Stumped, Brody lowered himself to the sofa once more and reached for his cup. “Have you been spying on us?”
“Let’s not get distracted by details. I was concerned, that’s all you need to know.”
“Right.” He sipped his tea, not the least bit comfortable with the idea of some person his mother had hired sneaking about and taking note of his actions. Shuddering, he told her, “The job was a means to an end, but it does have to do with financial troubles. The fact is, I should have listened to you. I’m sorry I didn’t, but regret won’t get me anywhere at the moment. On the contrary, it’s time to act.”
“I think you’d better explain.”
Agreeing, he offered Mama a piece of cake before passing the plate to Finn. He then spent the next hour informing his mother what his excessive cavorting and Finn’s fondness for gambling had led to. “We’re both taking strides to turn our lives around and be the men you and Papa would be proud of, but it’s not easy.”
She gave him a curious look. “Tell me about this book you’ve written.”
“I’m not the only author involved. Westcliffe and Stratton worked on it too.”
“And?”
“It’s under contract with Hudson & Co. They expect to print five thousand copies and have it in shops before Christmas. My share of the advance should be delivered before the end of the week.”
Her wide smile accentuated the fine lines next to her eyes. “I think that’s marvelous news, Brody. Having a project you’re fond of can be extremely rewarding. Your father loved his investments and as a result, he got good at making them grow. But it needn’t be like that for you. Your purpose in life may be different. What matters is that you’ve a source of income and that you’re content.”
“I’m afraid my source of income won’t be enough,” he murmured. “Which is why I’ve decided to do as Westcliffe has done and sell off the things I don’t need. After that, I’ll seek advice on investing – as I should have done in the first place.”
“The best lessons in life come from experience. I’m pleased to see that you’ve both been acquiring some.” She ate her cake while Finn promised he’d never play cards again or approach a woman unless he intended to ask her to dance. Mama rolled her eyes but smiled before turning her full attention on Brody. “I’m terribly eager to learn the identity of your intended. Who is she and when do you plan to marry?”
Brody steeled himself. “Her name is Harriet Michaels.”
Mama tilted her head. “I don’t believe I know of a debutante by that name.”
“That’s because she’s not a debutante, Mama. She’s…a wonderful woman I met while working at Hudson & Co.”
“Are you saying she’s of the working class?” Mama’s voice had dropped an octave.
“In a manner of speaking.” Seeing the worried look in his mother’s eyes, he added, “Her parents were gentry. They lived in Chilham, but when her father died without a will, she and her sister were tossed out onto the street by some awful cousin. Harriet came to London in search of work. She’s been supporting her sister these past two years.”
Mama slowly nodded. “I applaud her. Being gently bred and then having to pull up one’s sleeves and make a living is no small feat. Least of all for a young woman who also has a sister to care for. I think I can see how you’d fall for someone like that.”
“So you approve?”
“I’ll let you know once I meet her.”
“That can be arranged as soon as she wakes.” Brody shot a look at Finn, who was pressing his lips so hard together his eyes bulged. He looked on the verge of howling with laughter.
“I beg your pardon?” asked Mama.
“She’s upstairs,” Brody confessed.
Mama set her palm to her breast and leaned back, a horrified look in her eyes. “Not in your bedchamber, I hope.”
“Of course not,” Brody hissed. “What do you take me for?”
“Well, the last time I saw you there were three scantily clad women draped over that very sofa.” She nodded in his direction.
“Just three?” Finn chuckled.
“Shut up,” Brody told him. To his mother he said, “She’s in the first guest bedchamber on the left. Her sister was sick, so I invited them both to stay here where they’d be more comfortable, and then Harriet got sick as well. She was up most of the night but was much improved this morning.”
Mama stared at him. “She’s an unmarried woman, Brody. What on earth were you thinking?”
“Thatshewas ahe?” Finn snickered.
