“Indeed. I bought shares in a couple of businesses based in New York. They were small when I met with the owners on that trip where Bethany and I were introduced, but have since begun to grow. Apparently, there’s a future in agriculture and steel.”
“You don’t say,” Roxley mused.
“I’d be happy to show you the pertinent papers and ledgers when you come for dinner.”
Roxley slowly nodded. “All right.”
“All right?”
“You have my permission to court Athena. Whether or not Charles will give you his is an entirely different matter.”
Robert stared at Roxley. He wanted to say that Charles owed him, but the truth of the matter was, he didn’t. Not really. Not enough to allow his former friend to romance his sister. Definitely not without Robert making an effort to patch things up between them first. “Would it be possible for me to speak with Charles before I go?”
“I’ll ask,” Roxley said. He stood and left the room.
When he returned, it was with a furious looking Charles Townsbridge in tow.
“Of all the things I feared you might do to retaliate,” Charles said without bothering to offer a greeting, “this is beyond the pale.”
“It’s good to see you too,” Robert said. “And just to be clear, I do not seek to court your sister to get back at you or at her for what happened.”
“Court her?” Charles fairly exploded. He swung his gaze toward Roxley. “What the hell is he talking about?”
“I did not have a chance to mention that part yet,” Roxely told Robert. “With regard to retaliation, Charles was referring to your holding Athena hostage for the sake of compromising her reputation, as he believes to be the case.”
Of course he would. Robert pressed his lips together. “I care for her, Charles.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Frankly, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t,” Robert snapped. “Have you not met your sister? Do you not realize how wonderful she is?”
Charles opened his mouth, then closed it again. He scratched the back of his head. “You’re ten years her senior.”
“I am aware of that.”
“It’s unnatural,” Charles grumbled.
“Your mother and I have eleven years between us,” Roxley said.
Charles knit his brow and glared at his father. “Not very helpful.”
“No. Whatwouldbe helpful,” Roxley said, “would be for you to set aside your protective instinct toward Athena and give Darlington a chance. After all, you did steal his bride.”
“Which is precisely why I’ve reason to be suspicious about him suddenly wanting to court my sister.” Charles looked at Robert. “You never showed that sort of interest in her before.”
Robert choked on the air he was breathing and sputtered slightly. “Good lord, she was only fourteen the last time I saw her. Making advances was the furthest thing from my mind, not simply because I was otherwise engaged but because it would have been utterly inappropriate.”
“Duly noted,” Charles said after a moment’s thought. He took a deep breath, expelled it, and finally took a step closer to Robert. Extending his hand, he said, “I’m very sorry you had to find out about my affection for Bethany on your wedding day. It was wrong. I ought to have told you sooner. Please forgive me, Robert.”
Clasping his hand, Robert gave it a firm shake. “Of course.”
“Thank you.” Charles took a deep breath, then asked, “Shall we call for Athena to join us so you can make your intentions known?”
“I’d rather not,” Robert said. He glanced at Roxley. “Your father can explain my reasoning. I believe he agrees with it. As for myself, I really ought to be heading back if I’m to reach home before it gets dark.”
“Very well,” Charles said. “I’ll walk you out.”
Robert took his leave of Roxley and went to collect his greatcoat, hat, and gloves. His horse was readied and he stepped out onto the front step together with Charles.
