Page 92 of The Earl She Once Saved

“You are not coming to Edgeworth,” he told his brother.

Roland leaned back. “No welcome? No relief at finding your only brother alive?”

“I have had time to recover from the surprise.”

“You received my letter.”

“Yes.”

“And yet you did not answer.”

“I am answering now.”

Roland lifted his wine and studied him over the rim.

“What reason could I possibly have to remain away from my own house?”

“Silas Crote.”

Something shifted in Roland’s eyes. It vanished quickly.

“Crote is a nuisance.”

“He is a creditor.”

“He claims to be.”

“He threatened the Edgeworth name.”

Roland took a slow drink. “Then he is bluffing.”

“And if he is not?”

“A settlement may be arranged.”

“With whose money?”

Roland’s gaze did not leave his. “The estate is prosperous again.”

Rafe’s hand tightened behind his back. “The estate survived you.”

“Harsh.”

“True.”

Roland sighed and set down his glass. “I made mistakes.”

“You committed fraud and then, you vanished.”

“I was ashamed.”

The penitence arrived smoothly, each admission selected and placed where it might do the most good.

Roland lowered his head. “I have had years to consider my conduct.”

“In comfort?”

“Hardly.”