Page 10 of Love Thy Enemy (The Vaughns #4)

Rodney had prepared for so many things—the guardianship of his children and their inheritances—and this was what he dropped in Gregory’s lap?

Money was easy enough to manage. Even the guardianship could’ve been secured without the will, for Gregory would’ve claimed the children with or without Rodney’s explicit instructions.

But playing mother and father to a young lady during such a turbulent time?

Venturing amongst the ladies of Thornsby and Danthorpe was a major undertaking.

Gregory had watched his sister suffer at the hands of those harpies that were found in even the smallest corners of society, and he couldn’t bear the thought of Daphne following in Sadie’s footsteps whilst still reeling from the loss of her father.

Gregory’s pulse quickened as he considered that it wasn’t just society he had to consider.

Being “out” meant a young lady was old enough to entertain gentlemen callers.

Daphne wouldn’t likely find a beau or marry right away (most didn’t, after all), but she was fetching and possessed a sizable dowry, either of which was enticing to potential beaus.

Especially those of the unsuitable variety.

How would he navigate that?

Unable to help it any longer, Gregory rubbed his forehead, wishing he could knead out the knots forming in his brain.

Thankfully, his family boasted ladies to play the role of chaperone and social guide.

Granted, both Joanna and Sadie were occupied with their growing broods, and Mother had her hands full with Father, but between the three, they might just manage.

“I will take that all into consideration, Mrs. Todd. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.”

“Very good, sir,” she said with a bob. “Do you wish for me to continue my reports?”

Gregory straightened. “Of course. How often did Mr. Stuart wish to be apprised of their lessons?”

“Fortnightly.”

Giving her a nod, he waved her off. “Then so do I.”

Another bob, and Mrs. Todd exited the same way Mrs. Ferrell and Mr. Copps had, leaving him blessedly alone once more.

Having been absent only a few short days, he hadn’t thought so much work would be waiting for him—but then, he supposed that with all the upheaval of late, the staff hadn’t been pestering him about these matters as much. Apparently, that was to change.

To return home or not to return home. That was the question.

Though managing Rodney’s legacy was a high priority, it wasn’t the sole object of his attention.

There was Vaughn & Co., and despite having a good number of apprentices and clerks to manage much of the day-to-day business, just as the house and investments required a master’s overview, so did his business.

As he had been absent for several days, they required him.

Even if that absence had been related to said business.

But with the evening waning, it was entirely logical to remain at Eden Place.

Especially with Mrs. Stuart skulking about.

Rodney’s final plea rang in his ears, and Gregory couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the children alone.

Though they were hardly alone. With a governess, housekeeper, and many servants on hand to see to their every need, the girls did not require his presence.

Leaning into his chair, Gregory longed to kick his feet up on the edge of the desk.

Had it been his, he would’ve done precisely that.

Instead, he rose from his seat and crossed to the armchairs seated before the empty fireplace, casting off his frock coat and settling into the place that was far more familiar to him before propping his feet up on an obliging ottoman.

The world looked better at this angle. As though it had twisted about and then righted itself once more. Except that the chair beside him remained empty.

He ought to send word to Walter and give the headmaster a warning about Mrs. Stuart.

Though she likely didn’t know where her boys were housed, it was information she could easily wheedle from some well-meaning villager, and Gregory could easily imagine her descending upon the school just as readily as she had descended upon Thornsby.

For all that the boys had wanted to return to Reed College, Gregory still couldn’t help wondering if it had been wise to keep them enrolled.

Not that he doubted his brother-in-law’s talent at molding the lads, but having never attended boarding school himself, he couldn’t help thinking it was an odd practice (even if the majority of the gentry employed such institutes).

At least the lads were close enough to return home for the Sabbath and their half-days, but he would feel much better if they were under his roof.

But those ponderings led his mind into a place he did not wish to venture.

The vibrancy of Mrs. Stuart’s expression as she spoke so passionately about her business. The wry smile that graced her lips when needling him to respond. The warmth in her voice as she commiserated over his troubles, matching his stories with her own as they shared their insights and experiences.

For the briefest of moments, it had felt as though Rodney had returned. So much of their easy conversation reminded him of that which he had shared with his friend. Though different. More.