Page 101 of Romancing Daphne

James nodded his understanding.

“Your father will destroy you if he continues this campaign of his,” thelieutenant continued. “Even if his efforts were thwarted forthwith, somedamage has already been done. There is just enough of a hint of truth to make people wonder. If your name is to be salvaged, all of his accusations must be addressed.”

It made sense but hardly seemed likely.

“Whilst I have been serving in the navy,” the lieutenant said,“the dukehas overseen our family estate, allowing his man of business to undertake whatever efforts were necessary. My father is still living but not mentallycapable of . . . well, of anything. Being of age and more able to see to my family’s affairs, I have all but taken over the helm now. Knowing I will beat sea once more, I had intended to hire an estate manager of my own.”

James nodded, though he wasn’t certain where this was headed.

“Here is our proposition for you, Lord Tilburn. Your father’s efforts have made it imperative that you not, in fact, earn your living lest Society see this as confirmation of his lies.”

“I have nothing to live on if I do not—”

The lieutenant cut him off with a look.“In the eyes of theton,you must not be seen to be working for your keep. The actual truth of the matter could, in fact, be quite the opposite. In deference to my sister’sdeclaration of trust, I am offering you the position of estate manager on my family estate in Shropshire.”

James could only stare. Without references, without an interview, he had been given a position? An income?

“It would not be presented as such, however,” the lieutenant said.“We would put it about that the estate needed greater supervision, and the Duke of Kielder, knowing you to be competent, has asked that youoversee it. He has much greater cachet in Society than I do. Were he seen to be showing trust in you, that would go a long way toward establishing your honorable nature. You would have use of the manor house, its upkeep being provided through the estate. In lieu of a specific income, you wouldreceive a percentage of the estate’s profits. Such is an acceptable arrangement for a gentleman in the eyes of Society.”

“I do not know how to even begin thanking you.” Overwhelming gratitude rendered his words nearly unintelligible.

“You can thank me by not running the estate into the ground.” Thesmallest hint of humor entered the lieutenant’s tone. James had a feeling the naval man was not usually as stern as he had known him to be. Obviously he loved his sister a great deal and understandably struggled to forgive the man who had hurt her.

“I will run it with as much care as I would my own lands,” James said.

The lieutenant nodded, apparently satisfied.

His Grace once more took control of the discussion.“That should address the issue of your pennilessness and should do much to quiet the speculation about your gambling debts and general lack of responsibility. We still, however, must address your father’s comments about your treatment of innocent ladies.”

“You’ve done so much already, I could not possibly—”

“This family does nothing halfway,” His Grace insisted.“If Daphne has not tossed you out on your head yet, we are willing to stand by you.”

His shock only continued to grow. He had never in all his life experienced such a show of support, especially from a family to which he had noclaim and whom he had wronged so entirely.“Again, I thank you.”

The duke leaned back in his chair, a contemplative expression on his face.“If your father were to receive an invitation to join us here at Falstone House, do you think he would be of a mind to accept?”

Father, turn down an invitation from Society’s elite? No chance of that.“He would accept without hesitation.”

“Perfect.” The duke smiled in unholy triumph, and James felt the slightest twinge of apprehension on Father’s behalf.

“What are you two planning?” Daphne sounded more intrigued than concerned.

“Let us just say,” the duke replied,“that this is one performance Harry will never forgive himself for missing.”

“Oh dear.”Daphne’s laugh brought a smile to James’s face.

“Now, out, both of you,” the duke ordered.“Linus and I have a few details to work out.”

In the face of such a pointed dismissal, there was nothing to do but leave. James stepped into the corridor behind Daphne and walked beside her as she moved away from the book room. He owed her such an enormous debt of gratitude that he felt entirely unable to express himself.

She spoke first.“I know the look I just saw on my brother-in-law’s face. It is precisely the expression he wears when his least favorite cousin comes tostay. Your father is to be woefully mistreated, it seems.”

“Would you think me a black-hearted villain if I said I hope that proves true?”

“Adam will not disappoint you on that score.” Lud, he loved her smile.

“I know full well that he would not be supporting me without your vote of confidence—a gesture on your part that I neither expected nor deserve. I cannot begin to tell you how humbled and indebted I am.”

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