Gregory did not even glance at his father.“You did not read me my story,” he said to Benedict.
“I think you’ll find I did read you a story, and I listened to your battle plan for your soldiers conquering Mount Colgrove, and also how Maria and Edward are plotting against you.”
“Theyareplotting against me.”
“Again, Gregory, we are awaiting your explanation for why you are not abed,” the earl said mildly.
His nephew finally glanced at his father.“Because Uncle Benedict did not read me a story.”
Harry watched them avidly, no doubt champing to return to his ribbing.Like a flash of lightening, a solution came to him.“I cannot read you a story, Gregory.I am promised to the club.”
“Convenient,” Harry muttered.
Benedict ignored him.“In fact, I am about to leave now.”Perhaps he was fleeing, but it was one of his few defences against his brothers.
“Can I come?”Gregory said, his lower lip sticking out.
Looking down into his nephew’s sweet face, his heart clenched.“Not yet, I’m afraid.You need to be a little bit older.”
“When?”he demanded.
“Leave Uncle Benedict alone, Gregory.”The Earl took his son despite Gregory’s protests.“Come, we will deliver you back to the nursery, but first we will walk your uncle out.”
Getting to his feet, he disregarded the look Harry shot him and the salute Charles gave him as he followed the earl and Gregory out the dining room.
“You are still unable to find rooms?”the Earl said as they traversed the corridor.
Benedict kept his gaze straight ahead so his brother could not see how his face heated.“Yes.”
“It has been how long now?”
He shrugged.He could not tell his brother he had only half-heartedly undertaken the search.
“If you cannot find rooms, perhaps instead you can take the townhouse on Lowell Street.The tenants have recently departed and there is no reason for it to sit empty when you have need.”
“It is as I said to Harry.It seems excessive to take a whole house when it will be just me, and it is too generous besides.”
“It is not a gift, brother.The rent will come from your funds, as will any staffing you decide.”He could feel the Earl’s gaze upon him.“It may be as well it will not much longer be only you.You will not forever remain unwed and you cannot forever remain here.You must preside over a household of your own.”
Damnation, he just wanted this over with.“There is yet plenty of time.”
The Earl studied him.“As you said, you are nine and twenty.You are unmarried.You have no vocation or passion.The only pastime you seem to enjoy is visiting with Lady Eleanor.You cannot wait too long or the whole of your life will pass you by.”
“I am not waiting.”
Sighing, his brother shook his head.
“What would I be waiting for?”he demanded.
“Nothing.”The Earl sighed again.“Nothing, brother.Will you accept the house?”
There was really no way he could not.“If you insist.”
“Excellent.”The Earl glanced at him.“HowisLady Eleanor, by the bye?”
Not the Earl also.“She is well,” he said, and hoped to Christ he disguised his discomfort.
At El’s name, Gregory, who had been skipping along beside them, perked up.“Is Lady El coming, Uncle Benedict?She is ever so good at strategy, and we would conquer Mount Colgrove in short order if she were to join our efforts.”
