Page 52 of A Love to Remember
He knocked on the study door and Kirkwood bade him enter. Kirkwood was standing at the end of the room, looking out the window.
“What did you say to Rose to make her leave?”
Philip counted to ten. “If you are referring to Her Grace I have not seen her since dinner last night—during which she barely spoke a word to me, or I to her.”
Kirkwood swung to face him. “But you must have some idea why she left.”
He was about to admit what they had learned about Drake’s fall, about someone being in the attic and pushing him, but some instinct held him back. “I do not. It appears I’m no longer in her confidence.”
Kirkwood studied Philip for a moment but seemed to accept his answer. “Please sit.”
Philip took his seat and studied the man he’d always held in very high regard.
Kirkwood had been kind to Rose. He had allowed her more freedom than many men would in his position. A persistent thought entered his head and took root. Why had Kirkwood allowed Rose such freedom? Was it because she’d sworn never to remarry?
“I invited you to this hunting party for a reason, Cumberland. It was not to punch Viscount Tremain.”
“No, my lord. I’m sorry.”
“It was because I’m concerned for Rose’s future. Brandy?” Kirkwood gestured to a decanter, Philip nodded, and Kirkwood poured them each a glass. “You were together for two years. Everyone thought you’d propose to her. I know she wants to marry you. So I’d like to understand why you have ended your affair.”
He’d more than half expected something like this. “I believe that is between Her Grace and me, sir.”
Kirkwood tapped his fingers on the desk. “Let me be perfectly clear. Drake will be sent to school in the fall. I have told Rose she is to remarry by then. I’m telling you in case you wish to change your mind, because once she marries you will lose her forever—and forever is a long time. Believe me. I know.”
It was as if someone had shoved a sword through Philip’s heart. While she remained a widow, he could pretend their friendship would go on forever as it was. But once she married, she would be out of his life completely.
It was a truth he really did not want to face. “Thank you for your concern, Lord Kirkwood. However, I have made my decision and will keep my own counsel as to the reasons.” He started to rise.
Kirkwood nodded. “Forgive an old man’s interference, but I’d hate to think that events surrounding Robert’s death are stopping you from reaching for your own happiness.”
The sly old fox. Philip sank back into his chair. Had Rose told him? Surely not.
“It’s a long and lonely life without a wife and children,” Kirkwood said quietly. “I knew and liked your brother. Robert would not expect this of you.”
Everyone knew and liked Robert. “Probably not, but I expect certain things of myself. I have a lot to make right.”
To Philip’s surprise, Kirkwood nodded. “No doubt. Just be certain of the strength of your vow. Once Rose remarries, I do not want to hear of you rekindling your affair.”
Philip remained in his seat but it was an effort. “I may be many things, my lord, but I have never been an adulterer.”
Kirkwood raised his hands in surrender. “It is a warning. I’ll not have the reputation of Drake’s mother questioned.”
“I would never do anything to hurt Her Grace or the boy.”
“Then I think it best—if this is the way you truly intend to go on—that you stay away from both Her Grace and young Roxborough. Let her move on and find happiness.”
He could respect Kirkwood for wanting to protect Drake and Rose. But a sudden idea leaped into his brain. Wouldn’t Drake’s guardian—and old Roxborough’s good friend—know the terms of the late earl’s will? Of course he would. And this was his house filled with his servants all doing whatever they were told to protect his interests.
Suddenly, Philip had another suspect on his list. Was Kirkwood up to something sinister? Surely not. The man had no need of money. Kirkwood was one of the wealthiest men in England.
Philip realized he’d been silent too long. “I’m sorry, my lord. I’m a little confused. I have been trying to stay away from her. I’ve been encouraging her to move on. It was at your insistence I came to this event.”
“I know.” Kirkwood smiled as if he was indulging a child. “I’d promised Rose I would invite you. I think she hoped to make one last appeal.”
Philip doubted that because she’d left without conversing with him at all. “Then I believe we understand each other, and it would be best for me to take my leave. Thank you for your kind invitation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to clear the air between us.” He rose to his feet as he spoke.
Kirkwood inclined his head. “I hope you heed my advice. I will be a formidable enemy if you continue to cause Rose problems.”
