Page 94 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
“That would be far too much to ask of Rothwell. Besides, it is only for a little while. I am sure we will all manage.” James gave her a reassuring smile that made Tobias’s stomach twist. “It will be fun! We can play parlor games and get up to all sorts of mischief. We could throw a ball!”
“I am in far too much debt to Rothwell as it is.” He turned to face Tobias. “Once I have all my affairs in order, I will repay you. Just let me know how much you have spent, and I will work something out.”
“You do not need to do that.” Tobias shook his head. “I only did what was necessary. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“Come now, Rothwell, I have no wish to be in your debt. You must let me pay you what is owed.” James frowned.
“Keep your money. I do not need it.” Tobias made an emphatic gesture. “There is nothing to repay—there are no debts between us. You saved my life. I cared for your sister. We are even.”
The words sounded hollow to his own ears.
“That is too generous, Rothwell. I cannot possibly?—”
“No, Jenkins. It is not generosity, simply a balancing of scales. I will not discuss the matter further. I have no wish to take your money.” Tobias clenched his fists.
How could I take money from you when these last few months have been the most alive I have felt?
“Very well. I know you well enough not to argue.” James looked from Rowen to Tobias and shrugged. “If you are sure…”
“I am,” Tobias said flatly. “If you wish to spend the night here, we can discuss preparations in the morning.”
“I can have one of the maids prepare a guest room if you would like?” Rowen gestured to the door.
Tobias thought he heard a catch in her voice, but he could not be certain.
James smiled at both of them. “As kind as the offer is, I have missed London. I want to spend the night out, especially as Iwill have my sister, niece, and nephew living with me soon. One last hurrah!” He clapped Tobias on the back and kissed Rowen on the cheek. “I will see you both tomorrow. And we will get this whole thing sorted out. I promise.”
Tobias found himself nodding as he walked to his desk. His legs felt leaden, and he drained his glass of whiskey, before pouring himself another and draining it just as quickly.
“There is no reason for you to stay married.”
He glanced at Eric’s portrait. “What am I supposed to do now?”
There was no answer. Just silence, and a sense that he had just woken from what could have been a wonderful dream.
Twenty-Seven
“Ireally did not think it would get so messy,” James said as they walked towards the front door. “I suppose that is what comes of not thinking things through.”
Rowen nodded, only half listening to what her brother was saying. She was too busy thinking about all the things that had not been said.
“I know this must have been very difficult for you and the children, but well… being so close to death has made me realize just how precious life is.” James put a hand on her shoulder. “I intend to live it, and to make sure you do as well. I suspect that my brush with death will probably make Father more amenable to giving me the funds to support you. And if not, I will figure something out. I will not let you struggle. Do not worry, Sister.”
He glanced around the house and winced. “Though it may not be quite as lavish a life as Rothwell has given you. His coffers run far deeper than even our father’s.”
“I want to spoil you.”
Tobias’s words sent a chill through her veins.
“I do not need lavish things. Just enough to be comfortable; that is all.”
“That I can certainly do.” James hugged her again. “Let me know when you are ready to leave, and I will send a carriage for you. Rothwell is a generous soul, Sister, but I would not push him too far. You do not want him to think you are taking advantage of his kindness.”
“No, of course not.” Rowen hesitated and then blurted, “But we may still stay—if he asks us to, I mean.”
She had meant to keep the hope from her voice, but some of it must have bled through because James paused and shook his head.
“I would not hold your breath. Rothwell likes his own space, and since his brother died, that is even more the case than before.” He gave her a sad smile, his soft voice breaking her heart even further. “He has not been the same ever since. Which makes the debt I owe him even greater. He was in the depths of grief, and still he provided for you.”
