Page 51 of A Secret Infatuation
“I am still waiting for you to explain exactly what you mean by these ridiculous allegations.”
“You preach reform and merit-based appointments,” Robert began again, “yet you have been supported by patrons your entire life. My father paid for your schooling and called in favors to get you your first clerical position in Brighton, and you repaid him by casting his aid aside. Not only you, but your father owes his living to mine. We shall see if he will still retain it after my father turns the parish against him.”
The reference to his father was a blow from the side, and Felix could scarcely comprehend it, but he would not be deterred. “You have said nothing other than what everyone knows. Anyone who wishes to learn that your father owns the advowson to my father’s living, or that the baron paid for my schooling, might have the information simply by asking you or me. I have never hidden it, nor have I disguised the fact that my first clerical position was owing to him.”
“Astonishing that you will own it, since you are now preaching merit-based appointments rather than favors in the Admiralty. You refuse to assist my father in the only favor he asked of you in return.”
This stung, for there was some truth to it, but Felix had grown in his convictions on this and would not back down.
“You are right that your father connected me with the customs officer who gave me my first position, but you must own that I had the qualifications for that position. He pulled strings so that I might come under the customs officer’s notice, but I was perfectly competent to perform the role. And what’s more, my career evolution afterward was entirely based on my own performance and not on any other favors.”
“You are forgetting the admiral’s patronage in purchasing your seat in Parliament.”
Felix tightened his fists. This was another half-truth that he was not entirely comfortable with. His only reason for accepting the seat was for the good he could do in Parliament. And he had done nothing illegal; it did not matter that the town of Gatton was so small the admiral easily persuaded the constituents to elect Felix. With the practice so common, not even his father had expressed qualms about it. He glanced from Robert to Perkins, aware all the while of Sophia standing beside him. He shuddered to think of the impression she would have of him.
“Everyone in White’s is saying that the admiral simply bought his mouthpiece. He did not wish to enter Parliament himself, so he found someone he could buy off who would spout the same foolish notions he has.”
“I am no one’s mouthpiece,” Felix said firmly. “The words I speak in the Commons are of my own conviction. I sit in Parliament with the aim to serve crown and country, and everything I do or say—every vote I cast—is to that end.”
The argument stretched on painfully, but he was forced to remain for walking away would only make him look guilty. Sophia had remained silent during the exchange. How he wished he could whisk her away and explain that he had done nothing illegal.
“If you are not bought, then how do you explain your sudden influx of money?” Robert demanded with a glance at Perkins, who nodded. “You stole a march on me by buying that house I wanted in Russell Square—and with what funds?”
It had come down to the house. A heaviness settled in Felix’s chest, and he wondered if Robert had wanted it for the same reason he did—to take a wife. He had certainly not intended to steal the house directly from Robert and had not even known that a gentleman meeting his description was interested until after he signed. He had simply been the first to put in a formal offer.
“You did not have the funds to purchase that house,” Robert went on, “but I know where the money is coming from. The admiral put you in charge of a subscription fund attached to some widows’ pension, and you are pocketing a share from each one.”
“That is outrageous!”
“Is it? Admiral Mowbray’s name appears first on the subscription list. You’re collecting subscriptions from unwitting patrons with talk of widows, but it is all for your own ends. And what is worse,” he went on ruthlessly, “your father, who appears to be the picture of piety, is now tangled in a will dispute in the Court of Canterbury. You Harwoods are the greatest hypocrites I’ve ever seen!”
“I’ve heard enough of this nonsense,” Felix said through gritted teeth, his anger only increasing at the sight of Sophia, who had shrunk into herself. Robert’s tirade had hit the wrong victim, and her initial signs of courage in standing up to him seemed to have deserted her. “Step aside and allow me to escort Lady Sophia back to her home.”
“As Sophia’s oldest friend, I will do the honors,” Robert retorted.
Sophia took a step back and put up her hands, which to Felix’s dismay, were shaking. “I beg you will both excuse me. I see Marie walking with Mr. Edwards, and I will ask her to accompany me.”
She did not give either a chance to answer, but hurried over to the park’s entrance, where Miss Mowbray saw her approach and paused. Her expression filled with concern, and she put an arm around Sophia as they spoke. Felix had not been able to shield her, and it was the greatest blow. He turned back to Robert.
“Your father might have paid for my schooling, but it does not give you the right to slander my name just because the woman I love does not return your regard. I can only hope you will think better of this day’s work.” He walked off, valiantly resisting the temptation to punch the man in the nose.
“Slim chance of that,” he heard Robert mutter behind him, followed by Perkins’s guffaw.
Chapter 22
The pain of watching Felix undergo such a battering was almost more than Sophia could bear, but she’d had no intention of leaving his side. However, when both Felix and Robert turned to her and insisted they each be the one to chaperone her home, she feared it would come to a physical fight. The glimpse of Marie approaching the Hyde Park entrance was timely, and it required no reflection to go and seek refuge in her friend’s company. Although Mr. Edwards was with Marie, Sophia could not refrain from pouring the story into her ears, aware that Mr. Edwards would learn the whole. But then, she judged, was he not involved in his own way as the admiral’s secretary?
She did not believe Robert. Of course, a tiny doubt wanted to make itself heard that she had been mistaken in trusting Felix, but she refused to listen. He had shown himself time and again to be trustworthy and sincere. As soon as Marie was in possession of all the facts, she was indignant on Felix’s behalf. Mr. Edwards, too, was concerned and promised to do what he could to clear his name.
Marie and Mr. Edwards put off their pleasure outing to accompany her home, and there offered to come in and be of support. Sophia shook her head.
“You were about to go walking, and I do not wish to interrupt your plans. Thank you for your company.” When it seemed that Marie hesitated, she added, “I believe I need some time alone.”
Marie accepted this, promising she would come the next day to see how Sophia did. Meanwhile, Mr. Edwards assured her that he would talk to the admiral, for he would know best how to produce whatever proof was needed to exonerate Mr. Harwood.
As soon as Sophia stepped into the front hall, she heard the door open from the cloak room. Turton approached with quick steps. “Lady Dorothea and Mr. Shaw are in the drawing room with Lord Poole, my lady.”
Sophia removed her bonnet slowly, not wishing to face anyone, even family. Perhaps she would simply greet them and explain that she was tired and wished for a short rest in her room until dinner. Before she could take a step, the door opened and Dorothea looked out.
