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Having made the decision, he felt more energized than he had in a while, and he was preparing to head to the Honeyfield townhouse when a knock sounded at the door. When he answered, the door opened to reveal his butler.

His butler looked around at the mess that was his study without batting an eyelid, but then butlers were renowned for their perfect composure.

“Lord Nathaniel Osbourne to see you, Your Grace.”

At that name, Alexander’s hopes, which were taking a positive turn, fell back to the pit of his stomach.

What the hell could he possibly want now?

Squaring his shoulders, he answered his butler. “Show him in.”

Nathaniel walked in, dressed fully in a way that identified him as one of Society’s dandies. He always made sure he followed the times and trends whenever he was in London, regardless of the availability of money. It seemed with his family, it was just as they said: someone else’s money was much easier to spend.

Once he poked his head through the door, his nostrils flared, and his face contorted in disgust. Alexander didn’t blame him. He had most likely been hit by the odor of alcohol and the state of disarray the study was in.

“You look like hell,” Nathaniel said, walking towards the desk where his brother sat.

Alexander shrugged. He did feel like a mess. “To what do I owe the displeasure of your visit?”

“Ha ha, Brother. You’re always so happy to see me.”

At Alexander’s raised eyebrow, Nathaniel sighed. “You’re no fun,” he complained. “I came to thank you on Mother’s and Sophia’s behalf for attending the wedding. I have always thought you were not the familial man, but you proved me wrong.”

“Please elaborate,” Alexander said sarcastically.

“Why, I don’t think you needed to send your wife all the way to Scotland just to punish her for her outburst at the wedding breakfast,” Nathaniel answered so honestly that Alexander was confused. “Thank you for standing up for your family.”

“Scotland?” Alexander asked, confused.

Could he have treated Helen so badly that she had decided to leave London entirely just to avoid him?

“From the look on your face, I think it is safe to assume that you know nothing of your wife’s flight. It seems like your wife discovered your cold, calculating tendencies and decided to run for her life. I would have done the same if I were her.”

Hooking a foot into a chair, Nathanial pulled it to himself and sat. “You have always been the architect of your problems, and it seems you have successfully sent your wife, the one person who tolerated your bad behavior, away. I guess she could always find better men in the Highlands. I have heard that the men who live there are virile and quite protective of their females. I do see the appeal,” he continued with a taunting smile.

At that, Alexander’s vision turned red, and he slammed a hand heavily on the oak desk, causing Nathaniel to jump in fright. Then, drawing himself to his full height, he placed both hands on the desk, making sure to crowd Nathaniel.

Dropping his voice to a menacing growl, he spat, “You know nothing about me, Nathaniel.”

“Oh, I believe I know plenty,” his brother answered, glaring. “You kicked us out of our family castle the second Father died and then put us on a measly monthly allowance as though we weren’t even related. Is that something family does?”

“I never kicked you out. Your mother took you all and left, and your allowance is what my father stipulated before his demise.”

“You’re lying!” Nathaniel spat angrily. “Mother said?—”

“Your mother is the liar here,” Alexander growled. “It is I who has been unfairly treated all this while, and that is worthy of an apology.”

“You’re lying,” Nathaniel said again, although his voice shook as though he didn’t know what he believed.

“And I would warn you to tame your tongue where my wife is concerned. The next time I hear you so much as breathe her name wrongly, I will cut off your allowance faster than you can blink.”

“You cannot—” Nathaniel protested.

“I can, and I will. Believe me.” Alexander gave a dark chuckle. “I will not warn you anymore.” Then rising to his full height, he gestured to the door. “I would appreciate it if you took your leave. I have some urgent matters to attend to, but first, you have a cottage Father assigned to you outside of London. Sell it to me, and I’ll pay you double its worth.”

Nathaniel’s frown deepened as he considered the offer. “All right.”

Alexander brought up the document that had been sitting in his drawer for a while. He’d been maintaining the cottage since he discovered its presence and had made plans to purchase it from his brother, who would be so desperate for money that he wouldn’t care to know the actual cost of the property.