The Dangers of Secrets by M.A. Lee

Author:M.A. Lee [Lee, M.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9 ~~ Saturday, 15th February

The butler handed Gordon a letter when he came down.

The noon hour had passed, but they had all retired late. The last guest had not called for his carriage until well after midnight. While the Pierponts had retired after the Hunnicutts and the Keyes left, Gordon had remained up with his host until Lord Gilbert had deigned to leave.

Maddy had also remained longer, conversing quietly with her brother until he retired then sitting quietly beside Jespers while Gilbert droned on about his plans for his estate this spring. Ostensibly he claimed to enlist his neighbor’s assistance in determining the best planting schedule, but he gave such short shrift to the squire’s comments that Gordon thought he had another reason for lingering. The clock struck the second hour before the baron decided to leave.

Gordon had his breakfast on a tray while in bed. He’d sleep too late to go riding, but he thought he was not the only person to remain tucked up late.

He’d been in great humor until he took the letter in his hand and recognized the handwriting. Cranky Cleves. Had the man betrayed his location? Then he realized the letter was folded around another letter. He broke Cleves’ seal and saw his mother’s handwriting.

His mood dropped. His mother had managed to undermine Cleves enough to get the old lawyer to forward a missive to him. It was only a matter of time until she located him.

His shoulders knotted. His neck ached, the muscles locking up.

He needed privacy to read the letter. He headed for the library and was in luck, for the room remained empty. The Pierpont children under the governess’ charge must have scattered before she developed a lesson for their Saturday afternoon.

Gordon walked over to the tall windows. Purple clouds threatened more snow. The cold seeped through the panes. He saw someone walking in the distance, crossing from the lower lawn to the line of oaks. He watched until they disappeared. Then he unfolded Cleves’ letter.

My apologies, the old man wrote. I understand that you wanted to avoid all contact with your mother for the brief space that you outlined to me. I have attempted to follow your wishes in that matter. However, matters have changed. I can guarantee that she has no knowledge of this letter’s direction. I addressed and mailed it myself.

I will remind you, my lord, that as marquess, you have certain duties expected of you, not least of these is the continuation of the title and estate to the next generation. You have avoided marriage for over a decade. If it does not suit you, then your oldest nephew by your oldest sister will become your heir. He should be raised at Grove Park, so that he may have engendered a proper feeling and understanding of the estate and his duties in regards to them. Your sister has given me to understand that she will not have him attend a public school. As current marquess, if that is also your wish, I can begin to look about for a suitable tutor.

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