Page 56 of A Perfect Gentleman

“Oh, your father contributed to it, too,” Aunt Tessa assured him.

“Uncle Laurence was involved in it?” Graeme looked at her, surprised.

“No, not in the running of it, as Reginald was,” Tessa responded. “But one gave to it, of course. It was simply something one did.”

“Who else was involved?” Graeme asked. “In running it, I mean, not just contributing.”

“I’m not sure.” Tessa looked at Lady Eugenia. “Do you remember?”

“It’s been ten years.” The old woman looked thoughtful. “There was some military man—who was it? Rogers? Robertson? Rollins. Colonel Rollins. I believe he died a few years ago. Lord Fortenberry, perhaps. There was a vicar, too.”

“Our vicar?” Graeme asked.

Lady Eugenia shook her head. “No, the fellow had the living from Lord Fortenberry, as I remember. Reginald got letters from him. Reginald was always corresponding with someone about it or meeting someone. It was my opinion Reginald did it mostly as an excuse to socialize with people when he was at Lydcombe. He always grew bored at the Hall.”

“Mr. Ponsonby,” Tessa offered. “He was involved with it, wasn’t he?”

“Oh, yes.” Mrs. Ponsonby spoke up, surprising Graeme, who had forgotten she was there. “Dear George and Montclair were always so close.” Her eyes filled with tears.

Lady Eugenia glared at Tessa, then transferred her disfavor to Graeme. “I am sure you can find a worthy charity yourself without digging up painful memories.” Having thus declared the subject closed, the dowager countess rang for Norton to clear away tea.

“Cowardly of us to abandon Lady Montclair to the dowager countess and my mother,” James commented, settling back in his chair and accepting a glass of whiskey from Graeme. The two men had escaped to Graeme’s study as soon as they politely could, leaving the women of the family in the drawing room.

Graeme laughed. “Trust me. Abigail can take care of herself.”

“She didn’t seem to be a shrinking violet,” James admitted. “She’s not the way I remembered her.”

“Really?” Graeme sat down across from him, interested. “How do you remember her?”

“I’m not sure.” James frowned. “Not shy exactly. But very stiff, reticent. Attractive enough, but she didn’t catch one’s eye. Truth is, I didn’t notice her all that much.”

“Neither did I. I’m glad to know I wasn’t utterly blind.” Graeme idly swirled the amber liquid around in his glass, gazing down into it. “Prescott told me she was intimidated by her father and once away from him, she blossomed.”

“That’s understandable. I was intimidated by her father.”

“I doubt that.” Graeme glanced up. “Do you mean you had dealings with Thurston Price?”

“I didn’t buy that stock, if that’s what you mean. Neither did Sir Laurence. Being a cynic has its advantages.”

“Then what did you have to do with the man?” Over the years Graeme had learned to read his cousin’s inexpressive face, and he did so now. “It was something to do with my situation, wasn’t it?”

“I talked to him.” James shrugged. “I thought he might be agreeable to a different resolution.”

“James. Don’t tell me you offered to take my place.”

James laughed. “No. I would have if I’d thought it would work—and I wouldn’t have made such a muddle of it, either, since I haven’t your vexatious romantic ideals. But me getting Miss Price’s money would not have helped. Do you really think your father would have allowed me to pay off his debts and fund your estate?”

“No. I’m sure he would not. He would have thought it dishonorable.”

“He would have been too proud, you mean. In any case, Price made it clear before I opened my mouth that a lowly baronet would not do for his daughter; his sights were set on an earl. I told him I was seeking a financial arrangement, not marriage, but he would have none of that, either. I knew then there was no hope for you; you had to marry Miss Price.”

“So you went to persuade Miss Hinsdale to throw me over.”

“To free you from making a ruinous mistake. Yes.” There was no hint of apology in the other man’s face. “I knew she was more likely to see reason than you.”

“And not as likely to hit you.”

“True. Though she did make a rather disparaging remark about my character and told me she hoped never to cross my path again.”