How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,47
was young. I wish to be a novelist. Several of my teachers admitted I had a knack for it, if you recall. I will use my funds to set up a career as an author."
"Novelist? That's a hobby, John," the duke said with a sigh.
Lord John was relieved that at least his temper was beginning to simmer. The duke must have taken his apology to heart.
"It can be a very lucrative means of support. It is a booming business at present. If I publish on commissions, I will need, at the very least, a portion of my sum to pay the cost of publication. However, I can assure you that with the right publisher, I can make a good profit. With several publications, it would be a steady income all on its own. Certainly not a dukedom, but one comparable to an officer, I should say."
"This is assuming that your books would actually be purchased," the duke said flatly.
"I won't boast that I think I will be a great success. Certainly, there is a risk involved in what I am asking."
"A risk not involved in a commission."
"No. In that the only risk is to my very life."
"You know as well as I, you are made for such a life. I have no fear of your death, and you shouldn't either."
"And what of my soul. Does that not matter? I refuse to take the life of another or send one to do it in my bidding, no matter the cause. I find no reason, no justification, that would make such a thing right in God's eyes."
The duke gave out a long sigh. It was not the first time that Lord John had voiced this reservation. In fact, he had done it many times while their father was still living. It had fallen on deaf ears then. He hoped it would not do so this time.
"We all make tough decisions in life, John. We all must do things we don't like," the duke scolded his bother.
"Well, this is one I won't do," Lord John said firmly, coming to a stand.
"Are you really willing to sacrifice your chance at a proper living over such religious qualms."
"It isn't religious qualms to me. This moral stance is part of my very being. I will not give it up, I'm sorry, Daniel. If you can't see that, I suppose I will just have to find a way to make it without Father's money."
"And our whole family be the talk of the Ton while you scrimp and scrape a poor existence?"
The duke ran his hand across his face with a groan.
"How about this," he finally said after a few moments to consider Lord John's words. "A bet."
"A bet?" Lord John replied.
"Yes. I will give you one year. If by the end of next year's season, you have secured a publisher who can attest to me that sales of your manuscript will bring in a decent profit beyond publishing costs, I will release the whole of the funds to your charge. I will do this on top of your annual annuity."
"What's the catch?" Lord John narrowed his eyes.
He knew his brother would never just give up control of that money, and in essence, over Lord John's life.
"If, after a year, you cannot find a publisher that can ensure the success of your work, you will forfeit this hobby. You will take the commission and join the navy."
"And if I still refuse to take the commission without a publisher?"
"Then you will forfeit your sum," the duke stated simply.
"That is my money." Lord John teetered on rage.
"It was entrusted to me, and for a good reason. Father knew you couldn't be trusted with all your constant complaints."
"Complaints?" Lord John scoffed. "Because I refuse to give in to his will. I refuse to do what he wants, knowing that it would be a life of pure hell."
"Say what you like," the duke waved off. "I will not shirk my responsibility to this family. The sum is mine to give or withhold from you. My terms are far more generous than you could have expected from Father."
Lord John did his own pacing of the room while he thought the matter over. He would never join the navy, win or lose. He knew that this very moment. He would be willing to live on a small income if it came down to it. He was not an extravagant man. It would be much more difficult to publish his works if he lost the