Page 59 of Charity

He unfolded the note and read.

“You will find everything in order. You are not now, nor have you ever been, intimately involved with the Grafton Street Orphanage. We thank you for your interest, but are unable to accept your contribution to the scheme.”

Oscar raised his head from the ridiculous bit of paper. “But this is a lie. It is a well-known fact that my family has been intimately involved. You would not have Lord Ettington’s financial support if not for our association.”

Carter glared. “I hardly think you can claim credit for that. Lord Ettington is a marquess, a benefactor to many charitable causes, and a superior gentleman not given to associating with rabble. We would never desire an acquaintance with a fellow of your low moral character. We must think of our reputations. They could be irreparably harmed by the taint of your association. It pains me to give the cut direct to any woman, but I shall cross the road to avoid Lady Carrington from this moment on. So should any good woman in society, if I had my way.”

“Don’t you dare!” Their decision and accusations stunned him. Oh, he’d known he’d endure a loss of status by marrying Agatha, but this was so far beyond what he’d imagined. He was appalled that they would turn against his mother too.

“You are hardly in a position to tell us what we may or may not do.” Carter snapped his fingers imperiously until Lord Brooke held out another paper for him to take. “This concludes our business. Good day.”

Oscar opened the note. A one-thousand-pound promissory note stared back at him. Was that how much his family had contributed? Surely not. The sum was astonishingly smaller than his accounts would show. They meant to scold him and swindle him too. He folded the note carefully and tucked it into his pocket as the trustees filed out. He didn’t bother to look at them.

They were right, of course. His actions with Agatha had placed him in an indefensible position to be involved with the orphans. He had not behaved as a gentleman should and would be seen as a bad influence. But Mother?

He looked up. His father stood opposite him.

“I should, by rights, have something scathing to say about your behavior. However, as it is, I’ve a mind to call them out for the slight they intend to cast upon your mother. Unfortunately, if I say a word, they, and she, may never speak to me again. There is too much at stake to have that happen yet.”

Oscar raked his fingers through his hair. This was a catastrophe of the worst proportions. “They are right, Father. I am completely in the wrong.”

Manning’s breath hissed out. “Your mother told you?”

“Of course she didn’t. Would Mother ever admit to any scandal?”

Manning chuckled suddenly. “No. No, she wouldn’t.”

The older man looked Oscar over. He returned the intense scrutiny, recognizing the familiar angles that had puzzled him before. How had he missed connecting the similarities?

He’d missed them because his mother had never given him cause to suspect her of infidelity while his father lived. Behind closed doors, she had always been scathing of women who turned away from their husbands. The man he’d called Papa had agreed right along with her. Only now Oscar knew that his papa had been weak and easily led astray by other women. How chagrined Mother must be now. Especially since she’d unwittingly done the same as her unfaithful husband had.

Oscar smiled at his real father. “I hardly know what name to call you.”

“Lynton will suffice.” His eyes glittered with unshed tears, and he quickly looked away. “Did I hear correctly that you plan to marry Miss Birkenstock?”

Quite choked up, Oscar took a moment to collect himself before he answered. “As soon as possible. However, if I cannot obtain a special license, we will be traveling to the border without delay after the funeral. I have done far too much damage to both Agatha and now my mother to wait for the banns to be called.”

“Good man.” Manning clapped his hand on Oscar’s shoulder. “I may be able to help you with the special license. Staines can add pressure to my request if it becomes necessary.”

Oscar settled himself to a chair, quite done in by the events of the morning. But one thing still puzzled him. “Why did he visit my home the other day?”

“Staines? Isn’t it obvious?” Lynton laughed again. “He loves his family.”

Oscar squinted up at his father. “And the nephew needing a new house? What nephew?”

“He meant you.” Lynton pursed his lips. “Oscar, you will soon learn that my brother is a terrible force to turn once he has chosen to act. Although I cannot claim you openly as my son, he will ignore all of that to provide for you. He loves being the head of the family and lording his opinion over all of us. We have disagreed over my taking orders these last twenty years. I should suggest, for a peaceful life, that it is in your best interests to let him have his way. Or at least consider that you will likely lose. He’s probably considering properties to purchase for you even now. I do hope you like Oxfordshire. No doubt he’ll find a property close to home.”

Oscar took Lynton at his word about the property. He only knew of Staines by reputation, and by all accounts he was not a man to gainsay. But he could very well be against his marriage to Agatha. After all, her grandfather had been in trade; he held no title, as Lady Penelope’s father did. What would he say about Oscar marrying a woman with no elevating connections? Would he care that he loved her?

He paced the room, worried. Perhaps he’d have to flee to Scotland to marry after all. He would do well to make plans for it just in case. Yet, inspiration struck. “Lynton, I wanted to ask, and Agatha wanted this, too. Would you consent to marry us, should we obtain a special license?”

If Lynton agreed, it might influence the duke’s decision to support the marriage.

But Lynton remained silent. Dread churning his stomach into knots, Oscar turned around.

A single tear flowed down his father’s face before he brushed it away quickly.

“I should be honored.” He sighed. “I may even manage to persuade my brother to give away the bride. That should restore your reputations in societies eyes.”