Page 37 of A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke

Barker began to circle around Wilcox and, as he did, he took out a cudgel and began to smack his other hand with it.

“Mr. Barker, I am a gentleman,” Wilcox said, gathering himself into his haughtiest pose. “You cannot speak to me in that way.”

Barker became mocking, “And it is my understanding,Your Lordship,that a gentleman pays his debts—on time.”

Wilcox began slowly edging his way toward the door where he planned to call for Munson. Barker could see where he was headed, and came after him, just as the door opened and Munson announced, “Milord, your mother has just arrived.”

And no sooner announced, then Augusta brushed past the manservant and entered the room.

Everyone froze and regarded the strange scene. Wilcox was embarrassed to be seen by his mother with this scoundrel. Augusta’s mouth was agape as she looked the stranger up and down. Munson took a few steps forward to protect his Lordship. And Barker just smiled and continued to pummel his hand with the cudgel.

“What is the meaning of this, Wilcox?” Augusta spoke out forcefully.

“Sir, shall I look for the constable?” Munson said aside to Wilcox.

Wilcox raised his hands in the air in an effort to create a moment of calm. “Mother, you are most welcome, but if you would give me just a moment, I must conclude my business with this gentleman.” He turned to Munson. “And if you would be so kind as to escort my mother to the parlor, I shall come to her presently.” He gestured for her to follow Munson. “Mother, if you please?”

Augusta followed Munson out of the room.

“Now, then, Mr. Barker, I should like us to conclude our business.” Wilcox went to a gilt box on a side table, opened it, and took out a jeweled gold ring. He turned to Barker and said, “This should more than cover my debt to you. Take it and please go, and I pray I may never see your face again.”

Barker took the ring, looked it over, and closely examined the diamond set into the band.

“Hmm. I guess this will do.”

“It will more than cover my debt and interest, I assure you.”

Barker put the ring in his pocket and put the cudgel away. “A pleasure doin’ business, Your Lordship,” he said and slipped out the door.

Wilcox wiped his brow with his pocket handkerchief and left the study to find his mother. She was in the parlor, seated by the fireplace with her hands resting on her walking stick.

“That was a lovely sight,” she said sternly.

“I am so sorry about that, Mother. I was concluding a little leftover business. Has Munson offered you tea?” he asked as he came to sit opposite her. “How delightful to see you. And to what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

“Thankfully tea is coming. And I am here, Wilcox, to find out why you stole most of my money, and to find out what you plan to do to restore my funds?”

This was not proving to be a good day, Wilcox realized. “I had planned to tell you about that…”

“When exactly? I learned about it through Thomas, when he also learned you had depleted many of his assets. Wilcox, you are a thief!”

At that moment Munson brought in and served the tea in total silence—no one wishing to speak in front of the servant.

After Munson left, Augusta said, “And how are you going to rectify this horrible act, Wilcox? I want to know what you have planned to make us whole again.”

Wilcox was totally silent and just stared at his mother.

“Wilcox, what is your answer?”

“I have none, Mother, I have no way to pay either of you back. I am without income.”

“And your debts? Was that ruffian one of your creditors?”

“I have satisfied him. But I still have others.”

Then what is to be done?” Augusta asked seemingly defeated.

Wilcox had a slight smile, “Well, there isonepossibility…”