Page 26 of Scandal with a Sinful Scot

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The next afternoon, Julian and Garrett strode toward the Eaton residence and the upcoming talk with Jonas. Their breaths huffed out in icy clouds as their boots sunk into the snow. A few inches had fallen overnight.

“I am not looking forward to speaking with Jonas about male desires, human anatomy, and reproduction,” Julian stated.

“You must have had the talk with the twins,” Garrett replied.

“Yes, when they were of a certain age. Thinking about it, I suppose intellectually Jonas is the same age the twins were when I spoke to them.”

“I will have to keep Jonas’s condition in mind and hold my temper in check,” Garrett said.

“Overreacting is never prudent, though I suppose I should heed my own advice in most situations,” Julian replied.

Garrett smiled and winked. “I’m sure you’re looking forward to seeing Alberta.”

Julian had stayed away from Alberta too long. Perhaps embarrassed that he’d fallen apart in her arms. But hearing the news about Aidan had broken him in two. Garrett had known it would, and had the foresight to ask Alberta to come to the hall in order to comfort him. His brother knew him well, and true to his character, looked out for him. When was the last time a woman held him, soothed him, and wiped away his errant tears?

Fiona. The doctor had informed the family that there would be no recovery from the carditis and her heart would fail. Julian had lost control at the news and Fiona had bravely comforted him. Though he’d spent a lifetime keeping his emotions hidden, he was like the rest of the family: emotions could appear with no warning whatsoever. The Wollstonecraft men felt things deeply, loved fiercely, and were passionate about justice and the rightness of the world.

“Yes. Thank you for having Alberta come to the hall when you told me about Aidan.”

Garrett exhaled. “I understood the information would be devastating. It is plain to see that you care for her.”

Why deny it? “I do. Not sure what to do about it. I’m not a young man any longer. To become involved with a woman at this late date? And of course—the curse. It gives one pause, as you well know.”

Garrett laughed cynically. “But here are Abbie and Megan in fine health. It is making me question everything. Like you, I am not sure what to do about it. Could they be in fine fettle because I was not with them? Who is to know?”

Julian didn’t know how to respond. Who was to know? Drama wherever he turned. Did he really wish to insert himself in this particular drama? Yes, he did. He was fond of Jonas, and perhaps more than fond of Alberta. He was honored that she had asked him to speak to the lad.

Pulling his hat lower to avoid the bracing winter breeze, Julian picked up his pace, and Garrett met his stride. Truly, he had enough on his plate with what had befallen Aidan, and now the dramatic discovery of Garrett having a daughter and a former love. Facing Riordan the day after tomorrow and informing him of his brother’s fate would not be easy. “Father will be coming with me to Carrbury to see Riordan.”

“I would have, Julian.”

“You have enough to contend with. I am tempted to head to Hertfordshire, but I will heed the doctor’s suggestion for now.”

“I believe it best.”

Once they arrived, Julian was disappointed to find that Mrs. Claxton answered the door. She stated that Alberta and Jonas were awaiting them in the parlor. He’d hoped to get Alberta alone for a moment. After their coats, hats, and gloves were taken, Julian and Garrett were shown into the parlor. Jonas looked apprehensive.

Alberta stood. “I will leave you alone. Will you stay for a drink after, Julian? Garrett? A brandy perhaps?”

Hell, yes. Julian would need the drink. “Of course.”

“I thank you for the invitation, but I should return to the hall,” Garrett replied.

She smiled and exited the room, closing the door behind her.

“Bert told me why you’re both here,” Jonas mumbled, looking contrite. “I shouldn’t have kissed Meg.”

Julian and Garrett sat across from him. “Did your body react?” Julian asked. Might as well steam ahead directly into the delicate subject at hand. Jonas nodded. “It is nothing to be ashamed of, lad. It is a perfectly natural response when you kiss a young lady.”

Garrett leaned forward. “The key word here is young. Megan is far too young to be involved with a man. And you are a man, Jonas. Fully grown. Ten years older.”

Jonas met Garrett’s gaze. “I liked kissing her, though.”

“Yes, but it cannot happen again. Not until Megan grows up a little more,” Garrett replied.

Jonas’s eyebrows knotted with worry. “But she won’t want me when she grows up.”