Page 114 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 30
“How is she doing?” Cecil asked.
Percy gave a small shrug. “I don’t really know. Her doctor, James doesn’t really know. She’s twice Louisa’s age, so that complicates matters right away.
“And, of course, Louisa blames herself. I told her Frederick and I asked Amelia to let others watch her while she got rest, and Amelia refused. That’s hardly Louisa’s fault.
“I’m sure Louisa’s recovery will be slower because of Amelia. And Amelia’s recovery will be slower because of her age. It’s going to take some time.”
Kent shook his head, “By the time Amelia’s fully recovered, you’ll have been dealing with this for months. You must feel like you’re treading water.”
Percy slid his hand down his face. “And I’ve got to go to Gordon Castle. My steward’s been asking me for months, but you know what my life has been like. Now, I have no choice.”
Cecil gave Percy a small smile, “What fell down?”
“One of the supporting walls in the back, near the kitchens. I don’t know if I should just get rid of it and build something new or renovate the hell out of it.”
Kent asked, “What do you want to do?”
Percy thought for a minute. “I want to renovate. It could be a beautiful, liveable place. I don’t want to leave London that long. It will take me months to coordinate the project. I don’t even have an architect.”
Cecil said, “My suggestion? Go now. Louisa is stuck where she is recuperating and nursing her mother. You just said that could take months. Talk to Frederick. I think he would say the same thing.”
“Yeah, but to walk away from Louisa and her mother while they are sick? I’m not a cad.”
Kent said, “No, you’re not. Cecil’s right. Go see Frederick.”
Percy nodded. “What else is happening?”
Cecil said, “This is interesting. Have you heard Harold and Inez are betrothed?”
Percy grunted. “I hadn’t. When is the big day? I’m sure he’ll want to rush.”
Cecil grinned. “Of course he will. He’s talking a fortnight. She wants four. She’ll never get it. Such a typical ton marriage. She has nothing to offer except a dowry. That’s more than enough for him. Except for the three of us, is every ton marriage a marriage of convenience?”
Kent said, “Well, I hope she’s happy. Our girls will keep an eye on her. She knows what she agreed to. She’s accepted it. Gertie said she feared she would be alone.”
Percy nodded. “I have had that fear. It’s a great motivator.”
Cecil said, “So, speaking of being alone. We have Barton out there looking for a bride. We have to get rid of this man. Whatever happened to exposing his horse-trading scam?”
Percy put an elbow on the table and cradled his head in his hand. “He’s worse than a rabid dog. We need to get rid of him.”
He lifted his head and took a drink of wine. “Frederick said he’d go see the old man once we had proof in hand. I’ll let him know it’s time. If he’s not preoccupied with Amelia, Hobart and I will go.
“We’ll convince the old man that Victor isn’t working out, and he has to ban Barton from the property. We need a replacement for Victor that we can recommend. Any suggestions?”
Cecil said, “I suppose I could talk to Donny. He doesn’t like London, though. He loves living in the country.”
Percy nodded. “Fair enough. Is there anyone else? Give it some thought. And I’ll ask Hobert.”
*****
“It’s that time of year.”
“And what time of year is it, Hobart?”
Hobart laughed. “Why race time, my boy.” He picked up his newspaper off the desk and put it down again. “Which should I sign you up for?” He picked the newspaper up again.
