Page 90 of Lord of Fortune
Penn stood from the table, anxious to put an end to this disquieting conversation. He wanted to focus on obtaining the White Book of Hergest. That was something he could control, something he could achieve.
“I won’t be the earl, Gideon will. Even now, Egg is perhaps on his way back with the proof so that we may destroy it. Or perhaps he already has.”
“And if he doesn’t?” Father asked with a grimace. “You need to think about the possibility that youarean earl.”
Bitterness rose in his mouth. “I’ve thought of little else.” Until he’d learned of Amelia’s husband. For a brief while yesterday he’d actually come to terms with being the earl, if it meant Amelia would be his countess. Without her, he didn’t want it. Hell, without her, everything seemed far less palatable.
His heart had started to pound. He took a deep breath to calm himself. He wasn’t angry with his parents, but with the situation he found himself in. “My apologies,” he said. “I know you both have my best interests at heart.”
Father stood and came around to his side of the table. He clapped his hand on Penn’s shoulder. “We certainly do. And I deeply regret not telling you about Stratton sooner. I’m, ah, surprised at how well Gideon is taking this.”
Mother left her chair and joined them. “I’ve been wondering about that too. Do you think he’s all right, or is he just hiding how he really feels?”
Penn wasn’t sure. “I’ll find out on our journey.”
Father didn’t look convinced. “If he’ll tell you. He can be rather enigmatic. Very unlike his father—Stratton’s thoughts and opinions were never a mystery.”
“He couldn’t possibly keep anything to himself.” Mother shuddered. She turned a bright smile on Penn. “Please take care of yourself. And Gideon. And Amelia.”
“I will.” He kissed her cheek, then embraced them both. “Watch for Egg, and tell him I’ll be back soon. We’ll send word when we have the book and let you know what we plan to do next.”
