“Ah, you’re a good lad,” George murmured. “Your parents did a fine job raising you. I have always thought so.”
The mention of his parents made Florian flinch. Fighting the vehement feeling that threatened to overwhelm him, he lowered himself to the chair his aunt had vacated and forced a grateful smile. “Thank you. They will be thrilled to hear you said so.”
“Your brother’s not bad either. More of a scoundrel, I suspect, but his heart is still in the right place, and as far as I am concerned, that’s the most important thing.”
“He would take a lead ball to the chest for anyone in the family,” Florian said, agreeing with his uncle’s assessment of Henry.
“I fear he may take one on account of a woman if he’s not careful.” George shifted against the pillows propping him up. “If the rumors I hear are true, he’s likely to one day top a married one at the rate at which he is going. Simple odds, Florian.”
“He wouldn’t do that.” Although Henry seemed to enjoy his reputation as a rakehell lothario, Florian knew he would never set his sights on another man’s wife. “Opera singers, ballerinas and widows are more to his liking.”
George grunted. “Either way, he is your father’s heir.” Florian stiffened in response to those words. If only he could return to that blissful time before he’d been made aware of his true paternity. “And one day he will inherit your grandfather’s title as well,” George continued, “and become the Earl of Scranton.”
“That is how primogeniture works, Uncle.” And thank God for that. At least Florian could take some comfort in the fact that Henry was the oldest and it was he who would inherit Armswell’s title.
“Your father is a fortunate man, Jonathan.”
Florian flinched at the use of his childhood name. No one had called him that in years, not even Henry. Since reaching adulthood, he’d chosen to go by his middle name and had continued to do so as a physician because it helped differentiate between himself and his brother.
“He has an heir and a spare.” George spoke with increasing weariness. “His legacy is settled, while mine has always been so uncertain.” He started coughing, and Florian quickly rose to help him sit up a bit more. Grabbing a glass of water that stood on the nightstand, he helped his uncle drink. “Thank you, my boy. You really are a good physician.”
Florian grinned, amused by his uncle’s brief attempt at humor. It was extraordinary that the man was able to find anything to joke about in his current condition. “I do try.”
“I know you do.” George settled back against the pillows once more, and when he looked at Florian again, seriousness filled his gaze. “Your determination is unparalleled. You persevere, setting goals and hunting them down until you reach them. It has been a pleasure to watch, and although I know there are those who question your medical methods at times, I want you to know that I have always admired you.”
The compliment was almost too much to bear. It filled Florian with extreme discomfort, for he knew that what drove him came from a darkness that no man would ever approve of. As always, he considered revealing as much in a futile attempt to alleviate his guilt. Except doing so would likely cause more harm than good. So he kept silent and thanked his uncle instead.
“Which is part of the reason why I decided to make you my heir.”
Florian froze. While Society seemed to have taken the news of his new position in stride, he was still having trouble getting used to the idea.
George offered a tight-lipped smile. “Lowell’s future is settled. Yours, on the other hand, will be more promising with a title and all the funds and properties that come with it. Just think of all the good you can do.”
“I only wish I could do so without gaining a title.” He didn’t deserve it and yet he had not been able to dissuade his uncle without revealing the truth.
Strong lines fell into place on George’s forehead. “You are my only chance at leaving a legacy, Florian. You know that. And you needn’t worry. My man of affairs has been thoroughly briefed. He will assist you with your new responsibilities. Additionally, there’s an army of employees for you to rely on, leaving you free to pursue your career to your heart’s content. As you have requested.”
Although they’d already discussed this at length, Florian couldn’t help but wince. “It is unheard of for a duke to have a profession. I shall bring scandal to the title.”
“Unlikely, considering you will outrank anyone who dares to insult you. And your profession is a noble one. You have patients who would no doubt be sorry to lose you, which is why I insist you continue on as usual, in spite of the title.”
“If it were only that simple.”
George studied him a moment from behind a pair of droopy eyelids. “If I didn’t know you better, I would think you were being ungrateful. But that is not the sort of man you are. Is it?”
Rising, Florian strode to the window and drew the heavy curtain aside so he could look out. It was dark now save for the yellow glow from a gaslight. “It is not that I am ungrateful, Uncle. It is just...” He drew a heavy breath and felt his chest tighten in response.
“You feel unworthy.”
The words ricocheted through the room, forcing Florian away from the window. His eyes caught the look of deep understanding now etched on his uncle’s face and realization finally sank in. “How do you know?”
“Because your moral compass has always been very precise and because I am also aware of your heritage. Your mother told me everything before you were even born.”
The admission brought Florian back to the chair on heavy feet. He sank down and stared at the man who’d always been nothing but kind toward him—the man who insisted on making him heir and who’d gone through hell in order to do so. “Did she tell you who my father is?”
“As far as I and the rest of Society are concerned, Viscount Armswell is your father. He and your mother were married at the time of your birth so you are not the illegitimate son you insist on pretending you are.”
Angered by that comment, Florian scowled. “I do not pretend to be anything I am not, but the fact is that I was conceived in a manner that I wish to this day I had never learned about. So call me what you will but there is no denying my blood is tainted.”
