Bridget said after a few moments. "I know this situation is slightly unconventional, him being an unattached man."
"And not the duke," Mrs. Smith said bluntly.
"Yes, that too," Bridget said with a slight blush.
Clearly, Mrs. Smith had found her out. She had been hoping to glean some information on the family situation from the housekeeper.
"I think it was just as much of a shock to Lord John that the Smeltings would pass over the obvious choice of the dowager or the duke. But Lord John located the correspondence last night and in it was a letter from Mr. Smelting explaining all. I believe Lord John will respect Mr. Smelting's wishes, even if they are a bit unique.
"It certainly won't be an easy task for him. He is already under so much pressure," Mrs. Smith only half said out loud.
"May I ask what sort of pressure," Bridget couldn't help but ask.
"The late Duke of Ludford set aside a commission for Lord John. It was expected that he would enter the Royal Navy. His father felt that Lord John would be most successful in a military career and already had connections with distinguished naval officials."
"But Lord John doesn't want that?" Bridget deduced.
"He may look an imposing man to most, but he is sharp of wit, and has a passion that lies far from a career at sea. He wishes to be a novelist."
"I see."
"Naturally, Lord John's eldest brother and mother are against such fantastical notions. In particular, the duke fears that Lord John will squander his inheritance, have nothing to show for it, and then not even have the means for a commission."
"But you don't agree with this assumption?" Bridget gleaned from the housekeeper's tone.
"I know Lord John will make something great of himself. His writing alone is superb. Even if it was not, he is a passionate man. When he is determined to do something, he finds a way to make it happen."
"But there is some pressure to become a successful novelist?"
"Yes. The duke has given Lord John a year. If he has not found a publisher pledging to distribute his novel, as the duke feels this is the only way for him to prove his writing skill, he will either take up the commission or be utterly cut off from the family."
"What a terrible thing to force on a man," Bridget spoke softly, having great sympathy for Lord John. "Has he already finished his manuscript?"
"I have read many of his manuscripts, and though I think they are all wonderful, he doesn't find them good enough to send to a publisher. He is determined to write his best work in the year he has been given and find a worthy company to distribute it for him. It is a lofty goal, but I know that if anyone can achieve it, it is he."
"I feel sorry that we have come at such a stressful time for him," Bridget voiced, though she knew their arrival was due to circumstances far outside her own hands.
Mrs. Smith smiled sweetly. She reached across the table, patting the top of Bridget's hand in a most motherly fashion. It was a soothing touch that Bridget had not experienced in her life, or if she had, it was in a childhood she no longer remembered.
"Very often what seems to be a great trial placed in our path turns out to be an even greater blessing."
Chapter 5
Lord John took his walk to St. James Street at a quick pace. He had already written a letter informing his friend of the urgent meeting first thing that morning. Though there had been no time for a response, he was sure that Roger Higgins would join him at White's at his earliest availability.
Luckily, Lord John was spared speaking pleasantries with various acquaintances at White’s that morning as Higgins was already present and waiting for his friend. They took some chairs close to a window overlooking the street. Higgins sought out a maid to order breakfast, as he had left without having his, and then turned his attention to his friend.
Lord John quickly laid out before Higgins the happenings of the night before as well as the predicament it put him in, both in time and money.
"I can't go against Frank's wishes and give the child to my mother," Lord John stated, "though I fear it would be in my best interest to do so. I am torn and hoping you will have some sound advice for me."
Higgins, a studious man, chewed his breakfast in