The Singular Mr. Sinclair by Marlowe Mia

Author:Marlowe, Mia
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2018-07-16T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Oh, what I’d give to be a mouse in Dudley’s pocket!

—Caroline Lovell, upon discovering that Lawrence Sinclair has acquired not one but two servants!

“There you are, Teddy. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” The last place Caroline expected to find her brother Edward was in their father’s study, poring over the earl’s thick ledgers. He’d never been the sort for columns and sums. “What on earth are you doing?”

Lord Bredon ran a hand through his sandy hair without the slightest success in making it lie flat. Then he sighed and closed the heavy tome.

“Father said it’s time I take on some extra duties. He wishes me to familiarize myself with the running of the estate. It seems the rest of the family can flit about entertaining themselves, but now that I’m done with my education, a multitude of responsibilities loom before me.”

Teddy hadn’t looked this oppressed since she’d caught him cramming for exams over his holiday break from Oxford, but she couldn’t resist teasing him a bit.

“Ah, the perils of being heir apparent. How sad for you to look forward to becoming Lord Chatham. The peerage makes for such a long, weary lifetime when you consider all the wealth, honor, and prerogatives that go along with the title.”

“The duties are as plentiful as the benefits, I’m discovering,” Edward said.

“I rather doubt our brothers think their lots in life will be easier. After all, they’ll have to make their own ways in the world.”

“Not without a good deal of help from me,” Teddy said testily. “Who do you think will see to it that Ben acquires a generous living as vicar in some charming country parish? Where will Thomas get the funds to purchase that infernal ship he’s always talking about? And who knows what Charles and Harry will eventually decide to do with themselves? But whatever it is, the house of Lovell will be supporting them at every step while they do.”

Life was ever thus. Men could follow their own interests and decide for themselves. They’d even have the family’s support in their chosen endeavors. Once, Caroline would have railed at the unfairness of it all. Solely on account of being born a woman, she wouldn’t be allowed to determine what to do with herself. But surprisingly, just now, she had other concerns that were more pressing. Somehow, without seeming to, she had to steer this conversation toward Lawrence.

“Yes, yes, you’re a veritable rock, Teddy, and the family wouldn’t be able to scrape by without you.”

“If you’re trying to turn me up sweet, you’ll have to do better than that.”

“Me? Never considered it for a moment.” She batted her eyes in feigned innocence. “But have you ever considered what it would be like for our brothers if you and Father didn’t support them? They’d be flailing about, left to their own devices, wouldn’t they?”

Edward frowned. “I suppose so. Why are you so concerned about their futures all of a sudd—Oh, I see.” He tapped a finger alongside his nose and slanted a knowing look at her.

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