Page 6 of Entwined By Error (Madcaps of Mayfair #1)

Brothers: A Trial Best Endured at a Distance

Daniel was still limping, but only slightly, when he found Southwood sneaking out of the ballroom.

Following his brother, he took hold of Southwood’s arm and pulled him away from the doorway that led into the drawing room.

Their hosts had turned that portion of the house into a gambling den with cards and dice alternating between each table, enough wagers to ruin Southwood even more than he’d already accomplished. “Not tonight.”

Southwood pulled against his grasp. “Get off, Daniel.”

Tightening his grip, Daniel pulled his brother down the hall and out onto the portico. They passed couples escaping the crush as he led Southwood down the stairs and out to the gardens. When they were finally alone, he released his hold.

“Have you no shame?”

Southwood pulled at his lapels, straightening his coat. “What is wrong with you?”

“A minor affliction constantly plagues my soul. I have a distaste for idiocy dressed in silk waistcoats.”

“Pithy comments have little effect upon me.” He pulled at his waistcoat, continuing to right himself after their minor altercation.

“Then consider this,” Daniel said, placing his hands on his hips. “The earl is ready to disown you. Cut you off and have you disinherited.”

Southwood laughed. “He cannot disinherit me. I investigated the matter the last time he threatened to do so.”

“Perhaps not. But he can refuse to pay your debts. Allow you to spend the better years of your life in debtor’s prison.”

His humor vanishing, Southwood brushed his coat down. “Point made. What do you want?”

“A simple offer that should have you running to do my bidding.”

“Speak, man.”

Daniel folded his arms, leaning against the stone gate that led into one of the gardens. “If you agree to end your courtship with Miss Astley, I shall see to your debt with the Duke of Shomberg.”

“What do you know of my debt?”

“Enough to know that your last three disastrous nights at the tables were sufficiently catastrophic to cause you ruin.”

“Shomberg is a fool.”

“Foolish enough to think you have the notes to pay your debts, I suppose. But the sort of fool you accuse him of being, Shomberg most certainly is not.”

“You give him too much credit.” Southwood turned away, focusing upon the house once more. His hands shook as he scratched his head. “I must hurry. The tables will fill to capacity without me.”

“You have nothing left to gamble.”

“It will not be long before my accounts will be flowing with notes. No need to concern yourself with my affairs.”

“You mean Miss Astley’s dowry?”

“What else? It shall be a rainfall of coins.”

Daniel raised his brows as he tried not to smile. “How long will her dowry last? Especially with the debt to Shomberg hanging over your head?”

Begrudgingly he whispered, “A few months.”

“Then what?”

“What do you mean?”

“Either you expect a marriage to Miss Astley to rid you of your addiction to gambling, or you believe she is a charm against ill luck.”

“Addiction?” Southwood shook his head, attempting to speak but not finding the words.

“Yes, a severe addiction.”

Southwood rocked back on one foot. “How can you accuse me of such a horrific disease?”

“You need help. Allow me to assist you.”

Wagging his finger at Daniel, Southwood backed up until he hit the garden wall.

“You have always been jealous of me. My title. Father’s love for me.

That’s what this is—you think to make me feel incompetent.

Well, it will not work. I shall marry Miss Astley if she accepts my hand, and I will have a fortune to work with each night.

I cannot lose with so much money at my disposal. ”

“Your title is honorary until our father’s death, at which time, if you have not squandered away everything outside the entail, you are sure to do it within a year.”

“Jealousy is unbecoming,” Southwood laughed, as he stepped forward, pointing a finger into Daniel’s chest. “I see it now. Parading about as though you have the funds to see to my debts. I shall not accept anything from you, brother.”

“Do one thing for someone else, at least once in your life, and spare Miss Astley the misfortune of finding out that you want her only for her dowry.”

“I know what this is. You want her for yourself,” Southwood whispered, his tone gruff, looking about to make sure they didn’t have an audience. “Is that what this plea is about? You have discovered her dowry of eighty thousand pounds, and you plan to offer marriage, taking it for yourself?”

“Charming accusations, Southwood.” Daniel stepped away, running a hand through his hair—until Southwood’s fist suddenly hit his back, pushing him forward.

“I will not allow you to ruin this for me.”

Daniel pushed his brother away. “You will not win against me, weakened as you are from sleepless nights and an overindulgence of spirits.”

The warning did nothing to stop Southwood; instead, he balled his fist, thrusting forward, but Daniel caught hold of his wrist. With a swift pull of Southwood’s arm, he turned his brother around, pinning his arm tightly behind his back.

“Let go, Daniel.”

“Not until you agree to keep your hands to yourself.”

Southwood yanked his arm but failed to escape the hold Daniel had upon him. “Very well.”

Releasing his brother, Daniel pushed him forward to create distance between them. He knew a lost cause when he saw one; his brother had long ago lost all ability to think of anything other than money. “Is Miss Astley aware you are courting her dowry?”

“She believes I am in love, and if you care anything for our relationship, then I trust you will do all within your power to convince her that is the truth of the matter. She must not know about my debts, for as long as possible.”

“Me?” Daniel chuckled. “I have no intention of spending any time with the young lady.”

“The Astley family has been invited to Northcott Castle, pending our eventual marriage.”

“Then you have offered for her hand?”

“Not yet. Mr. Astley wishes his daughter to know our family better before she agrees to a marriage.” Southwood fussed with his hair and then patted his stomach as he looked about, his fingers moving rapidly as though he needed a pair of dice or cards to settle the twitch.

“Now, I must see if there is an open table.”

Daniel could have pulled his brother back, forcing him into a carriage, but it would be of little use. Southwood would continue in the same manner he always had, whether or not he was allowed to gamble that night.

Choosing to leave rather than watch his brother gamble away a fortune he had yet to obtain, Daniel left for home.

He had tried to convince Southwood to leave Miss Astley alone, but it was in vain.

The only thing he feared more than the eventual marriage and destruction of an innocent girl was his mother’s response when she discovered he had failed.