“She did, and I applaud you for doing so,” Greydon said.
“Please apologize to Lady Rushcliffe for me. William’s behavior was entirely inappropriate and I am embarrassed she had to witness our family’s spat.”
“You mustn’t apologize for your brother’s actions,” Greydon chided lightly. “You did nothing wrong.”
“I’m afraid it is a habit at this point.”
Greydon glanced over his shoulder before saying, “We do have a problem. Your bill to conserve the woodlands round about London is causing quite a stir.”
“I know some people are opposed to it, but it is important that we preserve the woodlands for our future generations.”
With a bob of his head, Greydon responded, “I do not dispute that. But some of the lords do have objections. They want to develop various parts of that land and build factories.”
“That is the exact thing I wish to avoid,” Harred stated. “London already has far too many factories and they create an enormous amount of waste.”
Greydon crossed his arms over his chest. “If your bill passes, the interested parties are in a position to lose a lot of money.”
“I do not care about the money. It is the right thing to do.”
“The question that you should be asking yourself is if there is a chance that someone might be trying to kill you to ensure this bill never makes it to the floor.”
Harred stared at Greydon in disbelief. “You believe someone would kill me over the bill?” he asked. “That is ludicrous. We are dealing with lords here.”
“It is probable and should be considered,” Greydon replied. “I know we liked your brother for it, but that was early on in the investigation. We just need to be open-minded about it.”
“But the bill is so inconsequential,” Harred stated. “Whowould kill someone over preserving woodlands, especially since they can build the factory somewhere else?”
“Greed is a powerful motivator, and you would be wise to remember that.” Greydon removed his pocket watch from his waistcoat and read the time. “We have tarried long enough. The session is about to start.”
They started walking towards the House of Lords as Greydon revealed, “In case you are wondering, your brother went straightaway to the brothel he usually frequents.”
“How lovely,” Harred muttered.
“I know you might not want to hear this, but I do believe Lord William is spiraling.” Greydon paused. “Which makes me wonder why that is.”
“I know why,” Harred said. “William only thinks about himself.”
Greydon looked thoughtful as he asked, “How did your brother react when your parents died in the carriage accident?”
Harred shrugged. “I do not know. After we were informed of their deaths, William headed to the gambling hall and drank away his woes. I don’t think he has stopped drinking since that day.”
“You haven’t spoken to him about it?”
“I have tried, but we always end up arguing about it,” Harred admitted. “It is a vicious cycle that I have grown tired of.”
Greydon stepped up to open the large wood door that led to the entry hall of the House of Lords. “I would try again.”
Harred understood what Greydon was attempting to do, but talking to William was like talking to a wall. Nothing got resolved and they both grew more frustrated with one another. His brother may be hurting, but so was he. The difference was that he wasn’t masking his pain by drinking.
After they stepped into the House of Lords, Lord Drycott approached them with a cane in his hand. The bothersomelord had shiny, slicked-back hair. His round belly protruded out and his fine clothing did little to hide it.
Lord Drycott stopped in front of them and acknowledged them. “Lord Rushcliffe. Lord Kendal,” he greeted in a curt voice.
Harred responded in kind. “Lord Drycott,” he said.
“I thought you should know that I am making a motion to have your nonsensical bill dismissed from being discussed,” Lord Drycott announced.
“My bill is not nonsensical. It has merit, and you know it,” Harred responded. “The woodlands need to be preserved.”
