Page 93 of Molly Boys

“So tell Hugh instead.” Francis shrugged. “He may have a stick up his arse but he does have genuine affection for you.”

“I don’t know, I looked at him today and saw Father.”

Francis waved a hand nonchalantly. “Then if Hugh decides to disinherit you, let him. You know I’ll support you. I have more money than I know what to do with anyway.”

Ev stopped and looked to Francis. “It’s not your duty to support me.”

“It’s not duty, darling.” Francis smiled softly. “It’s love.”

“I love you too. You know that, don’t you?”

“Of course I do.” Francis winked. “Now go and meet with your brother and let the stuffy lawyer get the formalities out of the way. If Hugh decides to disinherit you, tell him to take that stick up his arse and fuck himself with it.”

Ev chuckled and shook his head. “I’m beginning to think Louie is right.”

“Christ, don’t tell him that.” Francis grinned.

“You’re a very bad man.”

Francis spun around, and walking backwards in front of Ev, he lifted his hand and tipped his top hat. “Darling, I never pretended to be anything else.”

* * *

The lawyer droned on as much as the bishop had. Ev had a hard time caring or keeping up, and most of it didn’t even pertain to him anyway, just his brother and the management of the estate. Instead of paying attention, he sipped his brandy, leaning against the mantle and allowing the fire to thaw out his toes which were still frozen from standing in the graveyard.

It was strange, standing in the marquess’ study, knowing it was now his brother’s. He tried to adjust his vision to what the future looked like now his father was gone, and he found, unsurprisingly, he still didn’t feel any grief at all. Did that make him a bad person? He wasn’t glad his father was dead exactly, but he certainly wasn’t going to lament his passing.

“And that brings me to my second son, Everett Milton Stanley.” Mr Phipps, the lawyer, read aloud and Everett turned his head.

Phipps was standing beside his fa—Hugh’s desk, holding several sheafs of paper.

“Upon the event of my death, should Everett remain independent of the path I have set out for him, he will be given one month. If he is not ordained within the allotted time, his inheritance shall be donated to the church regardless. If he chooses this alternate path, his brother Hugh will not support him financially or otherwise. In the event Hugh chooses to take Everett’s part, Hugh will be stripped of his titles and inheritance. The title of Marquess of Derby shall pass to my oldest grandson Thomas and Hugh’s former title of Viscount Ripley shall pass to Thomas’ brother, my second-oldest grandson James. A manager for the estate will be appointed by Mr Phipps until my grandson Thomas reaches his majority.”

“What?” Hugh’s eyes widened as he snatched the will from Mr Phipps hands and began to read.

“So, if I understand the situation correctly, Mr Phipps,” Ev said calmly, “in summary, if I join the church my inheritance goes to them. If I don’t, it still goes to them and I am left penniless and destitute?”

Mr Phipps nodded.

“And if my brother tries to support me financially, he will be disinherited and everything passed to his eldest son.”

“Yes, sir.” Mr Phipps pushed his glasses up his nose.

Everett began to laugh as the two men stared at him.

“I hardly think this is a laughing matter, Everett.” Hugh frowned.

“On the contrary, Hugh.” Ev drained his glass and set it on top of the fireplace. “That’s exactly what this is. Don’t worry, I don’t expect to you give up your precious title for me. Your inheritance is safe.”

“Oh.” Hugh straightened in his chair as he handed the will back to Mr Phipps. “So you are going to join the church? The bishop will be pleased and I’m sure it won’t be so very bad. Perhaps you will gain some measure of satisfaction from your new role.”

“I highly doubt it,” Ev muttered. “And you’re mistaken. I won’t be joining the church.”

“My god,” Hugh breathed in shock. “You’re actually going to do it, aren’t you? You’re actually considering walking away without a penny to your name? You stubborn fool.”

“Maybe,” Ev replied. “But at least it’s my choice.”

“Actually,” Mr Phipps coughed lightly. “The Marquess—” He glanced at Hugh apologetically. “The former Marquess, Lord Thomas, thought you might choose this path. Therefore, he instructed me to give you this.”