit. Climbing the stairs, she prayed this marriage wouldnever happen. Perhaps she’d fall ill and hover on the brink ofdeath for a few weeks. After that her father couldhardly…
In her bedchamber, she threw herselfonto the faded floral counterpane of her four-poster bed. With herarm over her eyes, she revisited the scene in the library. Itsounded as if the negotiations had already been settled between herfather and Feather. And without a word to her! Well, she wouldnever agree. She couldn’t afford to wait. She must do something tostop it.
Erina rolled off the bed and rereadCathleen’s letter. The words had not lost their impact. With a hugesigh, she folded the missive and tucked it into a drawer. If shewas a man she could travel to Ireland and rescue Cathleen. Fatherhad no time for the Irish or her mother’s family. But he wasn’t acold-hearted man, she was sure he would take pity on Cathleen onceshe sought sanctuary beneath his roof.
Chapter Two
The morning Jack intended to set outon his journey, his cousin, Grant, paid him a visit at his rooms inPiccadilly. Jack liked him, always had. If the dukedom was to go toanyone, it should be Grant. A decent fellow, he would take infinitecare of his inheritance. Even as a lad he was of a serious mien andconsidered ancestry to be of great import. He’d make as good andfair a duke as Jack’s father before him.
Jack admitted him to his bedroom whilehe continued to pack. He deliberated over adding another shirt.Every item needed to be carefully selected as there was very littleroom in his portmanteau. “Take a seat, Grant. Can I offer you adrink?”
His tall fair-haired cousin foldedhimself into a chair. “No, thank you. I see you mean to go on thisjourney. I thought it might only be talk. You know, a reaction tothat business with your mother’s relatives.”
“There is nothing that lotcan do or say to upset me. Although they do keep trying.” Jacklooked up from folding the shirt. “So, you thought I was all pissand wind.”
Grant sighed. “Let’s just say I hopedyou would change your mind. Simms, the family solicitor, is to readthe will this afternoon. You’ll stay for that, surely?”
Jack shook his head. “Whatever itcontains will keep until I return.”
“You’re heading north toyour estate?”
“In a roundabout fashion.Thought I’d go via Ireland.”
Grant uncrossed his legs and sat up.“Ireland?”
“I’ve never beenthere.”
“Neither have I. What’sthat got to do with it?”
“Nothing, I suppose. Justhave a hankering to see it.” He’d been thinking of it for sometime, after discovering some letters of his mother’s in a drawer ofhis father’s desk.
Grant nodded light dawning in his grayeyes. “Your mother’s people were Irish.”
“Yes, but I’m a stranger tothem. Can’t see they’d want that to change.”
If Grant thought seeing Ireland wouldcure Jack’s restlessness, he was barking up the wrong tree. It wascuriosity that drew him, pure and simple. Jack squeezed histoiletry bag containing soap, razor, toothbrush, and a hairbrushinto his portmanteau. Difficult to find these on the road, andsince being in the army he disliked disorder of any kind. In theside flap of the saddle he’d add the currying brush to keep Arionin the best condition. The horse would enjoy this trip as much ashe. He’d been a wonderful asset to Jack during the war and appearedto relish the adventure.
He eyed his cousin. “I expect you’lltour the ballrooms now, to select a bride from the current crop ofdebutantes,” he said with a devilish grin. He knew Grant wouldprefer to remain closeted in his study with his history books andtomes on heraldry. “Time you married, anyway, atthirty-two.”
Grant didn’t look eager as he smoothedback his fair hair with both hands. “I’m prepared to do my duty.”He watched with obvious unease as Jack checked hispistol.
“Duty?” Jack chuckled. “Ifit’s not to be a love match, find a woman you want to bed. One whomakes you laugh. You’re going to be together for a long time, Godwilling.”
~~~
“Wear your best dress tothe ball tonight, Erina,” her father said. “The pale green satinlooks well on you. I expect to see you dance with Harold Feather.And smile at him.”
“I doubt he’ll be smilingat me,” Erina said. “I don’t think he likes to dance with tallerwomen.”
Her father scowled. “He’ll get used toit. Some men like taller women, although not many, I grantyou.”
Her mother had been an inch or twotaller than he.
“Yes, you did like tallwomen, papa.” Perhaps it was her mother’s dowry which attractedhim. Erina couldn’t remember them being in love, for her mother haddied when she was eleven.
