Page 22 of The Storybook Hero
“What I mean is, I don’t intend to sit by and watch another brother perish if there is aught I can do about it.”
“Good Lord! You can’t intend to?—”
“To set off for Russia myself? That’s exactly what I intend, William.”
“And what of Olivia? And Ranleigh Hall?”
“Olivia is in full agreement with me, and my steward is perfectly capable of running the estate until my return.” He cleared his throat. “A dispatch ship leaves from Gravesend in three day’s time. The admiral has made room for my passage.”
There was silence in the library, save for the crackling of the logs in the fireplace.
“Dash it all,” growled the marquess after some moments. “You had best make sure there are two berths in that cabin. “
“Now, William, you know you cannot leave all your responsibilities?—”
“Perhaps my responsibility as head of this family is the most important one right now,” he answered softly. “It’s high time we reach out a hand to Alex.”
“You are sure Augusta shall not kick up a dust?”
He made a wry grimace. “The females of this family have always had a tender spot for Alex. More likely she would rake me over the coals if I didn’t go.”
“Well then, we have much to do before—” began Thomas
“I daresay the Admiral can be convinced to allow a third party to join in.”
Both of the younger gentlemen nearly spilled their drinks. “Uncle Ivor,” sputtered the marquess. “Don’t you think the, er, rigors of a sea voyage and a Russian winter would be … rather uncomfortable for?—”
“If you say for a man of my age, you young pup, I’ll show I am not so deep in my dotage that I can’t still take a birch to your backside!” replied Chittenden. “I set all of this in motion,so of course I shall join in seeing it set to rights.” There was a slight twinkle in his eyes as he went on. “Besides, I have wanted to visit St. Petersburg ever since I was a young boy and heard tales of Tsar Peter striding along the streets of London in those magnificent tall boots of his.”
His nephews knew the futility of arguing with their uncle when his mind was set.
“Ah, well, in for a penny, in for a pound,” said the marquess with a sigh.
Chittenden smiled. “Good, then it’s settled.” He turned toward the paneled oak door and raised his voice. “You ladies may as well come in now. No doubt you will have a number of suggestion to add as we begin to make plans.”
The brass knob turned very slowly. Both Augusta and Olivia looked slightly abashed as they sought to smooth the telltale creases from their skirt caused by kneeling outside the door.
“We … We were just passing by, Uncle Ivor,” said Augusta.
“Yes, I know, and the keyhole jumped up and took hold of that lovely ear of yours.”
Augusta directed an indignant look at her uncle while Olivia contrived to look injured. “Well, we wouldn’t have to stoop to such measures if you would admit that we are just as capable of rational thought as you are. It’s not fair that you men skulk off and lock yourself in the library to discuss all the interesting matters. If you mean to make important decisions about the family, we should be included, too,” she retorted. “After all,” she added sharply, with a pointed glare at her husband, “we do play rather a large role in ensuring that there will be a Leigh line in the future.”
“An excellent point, my dear,” said Chittenden with a chuckle, ignoring the baleful expressions of his two nephews. “I have long since realized that my nieces are blessed with brainsas well as beauty. Of course you should be included. Come take a seat on the sofa and let us start to make plans.”
The two ladies settled themselves on the plump cushions with a deliberate flounce.
“Now, William,” he continued. “Kindly take up a pen so that we may keep a list of all the things that we are going to need….”
The young manwho opened the door scowled at the sight of the elegant gentleman. “He ain’t here. He’s left Town for a lengthy trip, so if it’s some debt you’ve come to collect, you’ll have to wait.”
Thomas’s hand shot out to keep the door from slamming shut in his face. “I’ve not come about a loan, Squid—your name is Squid, isn’t it?”
The young man’s scowl turned to a look of wariness. “How do ye know me name?” he asked, surprise causing a lapse in proper speech for a moment. “And who are ye? Don’t recall having seen yer mug around here before.”
“I’m Lord Thomas.” At the blank look that greeted the announcement, he was forced to add, “Alex’s brother.”
Squid fell back in consternation as Thomas stepped into the modest set of rooms. “N—nothing has happened to Mister Alex, has it?” he asked quickly.
