Page 27 of Catching Captain Nash
Robert gave a grunt of grim amusement that hid how his brother’s heartfelt declaration had moved him. There was no man he admired more than Silas. It was a shock to hear that Silas admired him in return.
“I came damned close.”
“Believe me, I know. When that pompous idiot said you hadn’t been working for the navy when you were in jail, and therefore shouldn’t receive your back pay, you looked ready to box his ears.”
“He nearly didn’t make it out of his office.” The brothers shared a glance of perfect understanding. “Vile worm he was.”
Silas looked thoughtful. “You know, it’s too early for you to make any decisions, but have you given consideration to your future? You and Morwenna are more than welcome to make your home at Woodley. The house is so big, we could set you up in private quarters in the east wing. And Kerenza would enjoy growing up with her cousins.”
“Thank you, Silas,” Robert said. “But I’d rather go out on my own. And I hope Kerenza will soon have plenty of brothers and sisters to keep her company.”
“Hmm,” his brother said, as if he understood exactly how mad Morwenna and Robert were for each other. Damn Silas, he probably did. There had never been anything slow about him. “That means you have plans?”
If only Silas knew how many lonely hours Robert had devoted to counting the mistakes he’d made and how he’d remedy them, if heaven ever offered him the chance. The miracle was that he’d lived to see a time when he might achieve what he wanted. “Of course.”
“So if you’re not coming to live at Woodley Park—and I think you should take my offer seriously—do you want to go back to the Portsmouth house? I know you and Morwenna are fond of it, but if you want a big family, it will rapidly become too small.Now you’re leaving the navy, there’s no need to live so close to port.”
“I think...” Robert paused. Odd that even with his brother, he felt shy articulating his amorphous hopes for the rest of his life. “I think I’d like to buy a small estate somewhere and farm. I’ve got prize money and my legacy from Papa. I’d like to give Kerenza and any other children we have a life like the one you and I had growing up. Loving parents. Freedom to discover who they are. All on a smaller scale than Woodley Park, obviously.”
“So you really do want to drop anchor?”
“And never leave home again. Yes. Although I imagine Morwenna might fancy coming up to London occasionally, having had a taste of excitement this season.”
Silas was shaking his head. “You know, I wouldn’t bet on it. We had to drag her here kicking and screaming, and while she’s borne it all with a good grace, she’d jump at the chance to become a farmer’s wife.”
“I hope so. Although if she wants to come to London, I’ll damn well see she comes to London.”
“You seem to have sorted out your priorities.”
His lips twisted. “It’s an ill wind that blows no good, brother. Imprisonment gives a man plenty of thinking time.”
“I’m glad. I know you love Morwenna, but I couldn’t help feeling you loved the navy more.”
Robert bristled and glared at his brother through the shadows. “That’s a damn rotten thing to say.”
“No need to fly up into the boughs, old man.” Silas paused. “And for what it’s worth, I don’t feel that’s true since you came back.”
Robert sucked in a sharp breath. Silas’s accusation wasn’t true, had never been true. But if he must, he might admit that he could see why his brother had reached that conclusion. “I’d die for my wife.”
Silas’s smile was wry with understanding. “I think she’d much rather you lived for her.” He made a conciliatory gesture. “And I might have an idea about that.”
“Oh?”
“The Devon estate I inherited from Uncle Frederick needs a manager...”
Robert’s hand sliced the air. “Silas, I appreciate what you’re doing, but I don’t need your charity.”
Silas’s short laugh was dismissive. “Don’t be so bloody stiff-necked, and hear me out. I haven’t been to Belleville in years, but I remember it as a very pleasant situation with a sea view. Just perfect for all those children you’ve set your heart on.”
“Silas...”
His brother ignored him and plowed on. “The estate has rather slipped off my list of concerns in recent years, and when the tenants left a month ago, the report I got back from my agent is that it’s fallen into sad disrepair. The bones of the place are good, but the fabric needs some work. A nice little manor house, big enough for a growing family. Good land, if gone to the dogs. Half a dozen tenant farmers who are badgering me to address the problems the last people left behind.”
“So why don’t you?”
“I am. I’m asking you to devote some of that famous naval efficiency to turning the place around. You’d be doing me a favor.”
“I’m not sure...” Although despite the way Silas’s offer made his pride prickle, he was powerfully tempted. The prospect of getting his hands on a neglected estate and turning it into a home made his mind whirl with possibilities.
