Page 97 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“For what purpose?”

“You must have held Catherine in affection at some point,” Corbyn said.

Simon sighed. “I did…” he hesitated, “I do.”

“End things with Beatrice and go fix things with your wife,” Corbyn counseled. “Convince her that you want to make the marriage work.”

“It isn’t that simple.” Walking over to the table, Simon put his glass down. “Beatrice is pregnant again.”

“Ah,” Corbyn said. “I see the problem.”

“Beatrice has already given me two boys,” Simon shared, “but they are illegitimate.”

“Do you love Beatrice?”

Simon shrugged. “I suppose I hold her in some regard, which is why I wanted to move her into a cottage at our country estate.”

“And I must assume Catherine took issue with that.”

“She did,” Simon proclaimed, haughtily. “On my word, it wasn’t as if I suggested Beatrice move in with us.”

“You are an idiot.”

Simon picked up his glass and tossed back the rest of his drink. He slammed the glass down onto the table. “I don’t have to answer to you!” he shouted.

“You’re right about that.”

His mother stepped out from the drawing room and clasped her hands in front of her. “It might be best if you continue this conversation in the drawing room, away from prying ears.”

Simon waved his hand dismissively. “I think not,” he declared. “I have nothing else to say on the matter.”

“That is a shame,” Corbyn muttered under his breath.

His brother shot him an annoyed look. “You think you are better than me, Brother?” he asked, his voice rising in indignation.

“You are drunk, Simon,” Corbyn said. “Go sleep it off.”

With a parting glance at his mother, Simon staggered towards the stairs and placed his hand on the iron banister. “I have had enough of this berating. I shall retire for the evening.”

Corbyn watched as Simon stumbled up the stairs before he turned his attention towards his mother. “When did Catherine depart for the country estate?” he asked.

“Today,” she replied, “but we should continue this conversation in the drawing room.”

He walked over and kissed his mother on her cheek. “It’s good to see you again,” he said as he leaned back.

“I always enjoy when you come to visit.”

Corbyn gestured towards the drawing room, indicating that she should go first. He followed her into the room and sat on the settee next to her.

His mother shifted in her seat to face him. “Would you care for some refreshment?”

“No, thank you.”

She sighed as she glanced over at the open door. “I tried to talk Catherine out of leaving, but she was quite insistent on the matter.”

“Pray tell, did Simon at least try to stop Catherine?”

His mother pressed her lips together. “I’m afraid not,” she replied. “After she announced she was leaving, he spent most of the day at White’s.”

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