scolding me for burning the midnight oil, but there’s too much to do.”
Now Luke was certain Phoebe wanted nothing to do with him. “Tonight you will retire with your wife. No more late-night work.”
Richard raised his wary gaze. “And who is going to guard the coffers if I stop working into the night?”
His brother had been guarding them a little too closely in Luke’s estimation, but he would never criticize Richard’s efforts. “It is my responsibility. I will see to our family’s welfare now.”
“For how long? Until you leave on your foolish expedition and get yourself killed?”
“I have sent word to Captain Pendry. He is to proceed without me since I am to be married soon.”
Richard’s eyes widened.
“Don’t look so surprised. I intend to wed Lady Vivian, the young woman Father chose on my behalf.”
“But I am surprised, or more accurately, shocked.” A sharp laugh burst from him. “Egads. This must be a dream. Have I fallen asleep at the desk again?”
“Perhaps.” Luke reached out and pinched him.
His brother slapped his hand away. “What the hell, you blasted bugger?”
“There. We have our answer,” Luke said with a chuckle. “You are awake and as foul-mouthed as ever.”
“Sod off.” Richard moved behind the desk, ducking his head as if attempting to hide his smile. “I have filed every letter already answered.” He tugged open a drawer, extracted a stack of papers, and dropped them on the desktop. “These still require an answer. Many are from members of the House. I didn’t know how to respond, so I haven’t.”
Luke rubbed his temple and contemplated the stack. He may have underestimated the amount of time it would take him to address what required his attention. He met his brother’s questioning glance across the desk. “Let’s review the accounts first. Then you will be free to enjoy the house party.”
Richard’s gaze locked on Luke’s fingers at his head. Luke snatched his hand away. “I’ll help you as long as you need me,” his brother said.
“Thank you. I won’t take up any more of your time than necessary.”
His brother scooped up the ledgers and correspondence then moved to the table where they could spread out. Luke poured another drink for both of them before joining him.
His brother had opened the book and was flipping through the pages. Pointing, he looked up. “This is where I took over.”
Luke studied his brother rather than the numbers. He looked younger already, as though a great burden had been lifted.
“Drew said you never wanted to be duke,” Luke said. “Was he correct?”
Richard simply stared back for a long time until Luke began to wonder if he would answer. “I prayed every night for your safe return.” His eyes misted over and he looked away, clearing his throat.
How could Luke have ever thought his brother wanted to usurp him? His own throat felt scratchy. He coughed into his fist and nodded toward the ledger. “So this was your first entry?”
“That is the amount received for the sale of wool from Marshfeld. Why don’t I read you what I have recorded?”
Luke leaned back in his chair, the pressure in his head easing. He listened to his brother rattle off their expenditures and gains, along with his thoughts on the potential for the Marshfeld estate to turn a hefty profit next year if they added to the flock.
At one time, he and Richard had been inseparable and equally put out with their youngest brother, who always wanted to be part of their fun. Luke didn’t know if they could ever recapture the closeness they had shared as lads, but he would be content if everything could be like this. Living in peace with one another and working cooperatively.
“I don’t know if I can ever make up for abandoning you, but I promise to do right by our family from now on.”
“I will hold you to it,” Richard said without looking up from the scribbled notes in the margins. “You know I will.”
***
Vivi had eagerly accepted Miss Truax’s invitation to join her for a walk through the gardens, happy for an excuse to escape the duchess’s drawing room.
She had been cautious not to make any missteps in the Duchess of Foxhaven’s presence, even though Her Grace seemed like a kind lady. Vivi didn’t want to provide Luke’s mother with any reason to object to their union. A walk outside allowed her to drop her guard a little.
Dressed in her best walking gown and armed with a parasol, she meandered along the twisting path through