Page 124 of Not a Fine Gentleman

Dear, strong, brave Meg! He did want to spend his life with her. Would she be embarrassed to have a husband who had been raised as a working man?

He could at least claim a military rank even though he no longer served in active duty. Perhaps he could introduce himself as Captain Jackson. No, that sounded ridiculously puffed up.

“Pride is a family trait,” his father said, “one of our worst failings. I allowed my pride to rob you of your birthright. And I cannot make it right. But I can do this.”

Lord Arlington retrieved a few more papers out of his box. “When your mother and I married, she was a penniless orphan, but she had a dowry—a dilapidated manor house by the sea on a few acres of land. When the manor came into my possession, it was unlivable, so I had it remodeled and improved. It even has a modern bathing room with a shower bath.” He smiled, his first truly mirthful expression. “Since then, I’ve been letting it out. The cottage and all the rent money went into a trust fund for you on the day you were born. It’s not enough to live like a king, but more than many country gentlemen have.”

Connor had property? And money?

Arlington handed Connor a deed with his name on it and a key. “The renters have been alerted that you might wish to take possession of it. You just need to give them a month’s notice. Until then, the rent will continue to go into your trust where it’s accruing interest. Here is the name of the solicitor who’s handling the trust.” He handed him a card.

Connor stared at the papers and key. Did he dare? All his life, he’d tried to resist taking anything from his erstwhile father. Yet, they’d buried the hatchet, so to speak, and this was set aside when Connor was Lord Arlington’s legitimate heir. It came from his mother’s family—the only thing she had of value. She’d wanted him to have it. To reject it would be to reject her.

Connor accepted the papers and the key. “Thank you, sir. I’m grateful to you for keeping this for me in spite of all that has happened.”

“Though the law says otherwise, you’re my son. And I’m proud of the man you’ve become.” Lord Arlington’s eyes grew shiny, and he looked away and coughed into his hand.

Connor also had to look away and clear his throat. He’d never known until now how much it would mean to have a parent’s approval. His love.

After Connor thanked Lord Arlington again, he took his leave. He had a manor house, a cottage, and some funds on which to live. Perhaps it was enough for a family. As much as he had once loved hunting down criminals and dragging them to justice, he’d lost his passion for it. He could find another passion, one that wouldn’t put him in harm’s way every day, one that wouldn’t risk him making his wife a widow.

As he moved numbly down the street, his mother’s dying words echoed through him. Don’t hesitate to take a leap of faith. We don’t always need to see the end to know the path we should take. Find your courage to do what you know is right.

She must have been trying to tell him about her own mistakes and warning him not to take the path she had. No doubt if Mother still lived, she’d advise him to tell Meg that he loved her and beg her to marry him. They could work out all those details and what-ifs together.

Go after her, his heart urged him.

Despite a respectable home and a bit of money now, he was still illegitimate in the eyes of the law, and had spent most of his adult life as a working man.

Could he step out into the darkness with only the hope that it would work out in the end?

A renewed sense of purpose came over him with the light and warmth of sunrise. He’d always considered himself to be courageous. Without fear, he’d charged into battle. He’d faced down cutthroats and murderers. He’d accepted every mission, regardless of the danger, and every assignment without hesitation. Now, the truest test of his courage faced him—not one that threatened him with bodily harm, but one that threatened his heart. Threats to his heart had always terrified him, and with good reason.

This time it would be worth it. This time it would be for Margaret. For Meg. His Meg. Even if he had to prove himself to her all over again.

For her, he would risk anything.

Everything.