also had nowhere else to turn, as I’m sure you recall.”
Trent’s fingers tightened on his glass. “I do.”
Barely twenty-four, with a small child and another on the way, Trent had only just buried his father and become Baron Haddon. His inheritance had consisted of an estate that was barely solvent and a struggling quarry. Trent’s sister needed a dowry and his younger brother’s tuition at Harrow was a small fortune. He was already in dire financial straits before the accident.
Trent’s father had refused to modernize the lone quarry he owned. Fifty men had died during the cave-in, buried alive beneath an enormous pile of rock, leaving their families destitute. It had been an obligation for Trent to provide for those men’s wives and children. The quarry was also the largest employer in the area for miles. If the quarry didn’t reopen, not only would Trent become impoverished, but so would most of the families in the area. So many lives had depended on him. Anne, against Trent’s wishes, had gone to her great-uncle, Lord Pendleton, who was flush with cash from the Blue John mine his family owned. It was assistance Trent hadn’t wanted to accept, but he’d had little choice.
“So, you see why I’ve come. My father never asked you for repayment for the funds he gave you, but I believe, honorable man you are,” Pendleton narrowed his eyes, “that you insisted you would return the favor one day. In fact, you wouldn’t take the money until he agreed.”
Trent knew very well what had been said; Pendleton need not remind him. The burden of being indebted to Pendleton for so long had weighed heavily on him for years.
“You were so bloody grateful, throwing around such a promise. My father never had need for a favor, but I do.”
The scotch soured in Trent’s stomach despite the fact he now wanted to drink the entire bottle.
“Don’t worry, Haddon. Unlike your agreement with my father, I will make this only a temporary loan. I plan to repay you. Once I secure Clare Higgins and her dowry. I’ve already had my solicitor draw up papers to that effect.”
“That isn’t necessary.” Pendleton was a prig, but he was honorable. It was literally the only thing Trent found likable about the man.
“Already done.” Pendleton’s mouth contorted into a semblance of a smile. “I don’t want to cause you any undue distress. We are family, after all.”
How fucking noble of him. After the completion of this transaction, Trent meant to sever all contact with Pendleton once and for all. “How much?”
Pendleton’s carefully constructed façade cracked for a moment, the fear at his circumstances bleeding through.
“A great deal.”
14
Marissa shifted in her chair, desperate to get comfortable. Her back was already aching. She must remind Spencer to have his box at the theater updated with furniture that one could actually relax in.
Lifting her chin to better see the stage, Marissa winced as the leading lady began an overblown speech to the actor playing the gentleman who was courting her, though she loved another.
Marissa adored the theater, though not this play. The strident voice of the actress below grated on her nerves, reminding her unpleasantly of Lady Christina Sykes. Which in turn made her think of Haddon. Something she was trying desperately not to do.
I never took you for a coward, Marissa.
Marissa’s fingers folded into her lap. She hadn’t taken herself for one either.
“I said, Mother,” said a voice laced with sarcasm, “I’m planning on assassinating the entire cast because the play is terrible. I’ve seen better performances in the private rooms at Elysium. Will you wait with Elizabeth while I do so?”
Marissa blinked, still thinking of Haddon. “Don’t be ridiculous, Spencer.”
A dark laugh came from her eldest son. “What has you so preoccupied that you cannot even spare me a moment of your attention? I’ve been gone from London for literally years, and I can’t hold your interest for the length of this poorly acted play?”
Spencer was being dramatic. “If you will recall, I showered you with attention when you first arrived. You were so appreciative of my efforts to nurse you back to health that you asked your wife to tell me to leave. You referred to me as Smother and not Mother for an entire week.”
An appalled look crossed his handsome face. “I did no such thing. I can’t believe my wife would disparage me to my own mother. But Elizabeth is a sneaky little thing. Don’t be fooled by her innocent demeanor.” He nodded in