To Win a Widow - Alexa Aston Page 0,2
to ride. I didn’t think anyone would ever be able to get her back on a horse again. You did and she now enjoys riding tremendously.”
The viscount trudged from the room, making it obvious his gout was paining him.
After he left, Goolsby said, “Sit.”
Rhys glanced at the fine material on the chair and said, “I would rather stand, Sir,” knowing the dirt and sweat from his clothes would ruin the chair’s fabric.
“Very well. I will be as succinct and clear as possible since you obviously are not grasping the situation. Your mother is related to the Earl of Sheffington. The earl’s son, Viscount Raleigh, is his only child and has been prone to be a sickly boy. No more children will be forthcoming in the marriage. The countess cannot have anymore. Because of that, the earl is looking to the future. He does not want to leave the estate in a precarious position nor does he wish to do harm to his tenants. If Viscount Raleigh does not live to adulthood and cannot succeed his father, you would become the heir apparent.”
He stood there numbly, trying to take in the solicitor’s words. “Are you telling me that I could one day become . . . an earl?”
The solicitor sniffed. “Yes, it is a possibility. Of course, the earl hopes that his son’s unstable health will not be an issue. His lordship hopes as Viscount Raleigh matures, he will grow stronger.”
“How old is the viscount?”
“Sixteen” Goolsby responded. “He is being tutored at home since his last bout of illness. You will share in that tutor.”
“I . . . I will what?”
“You are to accompany me to Sheffield Park, Mr. Armistead. The earl was most insistent. In the event his son passes prematurely, Lord Sheffington needs you to be prepared to one day take on the earldom. You will be clothed. Educated, though not sent away to school. Your mother said you only had two years of schooling.”
Surprise filled him. “You’ve spoken to my mother?”
“Yes. She was most agreeable. The earl doesn’t believe a university education will be necessary. Instead, in three years’ time, once you have reached your eighteenth birthday, Lord Sheffington will purchase a commission for you and you may enter the army. That way, you will earn an honorable living.”
Rhys knew commissions in the army were costly. It would allow him to become an officer, something that he never would have imagined possible.
“In the event Viscount Raleigh does succeed to the earldom and becomes Lord Sheffington, his sons would naturally take precedence over your claim to the title,” Mr. Goolsby said. “That is what the earl hopes for but he wants to be prepared just in case.” The solicitor smiled brightly. “So, you will receive an education and become an officer in His Majesty’s Army. You will continue with your career in the military unless the unfortunate happens and Viscount Raleigh meets with an untimely death before he can provide an heir himself.”
Rhys’ head reeled with the quick turn of events. “When am I to come to Sheffield Park?” he asked.
“Immediately. Lord Sheffington expects me to bring you back from London with me. First, we will stop at a tailor’s shop, however, and see that you are suitable clothed for your new role in society, Mr. Armistead.”
No one had ever addressed him in such a manner. He had been Rhys or Armistead. Suddenly, the magnitude of what was happening swept over him.
“Are you certain no mistake has been made?” he asked, thinking it must all be a dream.
Goolsby shook his head. “Every effort was made to find a male relative closer than you. You were all our investigations turned up,” the solicitor revealed, his disdain obvious.
“What of my mother? Can she also come to live at Sheffield Park?”
Goolsby frowned. “Mr. Armistead, you are in no position to bargain. However, Lord Sheffington knows you have been sending money to her and she will be provided for. Do you understand?”
Rhys did. But it didn’t mean that one day—if he became Lord Sheffington—that he couldn’t bring his mother to the estate. For now, though, he would count his blessings. He would receive an education and be allowed to gain a profession. Even if he never became the earl, he would be an officer and be able to always provide for his mother.
“I understand perfectly well, Mr. Goolsby.” Rhys smiled. “When do we leave?”
Chapter Two
London—May 1798
Dalinda Bretton gazed out the window, wondering if she would ever be allowed to leave her bedchamber. She