you pass. Even those with drapes drawn, often you can see. One wonders what he saw, or if he even noticed.”
Nicholas raked his hair. “Listen, I said nothing last night because it was not the time, but since you are waxing nostalgic about Uncle now—I am concerned about Kevin.”
“As am I. It might be best if he left England for a few months. A man has a better chance at justice here than anywhere else, but this is a duke’s death and if it is called other than an accident, there will be those looking for a resolution.” It soured his mood to think about that development, and how if it occurred it would be on his conscience that it had. He wrestled every hour with the weight of duty versus family. Versus love.
“If it becomes necessary, he can hop a packet.”
Nicholas crossed his arms. “Do you think there is any chance that he—I refuse to believe that.”
“Someday I will tell you about the dangers of refusing to believe that which the facts support. You asked if I think there is any chance. I do. However, I don’t believe there is any chance. Kevin will be at the mercy of what others believe and think, however.”
“This is a damnable business. I hope that you don’t hold it against me that I dragged you into it.”
“You did not drag me in. I was already there.”
Nicholas walked away, as if from the topic itself. “Miss Hepplewhite looked quite lovely last night. Very spirited.”
“I believe she had an enjoyable time.”
“Lord Jennings commented on her healthy appetite.”
“She paid dearly for the self-indulgence. It would embarrass her to learn others noticed.”
“Jennings was impressed, not critical. As for me, it was a compliment to the new chef. He just started a few days ago. Mrs. Fowler said all her old friends were gone, and she didn’t want to continue because it was not the same.” He wandered aimlessly around the sitting room before landing in an armchair. “Kevin asked about Miss Hepplewhite. Twice. I could not put him off the second time. I think he sees her as an eligible inappropriate woman.”
“What did you tell him?”
“You had warned me off when she was called Mrs. Rupert, but I did not know if you still guarded her. I would say protected, but I don’t want to imply anything.”
“Tell Kevin to turn his attention to the viscountess. She would love to devour him one bite at a time.”
Nicholas raised his eyebrows. “You are easily vexed when it comes to Miss Hepplewhite. I will assume that means that whatever had her fleeing Melton Park has been resolved. You appeared good friends last night.”
“I am not keeping her, if that is what you are trying to ask.”
“I am not asking that, although that dinner dress was far nicer than what the woman who visited Melton Park might wear and I don’t think she as yet has access to her new fortune. I am asking if I should directly warn Kevin off if he inquires about her a third time.”
“Tell him to stay away from her. Hell, tell him to go to the devil.”
He was vexed, and he did not know why. This was not a simple jealousy darkening his mind. The temporary nature of their affair ate at him.
They shared pleasure and a deep familiarity. They shared confidences and, he liked to think, a mutual affection that touched on the profound at moments. She was his lover, but not his mistress, and he had no rights where she was concerned. None. He did not even have the right to warn off his cousins. Or to protect her in other ways.
Nicholas headed to his dressing room. “I’ll have the valet send down word that you will be at breakfast.”
“I have a question before you start your dressing.”
Nicholas turned, waiting.
“Did you find any gold in the house? Coins.”
Nicholas looked surprised, then grinned. “Damn, you are good. I discovered a large stash at Melton Park the day after you left. I opened a drawer in an unused wardrobe off his dressing room, and there it was, behind a false back. Guineas half filled it. I enjoyed an hour of exultant relief before I started to wonder if I had to inform the solicitor and turn it over to the estate.”
“You inherited the ducal houses and their contents. That was part of the contents.”
“So I concluded. It was enough to balance the accounts for at least a year. How did you know about this?”