her while I’m occupied this afternoon. I will rest easier knowing she has an ally. Perhaps the two of you could walk in the gardens and become better acquainted.”
A muscle at her jaw twitched beneath her pale skin. “You would like us to become better acquainted? Perhaps to become bosom friends and share confidences?”
Luke held his amusement in check. He had never seen his cousin appear so serious, as if the Crown were sending her on a mission rather than his suggesting a pleasant stroll. “I suppose I am. Do you mind?”
“Of course not. I will do whatever is necessary to assist you.”
He patted her shoulder. “You have my gratitude. Come, I’ll make introductions.”
Twenty
Luke had a difficult task ahead of him. Reviewing the estate accounts and reading through all correspondence received since their father’s death would be excruciating. He ignored the pinch at his temple. This was something he couldn’t avoid any longer.
If Richard had neglected to act upon Mr. Ogden’s reports of a drying well, there could be other problems requiring immediate attention. Luke didn’t blame his brother as much as he blamed himself. At least Richard had been trying, while he had turned his back on everything.
His brother swept into Luke’s study and skidded to a stop when he spotted him behind the massive desk. “You wished to speak with me?”
Luke rose from his seat and rounded the desk to clap his brother affectionately on the back. Richard stood stiffly with the ledgers in his arms and didn’t attempt to reciprocate.
“It has been too long, Rich. You are looking well.”
It was a lie. His brother looked like hell with bags under his eyes and his face thinner than when Luke had last seen him.
Richard’s dark eyes narrowed. “It has been almost a year. Phoebe and I had begun to wonder if we would ever see you again.”
Richard’s wife probably didn’t care if she ever saw Luke again if he was responsible for his brother’s haggard appearance.
“You knew of my whereabouts.”
The sharp angles of his brother’s face stood out more when he was angered. “I saw no reason to drag Phoebe and my boys away from the comforts of home to chase after you.”
You saw no reason to give up control. Luke took a deep breath. He wasn’t here to feud with his brother.
“I hope Phoebe and my nephews are well.” He spoke quietly, sincerely.
“They are healthy,” Richard said with a sniff. “I doubt you would recognize the boys now. They have grown tremendously.”
Luke ignored his brother’s insinuation. He couldn’t fall into old patterns today by resurrecting past grievances. There was too much to sort out.
He swept an arm toward one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Please have a seat. Would you like a drink?”
“I’ll have a brandy.” Richard lowered onto the chair, laid the books across his lap, and tugged at his sleeves.
“I’ve had it stocked with scotch as well. For Drew.” Luke sauntered to the sideboard and poured two fingers of brandy into cut crystal glasses, then carried one to his brother. “Perhaps later the three of us can enjoy a nightcap.”
“Just like old times, eh?” Richard sipped his drink, his glare fixed on Luke.
Luke smiled to hide his irritation. His brother was spoiling for a fight, but he wouldn’t oblige. “I wish there were old times to recall, but I cannot change the past.”
“Why did you summon me? I have important matters that require my attention today.”
Luke leaned against the desk, crossing his legs in front of him. He nodded toward the books. “I want to review the accounts, and I will need all correspondence from the last year no later than tomorrow.”
Richard drained his drink, his face turning red. “Do you think I have done something wrong?”
Luke held up a hand when Richard shot from his chair in a bluster. “No, but I have. You kept our family afloat, and for your devotion, I will always be grateful. But it’s time for me to live up to my responsibilities. It was unfair to lay the burden at your feet.”
His brother blinked, apparently at a loss for words. What could he say when Luke spoke the truth? Richard looked down at the empty glass in his hand, absently tipping it back and forth.
Luke gently took it from him. “When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep?”
“I don’t know.” His brother raked his fingers through his dark hair and blew out a noisy breath. “A long time ago. Phoebe has been