Page 12 of A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke

“Mama…” Wilcox greeted as he entered Augusta’s chambers.

“I thought I saw your carriage drive up,” she said standing up from her desk from where she was writing letters. “Have you been visiting with Thomas?”

Wilcox smiled and came over and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek. “I have. We have had a most delightful chat. And I am encouraged that he might have an announcement shortly about his marriage to Miss Helena.”

“You think so? Really?” she asked. “That was not my understanding at all.”

“Well… I think he may be coming around after our conversation.”

Augusta patted her son on his cheek and went to sit in her favorite chair. “And what have you been up to, son? It has been a while since we visited. I should like to hear all your news. Come sit with me.” Wilcox went and sat opposite his mother. “Have you been a good boy, Wilcox?” she asked with a teasing smile.

“As good as the golden rule,” he said, teasing her back.

“Hmm. My sources tell me you have been losing at cards rather heavily lately.”

“Mother… your sources. Your sources? You have been threatening me with your sources ever since I was a little boy. Just who are these mysterious sources? I think they are all made up, and you just like to plague me with unsubstituted myths.”

Augusta laughed. “Then you do not have gambling debts?” she insisted.

He hesitated. “Well… perhaps a few. But nothing to be concerned about. Every gentleman has his indulgences that get a little out of hand, now and then.”

“And are there any new ladies in your life, son?”

Wilcox frowned at this. “Mother, ever since Catherine… I have not been able to think of another… We were very close, you know.”

“I know, dear. But is it not time to move on? She has been gone… how many years now?”

“Fifteen. Can you believe it?”

“And you have no children to comfort you.”

“Mother, please… Let it be. I am too old to have expectations. I am quite settled now, and do not wish to try rekindling any new flames.”

Mother adjusted her hands in her lap and fiddled with her handkerchief. “Well, I just want you to be happy, son. If being alone suits you it is not for me to say otherwise.”

They were silent with each other for a moment, and then Wilcox said, “Mother, your sources were correct this time. I am a little short these days. As you may have heard, my investments in the West Indies have been in some trouble, and I do not have the cash on hand that I am accustomed to.”

“Thomas told me about that situation. I did not know you were invested in the Indies as well.”

“It seemed to be such a good investment at the time. I bought shares for the Pemberton Estate and some for myself.”

“I see.”

“And I was wondering if you might be able to loan me… just a little?”

“How little?”

“Five hundred,” he said quietly.

“Five hundred! Son, that is way more than a little.”

“Three then?”

“Even that… is not a little.” She fussed with her handkerchief again, twisting it rather severely now.

“But I have expectations. I should be able to pay you back within a month or two.”

Mother pursed her lips and finally said. “I can let you have a hundred.” She stood and went to her bedroom and returned shortly with bank notes and handed them to him.