Page 21 of Love Lessons for a Lady
It had been done many times before by libertines and rapscallions who only saw marriage as a means to an end. And their brides as a commodity to be used for gain.
Werner grunted but remained stubbornly silent, his chin thrust out like a petulant child’s.
Aston checked his pocket watch. “I have to go. I have a lesson in less than an hour.”
“Ah, yes. The humble working member of our happy little family,” Werner scoffed. He wiped his nose with his soggy handkerchief, then belched. “I shan’t tell grandfather I’ve seen you. He asks me if I have all the time. You always were his favorite, even though your mother was a com—”
At Aston’s darkling scowl, his cousin swiftly amended whatever he’d intended to say.
“A…commoner and mine was the daughter of a duke.”
Favorite? Not by half.
Aston merely raised an eyebrow, having long ago realized Werner’s jealousy was beyond his control.
“You don’t deserve to know, but Grandfather is using his power and influence to discourage anyone from hiring you,” Werner murmured drowsily, his head against the chair’s back.
Aston paused in rising and met Werner’s bleak, defeated gaze.
That cast a whole new perspective on Chasity Noble’s request for him to tender his resignation at Balderbrook’s Institution for Genteel Ladies yesterday. Had Grandfather threatened the school in some way?
Aston would place a wager on White’s betting books he had—if Aston had a membership to the prestigious men’s club. Which he neither had nor wanted.
Chasity had refused to disclose why she needed him to resign or she’d lose her position, and Aston hadn’t given her a firm answer. He’d said he’d consider her request but in light of this news… Well, Grandfather would not use extortion against an innocent woman and get away with it. Though how Chasity fit into the evolving scheme, Aston hadn’t deciphered yet.
“And you know this how?” he casually asked his cousin.
By now, Werner was well into his cups, and he had loose lips when foxed.
“Told me so himself. Bragged about it. Said he’d make you come ’round one way or the other.” Werner suddenly sobered, his gaze penetrating and severe. “Aston, if fate decrees you to be the heir, do not let that devil’s spawn succeed in his plans. You were always stronger than Father or I. Marry a woman you can love and be happy with and leave that controlling, bitter old blighter to rot.”
Stunned into momentary silence, Aston stared at his cousin.
He shouldn’t be surprised at the venom and acrimony Werner felt toward their grandfather. Unlike Aston, he’d never learned to forgive the man. In fairness, forgiveness was far easier to extend when one didn’t have to encounter one’s tormentor daily.
“Werner, is there something you’re not telling me?”
Eyes shut, Werner yawned and flicked his fingers. “Don’t pretend you care, Aston.”
“I do care.” Sometimes love demanded one take a harsh stance. “Just because I shan’t do your bidding or Grandfather’s does not mean I do not care.”
A snore met his declaration.
Werner had succumbed to the alcohol and fallen asleep.
An insidious thought that had never once before crossed Aston’s mind crept in.
What if Uncle Conley and Werner died?
Aston would be next in line for a peerage title he’d never wanted.
“God save me from that horror,” he muttered as he left the pub.
I do look forward to seeing you at Mercy’s for tea. Can you believe Joy and Mercy are married? Personally, I’m much like you and never entertained the notion of marrying. Toward that end, I’ve accepted a unique position as an amanuensis and will arrive in London, likely before you receive this letter, given the inconsistency of the post.
I know you had hoped I’d accept a teaching position at Balderbrook’s Institution for Genteel Ladies, but my new employer is a scholar and a scientist. I’ll be transcribing his and his colleagues’ notes and so forth. He doesn’t mind that I’m a woman either. You know I always had an affinity for science, even though dear Mrs. Shepherd frowned upon it as being unladylike.
~ Miss Faith Roth in a note sent to Miss Chasity Noble
