alive, she might have had some influence on the boy.”
Thomas said softly, “Montague’s the first son, Papa. That’s the way it is and nothing will change it. Besides, he might come to his senses one of these days and become the son you’ve prayed for.”
“Not likely,” Papa said with a scowl. “He’ll get it all, you know. This house, the land, the money, which he’ll immediately toss away with both hands on the tables at White’s, or is it Brooks’s these days?” Papa heaved another deep sigh. “Montague’s my first son whom I dearly love, but–”
“What about the plantation?” Thomas interrupted purposely. He hated to see his father brood about a matter that was beyond his power to change. “Will you sell?”
The Marquess immediately snapped out of his doldrums. He thought a moment, then judging from the sudden, crafty light in his eye, some sort of solution occurred to him. “I take it you’re quite serious about wanting me to sell.”
“It’s a matter of principle.”
“Then I have a proposition. I shall sell the plantation in Jamaica on one condition.”
“And what is that?”
“I want you to take a little jaunt to Ireland.”
Chapter 3
“Ireland?” Thomas’s voice rose with surprise. “Why on earth would I want to go to Ireland?” Accepting a snifter of brandy from Whitney, he sat easily back in his chair. “Do tell me. I am all ears.”
“Surely you recall I have property in western Ireland,” the Marquess replied.
“It was presented to the second Marquess of Westhaven by James the Second, was it not?”
“Very good, Thomas.” The Marquess beamed approvingly. “You always did have a keen grasp of our family history, as opposed to . . . ah, well. I’m sure you recall the second Marquess was an illustrious warrior, a hero of the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685. King James was most grateful for his services.”
“And thus awarded him the land.” Thomas continued, “Good farm land, as I recall. In County Mayo, is it not?”
Papa nodded. “It’s all rented out, of course, to tenants who raise corn, barley, God knows what else. ‘Til recently, I never had a problem, but lately receipts have fallen off. Since there’s a new overseer, I suspect there might be some sort of chicanery going on. I would go see for myself, but—” he cast a resentful look at his bandaged foot “—you see how it is.”
“What about Montague?”
The Marquess let out a snort. “You would never catch my illustrious son and heir that far from Saint James Street. He has no intention of prying himself away from his dissolute life in London, not even for a brief trip to Ireland.” He regarded his younger son with brooding eyes. “Perhaps it’s fortunate you returned home, after all.”
Thomas said, “You mentioned a little jaunt to Ireland. Are you aware it takes a week to get there at the very least?”
Papa scowled impatiently. “Will you go?”
“Did you ever think I might have plans of my own?”
“Knowing you, I’m sure you do.” Papa sighed in resignation. “So tell me your plans.”
“As you know, I have always been keen on raising horses. You remember Tanglewood Hall?”
“That small manor near Abingdon your mother left you?”
“My grand estate.” Thomas raised his eyebrows in self mockery. “The house is satisfactory, and the land is ideal for raising Thoroughbreds. That’s where I’m going.” Ruefully he added, “I would have started sooner, had I not gone to Jamaica.”
“I didn’t force you to go. Matter of fact, need I remind you, it was your idea?”
“I went of my own free will,” Thomas quickly confirmed. “In fact, I insisted.”
“Indeed, you did, and I, well aware how obstinate you’ve been since the day you were born, had no desire to stand in your way. I will admit, though, I did nothing to discourage you because at the time I thought running the plantation would be for your own good. You did a fine job of it, too, until you found you had a conscience.”
“Don’t condemn me.”
“Oh, surely not. But what was I to do with you, Thomas?” Papa shrugged his shoulders in mock resignation. “I would have been more than happy to buy you a riding, but you had no desire to enter the clergy. I would have gladly bought you a commission in the Navy, but you refused. Then I tried—”
“Ah, the trials of having a second son.” Thomas cast an amused glance at his father. “Stop fretting. Obviously I’m doing fine on my own. I am quite capable of taking care of myself and