Page 62 of A Rogues & Gentlemen Christmas

Mr Middleton reached down beside him and lifted a box, placing it on the table before him. “Firstly, there are these personal effects which your mother wished you to have.”

Bunty watched Ludo, saw his throat working, saw the moment he gathered his courage and reached for the box. He placed it carefully on his lap and lifted the lid.

Inside were two small paintings. One was of his mother as a young woman, a beautiful smiling portrait with vivid blue eyes and soft brown curls.

“You have her eyes,” Bunty said, hearing her voice quaver.

Ludo blinked hard and nodded, handing her the painting to look beneath.

“Oh,” he said.

Here was a painting of a man. A big, rugged, pirate of a man, with thick black curls and dark, laughing eyes, a full sensuous mouth, and an air of disreputable charm.

“Your father,” Middleton said, smiling. “I believe there are details of where he might be contacted, should you wish to do so?”

“He’s still alive?” Ludo said, clearly astonished. “But Bramwell said—” He cursed and shook his head. “Idiot.”

“Aren’t you glad you came?” Bunty asked gently, watching his face.

“I am,” he said, staring at the portrait of his father, of a man who bore a striking resemblance to Ludo. He reached for his mother’s portrait, and Bunty felt her heart constrict as he touched a reverent finger to her lovely face. “Thank you, Middleton. I… I cannot tell you how happy I am to have these. I’m grateful.”

Middleton returned a look full of regret. “I am only happy to have brought you something pleasant for a change, my lord.”

“Not your fault,” Ludo said gruffly, putting the paintings back in the box with care. He stood and held his hand out to the man. “Well, if that’s all, I’ll bid you—”

“Oh! No, my lord, that is not all.”

Ludo frowned at him. “It isn’t?”

Middleton shook his head, his eyes glimmering with amusement. “No, Lord Courtenay. There is the matter of your mother’s house, and a bequest of… let me see, with interest… yes, nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty-seven pounds.

Ludo sat down again with such a crash Bunty feared for the chair.

“H-House?” he said faintly. “Nine thousand…?”

“Nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty-seven pounds, ten shillings and sixpence, if you wish the precise figure,” Middleton repeated helpfully.

“Breathe, Ludo,” Bunty said, reaching for his hand again, as he’d gone a rather odd colour.

He clutched at her hand so tightly she almost protested.

“Where is the house?” Bunty said, hoping it was Ludo’s childhood home.

“In Kent, Lady Courtenay. I understand it has been in Lord Courtenay’s mother’s family for generations. It is in good order, having had caretakers look after it in the interim. I took the liberty of asking them to prepare for your arrival, having assumed you would wish to visit the property.”

“The caretakers,” Ludo asked, his voice hoarse. “Who?”

“A Mr and Mrs Widdershins.”

“Widdy,” he said, audibly choked now. “Oh, good Lord. I never… I never imagined….” He turned to Bunty, his eyes shining with emotion. “A home, Bunty. We have a home. My home!”

“Oh, Ludo, I’m so happy for you.” Bunty turned back to Mr Middleton, hardly able to get the words out. “Thank you.”

The man looked a little overcome himself, but nodded, obviously pleased.

Ludo stood and held out his hand to Mr Middleton, who was now looking a little stunned, no doubt used to less than polite treatment at the hands of Ludo’s family.

“Thank you, Middleton. Thank you so much, and I do understand… why you didn’t tell me before.”