Broderick sighed in defeat, walked into Henry’s study, and closed the door. “Yes, Uncle?”
“We need to have a serious discussion,” Henry began.
Broderick sat in the wooden chair near his uncle’s desk. He breathed in the pipe scent that drifted through the air—the same brand his father used to smoke. It brought back a pang ofhomesickness and sadness, but he quickly dismissed it as he met his uncle’s gaze.
Henry held up a piece of paper. “I received this missive earlier from your father’s half-cousin, and I fear you won’t like the news.” He paused, staring into Broderick’s eyes as his frown deepened. “You have grown up carefree and not expected to become a responsible adult. Yet whether you know this or not, you have inherited your father’s brother’s title—Marquess of Wilshire.”
Confusion filled Broderick, and he leaned forward, grasping his knees. “My father rarely spoke of his older brother who lived in London. From the stories I heard, Father was disowned by his father years ago, before he married my mother.”
“That he was. Unfortunately, circumstances change throughout the years. Your grandfather is dead, as well as his son and your uncle’s son.”
“Why was the missive sent to you and not to me?”
“Apparently, your family’s solicitor didn’t know your whereabouts, so he sent it to me hoping I would.” Henry sat up straighter in his chair. “You, my nephew, are now the only living male heir. The title is yours.”
Not really knowing how he should act, Broderick went with his first instinct and laughed. Actually, a snort was what came out of his mouth and nose. His reaction made his uncle jump back, and his eyes widened.
“Uncle Henry, forgive me, but—” Broderick laughed harder as he stood, now towering over his uncle. “Moving to London and becoming a marquess is just not what I want to do with my life.”
Within seconds, a deep scowl appeared on Henry’s face, emphasizing his many wrinkles. “But you must.”
A sharp pounding started in Broderick’s forehead, and he rubbed the irritation. “Is there not a distant cousin that the title can go to? I mean, I have several cousins throughout England.”
“But this one belongs to you and none other. Why do you want to give it to a cousin who is already titled? Your father would want you to have it.”
Broderick didn’t want to explain the reasons why he didn’t want to live his life as a marquess. “Uncle Henry, I really need to think this over before making a decision.”
His uncle gasped. “What is there to think over, boy? The title comes with a large estate and lands. Many men dream of having such a thing handed to them. You are very fortunate.”
Broderick shook his head and walked to the window. He peered out into the yard and gazed upon the predawn sky scattered with billowy clouds. “I’m aware of that, but I have made my own life, and I don’t want to change it yet.” He heaved a sigh. “Will you give me time to think this over?”
“Yes, but don’t take too long.”
“But Uncle, I cannot make a rash decision.” He looked back at the older man. “This is my future. If I step into a nobleman’s life, I would surely be expected to take a wife and have heirs.”
Henry nodded. “Just as it’s supposed to be.”
“But I’m not ready for such a responsibility.”
Henry slapped his hands on the desk and stood. His brow creased with irritation. “Then it’s time you took on that challenge. You are not a lad living the carefree life any longer. You need to bring respect back to your father’s name, and this is the only way you can accomplish such a feat.”
“But I want a normal life.”
The corner of Henry’s mouth lifted in a smirk. “Broderick, I believe you have never had a normal life, especially now.”
Curiosity got the best of Broderick, and he wondered exactly what his uncle knew. But he couldn’t ask. He didn’t want to admit his secret life as Captain Hawk.
“Please, give me time to think about this important decision, Uncle.”
“I will.”
Broderick left the room in a hurry, wanting to ride, but now he would be in a grouchy mood. Did his uncle know about his secret life? He certainly couldn’t tell him he’d changed his hair color to hide from the enemy.
His long strides carried him to the stables, and within moments, he was atop one of his uncle’s stallions and riding away from the estate. It irritated him to think his uncle would reprimand him, yet he could see how much Henry worried about his welfare. As his uncle pointed out, it wasn’t every day a title was handed over to a commoner.
He growled in frustration and pushed the horse faster. Ideas of what he could do with a title such as this floated through his mind, but he didn’t want to be in London, so close to those soldiers who might arrest him for piracy.
Broderick slowed his horse to a trot as he wandered aimlessly along the path ahead, canopied by the trees. A gentle breeze caressed his face, bringing with it the heady scent of wildflowers nearby.
