Page 23 of A Bonny Pretender
“We’ve been friends for eternity,” began Charles, his tone now serious, “and I believe I may have discovered the first secret you’ve kept from me.”
Frank noted the furrowed brow and narrowed eyes of his friend. He blew out a long sigh and tossed back the second glass of brandy and banged it on the table. “I’ll begin by saying I’ve only had this secret for a short time.”
He told Charles of his mother’s final confession and ended on a hopeful note. “What do you make of it? Is it so awful having me as a cousin?”
“Your mother and my uncle? Well, doesn’t that just blow the feathers off a peacock.” His friend shook his head. “This is astounding. That makes my mother your aunt. At least you know most of the family already accepts you. You spent a quarter of your school years at my house.”
“Lady Brecken and her sister? Will they welcome me as a half-brother if their father doesn’t?” This had been a concern since he’d met the ladies last year. He’d liked them on the spot, but would their affection continue?
“My uncle is a good man. I imagine he’s in shock right now. He will do what’s right, and my cousins already hold you in their affections. They have minds of their own.”
“I don’t want my father todo what’s right.” Frank swiped a hand over his face and rubbed his jaw. “I don’t need his money. I don’t need anything from him, which is why I haven’t attempted to contact him. I thought if I could avoid him while I was here…”
“You can’t avoid destiny, my friend. Sir Horace is no saint. He’s a shrewd businessman with great common sense.” Charles gave a long, low whistle. “And both of those qualities have his mind whirling right now, trying to figure out who you are and where you came from. If I know my uncle, he’ll have a Bow Street runner finding out exactly what you’re up to.”
“I don’t care if he ever talks to me. I’m here to find a wife and return to my quiet life.” It was a lie, of course. He did care.
The same height. The same hair. The same clear gray eyes that stared back at him every morning in the mirror. Sir Horace Franklin’s blood ran in his veins. He wanted to know the man, learn where he came from, to understand himself better. He wanted to belongsomewhere. He’d been treated almost as an outcast by his stepfather. What would it feel like to be treated as ason?
Admit it!demanded the voice in his head.
Frank pushed back the disappointment at his father’s snub. In a far corner of his mind, he’d considered a relationship with Sir Horace. “He hated the late Lord Raines and will think I’m like him.”
“Why did he hate him? Because Raines married the woman he loved? Obviously, there was something going on between them.” Charles grinned. “Or you wouldn’t be here.”
“Do you think Sir Horace will contact me? Or approach me again?” Frank’s stomach knotted at the thought of their next encounter. “I think the cut direct would be easier.”
“Oh, cheer up. He’ll come round. It’s his wife that I’d be more concerned with. My aunt is not the easiest of women.” Charles wiped his mouth with his napkin and tossed it on his plate. “Let’s go make our fortunes at the tables, and we’ll devise a plan before the night’s over.”
Frank was careful not to overindulge. He lost a bit of coin, learned more about his father’s business, and never came up with a plan. It didn’t make a difference, he told himself. He would court Miss MacNaughton, propose, and retreat.
“Excuse me, sir, but I was instructed to deliver this.” A footman held out an envelope after helping him on with his greatcoat. Frank took it and tucked it away for later. There was no name, no address on the front.
He returned to the Mivart Hotel, and Barker appeared to help him undress. He waved the envelope at his valet. “A bad omen, I wager.”
“I hope not, sir,” Barker answered in his monotone. “Would you like me to return?”
“No, that’s not necessary.” He cracked the wax seal on the back and unfolded the letter as Barker retrieved Frank’s banyan and readied his bed.
I will admit I was flabbergasted this evening when I saw the mirror image of myself. I have my suspicions about you, but I will need to verify this first. I haven’t become a successful merchant without listening to my instincts. My gut says there is an ulterior motive for your sudden appearance in London.
We shall see.
In the meantime, I would appreciate some distance between us until I’ve decided my next step. I also request you avoid my daughter and her guest. I will not have them subjected to any kind of scandal.
No names. He’d left no proof of the author or for whom it was intended. A darkness settled over him. Sir Horace Franklin did not have the right to tell him who to see and where to go. He went too far.
However, Frank reasoned sourly, the man had every right to protect a young woman in his household. A woman related to the family through marriage. In truth, he had no desire to stir the pot. It wasn’t in his nature. Angering the baronet would not help Frank’s cause with Miss MacNaughton.
Damn! Why did life have to be so complicated? Why couldn’t she be staying with anyone other than the Franklins? Miss MacNaughton wouldn’t understand his lack of attention. He imagined those deep blue eyes brimmed with tears.
“I can’t do it,” he said, staring at the note in his hand. “I’ll do my best to give you distance, sir, but I will not give her up. She is all that is right in my life.”
